
Rolston
The news out of San Jose that Bruins forward Rich Peverley went through his first practice with the team since he started skating today, and even took a little contact, made today’s poll question even more pertinent.
It appears Peverley’s return from a severe knee sprain he suffered in mid-February is imminent. He told the media in San Jose, where the Bruins will play tomorrow night, that he won’t face the Sharks. But he is listed as day-to-day and could be back when Boston visits Los Angeles or Anaheim over the weekend.
When Peverley’s ready to play, someone from Boston’s current top 12 has to sit. Readers of TheBruinsBlog.net seem convinced that player should be Brian Rolston:
Which Bruins forward should sit when Peverley's back?
- Brian Rolston (36%, 58 Votes)
- Jordan Caron (30%, 48 Votes)
- Benoit Pouliot (18%, 29 Votes)
- Daniel Paille (15%, 24 Votes)
Total Voters: 159

Despite Rolston’s hot hand of late (2-5-7 totals during a three-game points streak), I would agree that it makes the most sense to sit the 39-year-old and leave the rest of the lineup intact. Rolston was imported from the New York Islanders in a deadline-day trade to be a depth player. He’s on the roster to serve as an emergency fill-in and stay ready for just those instances. His last few solid games have both helped the Bruins win a couple games and given the team’s brass and Rolston’s teammates the confidence that he could be of assistance should a need arise. He’s not the player he was just a few years ago, and he would probably be more productive if he was in the lineup just occasionally.
Rookie Jordan Caron finished second in the poll. As a young player who was in and out of the lineup (plus up and down to Providence) for much of the first two thirds of the season, he could probably handle being a healthy scratch. But he’s played too well of late to be sat down. If his play tails off, he could find a seat in the press box. Whether the Bruins leave him in his current spot on the top line or drop him down the depth chart, though, he’s an important part of Boston re-finding its hard-nosed identity of late and in the near future.
Benoit Pouliot was an early-season punching bag for many observers because of his tendency to disappear and his failures to make a name for himself in previous cities. Over the course of the season, however, he has endeared himself to Bruins backers with his speed and his ability to make the occasional dazzling offensive play. He’s also proven to be adept at not hurting the Bruins in their own zone. Considering his history, he probably has the most fragile psyche on the club. If head coach Claude Julien sits him, he runs the risk of losing Pouliot whose 12 goals in 64 games is actually solid considering he averages just 12:02 of ice time a night.
While not many would want to break up Boston’s “Merlot Line,” Peverley’s return might provide an opportunity to at least rest Daniel Paille. The speedy winger recently missed five games with an upper-body injury and hasn’t looked right since his return to action. He’s had problems holding onto passes and hasn’t been much of a physical presence. The added depth Boston will have with Peverley available could make this the perfect time let Paille get to close to 100 percent healthy before the playoffs.
Regardless, Julien will once again have the type of lineup decision he likes — a difficult one.
Pouliot skates. Caron, Paille, or Rolston? Take your pick. Each has reasons to watch.
Horton? See ya next season at this point.
Rolston stays, Caron & Corvo sit. Caron looked lost last night to me. Peverley should be filling in for him. However, keep in mind that 3rd line was gelling with Caron on it too, then he was moved up. Either way, Bruins are in a good situation with that, but I think going into the playoffs that Rolston’s veteran presence may play a roll.
Rolston /Kelly /Pouliet line has been the our best line last couple of games good energy and they seem to be gelling.The first line has been anything but lately,give Caron a seat and let him fight for a spot…..
Rolston is staying on the PP with Corvo grabbing some pine. Pouliot is going join Joe.
I’d give rolston a longer look. I like the fire and energy he brings. He’s playing like someone who’s knows this is his last chance and that kind of desperation send a clear message to the rest of the team. Also, he joined up right when the team was tanking so I don’t know if he’s gotten a fair chance to show what he can do.
agree with Terry, do not anticipate #18s return for the playoffs.
I would go with Rolston playing, he has momentum, lets ride it for awhile. if he does get fatigued, its good to know that Caron has been playing well and will make the best of his ice time. also like the idea of resting Peverley and Paille, lets nurse those injuries. keep Caron with Krejci and Lucic, Rolston with Kelly and Pouliot…
Use Rolston like we did sherriff shayne last year. Lets not jump the gun peverly is not Wayne gretzky lets see how he comes back. As to Kevin I do not have high hopes on a return by Horton. He has been clocked twice and I think call it luck some guys get concussions and others don’t I am not a doctor. He plays best when he is on the edge and as we saw in the begining of the season when he was not physical well he was not really effective either. I would love to see him return his skills are fantastic but I have settled into the idea what we got now is what we got for playoffs.
I don’t know… Let’s think about roles. Pouliot just rides a regular shift. Caron is making a name for himself and has figured out what kind of player he needs to be, but again – not many PP or PK minutes. Rolston fills a hole Boston has had for how many years? In my opinion he’s there best option on the blueline for the PP outside of Chara’s blast. I really would hate to see him sit.
Depends on the games leading up to Peverly returning. Whoever is hottest gets the ice time (Rolston, Pouliot, Caron).
I have a unrelated question.
It has been said that Horton has been working out, but is not able to skate yet. From what I’ve seen, the usual concussion process is – don’t do anything until your symptom free. Then work out off ice to see is symptoms return. And lastly hit the ice… try contact and watch for symptoms.
Hortons been working out off ice for sometime now. So, what’s happening? Are symptoms returning? If they did wouldn’t they shut him down? If they are not – wouldn’t he try hitting the ice?