The hits just keep on coming for the Boston Bruins, and I’m not talking about the ones on the ice. It turns out that Bruins forward David Backes will now be sidelined for some time.
Just when it looked like the Boston Bruins were starting to figure some things out. They had gotten a point in 5 straight games. Just when a replacement for the injured David Krejci had been found for the second line. It seems absolutely against the laws of probability that what has been happening in Boston would continue. But still, the Bruins injury train just keeps on rolling.
It has been announced by the team that Bruins forward David Backes will be out for the foreseeable future. As I’m sure you recall, Backes missed the start of the season due to diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal disease. After returning earlier than initially anticipated, Backes will find himself on the sidelines once again.
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Surgery decision made
Backes will be undergoing surgery to remove a portion of his colon. The surgery, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, will shelve the 33 year old power forward for about 8 weeks. That is a long time to miss a player will his ability and veteran leadership. He hasn’t exactly lit up the scoresheet (5 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, -3 rating), but his game brings many intangibles that don’t end up on the highlight reel.
Backes’ absence, in conjunction with Noel Acciari (broken finger), Ryan Spooner (groin injury), Adam McQuaid (broken leg), and David Krejci (back spasms) has created a gaping hole in the Bruins roster. Right now, the Bruins roster looks NOTHING like it did the opening night. Look at today’s practice lines:
#NHLBruins practice lines:
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 1, 2017
Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
DeBrusk – Nash – Schaller
Heinen – Szwarz – Bjork
Beleskey – Kuraly – Vatrano
#NHLBruins defense pairs:
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 1, 2017
Chara – McAvoy
Krug – Carlo
Postma – Miller
Goalies: Rask, McIntyre
That looks more like a Providence Bruins lineup, other than a few veteran Bruins. Jordan Szwarz, another Bruins rookie, was an emergency recall along with goaltender Zane McIntyre. The Bruins will be facing the surprisingly good Vegas Golden Knights at home tomorrow night at the TD Garden. Your bet is as good as mine when it comes to what the team coming out of the tunnel will look like.
I imagine all of Bruins Nation, including as at Causeway Crowd, collectively wishes Backes the best with his surgery, and a full and speedy recovery. This sort of thing goes beyond the game of hockey. Backes is well known as being a great, down to earth human being. For his future health, it’s better safe than sorry.