Road to Sochi - Episode 3

From the AHL to the US Olympic team in just one year or "It's not about the size of the dog in a fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog". The remarkable story of Bruins defenseman Torey Krug and his Chances for Sochi.


Krug's personal "Road to Sochi" started on March 25, 2012 when the Bruins management signed the undrafted defenseman to an entry level contract. 
For his accomplishments as captain of the Michigan State Spartans, Krug was among the country’s most sought-after free agents at that time. 34 points in just 38 games made him the best offensive defenseman (most assists and points) in the CCHA in 2011-12.

On April 3, 2012 Krug made his NHL debut against the Penguins. Appearing in two games with the B's he recored an assist before beeing sent down to Providence, where he would start the next season.
After a slow start due to a sprained ankle Krug started to produce from January on, finishing the regular season with 45 points (13 goals/32 assists) in 45 games in his rookie year.
He was called up on an emergency basis by the Bruins and the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs would turn into a life changing wonderland for the young defenseman.

Krug scored his first NHL goal during his first NHL playoff game against the Rangers, becoming the first Bruins defenseman to do so since Glen Wesley in 1988. He became just the 4th Bruins player in the history of the franchise to score two goals in his first two playoff games. At the end of the Eastern Conference Semifinals History was made as Krug became the first rookie defenseman to score four goals in his first five playoff games, a thing which even Bobby Orr didn't achieve.

Since that series, Krug has been an irreplacable part of the Bruins defensive core. On November 25th the guy from Michigan became the first Bruins rookie defenseman to score an Overtime winner, adding another historic chapter to his young career.
The 22-year old has played himself into a favourite role for this years Calder Trophy, achieving league leading 8 goals (alongside Erik Karlsson) for a defenseman.

Krug's puck movement ability combined with his great skating technique would perfectly contribute to American succes on the International ice size. Captain Jack Johnson will be set on the D, just like Suter and Shattenkirk. The young Bruin will have to battle against guys like John Carlson, Brooks Orpik and Keith Yandle to get a spot for Sochi.

The Michigan native would add even more scoring power to the US powerplay already lead by Johnson and Shattenkirk.
If he continues to produce like he has done over the first two months of this season, chances are high that Torey Krug opens another chapter of his young career by joining the American team for Sochi 2014.