Big, Bad Johnny Boychuk Earns Arbella Player of the Week

Defenseman Johnny Boyhuck's presence on the blue line for the Bruins in the first four games of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Sabres has been irreplaceable.

Boychuk took out a pair of Buffalo's top players in the span of two games. First, in Game 2, it was Boychuk's play on leading scorer Thomas Vanek that sent the winger crashing into the boards, causing Vanek to sprain his ankle.

Next, in Game 3, Boychuk blew up defenseman Matt Ellis with a tremendous open-ice body check, giving him a seat in the press box for Game 4 and beyond thanks to a broken nose.

Boychuk has chipped in on offense as well, as he's notched a pair of assists and has been an unyielding force in the B's zone with his physical play. The 26-year-old has stepped up this season for the injury-plagued Bruins and is proving to the organization that he has a bright future on the B's blue line for years to come.