With Orlov added to the defense corps, coach Jim Montgomery opts to sit Connor Clifton for the first time this season.
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VANCOUVER — Less than 24 hours after sharing introductory handshakes with their new teammates, and without an opportunity to practice with them, new Bruins
Garnet Hathaway and
Dmitry Orlov pulled on freshly minted Black-and-Gold sweaters and played in the
3-1 win over the Canucks on Saturday night at Rogers Arena.
“It was awesome,” Hathaway said. “Obviously (Orlov) and I traveled a lot. I think we learned a couple of things about the system, parts of it, and just tried to go with the flow a little bit, just play, not think, and we have some time now to go over video and fine-tune some details. Each guy has our backs in here and it’s pretty easy to feel comfortable.”
“It was fun and good that we got the win, you know, two points,” said Orlov. “And I’ve never seen before a goalie score [
Linus Ullmark iced the win in the final minute], so that was pretty amazing.”
“The way we look at it right now, there’s going to be a rotation going on,” said Bruins coach
Jim Montgomery, explaining why he opted to sit out Clifton. “I don’t see [
Charlie]
McAvoy or [Hampus]
Lindholm being part of that equation, but … we [have to] keep everybody game-ready and in game shape.”
Montgomery, though not committing to it, sounded as if he’ll re-insert Clifton into Monday night’s lineup in Edmonton, with
Matt Grzelcyk the likeliest to sit against the Oilers. Both
Brandon Carlo and Forbort could be in the rotation, given Orlov’s ability to play both on the left and right.
“It’s a group that knows what they need to do — they are fully committed,” said Hathaway. “They are playing for each guy in that room, and it’s nice to come in and be a part of it and feel welcome already.”
Orlov said he had a sense, based on what Capitals management told him earlier in the week, that he could be dealt, adding that he was apprised of the Bruins’ interest in acquiring him.
“We’re here, and obviously it’s been crazy,” he said with a big smile. “Now it’s just get ready for the game.”
Asked what he would like his role to be with his new team, Orlov added, “Win some games and enjoy … you know, that’s what it’s all about.”
Clifton, noted Montgomery, was understandably disappointed to be the odd man out.
“It’s hard to scratch a guy who’s done so well for you,” said Montgomery. “And he’s played every game, too … so that was hard.”
