TAMPA, Fla. – The Boston Bruins received a big blow with news that power-play quarterback Torey Krug won’t be available for the remainder of their second round series against the Lightning.
Krug didn’t join his teammates on the flight to Tampa after crashing into the end boards during Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss. The defenceman fell while in a puck race with Alex Killorn and had his left ankle bend awkwardly when he hit the boards skates first.
He was seen leaving TD Garden wearing a walking boot and using crutches.
"He’s still getting evaluated, but it doesn’t look good that it’ll be short term," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said Saturday afternoon.
Krug has played a big role in Boston’s success during these playoffs. The team is tops in the NHL with a 36.7 per cent success rate with the man advantage and he has assists on seven of the 11 power-play goals they’ve scored.
Krug also added three goals and two assists at even strength and was averaging three shots on goal per game in the post-season.
"It’s just tough, tough luck," said teammate David Krejci. "Especially a guy like that, he’s been having a really good season and good playoffs. You can’t replace a guy like that. But at the same time we’ve been missing lots of key players throughout the season and guys have been stepping up.
"It’s not just up to the D’s to step up, but also us forwards to help out defensively on breakouts, get open. Just play a little bit in every single position."
Nick Holden will jump into Krug’s spot alongside Adam McQuaid for Game 5.
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