Tag Archives: Cassidy

Adam Mcquaid’s Return Could Help the Bruins More Than You’d Think

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The issue with being a shut-down defenseman is that they’re often-times underappreciated. Today’s NHL showcases more skill and speed than ever before, and the fans will always be more drawn to the big-name players. This makes the stay-at-home guys even more prone to flying under the radar, but let’s not forget about Adam McQuaid. He was sidelined for three months after breaking his fibula, but the return of the fourth longest tenured Bruin could help the team down the stretch.

McQuaid’s Intangibles

Standing at 6’4- 212lbs, the Cornwall, Prince Edward Island native has always been one to lay the body and protect the front of the net. He’s absolutely tough as nails and has racked up 51 fights at the NHL level. He can throw hands with just about anybody in the league, and it shows in his record.

According to www.hockeyfights.com, he’s a career 49-9-20 between his time in the OHL, AHL, and NHL. The fans also love that he never wastes time getting in the punches. With fighting gradually becoming less and less prevalent we often see two guys square up, latch on, and tap out after 15 seconds of nothing. McQuaid’s more into the run and gun approach, and the second he’s toe to toe the hands are flying. Some of his more notable take downs even include guys like Matt Martin, Nikita Zadorov, and John Scott. Having the willingness to scrap heavyweights like this is respectable enough, but having the ability to come out on top is beyond impressive.

Playstyle

Although McQuaid’s style of play is centered around toughness and physicality he’s also proven his defensive worth. His career plus-60 rating is highlighted by his efforts during the Bruins Stanley cup winning season. He finished his rookie season as a plus-30 and was a pleasant surprise throughout the cup run. His career rating is even more impressive considering that he isn’t out on the ice for many goals for, emphasizing how little he is on for goals against. Coach Bruce Cassidy describes him as “a hard-nosed defensive defenseman who can make a good first-pass decision”.

Cassidy continued to mention McQuaid’s presence in the locker room, adding that “he’s a great guy. His teammates all love him (and) he’s a big part of our identity”. Fellow defenseman Kevan Miller has also praised McQuaid’s company in the locker-room. “He’s just a great person, but an even better teammate” Miller says. “He’ll block a shot and do anything for the team”.

 

Oct 5, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) attempts to block a shot by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith (2) during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Penalty Kill

He’s also been a key piece of the Bruins’ penalty kill throughout his entire career. The best penalty killers are usually those who exhibit the most tenacity and fearlessness, which is right up McQuaid’s alley. This led to his broken fibula after being on the receiving end of a Ben Hutton slap-shot. But McQuaid isn’t going to change his game. “I don’t see anything changing”, he said. “I can choose between getting hurt every once in a while and missing some time, or playing a different style and probably not playing at all”.

McQuaid’s game does have its flaws. He’s most effective when he keeps things simple, and at times he tries to do too much. This has led to some costly turnovers over the years, leaving fans frustrated. He also won’t produce much offense, with a career high of just 15 points. But I’ve said throughout the year that the Bruins are winning because of their combination of skill and toughness. McQuaid’s return will only add to that. He’s a perfect second or third pair defenseman who will do anything for the team. He’ll eat up 18 minutes a night and will continue to be reliable on the penalty-kill. Just his mentality and veteran presence alone should help the Bruins down the stretch.

 

Cover image courtesy of CBS Boston.

Is It Panic Time For The Bruins?

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Two nights, two completely different outcomes. After an impressive showing in Arizona, the Bruins had a chance to gain some momentum heading back to Boston. Instead, the Bruins layed a massive egg and were shut down by former teammate Malcolm Subban. It wasn’t like Subban was tested that much, the Bruins couldn’t get it going offensively.

The lackluster showing in Vegas concluded a frustrating and disappointing roadtrip. The Bruins looked lifeless in the first period, barely generating anything offensively. Another slow start for the Bruins is  alarming. The entire reason for a coaching change was the slow starts, which have thus far continued under Cassidy.

The five games the Bruins have won looked impressive. When they have lost, it has been ugly and alarming. While some growing pains can be expected with a young transitiong club, the Bruins haven’t shown much growth. Both Vegas and Colorado outworked Boston, and neither teams are world beaters.

The Bruins return home to the Garden lacking an identity and the ability to execute. Should fans be pushing the panic button? The short answer is no– they’re only five games into an eighty-two game schedule. If the Bruins don’t look alive soon though, get ready to smash that button.

The offensive struggles have been obvious. Time and time again the Bruins have wasted the few scoring chances they have been able to generate. They lack execution. Sunday against Vegas emphasized this, as the Bruins kept firing shots wide, or directly into Subbans chest protector. It appeared every one of the Bruins forwards thought they were Wayne Gretzky. The Bruins desperately need to simplify their offensive approach. Get the puck and move it to the open. Make simple plays first, then expand to a more dynamic offensive approach.

For a team struggling offensively, it would be nice to have an explosive offensive defenseman with a cannon for a shot. The Bruins let their cannon, Colin Miller, leave in the expansion draft, because Kevin Miller and Adam McQuad were so valuable. While Colin Miller was firing rockets all afternoon, Kevin Miller was making brutal turnovers that led to a goal.

While the Bruins have only played a hand full of games, the philosophy and decision making of the organization should have Bruins fans ready to panic. Getting Bergeron and Backes back from injury isn’t going to fix the core problems of the Bruins. Both players have shown signs of decline, and have many miles under them.

The potential for a lost season seems much greater now, Boston looks lifeless this season.