Krug's injury creates opportunity for Grzelcyk, O'Gara, Postma

Injuries happen. It’s part of professional sports. Teams can’t dwell on it. That’s why having depth in the organization is crucial.

The Bruins have played two of their seven-game preseason schedule and already the team will be without the services of defenseman Torey Krug, who suffered a facial fracture when he was hit in the jaw by a puck during Tuesday’s 4-2 over the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden.

He’ll likely miss the start of the regular season, but it’s not long-term, which is fortunate for Krug and the Bruins.

Now what?

“You hear it all the time, ‘Next man up,’” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy.

Boston does have options and the Bruins have created solid internal competition.

Matt Grzelcyk and Rob O’Gara are two of the younger defensemen that have stood out during camp. Signing a veteran D-man like Paul Postma could work out too. Tommy Cross played three games for the Bruins during the playoffs last season.

Fellow prospects Jakub Zboril and Jeremy Lauzon haven’t shown consistency during camp, so they’re lower on the depth chart.

There are other factors when deciding who will replace Krug. He quarterbacks the power play, so having a defenseman that can handle a similar role could impact the team’s decision. Grzelcyk would make the most sense in this case.

Generously listed at 5-foot-9, 176 pounds, Grzelcyk has the ability to move the puck with a good first pass. Whether Krug was injured or not, the Bruins want Grzelcyk to work on his quickness and stick work in order to stifle the opposition’s rush. They’re not looking for him to be physical.

It also helps that Grzelcyk fits Cassidy’s style of play.

“They want to play a more up-tempo game,” Grzelcyk said. “Hockey has changed, in general, and allows smaller guys to be able to play in the NHL, so I have to try to use my speed and skill to my advantage.”

Thankfully, Cassidy is one of those coaches who will go with the best players available. It doesn’t matter if it’s a right- or left-handed shot. Players in the NHL have the ability to play both sides. Sure, they have a strong side but it doesn’t matter at this level.

Postma is right-handed but he can play the left side. He moves the puck well and has a big shot, but questions remain about his defensive game.

O’Gara has played well during rookie and main camp. He is a physical and high-energy player and isn’t a liability defensively. He made the roster out of camp last fall, but after he was assigned to Providence he dealt with a few injuries throughout the season, including the playoffs. If he gets an opportunity he’ll be ready.

“This year, knowing what to expect a little bit, and having a better feel for what’s going on, knowing the guys and just being more comfortable allows me to integrate and allow myself to do a little bit more,” O’Gara said. “I want to show I’m more than a defensive guy, I can help out offensively.”

It would be a waste of developmental time if a prospect remains in Boston at the start of the season but he’s a healthy scratch. That player would be better off playing all the time in Providence instead of watching from the press box.

Losing a player of Krug’s ability doesn’t bode well to start the season. Fortunately for the Bruins, they have the depth and it will be tested early.

“It’s something we always talk about when something like that happens, it’s about the next guy and it definitely gives him some opportunities to younger guys to prove himself even longer,” said Patrice Bergeron. “We’re going to miss Torey for sure for that period of time, but we have a lot of good players that can do the job and that’s what we’re going to see.”

With Krug out, here’s what the pairings could look like to start the season.

Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo

Kevan Miller-Charlie McAvoy

Grzelcyk-Adam McQuaid