Change it Up!

When Will Andrew Bodnarchuk Return to the Lineup? (Credit: Teka England/Flickr)

(Anytime I can make a Mighty Duck’s reference I will!)

Andrew Bodnarchuk was called up from Providence last week and has since been a healthy scratch for the last four games. In the last four games, the Bruins have lost 3 and were shut out twice, which is definitely not something to be cheering for. Forward Josh Hennessy was also called from Providence and has since played in the last three road games.  So my question is when will Bodnarchuk get his chance to start?

Inconsistencies, injury, and frustration are currently hindering the team and I think that it’s time to switch the lineup up a bit. Bodnarchuk is the only healthy scratch the Bruins have right now with  Rich Peverley out for 4-6 weeks with a knee injury and Nathan Horton battling a concussion. Bodnarchuk has not played in a B’s game since the 2009-2010 season but is currently in his 4th season with the Providence Bruins.

In just 47 games with the P-Bruins this season, Bodnarchuk has tallied 4 goals and 7 assists. Claude Julien and Co. seem pretty confident in Bodnarchuk but have yet to give him a chance.

“He’s been a pretty stable, safe, mobile defenseman, moving the puck. His mobility is very good. So he was a guy that our group thought should come to us and make that road trip with us.”(via Metronews)

With 3 more games left on the road trip and the February 27th trade deadline looming, the Bruins need to work with what they’ve got. What they have is a team full of scorers and brick walls for goalies but what they’re lacking could be made up for by Bodnarchuk if he is given the opportunity.

Since I haven’t heard much talk about any trades being made with the team, I can only assume that Julien is going to be working with the players he has. Without a doubt, I think the lines are going to be changing up a bit. Like I’ve said before the only lines I wouldn’t touch are the Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin and Paille-Campbell-Thornton because they have been the lines consistently making the efforts in the games. But the other two lines I would play around with and even the defensive pairings because lately something just isn’t clicking with the team.

The team was off today, but will be back on the ice tomorrow as they prepare to take on the St.Louis Blues on Wednesday night. Tomorrow’s practice should serve as a good indication as to what lines will be changing it up for their next game. We’ll find out Wednesday if Bodnarchuk will finally get his chance to return to the Bruins line up.