Wednesday, March 29 Bourque's numbers don't lie By Brian A. Shactman ESPN.com |
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The Colorado Avalanche have gone 8-2-1 since acquiring Ray Bourque from the Bruins. Most players on the team would say his impact has been far more intangible. He's a legend, a sure-bet Hall of Famer and the rare leader who can change a locker room with his mere presence. But let's take a look at the "tangibles" and determine just how much of a difference he's made on the ice.
In terms of individual performance, Bourque has seven goals and 12 points and is a plus-8 during his 11-game stint. Those are solid numbers for the 39-year-old blueliner, but even more impressive considering his pre-Colorado numbers. In 65 games with the Bruins, Bourque had 10 goals and 29 assists. He was a minus-10. Of course, much of that can be attributed to playing on a bad team. But there's no doubt he's feeling rejuvenated in the Rockies. When Avs coach Bob Hartley told Bourque upon his arrival that he would kill penalties and see time on the power play -- in addition to the nornal 5-on-5 duties -- he meant it. In his last two games, Bourque has logged more than 30 minutes per contest. So much for allowing the 21-year vet play a complementary role.
Despite the dropoff on the penalty kill, the Avalanche are a better team now than they were two weeks ago. As much as it has been an emotional boost, it cannot be debated that Bourque's performance has contributed a great deal to Colorado's seven wins in its last 10 games. Because in the end, the most important statistic is wins and losses. Brian A. Shactman is the NHL editor for ESPN.com. |
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