The Boston Bruins (15-13-2) aren't quite a team in turmoil, but they're a team performing well below expectations. A preseason Stanley Cup contender, injuries to key players and some questionable recent personnel decisions have left Boston reeling and looking less like a Cup favorite and more like a mere playoff hopeful.
General manager Peter Chiarelli sees the standings, he hears the complaints, and he knows that something must be done to fix what is currently ailing the Boston hockey team. Just don't expect him to do anything rash.
"I am patient," Chiarelli said, according to Stephen Harris of BostonHerald.com. "We're always trying to improve the team. But you can't force things, you just can't force things. I see what everyone else sees: We're squeezing our sticks. We're competing, but I feel we have to be more competitive. We've lost 7-of-9, and we've got to be better.
"So to specifically answer that question: I'm looking."
They've been linked to Buffalo Sabres forward Chris Stewart for some time now, but the Sabres asking price is apparently too high. Edmonton Oilers winger David Perron is another name that has popped up, but the Oilers, having just fired their head coach, may be in something of a holding pattern for some time while the organization transitions.
Both players are scoring threats and for good reason. Last season's third ranked scoring team is now 22nd. The formerly third ranked power play is now 17th.
But Chiarelli claims that's not the only issue currently ailing his team.
"That (scoring) is not the only issue here," Chiarelli said. "We have to play better. I feel we probably have to make a couple of changes. But the last thing I want to do is force something. So, we're patient. I don't like losing. But there's no magic potion here - whether it's in a player, whether it's getting back to basics, whether it's personnel-wise or whether it's playing-wise."
Sitting at sixth in the Atlantic Division, the Bruins are no lock to make it to the postseason. Chiarelli needs to determine whether waiting for key pieces to come back from injury, or making a move for a quality contributor or two, or both, is the smartest path to returning this team to elite status.
