from Matt Porter of the Boston Globe,

BEIJING — The preseason is about settling into a rhythm in preparation for a fast-approaching opening night, but that has been a losing proposition for the split-squad Bruins. And we’re not just talking about the jet lag.

Monday the Bruins were scheduled to be at AZ Ice Sports Club at 11 a.m. Their practice gear was neatly laid out in their locker room. However, there were no jerseys or sticks, no skate sharpener, and no medical equipment — items necessary to begin their workday.

Because of bureaucratic and logistical issues, trucks carrying heavy equipment did not arrive until 3:15, a delay of more than five hours. Coach Bruce Cassidy didn’t blow the whistle until after 4 p.m., when the bulky stuff had made a road trip of more than 1,300 miles — from Shenzhen to Beijing, through border checks at four provinces — that took from Saturday night, all of Sunday, and most of Monday to complete.

The Bruins couldn’t just borrow someone else’s stuff. The NHL expected a few bumps on this journey, but this has been constant turbulence.

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