Mason Lohrei’s anger has become a talking point – and lately a driving force – behind the rise of the Boston Bruins. After signing a two-year, $6.4 million extension this summer, the 24-year-old defenseman didn’t expect to be watching from the press for five straight games. But that’s where head coach Marco Sturm kept him and pushed the young blueliner become “very pi–ed” and find another level.
“I’m a hockey player. I want to play,” Lohrei told the media The Athletics Shinzawa whistles. And when he finally did – returning to the lineup in Saturday’s 5-3 win over Toronto – Lohrei looked like a man determined to prove his point. In just under 15 minutes of ice time, he recorded two assists, defended responsibly and helped extend Boston’s winning streak to six games.
Lohrei’s playing had a different edge: cleaner, more decisive, more confident. “Be firmer and make better decisions,” he said of his adjustments. It showed. “He was good,” said head coach Marco Sturm. “It’s been a long time. It’s not easy. I think it’s easier when you sit out a game or two. You’re still in the rhythm. When it gets more, it’s not easy for the player either. But overall I thought he did a good job today.”
“I mean, I think you have to take everything and look at it positively. I mean, I just showed up every day and went to work, and was all waiting for my next opportunity, so you know, tonight is no different, the same.” He added: “I’ll just try to stay positive and stay confident and be the player I think I can be.” How great is it, then I see you with the whole team closing down some kind of defense area in the last two or three weeks and playing at the level that you all know is going to be necessary if you are going to win games and then be competitive, yes, it was a lot of fun
Lohrei will be a big part of the Bruins blue line going forward
What started as a tough lesson for a young defender will hopefully turn into one of the better storylines of the season.
Lohrei’s frustration hasn’t left him angry at the organization or looking for a fresh start elsewhere. It has fueled his desire to get better and prove he belongs with the Bruins. The buy-in is clear, and if this version of Lohrei sticks, Boston’s current streak of six straight wins could be the start of something bigger.
Boston (10-7-0) will play Toronto (8-7-1) in a rematch on Tuesday night.
Next: Maple Leafs’ Brandon Carlo was shopped for Star Winger during offseason trade talks
#Angry #Mason #Lohrei #stay #positive #sitting #Bruins