Wheeler Doubtful For Game 4

The Boston Bruins may have just caught a lucky break. It appears that rookie winger Blake Wheeler will be out for tomorrow night's game between the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes. Late in the 2nd period, Wheeler dropped down and blocked a shot. Although successful, the 22 year old was unable to escape the incident without injury. Wheeler played through the rest of the game and into the overtime period, but appeared afflicted by the apparent injury. His intensity was not there, neither was his physical presence.

Granted, Wheeler has never truly been a physical presence but it definitely appeared that something was off. Despite Wheeler being one of the bright spots of the Boston Bruins season, his possible absence in Game 4 may be just what the Bruins need. If Wheeler's to miss tomorrow night's showdown, it's likely that fellow rookie Byron Bitz will step into the Boston line-up. Wheeler has been held off the scoreboard in all 7 of the Bruins playoff games, a disappointing showing from the Robbinsdale, Minnesota native. Meanwhile, Bitz nabbed himself an assist in the 1 playoff game he appeared in.

I've been calling for a Byron Bitz appearance since the conclusion of Game 1 between the Bruins and 'Canes, simply because Blake Wheeler hasn't looked like Blake Wheeler. Number 26 hasn't been as aggressive, tenacious or energetic at getting the puck and creating offensive chances in any of the Bruins post-season games. Whereas Bitz has shown his hunger and eagerness to be playing in the spotlight. With the momentum fully in Carolina's corner, the addition of an eager Byron Bitz and subtraction of what appears to be a gassed Blake Wheeler could be a positive step for the Boston Bruins.