Just think if Charlie McAvoy missed a Game 7 between the Bruins and the Blue Jackets. The Bruins would’ve really been in a tough spot in another do or die scenario.
Instead, McAvoy missed the Eastern Conference Final opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins missed their talented third-year defenseman as a speedy Carolina bunch — led by Sebastian Aho and Jaccob Slavin — provided fits through the first two periods.
The Bruins were in next man up mode without McAvoy. This wasn’t anything new. Bruce Cassidy’s squad thrived on that mentality when faced with injuries and suspensions to their roster.