We’re a little more than halfway through the B’s season and candidates for the end-of-the-year award have stepped forward.
The Bruins will wake up on Monday in first place in the Northeast Division, but they’ve certainly had to grind things out, getting efforts every night worthy of 7th Player consideration. Brad Marchand could be the early favorite, but Bruins fans should keep Gregory Campbell in mind when the voting takes place later this season.
In Mike Lowell-like fashion, Campbell was the afterthought in an offseason deal meant to improve a lacking area for the team. The Bruins got their guy, Nathan Horton, a player many thought would help solve offensive problems experienced throughout the 2009-10 season. Aside from an early-season surge, Horton’s been inconsistent at best, while Campbell continues to surprise those who didn’t know much about him.
The 27-year-old has quietly assimilated himself in the Bruins’ locker room, and by all accounts, continues to be a good teammate. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to spark the club. For proof of that, look no further than Saturday’s win in Colorado. The B’s fell behind early on, but Campbell, as he had five times before (including his Bruins debut), dropped the gloves to spark a lethargic Bruins team. The B’s responded in kind, as the momentum shifted and Boston left the rink with an easy win.
Campbell has been a spark all year. He quickly became a key part of the Bruins’ checking line alongside Marchand and Shawn Thornton before Marchand was moved up. With Marshy gone, though, Campbell continues to play solid hockey for the B’s, giving the team four solid lines — something head coach Claude Julien surely covets.
He’s even starting to show up more and more on the stat sheet. He has 7-11-18 totals, and just recently had a three-game point streak, no small feat for someone who averages fewer than 14 minutes of ice time per game.
An initial afterthought in the trade with the Panthers, Horton has exceeded most expectations for his play. His willingness to get his hands dirty prove he’s more than ready to go beyond the call of duty. In a season that’s seen unexpected contributions from Marchand and even Tim Thomas, Campbell may miss out on the 7th Player Award, but that shouldn’t diminish his contributions.
If the season ended today, who would you vote for as the Bruins 7th Player Award? Share your thoughts below.
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Who would you vote for as Bruins 7th Player Award if season ended today?online surveys
