The Boston Bruins currently have one of the strongest defense in the NHL, even if a large portion of the defense at the moment are rookies. During the last two games before the Olympic Break the team even let Zdeno Chara go early to carry the flag for the Slovakian team during the Opening Ceremonies.
With Chara in Russia, Adam McQuaid out with a leg injury and Dennis Seidenberg out for the rest of the season with torn knee muscles this meant that Johnny Boychuk had to be the father like figure for his little ‘babychuks’. He was the only veteran defenseman that was left in the lineup with five first and second year defensemen: Torey Krug (who has yet to miss a game all season), Dougie Hamilton, Kevan Miller, Matt Bartkowski and David Warsofsky (who was called up from Providence Bruins to fill in for Chara).
This lineup worked for two games but if it were something the team had to use long term, it would have be extremely stressful on the team, especially for the goaltenders. While it is good that the new blood is learning and gaining experience, and have done a wonderful job so far, they have also shown that they are still young and will struggle at times.
In the two games where Boychuk was the only veteran he and his fellow defencemen were still able to help create some offence. In the game on Thursday night against the St Louis Blues, Krug and Boychuk each recorded an assist on Brad Marchands goal during the Bruins’ 3-2 overtime loss.
The final game before the Olympic Break, the defenseman seemed even more solid as they helped the team to a 7-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Rookie defensemen Warsofsky and Krug along with sophomore Hamilton all recorded assists. Each defenseman recorded ice time between 18-21 minutes and they all looked more comfortable than the previous game.
Even with the missing defenders, this team continues to fight for wins and is in top spot of their division. However they need to get Adam McQuaid back and 100% healthy, not the seemingly 70-80% he has seemed to be all season so far. He has already missed quite a few games with lower body injuries that keep flaring up and giving him trouble returning to the ice.
McQuaid who has been out since the end of January is supposed to return right after the Olympic break but there is no guarantee it will happen. If it does happen, there is no guarantee how long he will return before being put back on the shelf. As of right now there have been no reports on McQuaid skating since his recent injury, so for him to be back after the Olympic break he will be expected to skate solo at least a week before returning to the lineup.
Most of his injuries that have occurred this season were during fights or what seemed to be in a result of rough play. It is his style of game that is risking his returning injuries, but it is also the style the Bruins and McQuaid need to be successful on the ice. His grit gives opponents a type of fear that makes them stay back and not want to cause trouble.
Kevan Miller was McQuaid’s substitute throughout the first few injuries of the season. Then when Dennis Seidenberg went under the knife Miller signed a two-year contract extension and is expected to finish this year with the big guys. However, this has put major questions on Adam McQuaid’s future. Is he going to be traded in anticipation of Seidenberg’s return next year or will something else happen?
Truth be told even though fans are split 50-50 on whether or not they like him I believe he is needed on the team. He brings so much including size and physical presence. With Seidenberg out McQuaid is needed to help Chara and Boychuk with the rookie defensemen. Once this season ends, anything can happen. McQuaid is signed for one more season after this one, I hope the team brings him back next year, but if they decide to move him there are many other teams who will be interested in a player of McQuaid’s abilities. Yes he is not much of an offensive player or a defender who puts points on the board but he fills a role for the Bruins, and he does a good job in filling that role.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @ddmatthews. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Hockey writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
