Boston Bruins Nathan Horton absent in game against Ottawa Senators due to concussion -NHL Update
Boston Bruins were going up against some tough competition in the form of a recharged Ottawa Senators team coming out of a wild 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Weekend, but going in without one of their star players, Nathan Horton, the team had
their doubts.
Bruins’ forward, Nathan Horton, had been sidelined after he complained about being sick, which turned out to be symptoms of a mild concussion on January 22, 2012, during the game against Philadelphia Flyers.
He was expected to return after the weekend but according to Boston head coach, Claude Julien, Horton has not received any proper medical clearance as of yet.
One positive aspect is that the player is certainly getting better, but risking a hastily comeback could mean a longer oust next time if symptoms reoccur.
"He is getting better," Julien said. "But for at least three days we won't be doing anything with him. He's still at the point where he hasn't ridden the bike yet, but he is getting better. When you have a concussion it's about headaches and everything else,
and everything is going in the right direction right now."
The impression right now is that Boston has planned out a short-term strategy on how they will play without their enforcer, which seemed to have worked as the Bruins edged the Ottawa Senators, 4-3, on Tuesday night.
Keeping other players on the ice for more time might get them the results they want for now, but looking forward long-term, having Horton back is crucial for the team as they hope to defend their Stanley Cup championship title at all costs.
"We keep our fingers crossed and hope he gets better quickly," Julien added.
At the moment, Boston Bruins are doing quite well by standing at the second number position in the Eastern Conference with 66 points and an impressive 32-14-2 record.
The team that finally won their first Stanley Cup in over 40 years last playoff season will definitely do anything in their power to retain the title and go down in history as a team that held on longer than anyone else, a dream which includes Nathan Horton
in it.
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