Oct 13, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman
Adam McQuaid(54) fights with Colorado Avalanche left wing
Cody McLeod(55) during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Bruins caught a nasty case of the injury bug last season, losing many key players to injuries resulting in an early exit in the playoffs, Adam McQuaid was one of those players. He made his return to the ice when the Bruins kicked-off the 2015 NHL season against the Flyers last Wednsday night and has proved to be one of the Black and Gold’s most consistent players since. McQuaid has seen the third most ice time of any Bruins skater and has an assist to his credit, but as many hockey fans know, numbers do not always tell the full story.
By looking at statistics alone, nothing jumps off the page for the 6’5″ defenseman, however by playing Boston Bruins-style-hockey McQuaid is leading by example. He is finishing his checks, drawing penalties, and moving the puck up-ice, all of which are crucial for a successful Bruins campaign.
Adam McQuaid started the season off with a bang, leading the team in ice time and notching an assist in the season-opening 2-1 Boston victory. The Bruins may have hit a wall since the season opener, but McQuaid has not, coming up big in the defensive zone as well as on special teams. In today’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche McQuaid continued his streak of defensive constancy. McQuaid blocked shots, broke up scoring opportunities, and dropped the gloves in an attempt to spark the hibernating Bruins.
Adam McQuaid exemplifies what it means to be a Bruin, he is a nitty-gritty, all-guts-no-glory defenseman who will not hesitate to put his body on the line for the benefit of his teammates. He is a type of player that can set the standard for rookies looking to learn. In many ways McQuaid is reminiscent of a young Patrice Bergeron not too long ago. With the departure of the veteran blue-liner Johnny Boychuk, McQauid’s role has added importance this season, and he has stepped up to the plate when his team needs him to most. Bruins fans may have loved Boychuk, but if McQuaid can keep this level of play, the sky is the limit for the 28 year old defenseman. If he continues to show improvement, and continues to put the work in, McQuaid will continue to be a member of the Boston blue-line stable for years to come.