PROVIDENCE, RI – The halfway point in the regular season occurred last weekend in Worcester for the Providence Bruins, giving the team an opportunity to reflect on a series of ups and downs — and an above-average share of player turnover.
Photo by Thomas Chace
Since last season, Providence has developed several players for its parent Boston club who will not be returning any time soon — including Byron Bitz, Tuukka Rask, David Krejci, Matt Hunwick, Johnny Boychuck, and Vladimir Sobotka. All have been playing substantial NHL minutes.
Providence has also lost the services of Brad Marchand, Trent Whitfield, Guillaume Lefebvre, Mikko Lehtonen, Adam McQuaid, and Andy Wozniewski on call-ups by the Boston Bruins throughout the season.
Marchand, the only Providence player to average nearly a point a game, has been sidelined with a torn tendon in his foot, the result of a freak encounter with an opponent’s skate blade in mid-December. He was expected to miss up to eight weeks of play.
Many other veteran and young players have been given professional try-outs this season, but no one has has emerged as a regular. Recently returning from injury was QMJHL scoring champion, Yannick Riendeau. Riendeau captured an assist in his first
Photo by Thomas Chace
Head coach, Rob Murray stated that “he’s on the power play, and that’s where he’ll be successful. The fans can’t expect miracles out of this kid. He’s gonna be a good player, but you’ve got to be patient with him. It’s his first professional game; no exhibition games, no training camp, no anything and these games are more difficult after Christmas.”
The Bruins are having great difficulty scoring goals. Their leading scorer, Mikko Lehtonen, has just 30 points, including 11 goals to lead the team. Their total of 101 goals is second to last in the Eastern Conference only ahead of the Adirondack Phantoms, whom they defeated at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Jan. 8, 3-1.
Through 41 games the Providence Bruins have 40 points, including nearly identical home and road records, a true reflection of their season. Their season’s longest winning streak of five games was interrupted by Marchland’s injury, resulting in the team losing six of their next seven contests. However, they are in almost every game, with solid goaltending provided by NHL veteran Dany Sabourin. Sabourin has
Photo by Thomas Chace
The Bruins hope to gain more of an identify and the needed confidence as the second half of the season begins. With the addition of Riendeau and a healthy Brad Marchand, the Bruins could see a bump in their scoring, but will it be enough? They are halfway there, but where are they going? That’s the question for this team.
Contact thomas.chace@prohockeynews.com
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