B's Krejci Sits Out

  The Boston Bruins will miss star forward David Krejci tonight in North Carolina as the Boston Bruins take on the Carolina Hurricanes in their fourth game of the year.The Hurricanes are looking for their first win as the Bruins seek a 500 record as the defending champs are 1-2-0 in their first three games of the year.

  The downer news of Krejci’s injury came the same of the team’s uplifting press release of Rich Peverley’s contract extension of three years.

  David Krejci, 25, had started the season off well having scored one goal on six shots through the first three games of the year. Krejci appeared in 75 games in the regular season last year with the Bruins and recorded 13 goals and 49 assists for 62 points with a +23 rating. His team’s Stanley Cup chase was an obvious success with Krejci leading the way behind goaltender Tim Thomas. In 25 games he netted 12 goals and 23 points – best in the 2010-2011 playoffs, earning him the right to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup.

  The extent of the injury is yet to be disclosed, but the ramifications could be hard felt even by the star filled Bruins lineup.

  During a five on five practice yesterday, the Czech forward suddenly stopped skating and hunched over in pain. The injury looked to be to the leg as it appeared he caught an edge on the ice.

“I can’t really tell you the severity of it now,” head coach Claude Julien said after practice. “He’s being looked at.”

  Though details are not released, it has been revealed he will in fact miss tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. His return date is unknown as well, as team medical staff continue to evaluate the situation. Krejci will be re-evaluated later this week and will then be determined as fit or unfit to play against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

“If he’s hurt, it’s not good,” said linemate Milan Lucic. “He’s a big part of this team and a big part of our line. He makes myself better, he makes Hortie (Nathan Horton) better, and the three of us have created a special kind of character."

“Last year, I think he was able to elevate his game to a new level, which in turn allowed us to elevate our game as a line. In my eyes, he definitely can be and is the most effective forward on our team. It’s a pleasure to be out there with him. If he’s hurt, it’s a big loss, but we have guys who are capable of stepping in and doing a good job.”

  The likely man to step in is the young sophomore Tyler Seguin. The 2nd overall draft pick of 2010 has started the season off right with three assists and a +2 rating through three games this year. Seguin played center through most of the preseason, and is poised to step up and deliver for the team.

  With or without Krejci in the immediate future, the Bruins are solid and poised for a return to the Finals this year, but there is not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that the B’s are stronger with him in the lineup.

- Kendall Grubbs