Bruins’ Michael Callahan details dental work after taking puck to the face
"Lost a couple teeth and some stitches on the lip. But other than that, not too bad."
Michael Callahan was happy to be back on the ice with the Bruins on Monday.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t reflect that sentiment by cracking a smile.
The Franklin native might have the green light to play on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. But he’s destined to spend time in a dentist’s chair in the coming weeks — with the former Providence College captain still on the mend after taking a puck to the face this weekend.
“Lost a couple teeth and some stitches on the lip. But other than that, not too bad,” Callahan said Monday at Warrior Ice Arena.
Callahan logged just 5:49 of ice time during Saturday’s win over the Rangers, exiting the game early in the second period after a puck ricocheted off a stick and struck him square in the jaw.
Spitting up blood as he made his way off the ice, Callahan did not return to the game after making his way down the tunnel, with the defenseman ultimately getting three teeth removed from his shattered maw.
“I’d actually lost one [tooth] in Providence two years ago, and then the other day I lost three more from the bottom,” Callahan said. “So now I’m missing four from the bottom. Not a new experience, I guess.”
Even though Boston interim head coach Joe Sacco expects Callahan to play against Minnesota, the no-frills skater is not out of the woods yet when it comes to shoring up the damage from that blistering biscuit.
Because Callahan needs additional work done on his mouth during Boston’s upcoming break during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, he’ll need to play these next few games with a full face shield.
Skating with a “bubble” usually presents some growing pains for NHLers, but Callahan has some familiarity with that type of headgear after spending four years in the collegiate ranks with the Friars.
“It wasn’t too bad today, just took a little getting used to,” Callahan said. “I’ve never worn the clear cage before. But it was good today. Didn’t have any issues with it, so should be fine.”
Callahan has been a solid addition for Boston’s banged-up blue line, appearing in five total games with the Bruins so far this season after getting called up from the AHL.
On a Bruins D corps already featuring several puck-moving assets like Mason Lohrei and Charlie McAvoy, Callahan has often been tasked with playing a simple, rigid game — often alongside Brandon Carlo.
Even though his stat sheet is far from flashy (0 points in those five games), Callahan has held his own in his first taste of action at hockey’s highest level.
Callahan has only been on the ice for five offensive-zone faceoffs over 62:03 of 5-on-5 ice time. But even with a heavy dose of daunting D-zone reps, the Bruins hold an 11-10 edge in high-danger scoring chances when Callahan has been on the ice this season.
“Predictability is what we like,” Sacco said of Callahan. “I think that there’s a defensive side to him that we know what we’re going to get from him on a nightly basis. … It’s hard in this league when you get called up to execute under pressure against teams that are coming at you in waves, especially good players with good sticks.
“So just the ability to handle the pressure coming out of our D zone is very important for him. Making good plays, the simple play, the right play. And I think we’ve seen that with him.”
Callahan’s first stint with Boston might have cost him a few chiclets. But the local product will welcome whatever punishment that comes his way, so long as he continues to help his hometown team win.
“I’m getting more comfortable … with every game I play,” Callahan said. “It’s great getting to play with Brandon. He’s a great partner to have for a new guy like me, helps me feel confident and comfortable.
“Felt like the game the other day was going well, so kind of unfortunate to have to miss out on the rest of it. But yeah, I’m happy I’m good enough to go for tomorrow.”
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