Boston Bruins: Torey Krug quietly getting the job done on the blue line

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

While much of the fan’s love these playoffs have went to Boston Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo, another defenseman has played quite well leading to the success of this team. Much of the credit may be going to goal scorers Matt Gryzleck and Jake Debrusk today, Torey Krug has been the silent killer and proved that again by adding three assists to his own tally.

For many years, Torey Krug has been seen as one of the best offensive-minded defensemen in the NHL, but has received flack from Boston Bruins’ fans for his constant inability on the defensive side. While the defense may remain on and off, Krug has been playing some of his best hockey in these playoffs.

Three assists by a defensive player should never be overlooked and very much could be here. His ability to sit atop at the blue line on the leagues best power play has proven to leave its mark and alter the Boston Bruins’ opponent, especially the Carolina Hurricanes so far this series.

In the dominating win today, Torey Krug led the team in total points along with hometown boy Charlie Coyle which many fans may not realise.

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The Boston Bruins perform at their best when Tuukka Rask is calm and collected inside the goal allowing them to control the game. The skating ability of Torey Krug has allowed him to be in line with the opponent and find open ice to get the Boston goal scorers the puck when they need it most.

The proof of Krug’s work being forgotten is clear as this could be the first time you read his name with praise all playoffs long; even Game 1, the focus was on the suspended player!

He has played in all 16 games of the playoffs so far, totalling 14 points; 1 goal and 13 assists. The pairing of him and Brandon Carlo has become one for Boston Bruins fans to smile at due to the opposite abilities of each man and why they click so well to be the team’s best defensive line to this point.

Torey Krug is sitting at a +6 now in the playoffs which is another revelation, proving that he is much less of a defensive liability that he has been considered as prior. He has shown a surprising amount of physicality and offensive prowess at the best possible time along with a sheer toughness.

Being a key point to the power play, helping create the best defensive line for the Bruins in the playoffs, and showing the will to stand up for any of his teammates has made Torey Krug the silent killer of the 2019 Boston Bruins team.