Dec 8, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller (86) shoots and scores a power play goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Bruins beat the Maple Leafs 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Casualties are mounting on Causeway Street. At the beginning of the week, the B’s were down Adam McQuaid (who is now listed on the team’s Injured Reserve due to a re-aggravated groin injury.) Johnny Boychuk is out for the next week or so with the back spasms from the Penguins game. Loui Eriksson is out for who knows how long with the concussion given to him by Brooks Oprik. Shawn Thornton is out for pummeling Oprik unconscious later in the game. Then Chris Kelly (also on the long term IR) got hit with a slash that broke his ankle (and no penalty was called).
Tonight’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs was no exception. Once again, the Bruins proved their ability to adapt and the strength of the Bruins organization. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs in Toronto 5-2, but once again the Black and Gold sustained casualties in the win. Half way through the first period, Dion Phaneuf put Dougie Hamilton into the boards. Hamilton came off the boards testing his left knee, and the organization wanted to take no chances. They got him off the ice, and decided to keep him off the ice for the remainder of the game. Kevan Miller was thrown against the boards by Dion Phaneuf. While the hit on Hamilton was questionable, there was no room for error that the hit on Miller was completely inappropriate. (Sound familiar folks?) Miller was shaky getting up, but he was able to get off the ice under his own power and head back to the dressing room.
What really incensed the Bruins fans at the ACC and a lot of watching on TV was that in that whole mess, the refs ignored that blatant and dirty hit and chose to penalize the Bruins with a hooking call on Patrice Bergeron. It was an unfortunate way for Miller to celebrate his first NHL goal. The Bruins next game is Tuesday in Calgary against the Flames, and you’ve got to wonder if the Providence Bruins will see any more of their roster to be told to grab a bag and their passport and be ready to be head to Canada.