Fans, top, celebrate as Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug, front right, is congratulated by teammate Dougie Hamilton after his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey playoffs Eastern Conference semifinal game in Boston, Thursday, May 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (The Associated Press)
BOSTON – The Boston Bruins have three rookie defensemen in the lineup for the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Rangers.
It's not because they want to.
It's because they have to.
Dougie Hamilton has been with the Bruins the whole season, but Matt Bartkowski shuttled up and down from the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence, playing 11 games for the NHL club. And Torey Krug played just one game for Boston in the lockout-shortened season.
But they're all playing a big role because of injuries to veteran defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference. Krug scored the game-tying goal — assisted by Hamilton — with 2:55 remaining in regulation, and the Bruins won it in overtime to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Game 2 is Sunday in Boston.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.