Helmetless Krug sparks Bruins with large hit

1:07 AM ET

Emily KaplanESPN

BOSTON — Boston Bruins veterans know that the Stanley Cup Closing will probably be a bodily collection, and maybe no person set the tone higher in Recreation 1 than 5-foot-9 defenseman Torey Krug.

After tangling with St. Louis Blues ahead David Perron by his personal internet within the third interval, Krug misplaced his helmet and — in a spotlight of Boston’s Four-2 win over the Blues on Monday evening — skated the size of the ice together with his hair flowing. Krug then delivered an enormous hit on Blues rookie Robert Thomas. The defenseman soared within the air on his means down, momentarily evoking the enduring picture of Bruins legend Bobby Orr, although in a a lot totally different context.

“Effectively, he received a haircut a pair days in the past,” teammate David Pastrnak stated. “So he was wanting fairly good.”

After the sport, Krug stated Perron “ripped [the helmet] off my head.”

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The 28-year-old stated he didn’t hit his head towards the ice when he got here down from the Thomas hit.

“No, all good,” Krug stated with a smile.

“Clearly, before everything, you need to maintain your head and just remember to do not put your self in a susceptible place,” Krug stated. “I am certain my coach and my GM have been hoping that I might simply get off the ice at that time. However that is hockey. That is all I can actually say about that.”

Krug later stated that his spouse was in all probability involved, which isn’t ultimate contemplating she is pregnant.

The Bruins appeared a bit rusty after a 10-day layoff between video games and fell behind 2-Zero. However by the point of Krug’s hit, the Bruins have been buzzing due to an imposing second interval wherein they dominated possession and had 29 scoring possibilities in comparison with St. Louis’ seven.

The Krug hit, nevertheless, appeared to place the Bruins in cruise management and rallied the bench. Requested what Krug’s hit confirmed him, Bruins rookie Connor Clifton stated: “His braveness, and you do not need to mess with that man. Do not make that man mad.”

Krug, who performed collegiately at Michigan State however went undrafted, stated he seems like he has been focused his total profession due to his dimension. Since Krug debuted in 2011, the NHL has begun favoring velocity and ability — that means peak is not as vital, and there at the moment are extra gamers of Krug’s stature.

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It wasn’t all the time that means.

“Each sport within the NHL, since I have been within the league, [players have tried to get under my skin],” Krug stated. “I am a 5-foot-9 defenseman, I might in all probability do the identical factor if I used to be on the opposing groups. I might in all probability attempt to run me straight by the boards. It is no secret a energy of mine is breaking out of the field. Their energy is thrashing on the forecheck. So they will be coming, I do know that. They have been coming all playoffs. I welcome the problem.”

Krug and Perron tussled in wrestling-style strikes for a number of seconds in entrance of Boston’s internet as an official appeared on. Perron defined the scuffle from his viewpoint.

“I noticed the puck going to the purpose,” the Blues ahead stated. “I used to be simply making an attempt to get physique place. You see some shoving. I am simply making an attempt to make as a lot room for myself but in addition making an attempt to generate some momentum for my membership. Perhaps he hit you one time too many and goes to the field. Figuring out what the penalties are at, it was near taking place.”

After being essentially the most disciplined group by the primary three rounds, the Blues took 5 penalties in Recreation 1. Recreation 2 is Wednesday in Boston.

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