The Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks are set to compete for the Stanley Cup starting on Wednesday, and two former Spartans — one from each team — are entering the fray.
On the Bruins’ side is defenseman Torey Krug. The undersized, 5-foot-9 rookie had a historic start to his brief NHL career, scoring four goals in his first five playoff games after being called up from AHL’s Providence Bruins in the middle of the playoff race and playing his first game with the Boston Bruins on May 16.
Krug left MSU prior to his senior season, signing a two-year contract with Boston as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
Krug led the Spartans to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2008 in his junior year.
On the Blackhawks’ side is defenseman Duncan Keith. Keith has one goal and nine assists in 15 playoff games this season. Keith is already a Stanley Cup winner, taking home the prize with Chicago in 2010.
Keith left MSU in the middle of his sophomore year during the 2002-03 season and later was drafted by Chicago in the second round, 54th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He has been selected to two all-star games in his career, in 2008 and 2011. In the 2009-10 season, Keith won the NHL James Norris Memorial Trophy, which is given to the top defenseman of that year. He also made the First All-Star Team in the same season.
It should prove to be an interesting matchup as the two former Spartan defensemen go head-to-head and compete for hockey’s ultimate goal.
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