This hasn’t been the greatest week to be a Bruins fan. Monday we all found out that Charlie McAvoy had heart surgery and will be out 2 weeks. Then, less than 48 hours later we receive the news that the league has decided to suspend Brad Marchand 5 games.
Charlie’s news just makes me sad, plain and simple; there are no two ways about it. I really hope it is “minor” and the rookie can get back to dominating the NHL as soon as possible. If this turns into a more long-term lingering problem it will crush my existence.
After a couple days to process it, Brad Marchand’s suspension isn’t the worst thing in the world. As a hockey fan, I’m a little disappointed by it because it makes the sport seem soft (I’m an old school kinda guy) for handing out such serious penalties for a less-than-malicious play. However, as a Bruins fan, it’s really a blessing in disguise.
The team has been on fire and it seems like they can do no wrong lately. Since November 15th Boston has won 22 of its 29 games, and has currently collected at least a point in its last 17 consecutive contests! There hasn’t exactly been a lot of turmoil for this young team in the past two months, and frankly this is just what the Bruins need. If there are going to be any struggles or slumps I would much rather them happen at the beginning of February than the beginning of April.
Marchand being out of the lineup means there is a BIG opportunity for Anders Bjork. The rookie played respectably for the first month of the season until an injury and inconsistent play eventually forced him out of the lineup. Now that the 21-year-old has another chance, we should expect him to have fresh legs and play with speed. If he is alongside Bergeron, like he was in the preseason, he can gain infinite experience even if only for 5 games.
I can’t stress enough how devastating it is to me to be without Charlie, but even that opens up some doors. Adam McQuaid just got healthy within the last few weeks, and has now played in relief of McAvoy and Kevan Miller for the last three games. He can reestablish himself in the lineup, and help bolster this Bruins roster heading into what should presumably be a decent playoff push.
It’s unlike me to be so blindly optimistic about the Bruins, but that just goes to show exactly how well this team has come together. They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well, I say just stick to beer and watch hockey.
Jegs-
The Jeggernaut 