Gresh & Zo: Bruins Defense Missing Veteran Presence

BOSTON (CBS) - Here comes the Bruins' annual midseason slump - or could it be something more than that?

Following the team's 4-3 loss at the hands of Tyler Bozak and the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night, the Bruins have dropped three of their last four and have mustered a paltry five wins in their last 10 games.

Last night was the latest in a string of uninspiring efforts for the B's, currently tied with Tampa Bay atop the Atlantic Division.

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Some are chalking up this midseason slide to fatigue, or players lacking enough focus as the Olympic break approaches.

However, the slump began as soon as the Bruins lost defenseman Dennis Seidenberg for the season to an ACL/MCL tear.

Boston has dealt with numerous injuries to their blue-line this season, but the absence of Seidenberg has been most glaring, and has resulted in 10 power play goals in the 8 games since he went down.

Andy Gresh admits he was wrong about the Seidenberg assessment, and ultimately thinks a deal has to be struck to bring a top four defensemen in.

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"I think the alarming thing from last night is that on the penalty kill they are just not the same team. Some of that is Dennis Seidenberg, and I do think that some of that is not having Chris Kelly - so there are reinforcements on the way."

"After originally balking at the idea of going to get a veteran defensemen to replace Seidenberg, I'm starting to think now that they might have to go get someone to give you another veteran presence on the back end," said Gresh Wednesday morning.

Do you think the Bruins need to make a trade? Who would you deal? Weigh in below in the comments section and listen to the full discussion:

 

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