Veteran Defensive Help Arrives Just In Time For Bruins' Toughest Stretch Of Season
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins defensive corps needed an upgrade. They needed something. That 35-year-old John-Michael Liles provided a solid upgrade in the backend of the Bruins D is more of a statement on how poor they have been in that department this season, but the defenseman nonetheless gives the defense a boost in experience and mobility, even if the 13-year veteran has lost a step.
Liles may not be a big help, but he's help. And he's arrived just in time for the toughest stretch of the season for the Bruins.
Thursday night brings the defending Stanley champion Chicago Blackhawks into the TD Garden. The 'Hawks should be considered the favorite to repeat as champs after adding Andrew Ladd before the trade deadline and bringing in other depth pieces like Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann from Montreal. On Saturday, the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals come to the Garden.
Liles acknowledged both teams' wealth of talent and depth when asked about their forwards.
"Take your pick ... Any of the lines on either of those two teams and they've got some dangerous players," said Liles. "We've just got to be aware of who [we're] on the ice against and where you're making your puck decisions."
Puck movement and mobility are Liles' strong suits, which complements him well with Adam McQuaid, his defensive partner Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames. He has been prone to over-thinking things in the defensive end, but hopefully he makes good first passes, creates some quick breakouts, and "make [the Blackhawks] earn their scoring chances," he said.
Liles said his communication with McQuaid felt good and he's feeling better now that he has his first game under his belt. He will need to bring his A-game, along with the rest of the Bruins defense, to have a chance at beating Chicago or Washington.
After the next two games, the Bruins go on the road against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, and starting March 15 they go on a west coast road trip against the Sharks, Ducks, and Kings, before heading back east to face the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Liles may not be the top-pairing defenseman the Bruins need, but he can only make the defense better, and he comes just in time for a venerable murderer's row of opponents.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
