Bruins training camp: Will Torey Krug be the B’s 6th D-man?
Jun 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug during the first period in game two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins will be facing a tough fight in the preseason. That fight will be spots on the Bruins final roster. Once again, the Bruins organization suffers from an embarrassment of riches when it comes to having talented people, and the competition for spots will be tough. The fight will be especially tough for those who are trying to be one of the Bruins’ blueliners this season.
It’s safe to say that the Bruins have most of their defenseman slots already filled up. Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Johnny Boychuk, Dougie Hamilton, and Adam McQuaid will be on the team. (This excludes sudden serious injury or abysmal performance in training camp.) Bruins captain’s practices continue at Ristuccia Arena. While the environment is still family-based and friendly, the compete level is rising rapidly. So, who will the number #6 D-man be?
Torey Krug – Krug is the blueliner version of Brad Marchand. He’s a smaller guy (5’9″), but brings a scrappiness that defies his size. His performance in last year’s Cup run was certainly noteworthy. In his fifteen postseason appearances, He put up four goals (as many as Marchand did but in fewer games) and two assists for the Bruins. He ran a +/- of +5 and spent no time in the sin bin. He’s my lead choice for the sixth position.
Krug’s starting his first NHL season this year, and he has the intensity and the skill to make it in Boston. “This summer, coming into camp, it’s a little bit more exciting,” said Krug. “I’m more comfortable in the room, obviously I’ve been talking about that ever since I got here, how comfortable it is in this room with the group of guys in here; a family atmosphere. So coming in, I’m more comfortable, confidence is high, I’m just gonna keep my head down and go to work.”