The Bruins are just one win away from the Stanley Cup Final, which is obviously the good news. The bad news, however, is that the B’s will have to continue their quest for the Cup without one of their core players.
Gregory Campbell put himself in harm’s way in the B’s Game 3 win on Wednesday night, and it cost him. Campbell sold out to block an Evgeni Malkin slap shot and ended up breaking his leg in the process. Unsurprisingly, Campbell’s season is over.
Campbell is rightfully getting praise for his willingness to do so, but the conversation will start shifting toward what the B’s will do in replacing Campbell in the lineup.
One option would be to insert Kaspars Daugavins into the lineup. The former Ottawa Senators forward hasn’t played since Game 1 of the first round, but he does give the Bruins penalty-killing depth, which they’ll need in the absence of Campbell. It would also allow for some simple lineup shuffling on Claude Julien‘s part.
Another option is to go with youngster Jordan Caron. He’s been around the block a time or two with the Bruins, and he got some playoff experience last season with the B’s. He’s also the freshest of the Bruins’ options after he just finished the season with Providence just a little more than a week ago.
You could also make the case for someone like Jay Pandolfo. He’s a veteran who’s been here before, and like Daugavins, he’s an experienced penalty killer. Then again, he’s 36 years old and he hasn’t played in a game since April 6. Another long shot might be Carl Soderberg. He’s probably the most skilled option, but he has virtually no NHL experience making him a risky choice.
Who should replace Campbell in the Bruins’ lineup? Vote below.
