Fresh Links: Gumming Up The Works, The ‘B’ Word

In Bruins news you can use:

• Not knowing the final numbers on David Pastrnak’s contract is keeping the Bruins from finalizing other decisions, as listed here. The Hockey Writers
• There’s a four-letter word that begins with the letter B hanging over David Backes’ head this summer. The Comeback
• Counterpoint- Backes’ numbers as a Bruin were not too out of whack for him historically. NBCSports
• This summer, Backes is working on three specific issues, as requested. The Score
• Reports form the Bruins’ outreach trip to China are in, and aside from the sightseeing, the skills that were the focus for the children are the same that Bruins themselves need to focus on for success in the NHL. iSportsweb
• Kevin Paul Dupont spoke about the possibilities for the Bruins this season. What if Pastrnak doesn’t sign? What are the numbers looking like? Bonus- KPD’s take on what could have been done with Dougie Hamilton in hindsight and how candid Bruce Cassidy is in interviews, and how well Charlie McAvoy did in his battlefield promotion. (Skip to 20:05 for the Bruins discussion, audio, 42:41) Natural Hat Trick
• Peter Cehlarik is progressing in physical therapy, and noted that the Bruins coaching change was a boon for him. Guess why? (Original, in Slovak) Sport.SK (Google translation) Sport.SK

Elsewhere around the rink:

• In this assessment of Atlantic Division teams’ offseason moves, the Bruins have neither improved nor taken a step backward. FanRag Sports
• EA Sports NHL 18 will let you play 3-on-3 as an NHL mascot. Now THAT sounds like fun! (With video) BarDown