Oct 11, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) passes the puck against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Torey Krug is a player that has been on the radar since he saved the Boston Bruins from elimination, lighting the lamp and embarrassing Henrik Lundqvist in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He had appeared in only 3 games during the regular season and at that point in time, had been with the organization for fourteen months, securing himself a spot in the line up throughout the duration of the Playoffs, one that would see the Boston Bruins on the big stage against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“It’s been a crazy year,” Krug said. “When I signed, I chose Boston for this reason. I wanted to win a Stanley Cup. I knew that they were expected to win the Stanley Cup year after year, and I knew that we were going to be in contention every year.
“I’m glad that I just got the opportunity to come in, step in and contribute, and try to help the team win. It’s been an unbelievable year, that’s for sure.”
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Following a stellar rookie season last year that provided 14 goals and 42 points along with 10 points in 12 games in the Playoffs, it was crucial that the Bruins find a way to keep him around. Starting out the season as a restricted free agent and having tight cap space kept him and forward Reilly Smith out of training camp for almost the entire duration. However, with a few days remaining before opening day, the Bruins were able to secure a one-year deal worth $1.4 million.
Bleedin' Blue
Since the departure of Johnny Boychuk, Torey Krug is a player that has stepped up to the plate in every way possible. Despite being only 5’9″, posing a physical liability, Krug is able to hold his own and make up for the lack in height offensively.
“Everything that happened with Johnny, it was tough to see,” Krug said in a conference call with the Boston Globe. “He was such a big part of the locker room, not only on the ice, but a big guy socially. Everyone got along with him and he made everyone feel comfortable in the locker room.
I think going through what we did last year with Seids going down and, at different points of the season, other guys going down, I think using that experience we gained at that time will definitely help us out.”
This season, Torey Krug has had some monumental moments, riding a five-game points streak and with five goals and 11 assists in his past 19 games after managing just seven points in his first 22 games heading into the Saturday game against Columbus. Then he was able to tally two assists in the shutout to the Rangers and a goal in the 3-2 loss to Colorado. Despite missing four games due to a lacerated pinky finger, Krug has posted 24 points on the season with 9 goals and 15 assists. He’s ranked 7th overall on the team and is in a three-way tie for third place on the team with goals scored alongside Milan Lucic and Reilly Smith. At the rate he is going, he is on pace for a 40-point season for the second year in a row.
During his tenure in Boston his skills placed on the power play have helped move Boston from one of the worst man-advantage teams to one that can actually produce goals and be competitive. With his blast from the blue line, the Bruins are now able to place a big body like Zdeno Chara down low in front of the crease to work as a screen, something they were unable to do prior to Krug. With him present and healthy, the Bruins have options.