Morning Free Association: January 16

Another day, another defenseman down. This time it’s Kevan Miller from a bad hit from Jakub Voracek, who received a 5 Minute Major for Boarding and no further discipline.

This means that it’s time for Joe Morrow to step in and play. Morrow has been enjoying nacho duty for every game in the past month, but he promises that he’ll be ready to play.

“I try and stay in the best shape I can, practice every day. The hockey aspect of things isn’t too far away from me. I haven’t played in a game for a long time, so I feel like those mistakes will kind of be inevitable. I’m just going to focus on if I make a mistake, I’m going to play hard and keep it simple.”

Mistakes will be made. Let’s hope that they won’t be that bad.

As for Killer, it’s hard to tell how long he’ll be out.

Claude Julien: "Kevan Miller suffered a concussion, he's going through the protocol."

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 15, 2017

Anyone who has had a concussion will tell you that it ain’t no picnic. (In fact, I think I might write up a piece on my own personal experience with one. It wasn’t from hockey, but, given the subject matter and just how many concussions have occurred on this team this season alone, it might make for interesting conversation.) Let’s hope that Kevan can take all the time he needs to get well because there’s no sense playing through that injury.

But it’s not all gloom and doom:

Colin Miller is skating separately from the practice group. While he’s not ready to come back, he’s getting closer.

Brad Marchand had an amazing 5-point-game against the Flyers on Saturday, demonstrating this entire week that he deserves the All Star Recognition.

"It is nice when things are going your way."

🎥 @BMarch63 after his five-point game: pic.twitter.com/7n9zWHwgob

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 14, 2017

The Bruins held their Casino Night, a fundraiser to benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation. There are plenty of pictures from the night, but I liked this one the best:

Of course, @dbackes42 found a puppy. Meet Summer 🐶 pic.twitter.com/cpO2H5M81n

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 15, 2017

Last thing: the game today is a matinee. Knowing that many people will likely be at work and not watching the game, should I even make up a game thread?

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