Seidenberg, Ference Absent From Bruins Practice; Seguin Moved To Third Line
BOSTON (CBS) - Injured Boston Bruins defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference were absent from practice at the TD Garden on Wednesday as the Bruins prepare for their playoff series against the New York Rangers.
It's looking unlikely that either will suit up for Thursday night's Game 1, as well as Wade Redden -- who was present for a portion of pratice but did not particpate after missing Game 7 with an undisclosed injury.
With the two absences, head coach Claude Julien had Zdeno Chara paired with rookie Dougie Hamilton, Johnny Boychuk with Matt Bartkowski, and Torey Krug with Adam McQuaid for his defensive pairings.
Listen: Peter Chiarelli On Toucher & Rich
The pairings don't look all that great on paper, but with the injuries it's about as balanced as the Bruins can get on the blue lines until Seidenberg or Ference returns. With Ference reportedly in a boot with a broken foot, chances are he won't be lacing them up against the Rangers any time soon.
Read: Bergeron Named Selke Finalist
Julien also flip-flopped wingers Tyler Seguin and Jaromir Jagr, with Seguin dropping to the third forward line next to Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly, and Jaromir Jagr jumping up to the second line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
The Little Things: Overlooked Highlights From Game 7
Seguin recorded just one assist in Boston's seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Jagr recording four assists and no goals.
Tune in to every Boston Bruins playoff game on 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the flagship station of the Boston Bruins! Pregame coverage begins 30 minutes before every game!