David Krejci, over his years in Boston, could’ve easily used one of comedian Rodney Dangerfield’s classic lines – “I can’t get no respect,” as in the 16 seasons he played in Boston, he probably wasn’t shown as much respect as he deserved. In reaching the 1,000 games plateau this week, he has often played the role of “best man,” but never “the groom!” Krejci’s years of service in Boston were probably underappreciated, as over the years he has played in the shadows of Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Brad Marchand, Tuukka Rask, and now his fellow countryman and sometime line mate, David Pastrnak. No. 46 just did his job, never complaining about which line he was on, playing through pain, and doing his part to earn his pay with solid, honest play.
Krejci has often been labeled as – “A solid playoff player,” something he proved often, especially during the memorable 2011 Stanley Cup run, when he was ‘the man.’ scoring 12 goals, 11 assists, and an impressive 23 points. A true franchise player to the Bruins, he is noted in the Boston record books as holding a spot high up among the leaders, in both assists and points. He left Boston in 2021, insisting it was because he wanted to play in front of his family and friends in Czechia, which likely wasn’t the real reason for his departure. But, whatever his reason, it was the forward thinking of general manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins organization, to call back the 36-year-older and show that they still believed in him.
On Monday, Krejci again this season, showed his thanks for the invite, and that he still had something in the tank, currently joining forces with his fellow countrymen, Pavel Zacha and Pastrnak, contributing three points by assisting on three goals on Monday, to ground the Philadelphia Flyers 6-0. Those three points brought Krejci’s total this season to 34 points in 38 games (11-23). The Bruins have set a date for the celebration of Krejci’s 1,000th game, to be held on Monday, February 20, when the locals will host the Ottawa Senators (1:00pm). Krejci is the seventh player in Boston Bruins history to have played 1,000 games with the organization, joining an elite group that includes, Bergeron, Chara, Sweeney, Ray Bourque, Wayne Cashman and Johnny Bucyk.
Talks continue on the Pastrnak signing, which have shown signs of progress, but nothing concrete as of yet. Yesterday (Wednesday) at press time, the Bruins took on the New York Islanders. Tonight (Thursday, 7:00pm) they visit Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers, who have been playing well lately (6-2-2 last 10), in the second half of the back-to-back series. A single home game will have the locals back on TD Garden ice to take face the San Jose Sharks on Sunday 7:00pm,, whose struggles continue (2-5-3 last 10). The Bruins head back out on the road for four games in six nights, with games versus the Montreal Canadiens (Tuesday, 7:00pm), Tampa Bay Lightning (Thursday, 7:00pm), and upcoming stops in Florida and Carolina.