McQuaid/By S. Bradley
BOSTON — It was a subtle tweak of his lineup by Bruins head coach Claude Julien Wednesday, but it meant a major increase in ice time for rookie defenseman Adam McQuaid.
The blueliner skated the warm-up alongside veteran Dennis Seidenberg and then took the majority of shifts against Montreal next to the German. For the night, McQuaid totaled a season-high 19 minutes, 42 seconds of ice time.
“I actually was kind of surprised after the game that I had played that much,” said McQuaid after the Bruins’ morning skate in preparation for tonight’s game vs. Detroit at TD Garden. “I really didn’t think I did. So the last few games that I’ve had the fights, I was playing probably the same amount of time, I was just [spending] a little bit of time inside the box. Maybe that was why it didn’t seem like it was that much. I feel good today, so hopefully I’ll get the same result tonight.”
McQuaid, whose previous season high for ice time was 16:32, had mostly skated alongside Andrew Ference the previous six games. With McQuaid moving up to the top four, Johnny Boychuk (season low 15:13 vs. the Canadiens) dropped down.
Julien explained the coaching staff’s decision to lean on McQuaid more like this after practice Thursday:
“We’re really confident right now with his game, that he is capable even of playing against top lines. You might see him Zdeno [Chara] at times too. We need a more physical presence against certain teams, and if you have him and Zdeno together, that’s a pretty big twosome. So those are things I think he has worked on, as far as earning our confidence and respect in regards to that.”
Confidence from the coaching staff can often increase the confidence within a player. McQuaid’s hoping the boost in playing time translates into even better play.
“It was nice to get to play a little more, get a little more ice time and play in a few different situations, he said. “I guess you’d say that it’s a compliment, but at the same time I just stay focused and it’s certainly a challenge to play against some top-line players.”
The Red Wings boast plenty of top-line forwards, so McQuaid can expect to receive another stiff test tonight.
The fact he played for the Wolves only helps.
You never know, Hungus. Maybe Chuck Norris and the McQuaid family once had a run-in.
you have to ask a man if he’s okay with being associated with chuck norris?
I’m in Bojangles’ boat. I thought he was a poor call up last season, but his growth this season gives me confidence where there was once anxiety and doubt.
The “Lone Wolf” synopsis on IMDB made me chuckle. I’ll ask Adam if he’s up for it or just wants to be Quaider. We also — in the press room — call him Peter Brady because of the hairdo resemblance.
i love the lone wolf. amazing how far he’s come. remember when he was only getting 5 min in the playoffs?
On a defense-related note, Boychuk really needs to sit a few out and get his act together. Loved the fight against MTL, but he has otherwise been unspectacular (and even a liability) on the ice lately. Plus, Stuart needs to get some ice time – whether its for the stretch run, or if its for the Bruins to simply showcase him.
If your an older guy on your team you may be called Reg. As in Reg Dunlop. Been there.Called that.
Matt we’re both old enough to remember it but somehow we didn’t. I knew the name but I admit I had to google it.
Lone Wolf McQuade was a 1983 action flick starring Chuck Norris. Adam displays some of Chuck’s willingness to engage.
@Zach. You’re right that is a great nickname. It’s better than ‘Cindy’ as in Crosby. I like Keith’Walt’ Thackuk. Garnett’Ace’ Bailey.RIP. I wish we could give lines nicknames like the old days but no one keeps lines intact anymore. The ‘GAG’ line. The ‘PRODUCTION’ line. The ‘TRIPLE CROWN’ line. Good times. Good times.
If you explain Lone Wolf to me maybe I’ll start using it.
[...] Matt Kalman of The Bruins Blog discusses the emergence of Adam McQuaid, who seems to have made Mark Stuart an expendable part of their current roster. As the trade deadline comes closer there seems to be even more players who could fall out of favor, especially on good teams like the Bs. Players like Stuart, Mike Commodore and Paul Mara could all help a roster in need of help on the blue line which makes some buying teams somewhat sellers. Adam Larsson, Adam McQuaid, Alex Auld, Brian Gionta, Carey Price, Fantasy Hockey, Goalie Fight, hockey, Jacques Lemaire, Mark Stuart, Mattias Tedenby, NHL, nhl fantasy, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Sean Couturier [...]
are me and my buddies the only one that call this kid “lonewolf” what an awesome nickname for him! (im sure we are not the only ones and by no means am i saying we are the ones to come up with it) i like his game.. he knew his role and played it perfectly and i like how every once in a while he throws in a little bonus like the fake slapp and drag shot that got called off the other night.. hopefully he keeps playing with confidence!
McQuaid is the real deal, however there were many times, during the game when changing partners created negative situations. Let’s hope familiarity improves. Plus Boychuck needs to sit.
I just hope he’s not the next Andrew Alberts. I was high on him too. Oops.
You know – when he first came up, I was wholly unimpressed. Consider me a convert. Despite how much I love Stuart’s nasty side – I think I’ll take McQuaid – even if it was even money.