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Krug On Gresh & Zo: I Won't Have A Job Long If I Don't Produce Offense

BOSTON (CBS) - Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins joined Gresh and Zolak for his weekly appearance Wednesday afternoon. The 22-year-old explained why the team is playing better as of late, why he signed with the Bruins as a free agent and why it's so imperative for him to be productive on offense.

The Bruins beat the Tampa Bay Lightning at home Monday afternoon by a score of 3-0,which made it three in a row for the hometown team.

But prior to the win streak the B's struggled mightily and were defeated in four of their five previous games - most notably losing in a shootout to Dallas and their former first round pick Tyler Seguin.

Goucher: 'Ironic' That Seguin, Peverley Top Bruins

Krug credits the coaching staff and team leadership for getting them out of that funk.

"The coaching staff got on us a bit, and it was good that they brought it to our attention. They said the hockey we were playing wasn't acceptable," said Krug. "We have great leadership in the room, and our leaders did a great job of pulling the guys together and making sure we got out of that little funk."

Read: 'Behind The B' Provides Glimpse Of Bruins' Wealth Of Locker Room Leadership

The guys asked Krug about his relationship with fellow rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski, and he said they are similar in that they both try to use speed to their advantage. They're both good friends off the ice, which contributes to having chemistry on the ice.

Krug is tied for the league lead in goals for a defenseman at six, and one of the questions Gresh asked the Michigan native was about the expectations he has for himself in regards to offensive production.

"Producing as a defenseman for me personally is something that I have to do in order to maintain my spot in the lineup because I'm a smaller guy," said Krug.

"A 5' 9" guy that just plays defense isn't going to sit very well in the NHL, they're just going to go out and find a guy that's 6' 4" and can play defense.  I have to make myself a little bit special, so I bring that offensive dynamic to my game. I have to produce."

Torey Krug had a stellar career as an amateur at Michigan State but went unselected in the 2012 draft. Because of his accolades at Michigan State, Krug was one of the more highly sought after free agents and could've signed with any NHL team he wanted.

Krug: Boston 'Eats, Sleeps And Breathes Hockey'

Krug explained why he decided to sign with Boston today on Gresh & Zo, saying he was drawn to the Bruins because of their Stanley Cup expectations - adding that he wants to win as many as he can before he's done playing.

For the full interview, listen below:

Torey Krug

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