Nick Foligno's rough first season with the Bruins takes another wrong turn
Nick Foligno buckled. Most players would have after taking a right as hard as the one Sam Carrick landed during their second-period fight on Monday.
Nick Foligno buckled. Most players would have after taking a right as hard as the one Sam Carrick landed during their second-period fight on Monday.
Linesmen Mark Shewchyk and Mitch Hunt jumped in to bust up the fight. As they did, Foligno got to his skates with the intention of extending the hostility. Shewchyk and Hunt discouraged that from happening.
Foligno served the entire five-minute major in the penalty box. But the No. 4 left wing went to the dressing room upon exiting. He did not return. Coach Bruce Cassidy did not know whether Foligno’s upper-body injury occurred during the fight. Foligno played just 6:08 in the Bruins’ 5-3 loss to the Ducks.
It was Foligno’s latest unfortunate occurrence in a season filled with more downturns than he expected.
- The ex-Columbus captain was injured in the second regular-season game. He was sidelined for the next eight.
- He did not score his first goal until Jan. 1.
- He is averaging 1.26 points per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, according to Natural Stat Trick, the lowest of any team forward.
- His left leg folded awkwardly on Jan. 8, which knocked him out for the next five games.
How long Foligno’s latest setback keeps him out is unknown. Even if it is a short-term injury, it is the latest for a 34-year-old bruiser who relies on physicality to make an impact. At Foligno’s age, it gets harder and harder to find traction with each accumulating injury.
“He used to be an active player,” said one NHL source. “Now he’s reactive.”
The fight followed a flareup with John Gibson during a TV timeout. As the teams went to their benches, Gibson shoved Foligno from behind. Foligno went back at Gibson, losing his helmet during the scrum. On Foligno’s next shift, he accepted Carrick’s challenge.
Foligno’s latest injury deepens the dilemma he presents his employer. He is a banged-up wing facing competition for ice time.
Anton Blidh missed his second straight game after being walloped by Tom Wilson. But Blidh felt well enough to participate in Monday’s morning skate in a non-contact jersey. Blidh is a faster north-south skater than Foligno and more timely with his thumps.
Foligno had been taking some shifts on the third line earlier this month. But Jake DeBrusk and Oskar Steen are livelier and more effective options on the wing flanking Charlie Coyle.
Perhaps the biggest issue is Foligno’s contract: $3.8 million annually with no-move protection this season. It is a big commitment to a 34-year-old who has now been dinged three times. That is precious cap space the Bruins could dearly use, assuming they bring in help prior to the March 21 trade deadline.
So for now, the Bruins can only hope Foligno recovers quickly and finds his game. Otherwise, he does not leave them with many options.