Bourque On Toucher & Rich: Bruins Rookie Defensemen 'Couldn't Have Handled Situation Any Better'
The first round of the NHL playoffs brought fans 17 overtime games, and the the Bruins and Rangers are adding to that.
The Bruins and Rangers needed 15 extra minutes to decided Thursday night's Game 1, with Brad Marchand's first goal of the playoffs giving Boston a 1-0 series lead.
Bruins legend Ray Bourque called in to talk with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich about Thursday night's Game 1 win, and was impressed with the trio of young defensemen the Bruins were forced to trot out there due to injuries.
"It was great. I thought they couldn't have handled the situation any better," Bourque said of Dougie Hamilton, Torey Krug and Matt Bartkowski. "When you see Krug score with the assist from Hamilton, with both of those guys on the power play at such a young age and (showing) so much poise. They did a great job last night; they were a non-issue as far as mistakes and not doing their job. They're off to a great start."
Read: Krug Not Afraid Of Spotlight In Playoff Debut
"They look very comfortable; sometimes the lack of experience -- having no fear and going out there and doing your job -- [is a good thing]. The three looked very poised and not really starstruck with the situation."
The injuries to Dennis Seidenberg, Andrew Ference and Wade Redden also forced captain Zdeno Chara to log over 38 minutes on the ice. Should the B's be concerned about the amount of time he's playing?
"Even when they have all their guys healthy you still see him around 30 minutes, and with overtime those minutes add up," said Bourque. "Z is not one from backing off as many minutes as he can. he's in incredible shape, he's a tremendous athlete, and it's no surprise the amount of minutes he's logging since he's been here in Boston. He's been very durable in terms of minutes played, and the guy that wants that put on him to lead the way for the Bruins."
Kalman: Chara Once Again Bruins' Blue-Line Workhorse
Bourque also talks about Jaromir Jagr's struggles with the team, the Bruins' power play, and John Tortorella's coaching strategy:
