Boston Bruins: Welcome back Chris Kelly.

Oct 8, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center

(23) is surrounded by right wing

(21) and center

(34) after scoring a goal on Philadelphia Flyers goalie

(35) during the third period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Bruins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Kelly did more than put in the winning goal against the Philadelphia Flyers last night. He made a statement that as long as he’s healthy, he can contribute in a big way to the Boston Bruins. Chris Kelly’s name had been thrown around (at times not very complimentary) as a better choice to trade away from the Bruins than the recently departed Johnny Boychuk.  The fans grumbled when the organization chose not to use a compliance buy out, and some of the blame was misdirected at Kelly.

Kelly had a very large monkey he had to throw off his back, and he launched that primate into the crease when he put that puck past Steve Mason last night at the TD Garden.

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“I’m hoping I got my injuries out of the way for two years and I can just go out and play. Every guy in here enjoys to play, and we understand that injuries are a part of it, but it’s definitely tougher watching than it is playing. Playing is great.” -Bruins forward Chris Kelly

Last night, Kelly played on the Bruins ‘second’ line. An unusual choice for a man who has limited top six forward time in his career.  He was also moved to the left wing so the line could be centered by Carl Soderberg. (Until further notice, I am calling the Soderberg line the ‘How Swede It Is’ line.) With Milan Lucic still not at one hundred percent, and David Krejci out for the next few days, it did make sense to bump the line up. The line worked for Boston. The line finished with a +2, had five shots, blocked three, and had three takeaways during the game. Kelly himself was over fifty percent in the face off circle, and made his presence known throughout the game.

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He truly did earn his First Star of the Game for last night’s showing.  As an alternate captain for the Black and Gold, Chris Kelly makes the Boston Bruins a better team. He’s a solid voice of leadership in the locker room. The Bruins play better with him on the active roster  Kelly’s (61-19-12 in the last two seasons) then when he’s not(22-15-3).

While some people are still grumbling over why Kelly is still in Boston, he silenced many of his critics with his overall performance last night.  While it’s still a little to early to completely forget the past, his first showing is a good sign for things in Boston.