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Boston Bruins: Four options to take Charlie McAvoy’s minutes in Game 1

By Luke Ryan

COLUMBUS, OH - MAY 6: Boston Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy (73) and Zdeno Chara (33) sandwich Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (77) during the second period. The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH on May 6, 2019. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - MAY 6: Boston Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy (73) and Zdeno Chara (33) sandwich Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (77) during the second period. The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH on May 6, 2019. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA - MAY 04: Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) looks up ice for an open teammate to receive the puck. During Game 5 in the Second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs featuring the Boston Bruins against the Columbus Blue Jackets on May 04, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 04: Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) looks up ice for an open teammate to receive the puck. During Game 5 in the Second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs featuring the Boston Bruins against the Columbus Blue Jackets on May 04, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

With news that Charlie McAvoy has been suspended for Game 1 of the Boston Bruins’ Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes; the immediate thought is – who replaces his minutes?

The young defenseman has been a vital piece in the Boston Bruins success so far and for him to miss even one game is a big loss for the team. Not only has he been good for a point almost every other game, but he’s shown confidence hitting and laying it on the line with his shot blocking.

It’s going to be a big ask for anyone to step up to the plate and replace his minutes, given that he is seeing almost 25 minutes ice-time night in, night out so far these playoffs.

Here is a player that for sure will one day be in the voting for the Norris Trophy and his hit on Josh Anderson, whether callous and deliberate or just an unfortunate accident, has put his team somewhat on the back foot.

It is in these situations, though, that post-season heroes emerge. The unheralded rookie steps up and blocks the critical shot or scores that vital goal. Maybe Charlie McAvoy‘s suspension allows someone to emerge from the shadows and grab that spotlight.

Equally though, the suspension could allow the Carolina Hurricanes to waltz into TD Garden and notch up the win to take a 1-0 series lead.

Related Story. Charlie McAvoy's suspension weakens team for Game 1. light

Whatever the case, the Boston Bruins have some big decision-making ahead. Namely, how do they distribute the minutes of their lead defenseman. Do they simply balance out the minutes across the line-up whilst pairing whoever is next up with Zdeno Chara? Or do they pump one of the other defensive duos up to some serious minutes?

It’s a very open-ended question right now; as such we have assessed four potential options that the Boston Bruins head coach, Bruce Cassidy may utilise to replace his young lead defenseman:

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