Adam Jones Show: Bruins' McQuaid Ready For 'Fun Matchup' With Rangers
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's The Adam Jones Show on Wednesday, talking about Boston's amazing Game 7 comeback against the Toronto Maple Leafs and their upcoming series against the New York Rangers.
The Bruins nearly let a 3-1 series lead slip away, but pulled off an amazing comeback in the third period of Game 7, tying things up with three goals in the final 10 minutes to force overtime. Patrice Bergeron scored in overtime to give the B's the series, and now they face off against the Rangers -- a team similar to the Bruins but one they haven't played since February 12.
"It's been awhile since we played them, and they have made some changes with quite a few new faces," said McQuaid. "They have a little more depth than the last time we saw them. They're always a hard-working team that plays strong defense, has great goaltending, and they can really play a physical game. It's going to be a fun matchup that way; I think it's going to be a great matchup between the two teams."
Read: Bruins-Rangers Predictions
The Bruins have to make a few changes themselves, with defensemen Andrew Ference and Dennis Seidenberg both hurting. It's unclear if Seidenberg will be in the lineup for Thursday night's Game 1, but McQuaid and the Bruins are hoping young blue liners like Dougie Hamilton, Matt Bartkowski and Torey Krug can pick up the slack if needed.
"It's no secret that (Seidenberg and Ference) are all big parts of our team; veteran guys that have a lot of leadership. When that situation arises you have to just go with it," said McQuaid. "It's an opportunity for other guys to step up and play more. You saw that with Bartkowski and Hamilton; both guys came in and played excellent (in Game 7) and really stepped up. It's just an opportunity for other guys to play more and not necessarily fill in for other guys, but it's something we have to do as a group."
Hurley: Tight, Hard-Fought Games Expected Between Bruins-Rangers
McQuaid was paired with Krug at practice on Wednesday, and has confidence the 22-year-old will step up if his number is called.
"He's a very capable player and we have a lot of confidence in him," he said. "He had a great year in Providence, and is a guy that is pretty smart and can move the puck. He's a guy you can use on the power play, so I think he'll have no problem jumping in and picking up some of the slack with the other guys."
Listen to Adam Jones' entire interview with Adam McQuaid, where the B's defenseman shares his thoughts on being a finalist for the NHL's Masterton Award:
