Meszaros Skates With Bruins, But Not In Lineup vs. Capitals
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Bruins fans won't get their first look at newly acquired defenseman Andrej Meszaros Thursday night against the Washington Capitals.
The 28-year-old defenseman was with the team for their morning skate, but head coach Claude Julien announced his new blueliner would not be in Boston's lineup against the Caps. The B's coach said it would likely take a few practices for Meszaros to get acquainted to Boston's system.
"We'll have to wait and see," Julien said. "We'll have some practice times, and stuff like that, but I don't think it'll take him that long. [Philadelphia] plays a different type of game, and every once in a while when players come in they've got to adjust a little bit. I think he'll catch on fairly quickly."
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"He's an experienced player and he's proved that over the years," added Julien. "He's a big body, as well. Offensively, he supports the attack well and he's been known a pretty good offensive-type defenseman. With that big body, and the way we play, I'm sure he'll defend well. It'll be a matter of time to see how well he fits with us."
Meszaros, who Boston acquired from Philadelphia for a third round pick, understands he'll have to work for his spot in Julien's rotation.
"It's not easy. We have a great group over here," he said. "It's always tough to crack the lineup. It's up to the coaches and up to me how I respond if they give me a chance."
"I'm just here to help, to play good and hopefully go all the way," said Meszaros.
Meszaros hit the ice with Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who he was paired with during his rookie season in Ottawa in 2005. The two were also defensive partners during the 2010 Winter Olympics, and were teammates again last month on the Slovakian team in Sochi.
"It's great to play with him again," Meszaros said. "I'm looking forward to it."
Julien did announce that Boston forward Loui Eriksson will be back in the lineup Thursday.
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