The Boston Bruins are back on the ice today, and it’s the first of another back-to-back. 

The Bruins have three sets of those in their final 10 games.

They received some help at practice yesterday, though. A Bruins legend was at Warrior yesterday helping out some Bruins on the ice, but his reach goes beyond the on-ice drills. 

Elsewhere in hockey news, there were two NHL games last night, and one of them involved a team pushing for the Eastern Conference playoffs. Two former Bruins, one player and one GM, were in headlines yesterday for their front office roles. Also, a college team that moved up to D-I with the formation of MAAC hockey is calling it quits. 

There are 15 games on the NHL schedule today, including one at the TD Garden. 

Happy Saturday, catch up on Bruins and league news in today’s Daily Bean:

Boston Bruins

GAMEDAY: The Boston Bruins (40-24-8) are hosting the Minnesota Wild (41-20-12) this evening for the first of their back-to-backs this weekend. The Wild shelled the Bruins last time, 6-2. 

BERGERON COACHING: The Bruins were lifted at practice yesterday. Patrice Bergeron was out on Warrior ice helping Morgan Geekie and Fraser Minten. After practice, Marco Sturm said he has been around this season, and he might have a future in coaching. 

Spittin Chiclets (video via 𝕏): Charlie McAvoy joined the Spittin Chiclets podcast, and the interview was released yesterday. Paul Bissonnette asked him about one of the biggest changes from last season: the arrival of Marco Sturm.

Prospects Update

NCAA Tournament Schedule:

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin – 4:30 PM (ESPN2)

North Dakota (1) vs. Quinnipiac (2) – 7:00 PM (ESPN2)

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Detroit Hockey Now: In one of the two games last night, the Detroit Red Wings picked up a big 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings are at 86 points, one out of a playoff spot, but have a game in hand over the Islanders, who occupy the final wildcard. 

Chicago Hockey Now: In the other game, Arvid Soderblom was hung out to dry. The New York Rangers picked up a home win, their 10th of the year, and took down the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 in the process. 

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens are two points ahead of the Bruins in the Atlantic Division race, and they currently occupy the third spot in the division. They also have a game in hand. With 11 to go, Marc Dumont looks at the math and the schedule as the Canadiens end their season. 

College Hockey News: Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA, is dropping its D-I men’s hockey program. They will keep their women’s team as well as their club team, but D-I is gone. Mercyhurst said it was due to the increased financial demands. Just the day before, their men’s hockey team asked for donations on their 𝕏. 

NHL.com: A former Bruin has been working behind the scenes in Dallas for the last 11 years. Yesterday, Rich Peverley was promoted to the Stars’ Assistant GM/Player Personnel.

TSN: Peter Chiarelli, the old Bruins GM, left his spot in the Blues front office to pursue other opportunities. He is a candidate for the Predators GM job, which opened with Barry Trotz announcing his departure. 

Today’s NHL Schedule

Senators at Lightning – 1:00 PM

Panthers at Islanders – 1:00 PM

Ducks at Oilers – 3:00 PM

Wild at Bruins – 5:00 PM (NESN, US: NHLN)

Stars at Penguins – 5:00 PM

Devils at Hurricanes – 5:00 PM

Sharks at Blue Jackets – 5:00 PM

Kraken at Sabres – 5:30 PM

Maple Leafs at Blues – 7:00 PM (CA: HNIC)

Canadiens at Predators – 7:00 PM

Jets at Avalanche – 7:00 PM

Flyers at Red Wings – 8:00 PM (US: ABC)

Mammoth at Kings – 9:00 PM

Canucks at Flames – 10:00 PM (CA: HNIC)

Capitals at Golden Knights – 10:30 PM

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