Boston Bruins: B’s Making It Work Despite Injuries.
Oct 23, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center
Chris Kelly(23) reacts after scoring a goal past New York Islanders goalie
Chad Johnson(30) during the third period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins (9-6-0) have had a tough run of injuries this season. Core players like Zdeno Chara will be out for the entire month of November, and now David Krejci is battling an undisclosed (but suspected hip) injury, and will be out for tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils (6-6-2).“It’s adversity, I think, that makes you stronger as a team,” said Patrice Bergeron to the media after yesterday’s practice. “Within this dressing room we have to find ways and all step up, and I think that’s a good challenge for all of us.”
The Bruins have found ways to win despite the large holes in their roster. They have called up AHL players from Providence. They have had players move up and down the lines in order to find that right spark to create chances and success. So far, it’s caused the B’s to win every game in November.
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One of the players that has been moving up and down the lines this season is Chris Kelly. Kelly will be filling in tonight in Krejci’s spot as the top line center for Boston. The B’s alternate captain been playing some of his best Bruins hockey this season. “We have the depth there to fill that void and put Chris there,” said fellow center and alternate captain Patrice Bergeron. “[Kelly]who can actually play with anyone in this lineup. He’s got the versatility that he can actually play center or wing so it’s nice to have.”
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Kelly has seven points (two goals)so far for the Black and Gold. While his last two seasons were filled with injuries, he’s had a healthy season so far. Kelly doesn’t often play the top line, and it will be interesting to see if he can play a top-line game tonight.
Torey Krug is listed as a game time decision. If he’s in, the Bruins fan base will certainly breathe a sigh of relief. If he’s not, then the Bruins will have to turn to Matt Bartkowski. Bartkowski has had a rough patch of it these last few weeks. He’s been benched the entire month of November so far. Hopefully, he’s taken this time to clear the cobwebs and find his confidence again. He’s a good player (as long as he doesn’t make the same type of mental errors) when he plays to the Bruins philosophy.
The Bruins will be looking to extend their five game win streak, and the Devils will be looking to snap their three game losing streak. Tuukka Rask (7-4-0, 2.48GAA,.907sv%) will be in net.