The Boys Are Back

The Bruins are in Columbus for tonight’s season opener against the Blue Jackets. Puck drop is at 7PM, the game is on NESN- join us for the season opener game thread here!

• So many questions... who gets Chris Kelly’s "A"? Can David Backes dig deep and replace Loui Eriksson’s goal scoring? Can the Bruins make the playoffs on the basis of a strong October and November? WEEI
• Injuries may have been the cause, but four deserving rookies will take the ice tonight. Cam Neely looks forward to seeing them in action, and Brad Marchand enjoys their energy, likening them to "puppies." Providence Journal
• Big changes for the Bruins occurred behind the scenes, instead of on the roster. Investments were made in the areas of coaching, training, rehabilitation, scouting, and nutrition. The aptly named Paul Whissel is the new head of training and rehabilitation, and former player Matt Lindblad is on secret assignment out west. The Boston Globe
• The final roster has been submitted, but tonight’s has already been tweaked to accommodate the recent spate of injuries. It is likely that Backes will center the top line in place of ailing Patrice Bergeron, Danton Heinen will slot in for Backes, and we will have the pleasure of Austin Czarnik’s company as well. WEEI
• Anticipate a large contingent of Czarnik’s former Miami (Ohio) University coaches and teammates joining his family in the stands to cheer his NHL debut. Providence Journal
• What better for the new guys than a chance to bond with the veterans on a road trip? Fire up Bear Force One! Bruins Daily
• Curiously frenetic Charlie Moore presents the latest episode of "Bruins Academy" for your viewing pleasure. See how TD Garden ice created. (Audio, 20:50) Bruins NHL

Elsewhere around the rink:

• If you have an itch to travel to an away game, Fluto Shinzawa has some recommendations for you, right down to where to eat and what to see while you’re in the opposing team’s town. Shelve your distaste for "Chelsea Dagger" or "Ole, Ole" pack your Bruins sweater and GO! The Boston Globe
• Once you arrive, you can, um, "BS" your way through appearing to be a die hard hockey fan- here are the key tools should you need to fake it. Vice Sports
• Did you see Auston Matthews’ record-setting performance last night? Never mind that Chris Kelly and the Senators won in overtime! The Boston Globe Matthews immediately retired and his number was raised to the rafters. NO, REALLY! The Beaverton Roberto Luongo has already decided to cut his losses when the Maple Leafs come to Florida... @strombone1
• One of the quieter issues that arises with a new hockey arena in your town is a subsequent increase in local rents. Marketwatch
• This season marks the end of a bittersweet era in Bruins history. It has been six long years... Sportige
• Now that the season is upon us, take a look at a quick synopsis of the state of the state of each NHL team. The Globe and Mail
• HNIC’s opening night montage was narrated, not musical, and full of hope, new faces, and new barns. (Video, 2:05) Sportsnet