Bruins shockingly call up enforcer as they attempt to add spark to their slow start
The Boston Bruins are adding more grit and toughness to their lineup, as the team has called up enforcer Jeffrey Viel from the AHL in an attempt to help the team.
In their first 19 games, the Boston Bruins have managed to take only 8 wins, and has gotten off to a very shaky start to the season. With plenty of hockey still left apparently, the team feels pressure for a shake-up.
Perhaps the surprise, though: the Bruins brought in enforcer Jeffrey Viel from the Providence Bruins of the AHL on Monday morning.
Viel is much more known for his toughness than for any semblance of a scoring touch and, therefore, isn't the type of player a team normally looks to when trying to get an offensive turnaround.
His reputation as a fearless competitor who doesn't back down from anything might bring a different kind of energy to the team, though.
In his three seasons with 49 NHL games of experience, Viel has scrapped against some of the most intimidating players in the league.
That includes former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, whom he fought while playing for the San Jose Sharks against Chara's New York Islanders.
He also dropped the gloves with New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, which once again cemented Viel's reputation for not being afraid of anyone.
Perhaps his most memorable NHL scrap came against Anaheim Ducks forward Sam Carrick. That was a bruising fight, with both players landing some heavy blows but Carrick walking away quite visibly worse for wear.
You can watch the fight by clicking here
As a rugged physical forward, Viel might be a way for the Bruins to add a little bit of sandpaper to their lineup when they're facing an early-season swoon.
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