October 29, 2009 Bruins looking to get on a roll after layoff Play video

(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - The Boston Bruins host the New Jersey Devils in the team's return to action Thursday night after enjoying four days off from game play.

While head coach Claude Julien appreciates the practice time, he said the only way to truly get his team going is by playing a string of games, and playing them well.

"It'd be nice to get on a bit of a roll here and get some consecutive games," Julien said. "We feel like, right now, our game is slowly coming and we've got to be sure that we show that tonight."

Boston is without first-line center Marc Savard -- tied for the team lead in points -- and bruising winger Milan Lucic, both on the long term injured reserve list.

"You certainly have to simplify your game. When you haven't got those players, you have to rely on maybe a little more grit. You need those unsung heroes maybe to step up and pop in a few goals," Julien said of his team's tact on Thursday night.

The Bruins sit in fourth place in the Northeast Division.

"The standings are already pretty tight. You're going to have to get some sort of a streak going if you want to move up in the standings," Julien said.