Being back on the ice with the Bruins on Monday made Michael Callahan thrilled.
Unfortunately, he was unable to grin in order to convey that feeling.
The Franklin native may be cleared to play against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. But after taking a puck to the face this past weekend, the former Providence College captain is still recovering and will likely spend some time in a dentist’s chair in the next weeks.
A few teeth were lost, and the lip was sutured. But other than that, not too bad,” Callahan said Monday at Warrior Ice Arena.
Callahan had just 5:49 of ice time during Saturday’s win against the Rangers, departing the game early in the second period after a puck ricocheted off a stick and smacked him square in the jaw.
The defenseman eventually had three teeth extracted from his broken jaw, and Callahan did not return to the game after making his way down the tunnel while spitting up blood.
Callahan stated, “I had actually lost one [tooth] in Providence two years prior, and I lost three more from the bottom the other day.” I am now lacking four from the bottom. I suppose this is not a novel experience.
The straightforward skater is still working to repair the damage from that searing biscuit, despite Boston interim head coach Joe Sacco’s expectation that Callahan would play against Minnesota.
Callahan will need to play these next three games with a full face shield because he needs further treatment done on his lips during Boston’s impending break during the 4 Nations Face-Off competition.
NHL players often experience some growing pains while skating with a “bubble,” but Callahan has some experience with that kind of headgear from his four years with the Friars in college.
“Today wasn’t too bad; it just took some getting used to,” Callahan said. “The translucent cage is something I have never worn before. However, today went well. It didn’t cause any problems, so everything should be alright.
After being called up from the AHL, Callahan has played in five games for the Bruins this season and has been a reliable addition to their injured blue line.
Callahan has frequently been assigned to play a straightforward, rigid style, sometimes with Brandon Carlo, on a Bruins D corps that already has a number of puck-moving talents in Mason Lohrei and Charlie McAvoy.
Callahan has performed admirably in his first taste of play at the highest level of hockey, despite having a somewhat unimpressive stat sheet (0 points in those five games).
Over 62:03 of 5-on-5 ice time, Callahan has only appeared on the ice five times at offensive-zone faceoffs. However, the Bruins have an 11-10 advantage in high-risk scoring opportunities while Callahan has been on the ice this season, despite a significant dosage of intimidating D-zone repetitions.
Sacco stated of Callahan, “We like predictability.” “I believe that he has a defensive side since we are aware of what to expect from him every night. … Being called up to perform under duress against opponents that are coming at you in waves—especially skilled players with excellent sticks—is difficult in this level.
Therefore, it is crucial for him to be able to manage the strain that comes from our D zone. creating effective plays, the appropriate play, the easy play. And I believe that we have witnessed that with him.
Callahan may have lost some women during his first time in Boston. However, as long as he keeps helping his hometown club win, the local product will accept whatever penalty that is meted out to him.
“With each game I play, I’m becoming more at ease,” Callahan remarked. Playing with Brandon is a lot of fun. For a fresh man like myself, he’s a terrific partner since he makes me feel at ease and confident.
The previous day’s game seemed to be going well, so it’s a shame that I had to miss the remainder of it. However, I’m glad I’m well enough to go tomorrow.
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