Projo Bruins Blog

Joe McDonald

BOSTON _ As soon as the final buzzer sounded, ending the Bruins’ lopsided, 6-2, loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday at the Garden, Boston players quickly discarded the debacle.

"You can file that one under BG, bad game," said veteran forward Tom Fitzgerald after practice yesterday. "It's time to get back on the horse and come out swinging. When we work our tail off we've been successful."

Fortunately for the Bruins, they are right back at it tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. Prior to last night's loss, Boston has been playing better of late and the club looking to rebound in a big way.

"You have to be your so-called A-game every night," said Fitzgerald. "The effort and energy has to be automatic. The only way we are going to be successful is by everyone chipping in. [Losing] like this hasn't been a habit. This was a beginning-of-the-year scenario, and I don't believe this all of a sudden is our identity. We've been working hard and we've been doing a lot of smart things."

The hype of Thornton's return no doubt had an effect on the night, but the Bruins are looking ahead to the Kings tonight.

"L.A. is playing extremely well," added Fitzgerald. "And, we know we have to bring our 'A' effort."

*Bruins defenseman Hal Gill, who was injured when Joe Thornton hit him from behind in the first period on Tuesday, had an MRI taken on his shoulder yesterday. Gill's streak of 156 consecutive games will likely come to an end tonight.

*Bruins forward Glen Murray took a shot off the foot during the second period of Tuesday's game, but was able to play through the pain. He was not at practice yesterday and had an MRI taken. He's is questionable for tonight's game.

*Due to Murray's injury, Bruins coach Mike Sullivan said there's a possibility a player could be called up from Providence. Veteran Shawn McEachern has been battling back problems and has missed the last 12 games in Providence.
Sullivan said if needed, the Bruins would recall the best player and Nathan Robinson fits that bill.
"He has good speed and has pretty good offensive instincts," said Sullivan. "He has played pretty well as of late."
In 35 games, Robinson has 15 goals, 17 assists for 32 points, while sporting a plus-4 rating.

*Bruins defenseman Nick Boynton will likely be in the lineup tonight. He suffered a broken kneecap on Dec. 4 and said he's ready to go. He participated in contract drills yesterday and his knee responded well. Originally, his return was slated for Saturday, but with Gill likely out, Boynton will have to step in.

*The Providence Journal reported last Sunday that Bruins coach Mike Sullivan was given a contract extension through the 2006-2007 season. For some reason, the club decided not to announce the news last September.
"It was not an issue for Mike or the team," said general manager Mike O'Connell. "We just decided to do it, so we got it done."

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