Hockey and hardball

SUNRISE, Fla. -- In a hat tip to their baseball counterparts working out across the state in Fort Myers, the Bruins went with a split-squad approach for today's practice.

Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Phil Kessel, Jeremy Reich, Vladimir Sobotka, Shawn Thornton, Peter Schaefer, Petteri Nokelainen, and Alex Auld dressed at BankAtlantic Center, then took a bus to the Panthers' practice facility in Coral Gables. They were joined by Cam Neely, Geoff Ward, and Doug Houda.

The rest of the team remained at BankAtlantic for treatment, workouts, and a spirited round with their trusty soccer ball.

* Krejci recalled that he went 11-for-14 in the shootout last year in Providence. The center said he didn't feel nervous once Phil Kessel, last night's No. 2 shooter, beat Cam Ward. "Now I know I can score in this league," Krejci said.

* Andrew Ference was hobbled in the second period by an Andrew Ladd shot. The puck hit a nerve in the back of Ference's leg, causing him to feel numbness and open up a cut. Ference said he was fine after a few minutes on the bench.

* Frank Lodato, the Bruins' Florida-based psychologist, is visiting with the team today. "He's a real good asset," said Julien. "There's a good relationship there with the players and the coaching staff."

* Julien marveled at how Florida's Jacques Martin and Atlanta's Don Waddell, currently the only two GMs also serving as coaches, handle both responsibilities. While Martin is in his third season behind the Florida bench, Waddell is expected to give way to associate coach Brad McCrimmon after this year.

* No lineup changes are expected for tomorrow's match.

* BankAtlantic Center is prepping for a Van Halen concert tonight. Eddie Van Halen's room is decorated with tapestries, a string of red lights, and some other sketchy-looking accoutrements.