Wotherspoon gets fast feel for playoffs
TORONTO — Parker Wotherspoon’s
adrenaline was pumping pretty good prior to his first career playoff appearance Wednesday.
After his initial shift, the Bruins defenseman needed his blood to start pumping as well.
Wotherspoon dropped to the ice in pain after absorbing Joel Edmundson’s
stinging slapper to his left leg near the right faceoff dot.
As teammates Trent Frederic and Danton Heinen checked in on him, Wotherspoon told them to hold off on calling the trainers. He just needed a moment to gather himself.
“I couldn’t move there for a second, so I was like, ‘Oh man, first shift,’ "Wotherspoon said ahead of Saturday’s 3-1 Game 4 win that gave Boston a 3-1 lead over Toronto in the best-of-seven first-round series. “I couldn’t believe it, but I just needed some blood to rush to it and then I was good to go.”
Wotherspoon shook it off on the bench and logged 19:10 of ice time Wednesday, blocking three shots and delivering three hits in Boston’s 4-2 win.
“It was a fun game,” he said. “We got the win, so that was huge. Personally, I just need to get a little more comfortable in there and play with more confidence and having that first one under your belt helps a lot.”
After the game, Wotherspoon was presented with the unofficial ‘Player of the Game,’ jacket, a much-coveted oldschool classic leather number that went to Johnny Beecher after Game 1.
“It was awesome. It’s great. It’s a great honor. Feels good,” said Wotherspoon.
While he acknowledged there were some pregame butterflies, he got over them quickly.
“There were some nerves for sure, this is real-deal hockey,” he said. “I was definitely nervous, but exciting nerves, nothing like scary nerves.”
Wotherspoon was paired with Kevin Shattenkirk and said the veteran was a calming presence before and during the game.
“He had a few good words for me and he’s so easy to play with,” said Wotherspoon. “I know he’s going to be there for me if I messed up. And same thing, we have a good relationship off the ice. So, he’s, he’s been through it all. He’s won a Cup. He’s a beauty too, I love him.”
Wotherspoon is being counted on to help fill the void and the minutes of Andrew Peeke, who was injured in Game 2 and is not expected back for this series.
It’s an ironic twist because Wotherspoon often found himself the odd man out after the club acquired Peeke at the trade deadline. Because the Bruins defensive corps is deep, Wotherspoon said he always prepared as if his number would be called.
“I’m not trying to think too much because I just know my instincts will take over and when I play my game, I’m confident in what I can do. I just keep it simple,” he said. “We’re all here to win, so it doesn’t really matter. The big thing was just staying ready. I think everyone does a pretty good job of that around here.”
Wotherspoon plays a physical game with an understated snarl. He doesn’t shy away from sticking his nose into any situation, particularly when opponents come sniffing around the crease. He’ll pin a guy against the boards at any point, including during those post-whistle dust-ups.
He also played a pivotal role on the penalty kill, playing nearly four minutes as the Bruins blanked the Maple Leafs (0 for 5). Toronto is 1 for 14 on the power play after going 0 for 3 in Game 4.
“Honestly they just have a lot of firepower, so we’re just trying to take away as much as possible, get in those lanes, force bad shots as much as you can,” said Wotherspoon, whose parents were on hand for Saturday night’s game. “Obviously, they’re going to get their chances, it’s really just about limiting those.” Nylander good to go
William Nylander made his series debut after the Maple Leafs star winger (40 goals, 98 points) missed the first three games, reportedly because of migraine headaches, though he refused to confirm that to reporters — “that’s personal,” he said.
“He’s a key player for their team,” said Shattenkirk. “He’s lethal. He can score [and] make plays. He gives added firepower to those top two lines. He’s someone that you definitely have to worry about and have to plan for. We’re certainly aware of that and know what he can do. We have to make it as uncomfortable as possible for him.”
Nylander, who had three shots in 18:28 of ice time, bumped Connor Dewar to the sideline, while defenseman TJ Brodie also played his first game of the series in place of Timothy Liljegren.
Maple Leafs defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin was in the lineup after spending 30 hours in California for the birth of his daughter, Stephania.
Sticking with Swayman
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery
changed up his goalie rotation and went with Jeremy Swayman in net after his 28-save performance in Game 3. After making 24 saves Saturday, Swayman has seven straight wins against the Maple Leafs, including four 30-plus save performances . . . The rest of the Bruins lineup remained the same as Game 3 . . . Wingers Jakub Lauko and Justin Brazeau, defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort, and goalie Brandon Bussi worked out well after the morning skate with assistant coach John McLean
. . . Song of the night: “Never Gonna
Give You Up (Escape from Newton
Mix),” by Rick Astley.