When the Boston Bruins return from their Olympic break on Feb. 26, they will be counting down their regular-season schedule from 25 games onward. The reality of the season’s impending conclusion will hit quick and hard at that point.
In turn, the approach of the team’s Seventh Player Award presentation will hit even harder. The fairly renowned prize presented by NESN to the player who exceeds expectations the most figures to be doled out with a week or two left in the regular season.
As both the season and the virtual Seventh Player derby swing into the homestretch, the latter is looking like a two-party race. Fan voters have a pair of worthy first-year faces to choose from in goaltender Chad Johnson and winger Reilly Smith.
For most of 2013-14, including the present day, Smith has held the upper hand by virtue of his hard-earned rise to the top six and extended stay there. In addition, his assimilation into Boston's lineup smoothed out sooner.
Granted, Johnson does have time to catch up, which he has already been doing by turning in irreproachable performances as his workload increases.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Al Daniel
Who Should Win Boston Bruins’ 7th Man Award: Chad Johnson or Reilly Smith?
February 10th, 2014 by Al Daniel Leave a reply »
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