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The Boston Globe from Boston, Massachusetts • C5

Publication:
The Boston Globei
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Issue Date:
Page:
C5
Extracted Article Text (OCR)

The Boston Globe C5 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 JIM DAVISGLOBE STAFF Valuable Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk injured his leg in the third period and had to be helped off the ice. Khudobin ready to fill void "I'm feeling pretty good," McQuaid said. "Every day's getting better and better. The last couple days have been a big difference just in my eye and the swelling. A couple days, it was swollen shut there.

It's coming around good." McQuaid assumed some of the responsibility for Chimera's hit. McQuaid had tracked down a puck along the wall, then attempted to reverse the puck and turned just as Chimera connected with his hit. "It's over and done with. You move on from it," McQuaid said. "I probably didn't help the situation with the way I kind of turned.

He was coming in with a lot of speed and on a change. There wasn't much of a holdup. I was reading him coming in at more of an angle than coming on straight down. Just move on." It's quite anight for Krug By Jason Mastrodonato GLOBE CORRESPONDENT Suddenly, Torey Krug found himself under the spotlight. Flashes of color began flying across TD Garden, the music started playing, and the sellout crowd of 17,565 was in full force.

And then the 5-foot-9-inch defense-man, who was not drafted by teams wary of his size but was signed by the Bruins as a free agent, stepped out for his first NHL shift, losing himself in the pace of the game for a few brief moments while he watched his dream come true. The Bruins lost, 5-3, to the Penguins Tuesday night, but Krug, who skipped his senior season at Michigan State and signed with Boston March 25, didn't disappoint in his debut. "I thought he did a great job," said Tyler Seguin, who is nine months younger than Krug and remains the baby on the Bruins roster, though he said he's taken Krug under his wing. "He's not walking in against any average of the pack team, he's going against one of the top teams in the league. And he seemed pretty cool about it." Krug's first shift was a bit clumsy, with a few errors coach Claude Julien said were more than understandable.

Paired with Johnny Boychuk, Krug jumped off the bench and immediately found himself in the thick of things. The Penguins were attacking in the Bruins' zone, and the puck fell to Krug's stick. He froze for a second, then made a failed attempt at a clearance. "You can see him in the defensive zone trying to think about how to play in our system," said Julien. "And sometimes, maybe there was a fraction of a second delay, which is totally normal.

But once he had to do it, he went." Krug seemed composed as he logged more than 18 minutes of ice time. When the Bruins were aggressively trying to make a third-period comeback, Krug was the only defenseman left behind the blue line and he intercepted a clearance that could've left the Penguins with a three-on-none. It's hard to quantify the value of this experience for Krug, whose status for the final two regular-season games remains unknown (he cannot compete in the postseason since he was signed after the trade deadline). But considering the Bruins could spend as much as $2.5 million on Krug over the three years of his entry-level contract, and they burned one year of that deal by suiting him up Tuesday night, Krug is a developmental investment the Bruins appear happy to make. "It's not a bad thing, because he gets the experience to play at this level, and to play at this level right now is pretty good," Julien said, stressing the importance of these late-season games.

"And we get to see him not just fresh into training camp, but having played a full season at Michigan State and coming in in the best of shape that he can be in right now. We're seeing him at his best and we're seeing some of the hockey at its best, so it's a great way to evaluate a player right now." Count Milan Lucie as impressed. "He made some good strong plays at the puck and he took his shots at the net when he had them," Lucie said. "I definitely see a lot of potential in his game." And after one of the biggest days of Krug's life, with teammates singing his praises around the locker room, he was asked if he was pleased with his performance. "I'm most upset that we lost," he said.

"The expectations here are to win and we have to fine-tune it before playoffs." It seems he'll fit in just fine. NHL ROUNDUP Rangers clinch top seed ASSOCIATED PRESS Ryan Callahan and Artem Anisimov scored as part of a four-goal first period, and the New York Rangers clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 1994 with a 5-3 win over the Flyers Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The Rangers are tops in the East for the first time since Mark Messier led them to their last Stanley Cup championship 18 years ago. The Rangers, who lead the overall NHL standings with 109 points, are assured of home-ice advantage until at least the Stanley Cup finals. The Rangers are atop the East thanks to a stunning series sweep of the Atlantic Division-rival Flyers.

They went 6-0 against Philadelphia for the first time in 40 years. Ryan McDonagh and Brian Boyle also scored to help the Rangers storm to a 4-0 lead. Marian Gaborik added his 41st goal, and Henrik Lundqvist earned his career-best 39th victory. Lundqvist solidified his Vezi-na Trophy credentials with 37 saves in his milestone victory. Sabres 6, Maple Leafs 5 Derek Roy scored a power-play goal with 1:31 left in overtime to cap a frantic comeback that kept host Buffalo's playoff hopes firmly alive with a win over Toronto.

Jets 5, Panthers 4 Andrew Ladd scored two goals, including the winner 3:12 into overtime, to give visiting Winnipeg a victory that kepf Florida from clinching the Southeast Division title. Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 Brandon Sutter and Tuomo Ruu-tu scored and Cam Ward made 38 saves to lead Carolina in Ottawa. Predators 2, Wild 1 Alexander Radulov scored the lone goal in the shootout, and host Nashville edged Minnesota to reach 100 points for the second time in three seasons. Sharks 5, Stars 2 Logan Cou-ture's power-play goal put his team in front late in the second period after T.J. Galiardi got the tying goal earlier in the period, and San Jose won in Dallas in a matchup of teams fighting for one of the final Western Conference playoff spots.

Devils 3, Islanders 1 Travis Zajac broke a tie early in the second period with a power-play goal and host New Jersey inched closer to nailing down at least the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over New York. Coyotes 2, Blue Jackets Mike Smith stopped 54 shots and earned his third straight shutout in host Phoenix's victory over Columbus. Canucks 5, Ducks 4 Maxim Lapierre's shootout goal got past Anaheim's Jonas Hiller in the third round to lift Vancouver over the visiting Ducks. Alexandre Burrows scored a pair of goals for the Canucks.

Milbury sorry for comments ASSOCIATED PRESS Hockey analyst Mike Milbury apologized Tuesday for critical comments made about Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Labeling Crosby "a punk," Milbury, the former Bruins coach, criticized the Pittsburgh center on a Philadelphia radio station Monday. He called out Crosby for his role in instigating a brawl Sunday between the Penguins and Flyers. "In hindsight, I realize what I said was inappropriate and wrong, and I want to apologize to the Penguins organization and their fans," Milbury said Milbury called Crosby "little goody two shoes" and also referred to "his 35th concussion." Crosby, 24, said Tuesday before the Penguins played in Boston that he's not sure what provoked Milbury's tirade. The former MVP has been limited to 19 games over the last 15 months because of concussions.

"I don't know what he's looking for, if he's looking for attention," Crosby said. "He's pretty good at twisting things around, that's for sure." Goalie's status hinges on Rask's recovery By Fluto Shinzawa GLOBE STAFF On Tuesday, Anton Khudobin stepped onto TD Garden ice for the first time this season as a full-fledged Bruin, serving as Marty Turco's backup. Had luck gone Khudo- BRUINS NOTEBOOK bin's way last month, he would have made his 2011-12 season debut far sooner. On March 3, Tuukka Rask suffered a lower abdomengroin strain. As Providence's No.

1 goalie, Khudobin should have been recalled immediately to back up Tim Thomas and see some NHL action. But on Feb. 25, Khudobin suffered an injury of his own. During a game against Bridgeport, Khudobin injured his wrist while trying to fling away a puck. Instead of being promoted to Boston, Khudobin was shelved for nearly a month.

Khudobin didn't play again until March 23 against Manchester. "Of course. I've been waiting for this call," said Khudobin when asked if he were frustrated with the timing of his injury. "I'm really happy to be here. I just was getting ready there.

I was getting practice and games. Playing good and playing well." Khudobin served as the No. 3 goalie during last year's playoff run. When the Bruins opted to rest Thomas, Khudobin stepped in to be a go-to practice goalie. The current role for Khudobin (pronounced who-doe-bin) hinges on Rask's condition.

The Bruins projected Rask would miss 4-6 weeks, most likely closer to the latter. Given that timeframe, Rask would not have been available to dress as Thomas's backup to start the first round. But Rask is progressing ahead of schedule. He has been ramping up his off-ice workouts and is expected to resume skating this week. If Rask can get back to NHL form at playoff pace, no less he could be in uniform for Game 1 of the playoffs.

If Rask isn't ready, that task will fall to Khudobin. Turco is not eligible for postseason play, having signed his one-year contract after the Feb. 27 trade deadline. "We've got to see where Tuukka is," said coach Claude Julien. "If Tuukka's not ready, then Anton's got to be ready because Marty can't play in the playoffs.

That's clear to us. That's clear to Khudobin. The way Tuukka's going right now, he's heading in the right direction. Where we're going to be in a week and a half, I really don't know." With Rask's uncertain status, Khudobin most likely will get some action. Thomas, out of uniform against Pittsburgh, could get the nod on Thursday against Ottawa, the Bruins' most likely first-round opponent.

Khudobin's best opportunity would JIM DAVISGLOBE A young fan in the front row enjoys the second-period brawl between Anderew Ference and the Penguins' James Neal. be Saturday's regular-season finale against Buffalo. The Bruins are locked in to the No. 2 seed. "Tuukka's maybe getting ready to play.

Maybe not," Khudobin said. "I'm doing my job right now and practicing every day. Today, I had practice. Game, tomorrow practice. I'm just living every day." McQuaid feeling better Adam McQuaid missed his third straight game because of a cut over his left eye suffered March 27, when Jason Chimera steamrolled the defenseman into the end boards.

McQuaid participated in Tuesday's morning skate wearing a shield. He usually plays without a visor. Penguins 5, Bruins 3 at TD Garden FIRST PERIOD Penalty BOSTON, Krejci (delay of game) :28. Penalty BOSTON, Lucie (roughing) 7:20. Penalty Pittsburgh, Neal (roughing) 7:20.

Pittsburgh 1, BOSTON 0 Crosby 6 (Dupuis, Letang) 7:41. Pittsburgh 2, BOSTON 0 Martin 2 (Kennedy, Letang) 14:58. Pittsburgh 2, BOSTON 1 Poul iot 15 (Kelly, Rolston) 16:57. SECOND PERIOD Pittsburgh 2, BOSTON 2 Lucie 25 (Krejci, Peverley) :18. Penalty -BOSTON, Paille(charging) 17:20.

Penalty BOSTON, Peverley (high-sticking) 17:29. Pittsburgh 3, BOSTON 2 Neal 40 (Kunitz, Crosby) 18:11 (pp). Penalty BOSTON, Ference, major(fighting) 18:27. Penalty Pittsburgh, Neal, major(fighting) 18:27. Pittsburgh 4, BOSTON 2 Crosby 7 (Letang, Malkin) 18:59 (PP).

THIRD PERIOD Pittsburgh 5, BOSTON 2 Asham 5 (Adams, Vitale) 6:15. Pittsburgh 5, BOSTON 3 Peverley 11 (Lucie, Krejci) 8:04. Penalty Pittsburgh, Crosby (delay of game) 10:21. Penalty BOSTON, Chara (tripping) 19:30. SCORE BY PERIOD Pittsburgh 2 2 1-5 BOSTON 1 11-3 SHOTS ON GOAL Pittsburgh 10 11 6 27 BOSTON 13 7 9 29 Power plays: Pittsburgh 2-4; BOSTON 0-1.

Goalies: Pittsburgh, Johnson 5-7-2 (29 shots-26 saves). BOSTON, Turco 2-2-0 (27-22). Referees: Marc Joannette, Paul Devorski. Linesmen Jean Morin, Brad Lazarowich. Attendance: 17,565 Time: 2:28.

"You don't have a choice," Julien said. "Malkin and Crosby are in tonight from their end of it. Letang's in, and he's had his fair share of injuries. You've got to play. This is our job.

We've got to do our job. There's no doubt you want to minimize ice time. You'd like to keep guys out. But you can't keep them all out. It's something that happens.

You're going to try and avoid it. You do the best you can." If Boychuk has to miss time, the Bruins have some options. Assuming good health for everybody else, Joe Corvo and Mike Mottau are projected to be healthy scratches to start the playoffs. As a right-shot defenseman, Corvo could be the first option. Of all the players who could understand Boychuk's situation, it is Turco.

The veteran goaltender might have made his final start as a Bruin. Turco is not eligible to play in the playoffs because he signed after the Feb. 27 trade deadline. Turco, staring down the deadly Pittsburgh assault, saw five pucks hit the back of the net, two on the power play. and two to and his I STAFF No decisions The Bruins will travel to Ottawa Wednesday afternoon and take on the Senators Thursday.

It could be a preview of the first round of the playoffs. However, the Bruins have not determined whether they will feature their top guns. In the wake of Johnny Boychuk's leg injury, the Bruins could opt to leave some of their lead dogs at home to give them some rest. "We can either go there, bring your A team, and say, 'OK, let's make a statement "Julien said. "Or you can risk injuries and not have that same statement when the playoffs start.

Or you can go about it the other way, too. It doesn't mean you don't go there, play hard, and make a statement. But the team we will bring there is something we can decide on whether we want to bring our full squad, or leave some guys behind. That's something we'll certainly do before we leave tomorrow." Seguin honored Tyler Seguin was given the NESN Seventh Player Award Jordan Caron didn't play because of flu-like symptoms Gregory Campbell was back in the lineup. He didn't play against the Rangers.

The day before, Campbell was hobbling after blocking a shot Although Julien will rest players and reduce workloads in the remaining regular-season games, he is not intent on flushing away any of his team's momentum. "We're a team that, for two months, struggled to get consistency," Julien said. "Now we're starting to get it. We certainly don't want to let it go. We want to keep playing as well as we can." Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawaglobe.com.

Follow him on Twitter GhbeFluto. Crosby led the attack with two goals one assist. Letang assisted on three goals. The score was tied at 2-2 in the second. Benoit Pouliot and Milan Lucie scored to wipe out a 2-0 deficit.

But the Penguins broke through with power-play strikes within 48 seconds take a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes. Asham Rich Peverley traded goals in the third. "It's been tremendous," Turco said of month with the Bruins. "I've been around for a bit. I can't say that disappointment's been much part of my time here.

I've been fortunate to have an opportunity. I'm truly grateful for my family and for what the Boston Bruins gave me when things seemed pretty bleak. You want to play great. You want to show them and anyone else. For the most part days, games, practices, being a good teammate I felt pretty proud of my time here so far." It has not been determined whether Turco will remain with the club during the Boychuk injured; Bruins fall to Penguins playoffs to serve as a practice goalie.

If his time is up, Turco filled a need when Tuukka Rask went down and Providence goaltender Anton Khudobin was unavailable to come up to relieve Tim Thomas. In five appearances, Turco went 2-2-0 with a 3.68 goals-against average and an .855 save percentage. Turco has not decided on his plans for next year. "The thing that really eats me when I lay down at night is what can I do for my teammates?" Turco said. "I worked like a dog to give these guys ample good goal-tending in practice right to the end for guys who weren't playing or wanted to stay out late.

I cherished that role for many reasons. It's been an interesting year, to say the least. It would have been nice to win this one tonight. No matter what, being a Boston Bruin and part of this group, I'll be going out on a high no matter what." Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawaglobe.com. Follow him on Twitter GlobeFluto.

BRUINS Continued from Page CI even be available for the start of the opening round is in question. "Seeing that happen, I instantly thought there's only two games left. In about 8-9 days, the playoffs are going to start for this group," said Marty Turco. "He's a great player for this team. We saw what he possessed for this team last year in the playoffs.

He's a big body, big shot. He played great and helped stabilize this D. It's the reason why they have plus-64 in goal differential. That's what makes this team tick. It's never good.

I'm not sure what the diagnosis is at this point. Hopefully he'll be able to play in the playoffs sooner rather than later." It is a coach's nightmare scenario. The Bruins are locked in to the No. 2 seed. They were playing a club that dressed Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, and Kris Letang, their big guns.

The Bruins' first objective was to survive the remainder of the regular season without losing any bodies..

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