Here we go. The Bruins and the Flyers are about to get it on for the first time since May, but first, there's some paperwork to tend to.
Actually, it's felt or fabric work of some sort, but who's keeping track? That banner will look glorious hanging in the rafters - but the banner will be there to stay, and the Bruins need to focus on the task at hand.
It's been a short offseason and a long training camp for the Bruins, who are thrilled to finally have to stop answering questions about defending their championship and to just get out on the ice and do it.
But it's been a long offseason and a longer training camp for the Flyers, who are actually happy to return to the building where they suffered their 2011 playoff ousting and get things going again.
James van Riemsdyk, who tortured the Bruins in last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals, is looking forward to the opportunity to continue his hot streak into a new season.
"Getting off to a hot start will be important," the former UNH standout said, recognizing that his six-year, $25-million contract that he signed in the offseason now makes him one of the game's biggest names, and that he expects to be treated as such by opposing defenses.
When asked about the additions to his team, JVR said that he likes the group the Flyers have and Scott Hartnell echoed his sentiments, saying that the room feels very comfortable and confident.
One of those biggest additions is Jaromir Jagr who no longer sports his signature mullet, but recognizes that it isn't about him anymore, either. When asked if he was keeping the youngsters in line, Jagr joked that "they don't listen to me anymore."
Jagr may not be the star of the show, but he'll still be the focus of one of his opponents, as Bruins center David Krejci had some pointed things to say about his once-idol.
From BostInnovation.com:
"I wasn’t very good in math but I figured once I was older he would be done." said Krejci of Jagr, who’s returning to the NHL after a three-year stint in the KHL at the ripe young age of 38. "He’s a great player but he’s going to have a tough night tonight."
It's still unknown if Adam McQuaid or Matt Bartkowski will be dressing for Boston, as McQuaid skated this morning but is still recovering from the flu.
Tim Thomas left the ice after Tuukka Rask during this morning's skate, but figures to be the starting goaltender tonight anyway. Ilya Bryzgalov didn't take part in the Flyers' optional skate, likely indicating that he's in net for Philadelphia.
Projected Bruins lines for tonight:
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Rich Peverley
Benoit Pouliot (or Jordan Caron)-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton
Zdeno Chara-Joe Corvo
Dennis Seidenberg-Johnny Boychuk
Andrew Ference-Adam McQuaid
Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask