BOSTON — Bruins winger Matt Fraser became an instant Stanley Cup playoff hero when he scored the decisive goal in overtime of Boston’s series-evening Game 4 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
Unbeknownst to Bruins fans, though, was that the 23-year-old was playing with a broken right foot.
Fraser revealed Friday during the Bruins’ break-up day at TD Garden that he broke his foot after blocking a shot in the AHL playoffs with the Providence Bruins. He was walking with crutches Friday and might need surgery to repair the injury.
In addition to his overtime winner in Game 4, Fraser picked up an assist on Loui Eriksson’s goal in Game 5. He fit in seamlessly with third-line forwards Carl Soderberg and Eriksson with his physical style of play, speed and willingness to play defense. Bruins head coach Claude Julien even had enough faith in Fraser to give him ice time at the end of Game 5 when the Bruins were trying to hold off a Canadiens comeback.
Fraser’s success in Round 2 certainly will motivate him for next season, when he hopes to not only make the Bruins roster but also contribute consistently.
“It’s nice going into the summer knowing you can play,” Fraser said. “At the same time, you don’t want to be a guy that’s just a one-hit wonder. I take my summers really seriously with training, and when I come back, I want to push to make this team, and I want to not only make this team but be a contributor.”
