Yesterday could have been a day full of destiny for the Boston Bruins. Milt Schmidt turned 98 on Saturday. To celebrate his birthday, Torey Krug almost had a goal(which would have been his first in 40 games). That goal would have caused a regulation win over the Washington Capitals. That regulation win would have put Claude Julien atop the leader board for all-time wins by a Boston Bruins head coach. It would have been a glorious day for Bruins hockey.
More from Bruins News
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
- The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
- NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
- The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci
Sadly, the folks over at ‘Team Zebra’ decided to allow Washington Head Coach Barry Trotz several minutes to decide a coach’s challenge. I can only assume Trotz phoned a friend, asked the audience, and perhaps called the team’s astrologist to determine if it was good to challenge it. The challenge was issued, the goal overturned, and the Boston Bruins had to settle for just a point against the best team in the NHL.
To add insult to injury, the only other things that happened on the birthday of the ‘The Ultimate Bruin’ was a seriously illegal boarding incident involving Alex Ovechkin (who got nothing more than five minutes for mutilating) and Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller. I’m almost surprised the NHL reps didn’t help Ovechkin bide his time in the box by bringing him a cup of borscht, and a copy of Dostoevsky to read while he waited. (The only other major Bruin event was the dubious honor earned by Zac Rinaldo, who might end up being the first player to be suspended by the NHL and the AHL at the same time.)
So, how did one of the league’s golden children respond to taking out another player with an obvious hit that was clearly meant to injure?
Oh, it’s just a hockey play,” said the Capitals forward. “I tried to kind of, like – I don’t try to hit him. I didn’t see a replay, but my motion was not like try to head-hunt. I just try to play the puck, and he kind of turned, and there was hit. At least, I told the referee I didn’t try to go through him or something, just trying to pin him.”
When asked if he thought he could receive any supplemental discipline for his hit, Ovechkin almost seemed surprised by the question.
“No, I don’t think it’s (worthy) of suspension or something. I don’t try to hit the head, just to be in my spot and make a play. He’s turning at the boards.”
I wonder how many games Zac Rinaldo would have gotten for boarding Ovechkin. (He would have likely been gone for the season.) My guess is that even if it was Patrice Bergeron who tagged Ovechkin, there would have been either a fine or suspension. But once again, the league drops the hammer on the lesser known players and lets the big fish get away with seriously injury another player.
For the record, I’m not a fan of defending Rinaldo here. I’m really not. But the NHL needs to be able to come down hard on ALL the players, or it’s just one more reason to add to the NHLPA’s list when the next Gary Bettman sponsored lockout happens.
Kevan Miller is currently out of the line up (but not on injured reserve). He’s been listed as having an upper body injury (although it’s pretty clear something happened to his surgically repaired shoulder). There is no set timetable for his return.
“It’s really tough — hopefully he gets back soon,” said Tuukka Rask. “He’s been playing great. Really solid. He’s always been solid defensively, but lately I think he’s really improved his game with the puck, finding lanes to pass the puck and score some goals. He’s really been on top of his game so it’s a tough loss, but hopefully he gets back soon.”