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BOSTON — The stars have aligned for Parker Ford.
Not only is the energetic winger set to make his NHL debut on Thursday, Ford will have the opportunity to do it against the team he grew up rooting for, the Boston Bruins.
Ford got his first NHL recall last April, but didn’t suit up in the Jets’ regular-season finale, so this is going to be a special evening at TD Garden.
“A lot of emotions, for sure. Calling the family right away and all that. But I’m just trying to get prepared and be ready to play,” said Ford, who hails from nearby Wakefield, Rhode Island. “It’s super special. I wasn’t sure I was coming here, but when I heard (that) on the call, I was smiling ear to ear, for sure.”
Ford figures to have a strong cheering section inside the building.
“My whole family, mom, dad, sister, her boyfriend, a couple of friends, my girlfriend and her whole family, they’re from Boston,” said Ford. “A couple of fans in the stands and hopefully some more watching at home.”
Forward Parker Ford is set to make his NHL debut tonight. (Mike Deal / Free Press files)
As the Jets continue a three-game road trip, Ford slides into the lineup on the fourth line with David Gustafsson and Alex Iafallo.
Ford signed a two-year entry-level contract in March 2023 after completing four years with the Providence College Friars of the NCAA. He’s an energetic forward who plays with pace and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas.
At his first NHL training camp, Ford was noticeable throughout and was one of the last cuts.
“Yeah, I think it gives a little bit of confidence stepping out there,” said Ford. “But just go back to my game and try to do the little things right and help the team win.
“Just play simple, play hard. I’m an energy guy, so move my feet and try to make a couple of plays.”
Jets head coach Scott Arniel provided a simple message to Ford going into his NHL debut.
“Go out and enjoy it. Enjoy the moment,” said Arniel. “He’s going to have lots of family and friends here. Obviously, you always hear guys talk about their first games. For him to do it here in Boston, that’s special. But have fun, don’t get too stressed out.”
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Seeing someone make his debut is something that can provide a lift.
“It’s just really exciting,” said Jets forward Cole Perfetti. “It takes a lifetime of hard work to get to the NHL. It’s a dream come true. Everyone can relate.
“I remember how I felt in that first game. It’s the coolest thing in the world. I’m super happy for him. To do that against his home team, it makes it even cooler.”
Only time will tell what role the 8-1 victory the Jets had against the Boston Bruins could play when the two teams meet for the second and final time this season.
Emotions ran high during the third period of that contest, but the Bruins have more pressing matters to take care of, with their grip on a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference not nearly as tight as it once was after going 4-6-2 during the month of January.
The Jets are riding a four-game winning streak as this three-game road trip continues, while the Bruins are coming off a lopsided 7-2 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres.
“They’re going to be a little ornery after the other night against Buffalo and our game, but there’s been a lot of water under the bridge since that game for both teams,” said Arniel. “For us, it’s about getting to Jet hockey as fast as possible. They’re going to look to be a lot better, so we’ve got to make sure that we’re ready to go off the drop. I didn’t like the way we started in Montreal, so hopefully we don’t repeat that. We can come out a lot stronger and kind of get them back on their heels.”
Boston is 17-12-3 since Joe Sacco took over as interim coach from Jim Montgomery and continues to be led by David Pastrnak, who has 24 goals and 60 points in 52 games, while captain Brad Marchand has 18 goals and 39 points.
Connor Hellebuyck will make his 41st start in the Jets’ 53rd game of the campaign, while the Bruins counter with Joonas Korpisalo.
Morgan Barron was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, the result of a thundering check he delivered on Kirby Dach late in the third period.
Barron has been playing his best hockey of the season and is officially listed as week-to-week.
The Jets will also make one change on defence, inserting Colin Miller for Haydn Fleury, while the Bruins are getting top blue-liner Charlie McAvoy back from injury and fellow D-man Brandon Carlo back after missing Tuesday’s game due to an illness.
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