Savard's Bell Still Rung

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli disclosed on the eve of camp that top playmaking center Marc Savard is still suffering from post-concussion issues from Matt Cooke's dirty elbow in March and will not be skating just quite yet (it also makes you realize how tough/crazy the players from earlier generations were and how many of them unknowingly put themselves in such danger by returning to game action right away, no doubt with the same issues).

Either way you slice it, this sucks. If you're hoping that Savard is pulling an Al Czervik in retaliation for allegedly getting shopped over the summer, then that doesn't say much about his character---character that was called into question after May's most infamous line change since '79 (for the record, I don't think he's full of shit and didn't have the issue with Savard many others did after Game 7). But it's more likely the alternative---he's still downloading Google maps to get his ass off of Queer St.

Which is a kick in the balls and certainly a cause for concern. He got creamed over six months ago but was able to play in The Series That Shan't Be Named. Yet after his OT bailout in Game 1, he was virtually ineffective due to the post-concussion shit. Even though he was cleared for contact, he clearly wasn't anywhere near the top playmaker that has marked his Bs career. Was his coming back (seemingly) too early to play versus Philly the reason he's not ready to go for camp? He, and looking long-term, the team, would have been better served by resting than jumping into the grind of playoff hockey against the most grinding of playoff teams. It could be that he'd still not be ready for camp whether he played or not. But all it takes it one little shot, and he sure took more than one from a line-crossing Flyers squad, to reset your recovery and it wouldn't surprise me if that's the case here.

Regardless and looking ahead, PC gave no indication of when Savvy will start skating. Could be next week, could be next month.

On the eve of a season that holds so much promise, this news wafts in like a dark cloud. Whether it lingers and rains havoc on the Bruins season or blows out to sea remains to be determined.