The Bruins return home to TD Garden tonight (7:30, NBCSN) triumphant, having taken care of business on the West Coast with back-to-back weekend wins over Los Angeles and Anaheim. Now ahead five points in the Northeast Division with seven games to play, the Bruins can spend what should be a relatively easy week preparing for the postseason. Here are three things to watch between now and Saturday:
It’s Turco time
Marty Turco did more than just pick up his first victory of the season Sunday night. By helping the Bruins increase their division lead, and by doing it with some sharp saves, Turco gave the Bruins much-needed confidence and cushion to continue playing him the remainder of the regular season, allowing Tim Thomas to get desperately needed rest. Do not be surprised to see Turco in net twice this week, perhaps even in back-to-back games Thursday at home against Washington and Saturday against the Islanders in New York. That would give Thomas four days off between games.
Keep the line moving
Rich Peverley made his return to the lineup Sunday night after missing 19 games with a leg injury, a stretch that saw the Bruins go 8-10-1. But Peverley did not return to his former position on the third line, as the trio of Brian Rolston, Chris Kelly and Benoit Pouliot has produced 26 points during the past six games. Keeping that line percolating into the postseason could be key to another run at the Cup.
Torey story
The Bruins inked another piece of their future last weekend, and the future could be now for Torey Krug. The 20-year-old junior defenseman from Michigan State signed with the Bruins on Saturday and will practice with the team today, and could see game action this week.
Krug finished his Spartans career with a career-high 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points this season.
“(Krug) is a very intelligent player who is a terrific skater and shooter,” B’s GM Peter Chiarelli said. “But what stands out the most with Torey is his character. He is a two-time captain and a tremendous competitor.”
