How Hurt Is Dave Bolland?

Apr 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(36) and right wing

(88) during the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes at the United Center. The Phoenix Coyotes beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Bolland is out again for Game #4 and this makes me wonder how bad is his groin injury? Bolland played in 35 games scoring 7 goals 7 assists with a -7 rating. After missing 13 regular season games for different injuries, he hasn’t played in the playoffs. Since the end of the regular season it has been reported that he could be playing soon.  First it was Bolland could be playing in Minnesota, then it was reported he was traveling with the teams so he should play in Minnesota but now he’s been ruled out of Game #4 which has to make you wonder how bad is he hurt.

Bolland was quoted by Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Time today on Twitter

The cautious remark makes me feel like even if this series goes seven games we won’t see Bolland wearing a Blackhawks sweater against the Minnesota Wild.  I know the critics of Bolland’s play are out there saying how he doesn’t belong with Patrick Kane or that he loses too many faceoffs. I still think Bolland is made for playoff hockey. Look at his stats in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoff run or how the Vancouver Canucks series in 2011 changed in Game 4 with his appearance after another injury to almost help lead the Hawks to four straight against the Canucks.

I’m not saying he’s the most important piece, but when healthy and playing at a high level Bolland is a great annoying piece to have around so the question for me is how hurt is Bolland?

What do you think? Is he hurt worse than the Blackhawks are leading on? In the end do you feel like he’s an important piece to the puzzle for a Cup run?

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