Kevan Miller Returns to Boston With Injured Shoulder
Jan 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie
Tuukka Rask(40) makes a save as Boston Bruins defenseman
Kevan Miller(86) and Los Angeles Kings right wing
Marian Gaborik(12) look on during the third period of the Boston Bruins 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
This afternoon the Boston Bruins confirmed that Kevan Miller has boarded a plane and is on his way back to Boston. The reason; he has re-injured his right shoulder, one that he is already expected to have off-season surgery on.
Miller already missed a dozen games earlier this season with the dislocated right shoulder, but had played in every game since his return on November 21. However, he was wearing a brace during all times, during practices and games. The initial injury was sustained after he fought Nicolas Deslauriers on October 18. Prior to the team’s game against the New York Islanders earlier this month, Miller confirmed to reporters that his shoulder pops in and out frequently.
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“It has its ups and downs. It’s been all right so far. I’m kind of still progressing with it.
“I knew it was something I would have to learn to play with and learn to adapt how my game is. There were a little bit of nerves but you get past that with your first game.”
After leaving last night’s game in the second period and missing today’s practice in Edmonton, Claude Julien issued a statement about the defenseman. He said he has been flown back to Boston for further evaluation and ;
“We’ll see what comes out of it, but it doesn’t look good”
This season Miller has appeared in 41 games, scoring 2 goals and registering 5 assists. What is more impressive is his +20 on the season, leading the team by a large margin, the next player being Milan Lucic with a +10.
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Without Kevan Miller in the line up, the Bruins are going to have to look at their options. Sure, they have Matt Bartkowsi who has been sitting in the balcony for the majority of this season, but is that really the Bruins best option? Bartkowski has had a lackluster season, providing very little optimism in his play during the opening half of the season. Given that the Bruins are seemingly putting themselves back in a hole and out of playoff contention once again, they may want to look at their other options.
In Providence they could always turn to Zach Trotman a player who has proved to be dependable in the past. Trotman skated in 17 games for the Bruins this season, averaging 17:16 of ice time per game during a time which the Bruins were seriously hurting in the defensive department. While he wasn’t able to produce a goal during his time in Boston, he put together 4 assists and 27 shots on goal.
While no call-ups have been made yet, there is still a little bit of time for PC to try someone new, but it’s likely we will see Bartkowski suit up once again before any other additional calls are made.