Dennis Seidenberg Thinks He Could Play Right Now
Dec 23, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) handles the puck against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Bruins beat the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Seidenberg Not Hurting Badly
Dennis Seidenberg‘s injury doesn’t look so bad after all.
According to Kevin Dupont of The Boston Globe, the Bruins top defenseman beside Zdeno Chara thinks he’s ready to hit the ice and give playoff hockey a shot.
“Yes, I’m feeling better,’’ Seids said Tuesday, after the Bruins’ 4-2 loss to the Canadiens. “I could probably play right now.’’
Seidenberg had been injured since Dec. 27, taking a nasty blow against the Ottawa Senators and tearing his ACL and MCL. The typical recovery time is 6-8 months, so it’s possible that he could return to the lineup fairly soon.
Nevertheless, with such a serious injury as this one, bringing the German D-man into game-action right now could set him back further. The professionals will know the correct time to give Seidenberg a chance, and yes, he’s getting better. But now just isn’t the time.
“That’s [the date] I don’t know yet,’’ he said. “But each day, better. That’s good.’’
The Bruins will definitely miss his presence, being down 2-1 in this series vs. the Montreal Canadiens, who have had success on the power play. One of Seidenberg’s specialties does revolve around his tactfulness on the penalty kill–positioned in the right spot to clear the puck and block shots.
Since the Bruins have a fair amount of options at defenseman, too, the acceleration of Seidenberg’s return may not be the biggest concern for Claude Julien. Say, the Bruins drop a second-consecutive game in Montreal, then maybe the veteran stages an appearance. Boston’s defense would have to be in shambles, though, with Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton clearly struggling to meet the attack of the Canadiens.
During the regular season, Seidenberg notched one goal and nine assists in 34 games.