Bruins briefly confirm Savard’s concussion, indefinite absence
Savard/By S. Bradley
When it comes to brevity in statements about the health of one of their star players, the Bruins seemingly lead the league.
Here’s the release the team just distributed to the media in the name of general manager Peter Chiarelli about center Marc Savard:
“After being examined by the Bruins medical staff today, Marc has been diagnosed with a moderate concussion. There is no timetable on his return and no further updates at this time.”
Savard was injured Saturday when he was hit into the end glass by Colorado defenseman Matt Hunwick. Savard left the game holding his head and was cut. He flew from Denver back to Boston Sunday rather than stick with his teammates on their trip to Los Angeles for tonight’s game.
Moderate is the same class of concussion center David Krejci suffered in November. Krejci missed six games. But unlike Savard, Krejci wasn’t months removed from a more serious concussion and a summer of post-concussion syndrome symptoms.
As always, there’s no way to predict how long a head injury will last, especially in light of Savard’s recent history.
The Bruins have experience with a player returning from a lengthy concussion absence and suffering a second concussion. Patrice Bergeron missed 15 games in 2008-09 after his collision with then-Carolina defenseman Dennis Seidenberg just a few months into his return from missing almost all of the previous season. Bergeron has not suffered any issues since then.
Hopefully the Bruins will shed more light on Savard’s situation in the days ahead and the center will be able to make a speedy recovery.
meant Recchi on bergy’s line
so who gets the call? My pick is Caron!
Lucic Krejci Horton
Marchand Bergeron Wheeler
Ryder Wheeler Seguin
Caron Campbell Thornton
I would prefer to see Horton on the third line, but Seguin is not ready for 1st line duties… BUT it is most important to keep Paille off the ice. Caron will be great on that 4th line!
To the conversation about responding to hard hits: I think it’s O.K. to give a few big hits to players who typically check your top players to send them a message, obviously things within the rules. Otherwise, as Pierre is saying, you will end up like the Pens, they’re up the butts of anyone who touches Crosby or Malkin calling the plays dirty. It’s a shame to see and the bruins don’t need to do it.
That said, a little more checking pressure on the defense of your top players WOULD be nice.
Pete, if they dont have savard back by playoffs they wont go anywhere. Just look at the game today. Even if Savard wasnt in top form, he was definitely playing better. It’s all about matchups. With Savvie out other teams can easily identify a top line to check. Seguin is not ready to be third line center.
Put him on IR and do whats best for the TEAM for once. It sucks he is hurt again, but he was still a long way away from being his old self. Put that 5 Million to good use by bringing in some other guys to solidify the weaknesses on this team.
if savvy goes on ltir, b’s can bring back for the playoffs and go over the salary cap, right?
@Cathy, I see what you mean, but I disagree with the argument. Imagine it was our guy. Imagine Mark Stuart lays a clean hit on another teams star player. The guy gets hurt. His team responds and Stuart has to fight and breaks his finger and he’s out of the lineup. Clean hits on top players is part of the game and should be tolerated by everyone. When guys cross the line… then get Big and BAD.
Get well soon Savvy! And when you get back please please please start wearing a visor.
While I agree that the hit by Hunwick wasn’t dirty I still don’t think that there was enough response by the team. There are just too many hits on our top players. And I don’t think sending a message to other teams that hits like that won’t be tolerated makes a team or player look dumb. It makes them look like a tight group of guys who look out for each other. I want my Big BAD Bruins back.
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@ Steve Gray – I disagree. It’s not like Hunny took a run at Savard. He finished his check clean and something unfortunate happened. As you said, it’s part of the game. Save the tough guys “responses” for when they’re warranted. Despite some observers comments, I think the team has done a great job of sticking up for each other this year. It sucks that Savvy got hurt, but taking dumb penalities and “sending a message” in response to a clean, unlucky play just hurts your chances of winning and makes you look dumb.
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What a shame. He seemed to be finding his touch and confidence, too. Get well Marc.
I know it’s part of the game ,but it seams that Savard is getting an extra share of hard hits . I think guys on the team need to let other teams know they won’t allow that. I say take the penaltys but make that statement. It seems like every time he gets clocked there is no response.
He must be crushed!! I hope he recovers quickly and doesn’t get too down!!! I’m so bummed…I was so excited to see him back on the ice this past Dec. Thoughts go out to you, Marc…if you are reading this!