PROVIDENCE -- Things are looking up for the Boston Bruins even on their days off.

Down on the farm in Providence, there a number of players that just missed making the cut before the start of the NHL season. Although they're skating in the American Hockey League, the likes of Vladimir Sobotka, Zach Hamill and Dany Sabourin aren't hanging their heads. And that bodes well for the future of the parent club.

"It's not about hockey, it's about business. That's what the guys in Boston told me. I've got to just keep going and wait for my call-up," said Sobotka today after the P-Bruins won their season-opener, 6-2, over Springfield at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Sobotka would've been the 13th forward on the Boston roster had the team started on the road. But opening the season at home allowed Boston to ship the forward down I-95 for some salary cap relief. For the season-opener, Sobotka skated on left wing for a line centered by Hamill and fellow near-miss Bruin Brad Marchand.

"(Zach's) a good passer. He's a skill player. 'Marchy' has speed, I've got speed so it's a good line," said Sobotka.

A year ago at this time, Hamill's first pro season was off to a delayed start because of injury. When he returned he mostly centered the club's third line. Now the Bruins' 2007 first-round pick is part of the P-Bruins' top line and their No. 1 power-play unit. He's not letting his impressive NHL camp lessen his work ethic now that he's back in the minors.

"You want to come down here and you're playing for a spot here too," Hamill said. "Every game and practice down here you're fighting for a job and a spot and things happen. If you're playing well, hopefully you'll get the call up there."

Sabourin, who signed with Boston as a free agent over the summer, lost out on the No. 2 goaltender job to Tuukka Rask in Boston. After he cleared waivers, he reported to the P-Bruins and earned a win in his debut. A veteran of 57 NHL appearances, Sabourin would have to go through re-entry waivers to return to Boston. That would book him a ticket to the NHL even if he didn't make it to Boston.

"During the year, you never know what's going to happen. You never know, whether it's injury or whatever. You don't want to say that, but you never know," Sabourin said. "So we'll see. My job is to stop every puck and do the best I can." A letter-winner

It's no surprise that forward Trent Whitfield was awarded the P-Bruins' captain's 'C.' The 32-year-old is not only the oldest player on the P-Bruins' roster but he also served as captain at Peoria before signing with the Bruins over the summer.

"It doesn't matter how many times you have it, it's a true honor to be able to put the 'C' on your jersey," he said. "They showed a lot of faith in me and I just want to come in here and play hard and just lead these kids and help them get better each and every night."

Third-year defensemen Adam McQuaid and winger Jeff LoVecchio were the alternates. Two other players will wear the 'A' on the road.

Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted