David Krejci now ‘Day-to-Day’.

March 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (center) is helped off the ice after being injured against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In the third period of yesterday’s game, the Boston Bruins were trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1. The Bruins were trying to battle back, and Zdeno Chara sent of a ‘D to D’ pass to the other defenseman on the ice, Johnny Boychuk. Boychuk’s slap shot is often referred to as a ‘Johnny Rocket’ for its speed and its power. Boychuk was intending to get that shot off at the Penguin’s net minder Tomas Vokoun, but instead it hit an unprotected area of David Krejci‘s right knee.  Krejci went down, and the Bruins fighting spirit seemed to deflate with it. The Bruins lost the game, 2-1.

I think I felt that hit all the way up in Providence. I was concerned that it was going to be serious, really serious. David Krejci has been the best overall producer and our main line and one of our best scorers.  Any extended absence will hurt the Bruins.

I also feel bad for Johnny Boychuk. It looks like some kind of black cat crossed his path this last week. First the unlucky bounce off Boychuk’s skate which led to Washington’s only ‘goal’ in their 4-1 victory, and now this.

Social media has been abuzz with the aftershocks from the hit. Local media favorites started weighing in on Krejci’s status.

The Bruins headed up to Winnipeg to get ready for tomorrow night’s game against the Jets. The entire Krejci line wasn’t on ice for the practice. In a short Q & A after the practice B’s head coach Claude Julien told reporters that Krejci is “day-to-day,”. Furthermore, he did not indicate whether or not the first-line center would be able to play Tuesday against the Jets.

Julien added that the B’s could potentially call a player up from Providence if Krejci isn’t ready to go. More than likely, the Bruins ‘scratch line’ will be seeing a lot more action. With Krejci out, do they move Bergeron up to first? One of the Bruins’ great strengths is the versatility. Any player on any line can go anywhere in the forward four and not be an impediment to scoring. Daniel Paille seems to thrive when he’s not on the Merlot Line.

(UPDATE: Ryan Spooner is on his way to the airport to catch a flight to Winnipeg. The Providence forward will be heading up to Canada to join the big B’s tomorrow night.)

The Bruins are in Winnipeg to take on the Jets tomorrow night at 8pm local time. It will be broadcasted on NESN and on the radio at 98.5 the Sports Hub.