After the Boston Bruins' historic 135 point season being on the rails after the Florida Panthers tied their series at three games, the Bruins were scrambling to ensure a victory and continue their historic season.
In doing so, the Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery thought their best lineup did not include veteran Nick Foligno, leading him to be scratched for what was the final Bruins game of the season. Foligno, now a 35 year-old veteran bottom six player, was an important fixture to the Bruins identity of blue collar hockey, but simply could not keep up to the pace of the Panthers in the first round.
When asked in an interview about the decision to scratch him in game 7, Foligno did not hold back. In an open and honest statement, Foligno said it didn't sit well with him - and that he'll be using that situation as an example to never let himself be in that position again.
Foligno likely wouldn't be able to return to the Bruins due to their lack of salary space, but perhaps that game 7 gave Foligno a different perspective on the current state of his NHL career. If he couldn't help contending teams in must-win games, perhaps he could be a mentor and a leader for a young rebuilding team in the Chicago Blackhawks. On July 1st this year, Foligno did sign with the Blackhawks on just a one year, $4M deal.
