Boston Bruins defenseman and former Spartan Torey Krug opens his arms to celebrate with Bruins center David Krejci in a game vs. the New York Rangers. The Bruins won the Rangers series 4-1. Courtesy photo by Boston Bruins
Former MSU hockey player Torey Krug has so far had a storybook start to his NHL career.
After being called up from the AHL’s Providence Bruins into the thick of Stanley Cup playoff hockey on May 16, the 22-year-old rookie has outplayed many of the veterans.
Bruins head coach Claude Julien told members of the media the strong impact Krug and fellow young defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Matt Bartkowski have made has been positive.
“I think that’s probably the biggest story line of the series is how they were able to step up and you see Kruger stepping up with four goals in a series,” Julien said in a statement.
Krug made history by becoming the first defenseman to score four goals in his first five playoff games, three of which were power-play goals.
“It’s unbelievable, the poise he has with the puck,” Bruins’ defenseman Dennis Seidenberg said at a press conference. “He’s got great skating legs and he jumps into the open areas. (One-timers) they’re very nice shots. Perfect shots. It’s nice to see a guy like Torey to play so well.”
The 5-foot-9 rookie said he always knew he would have a shot at the NHL, but he never anticipated it would come like it has.
“I’m 5-foot-9 — I’m not very big — (so) I have to play with the puck to be an impact player,” Krug said at a Bruins press conference. “So, for me you’ve got to be confident with the puck. If I’m not making plays I’m not going to be effective.”
Krug left MSU prior to his senior season to pursue a professional career, signing a two-year contract with Boston as an undrafted free agent.
In his junior season with MSU, Krug led the Spartans to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2008. Now he has a chance to compete for hockey’s holy grail — the Stanley Cup.
“Its been a crazy year … I wanted to win a Stanley Cup,” Krug said. “I’m glad that I just got the opportunity to come in, step in and contribute and try to help the team win. It’s been an unbelievable year, for sure.”
Krug already has made a name for himself on hockey’s biggest stage and many are anticipating what the young defenseman will come up with next.
“I was just trying to go out there, not (fearing) anything and (not being) scared to make mistakes,” Krug said.
Timeline:
2008-09: Finished first among USHL defensemen playing for the Indiana Ice in assists and second in points. Led the Ice to a league championship, scoring 13 points in 13 playoff games.
2009-10: Voted to the CCHA’s All-Rookie Team, appeared in all of MSU’s 38 games, led all CCHA first-year defensemen in scoring.
2010-11: Elected team captain, First Team All-CCHA, CCHA’s Top Defensemen as well as first-team all-league honors, MVP, Academic All-Big Ten Pick, team’s top scorer from the blue line.
2011-12: Two-time captain, All-CCHA and CCHA Player of the Year Candidate, second straight season earning First Team All-CCHA Honors, top scoring blueliner in CCHA, first MSU blueliner to win CCHA scoring title.
April 3, 2012: First NHL game vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.
May 16, 2013: Krug scores first NHL goal to force overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
