Central Intelligence

In Bruins news:

• The conundrum of how to use Austin Czarnik and Ryan Spooner to best effect is forcing the Bruins to make some creative line assignments. The good news is that they merit the effort. The Boston Globe
• Along with Czarnik, the surprising Danton Heinen is also meriting a long look. More forward line rosterbating ensues. WEEI
• A little flexibility is going to take Ryan Spooner where he wants to go, as long as that place is not centering a top Bruins line. Providence Journal
• Czarnik’s Marchand-esque shorthanded goal in Quebec City was just one illustration of the kind of play that has made him hard to cut. Hockeybuzz
• In moves that are representative of the Bruins preseason, three players moved up the ladder, and three have been moved down. Bruins Daily
• Anton Khudobin’s new mask uses an advanced “Subzero” paint (not to be confused with @SubbZero30, who is Malcolm Subban...) that changes color with temperature. Have a look. Puck Daddy

Elsewhere around the rink:

• Marquette, MI is this year’s Kraft Hockeyville USA. Buried deep in Red Wings history is the tale of the NHL’s first outdoor game in February, 1954 at the “Alcatraz of the North.” (Video, 2:19) Winging It In Motown
• Coming soon, to a theater near you... “Paul Blart 3: Barclay’s Center Security” NO, REALLY! Lighthouse Hockey
• Gimme a “C!” The Oilers have sewn one on Connor McDavid... The Globe and Mail ...who follows in the footsteps of Andrew Ference. Milan Lucic will be one of the three Alternate Captains. Times Colonist
• Speaking of captains, here’s predicting five NHL teams’ next captain, even as each waits in the wings- the next Bruins captain probably already HAS wings... The Hockey News
• The good news in this NHL preview is that the Bruins are NOT featured in the “bottom-feeders” section. Vice Sports
• Florida, Carolina... Panthers are panthers, right? But future Hockey Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr is no ordinary Panther. Bar Down
• If you’re handicapping the Pacific Division, as go the goalies, so go their teams. The Score
• Here’s a primer on how waivers work in the NHL. Pension Plan Puppets
• Where are they now? Former Bruins notes: Matt Bartkowski was released from his PTO with the Senators CBS Sports Jordan Caron was sent to the Blues affiliate Chicago Wolves St. Louis Post-Dispatch Zach Trotman was waived by the Kings CBS Sports Anthony Camara received no qualifying offer from the Hurricanes News Observer Carter Camper was waived by the Devils and sent to Albany WTOP Jeremy Smith was assigned to the Avalanche affiliate San Antonio Rampage Denver Post