Johnny Boychuk’s Injury Shouldn’t Concern Playoff-Bound Bruins

Feb 8, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Boychuk Was ‘Laughing’ At Injury

In the Hurricanes-Bruins matchup on Saturday, Johnny Boychuk had a couple of worrisome moments.

He whipped into the end boards and crashed wildly in the middle of the third period. The fall looked very unnatural, as both of his legs crumpled underneath him when he skidded to a stop.

Of course, given the general tendency of hockey players to assume the best of an injury, Boychuk rose and attempted to skate around. He could barely move, so eased over to the bench and headed off down the tunnel to have a professional check him out.

Most assumed that he would not come back to the ice, but amazingly, he returned to the bench and made his move into the competition.

Boychuk remained on the ice until bad luck struck again, a powerful slap shot directly at his right leg. He didn’t make the same journey through the tunnel, however.

He hung tight on the bench before challenging his fortune on the rink once more.

"“You get back on the ice and the next shift you take a nice slap shot off your foot. It didn’t really feel that great,” Boychuk said. “After you get hit with a slap shot, it’s more laughter. You can’t really do anything but laugh. You get it out on the same side and it just hurts so bad you just have laugh at it.”"

Pain is laughter, I guess, for professional hockey players who are as tough as nails. Even if this injury is substantial, Boychuk will most likely be back on the ice in time for the playoffs.

With about nine games left to play in the season, the Bruins are sitting atop the Eastern Conference currently riding an eight-game win streak. The 30-year-old defenseman may find it very difficult to sideline himself because of pure competitive spirit urging him to keep the winning run alive.

On that note, Boychuk could be ready to skate earlier than playoff time.