Boston Bruins Injury Report: Daniel Paille Cleared For Contact

Jan 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing

(20) shoots the puck against Montreal Canadiens goalie

(30) as defenseman

(79) chases during the third period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Montreal Canadiens won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins have a history of playing through adversity. The collective injuries sustained by Patrice Bergeron in last year’s run for the Cup were similar to a person who had been caught in a major traffic accident. Coach Claude Julien understands that his players are going to play with bumps, bruises, and other injuries. The place where the Bruins head coach draws the line is at concussions. He knows how serious they are, and he’s seen players like Bergeron, and Loui Eriksson sit for portions of the season due to those hits. (He’s even seen Marc Savard‘s career ended by them as well.)

“I respect the protocols.” said the Bruins bench boss to the media this afternoon. “I respect all the stuff that goes with those kinds of injuries and I kind of just wait for my trainer and the team doctors to say, ‘he’s yours,’. Until then, I don’t ask questions, I don’t push the issue and I never will. So I have a lot of respect for that part of the injury and will respect the medical staff decision right to the end.”

With that in mind, Coach Julien is pleased with the medical staff’s decision to clear Daniel Paille for full contact. Paille is the speed element of the Merlot Men (part of the best fourth line in hockey). “I waited for the okay from our doctors,” said Julien. “That is basically what I waited for, so to say that ‘he might have been ready,’ I need to know that ‘he was ready.’ I know that he is ready for the next round now.”

“I’ve been definitely watching the games with the guys that haven’t played, and realize how good we’ve been,” offered Paille on the Bruins first round performance. The B’s won four straight to take the Detroit Red Wings in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series. “So it’s definitely positive, especially going into the second round.”

Paille’s speed has been a major asset to the Black and Gold. He earned eighteen points for the Bruins (nine goals) using his best asset to bedevil the B’s opponents. He has been invaluable to the Bruins on the penalty kill and has earned a short handed goal for Boston.  “To have the opportunity to skate today and play with contact, you definitely take it for granted when you don’t have it, so I felt very fortunate to come back and practice with the team.” said a very happy Paille.  “I didn’t feel like I had too long of any symptoms/injuries but there was a lot of precautions and [I] had to continue with that process, and I think I heard Claude say I felt great after the first day, and I did, there’s no question about that. I guess we just didn’t want to rush this one.”