Joe McDonald, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

B's hope to pick up where they left off

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- The Boston Bruins finally found their game and started to enjoy some success prior to the All-Star break.

Boston had earned points in 11 of its last 12 games, posting a 7-1-4 record in that stretch. The Bruins had six days off before returning to the practice ice Wednesday at Ristuccia Arena, and coach Claude Julien hopes the extended break -- during which many of the players vacationed in warmer climates -- won’t have a negative effect on the team’s momentum.

“You hope not,” Julien said. “The rest is always a good thing. It’s a tough enough schedule that you go through during the season, so I don’t think it should hurt us. At the same time, it’s important we regain that momentum that we had just before the break and that has to start [Thursday].”

Julien conducted an up-tempo, hour-long practice before the team traveled to New York to face the Islanders on Thursday night at Nassau Coliseum. Julien said it went well.

Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who had finally regained his form prior to the break, said he continued to skate during the hiatus to stay sharp.

“I don’t think it’s about the momentum,” Chara said. “It’s about taking advantage of those days [off] for your best benefit. We all knew we were going to be away from the ice and we’re aware of where we are in the standings and how you need to maintain yourself during those days and be ready when you play.”

Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton stayed local and enjoyed his rest and relaxation. This season, he’s already set new career-highs in both goals (eight) and points (26). He even registered his first NHL fight in the final game before the break against Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. Hamilton is sporting a blood-shot eye from the bout, and after Wednesday’s practice he admitted this recent break felt a bit different due to the length of it.

“It’s always a little tough when you’re off for six days and when you come back it’s a little tougher to get into the rhythm,” he said. “We’re obviously good enough to be able to [regain momentum] so it was good for us to get a rest. With everyone refreshed a little, it’s a good feeling.”

The Islanders have already played after the break, defeating the New York Rangers 4-1 Tuesday night. Islanders goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 40 saves in the win, improving his record to 26-9-0. New York’s 32 wins through 47 games equal a franchise record set in 1978-79 (32-6-9). The Islanders' 17 home wins in 21 games at Nassau Coliseum also matches a club record.

“They are a talented, young, confident team right now and they’ve been like that all year,” Julien said. “It was only a matter of time before you saw that team become the team that they are, so there’s a lot of respect for them. Again, it’s about us bringing our best tomorrow against a team like that.”

The Bruins have 34 games remaining in the regular season, and a healthy and consistent lineup will help the team’s chances of climbing the Eastern Conference standings. Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask needs to remain atop of his game because his teammates feed off his confidence.

The Islanders are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and will present a good challenge for the Bruins as they start their sprint toward the playoffs.

“We’ve had some confidence. We’ve had some good games. [Thursday] will be a good first test for us,” Julien said.

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