Krug adapts to new partners
Defenseman Torey Krug’s obvious contributions to the Bruins’ success this season were his ability to clear the puck out of the zone and take advantage of scoring opportunities at even strength and on the power play.
Less appreciated was Krug’s ability to adapt to playing with multiple partners, especially down the stretch when Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy missed a combined 24 games due to injury. Chara and McAvoy recently were reunited as a defensive pairing.
Coach Bruce Cassidy paired Krug with Kevan Miller for the second time last night during a 4-2 loss in the regular-season finale against the Florida Panthers at the TD Garden. Cassidy said that the four-man rotation other than Chara and McAvoy will remain in flux going into the Bruins’ playoff opener Thursday.
“I think with Torey a bit like (David) Krejci up front, just play your game whoever your partner is,” said Cassidy following a brief film session yesterday morning at Warrior Ice Arena.
“Obviously, just like linemates, you are going to evolve chemistry but you have to focus on your own game and hope that something develops. I think he has done a real good job at that and he knows his role is first and foremost to be a good first pass and play the one on one.”
Krug forged a solid working relationship with Brandon Carlo when Chara and McAvoy were on the shelf. That partnership ended when Carlo suffered a fractured left ankle against the Panthers on March 31.
Krug feels comfortable playing with Nick Holden or Adam McQuaid but would not be a good fit with Matt Grzelcyk because of their similar styles and body types.
“It can be a little hectic at times but it doesn’t really matter,” said Krug. “Every player brings something different to the table with different strengths and weaknesses.
“For myself, it is about playing a certain way no matter who I’m out there with.”
Marchand: History ace
Brad Marchand learned the value of having home ice in the Eastern Conference in the Bruins’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Last night, the B’s had the opportunity to capture the Eastern Conference and its home-ice reward by beating the Panthers. In 2011, the Bruins survived grueling Game 7 wins at home to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning before winning the Cup in Vancouver.
“Things like this matter and you saw it the year we won those few times being at home in Game 7s,” said Marchand. “It is a big advantage at times and we are in a good spot to start the first series.”
Nash stays out
Cassidy was hopeful Rick Nash could participate against the Panthers but elected to let him rest for the playoffs. Nash has missed the last 12 games since suffering a concussion March 17. Nash had been playing on the second line with Krejci and Jake DeBrusk before the injury and will likely be reunited in the playoffs.
“One of the toughest things when you are injured is to watch the team play, you want to be out there so bad,” said Nash.