Waiting game nothing new for Bruins’ Moore

Some aspects of this version of the new normal are just plain old normal for John Moore.

Temperature checks upon arrival at Warrior Arena, coronavirus testing, spacing while on the ice and in the weight room — all very different. But waiting for what feels like forever to play a hockey game? That has become a little too familiar.

"Unfortunately, I have a little bit of practice with this," said Moore, the Bruins defenseman who has started skating at Warrior in Phase [...]

Some aspects of this version of the new normal are just plain old normal for John Moore.

Temperature checks upon arrival at Warrior Arena, coronavirus testing, spacing while on the ice and in the weight room — all very different. But waiting for what feels like forever to play a hockey game? That has become a little too familiar.

"Unfortunately, I have a little bit of practice with this," said Moore, the Bruins defenseman who has started skating at Warrior in Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return-to-Play plan. "I tried to lean on experience — I guess temper your expectations the first time you’re out, because it feels like you’re wearing someone else’s equipment."

Limited by a shoulder injury to only 10 of the Bruins’ 24 playoff games last year — including the Game 7 loss to the Blues in the Stanley Cup finals — Moore underwent major off-season surgery and missed the first two months of the 2019-20 campaign. Competition for playing time upon his return went well at some points, like the 13 straight games he played through Jan. 19, but not so well at others. He sat out 15-of-18 games before injuries to Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo got Moore into the lineup for the Bruins’ last two before the coronavirus pandemic led to the NHL’s shutdown on March 12.

So Moore, 29, and in his ninth NHL season (second with the B’s), sees the potential resumption of the season with a 24-team field as a second chance to contribute to a Cup bid. He’s looking at other, bigger pictures, though.

One is the prospect of an extended separation from his wife and two young daughters if the NHL can, in fact, execute a plan to house 12 teams apiece in two to-be-determined hub city "bubbles" and begin the process of completing the season, likely in early August.

"It’s a real concern for a lot of guys," Moore said. "Obviously, everyone’s health and safety is the priority right now.

"We hope somehow (family) can join us, but if not, this is a sacrifice that no one really saw coming. It’s an opportunity to go compete for a Stanley Cup, and you hope everything will be good at home if, God forbid, something were to happen."

Moore also understands that much has already happened, and continues to happen, to those who have been impacted by the pandemic. He’s also aware that many have become involved in movements to address racial intolerance and inequality.

"Amidst all this, there are some very real world issues that have really affected a lot of people," Moore said. "There are things that are bigger than hockey. A lot has been going on. You try to understand how lucky you are to play a game for a living, but also understand the world that we live in."

Moore thinks that "to give (fans) something to cheer for, to root for, would be a really special thing. As a team, that’s something we’ve talked about, and that we’re very grateful for." To that end, they need to shake off about three months of rust in time for Phase 3 — the targeted July 10 start of training camp. Moore has been among a group of Bruins participating in Phase 2 — six or fewer players in the facility — which is voluntary. He’s in a small group with B’s captain Zdeno Chara and checking forward Par Lindholm.

"The night before, we’ll get together and devise a practice plan … talk about what we want out of each skate," Moore said. "That focus has been really good for the three of us. We’ve gotten a lot out of the skates so far.

"Right now, our focus has just been reintroduction to the ice, and getting used to it. You want to make sure, first of all, that you’re not exposing yourself to a serious injury. Secondly, you’re … putting yourself in the best possible scenario to peak when the games start."

Moore, who also went to the Cup finals with the Rangers in 2014, knows he’ll have to compete for playing time if the regular-season champion Bruins get the opportunity to resume the season. He’s up for it.

"This was a trying season for me, but I’ve been around long enough, and I’ve really scratched and clawed for everything in this league," he said. "This is no different.

"My gas tank is full now. I’m healthy, which is really all I can ask for. I’m going to come to camp ready to compete. However the team needs me, we’ve got a chance to do something special. I’m all on board, and want to be a part of that."