Our Boston Bruins, A team in trouble?
By Willy
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone knows the Bruins have had more than their share of injuries. First year Bruin Loui Eriksson has been out twice with a Concussion. Each of Danny Paille, Chris Kelly, Adam McQuaid, Dougie Hamilton and Zdeno Chara have either missed time or are still presently injured. I also believe that players like Torey Krug and Chara are playing at less than 100%. Big Z’s career may be on the down swing but it looks to me like it’s more than that.
Many Providence players have been shipped north to play for Boston, some better than others. Players like Ryan Spooner, Justin Florek and David Warsofsky have excelled, to the point where I’d like to see more of them. I for one would like to keep all three with Boston and not send them back down when some of the injured return but it’s highly unlikely, unfortunately.
There is one injury that appears to be hurting the team more than any other and that is Dennis Seidenberg. Cam Neely was asked recently (on a radio broadcast) “How do you replace Seidenberg?” To which he replied “You don’t” This is a huge problem that on some level must be addressed. No easy task for G.M. Peter Chiarelli but I don’t see any other way if he wants his club to be a legitimate Playoff threat. I will leave it up to him who would be the best fit, as at this point I have no idea who is available. One thing I do know is if he does nothing, the struggles will continue.
I like Kevan Miller and Warsofsky as Defenseman but neither possesses the ability to replace Dennis. There is one “Dman” that I don’t care for and that is Matt Bartkowski. He makes far too many mistakes and poor decisions for my liking. I would rather play Warsofsky more regularly than Matt. As a defensive minded coach I am surprised Claude Julien doesn’t see the same issues with Matt that many do.
I for one hope Peter Chiarelli spends this Olympic break looking for a good defensive Defenseman in the Seidenberg mold. I’m sure Peter realizes just how small of a window this team has to win that next Championship. Will he make the necessary trade to improve our beloved team?
Go B’s!