SAN JOSESharks defenseman Dan Boyle accidentally let his inner voice become his actual one after Saturdays win against Edmonton, when he revealed in a post-game interview with Sharks radio host Jamie Baker that he had been playing with a broken foot since early November.
I wasnt thinking, he said on Monday of his surprise disclosure. But, Ive been feeling better.
Boyle said he originally hurt the foot blocking his shot against Minnesota on November 10, but didnt want to make any excuses for his play that followed, which featured a whole lot of turnovers and misplays without much scoring.
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In fact, after Boyle registered an assist in that game against the Wild, he went the next nine without a single point. He was asked if it was difficult to hear the criticism of his game from fans and media during that stretch.
It is. Its hard. Sometimes when your ego is talking to you, you want to say, hey man, Im bleeping hurt here. Theres an inside voice that wants to say that, but especially hockey players, were kind of conditioned to just kind of turn the other cheek, take your lumps and keep it within.
Was he ever tempted to sit out a game or two?
No no no no. Its just one of those things you can just play your way through it, said Boyle. It definitely hurt my game a little bit. My game is skating, and I was definitely a step behind for many of those games, and a little slower out there. I didnt have the energy or the want to get into the play. Its a factor. But, I dont want to sit here and make excuses.
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Todd McLellan wasnt going to tell him to take a night off, either.
Hes played in worse situations and hes a pretty competitive guy. The last thing were going to do is take him out, said the coach. The injury, or an injury, is going to take him out. None of us are.
The foot still isnt completely healed, either, although Boyle is playing some of his best hockey of the season right now. He has four points in his last four games while being paired with Marc-Edouard Vlasic as regular partner Douglas Murray recovers from a left hand injury.
Were never really 100 percent, but its significantly better than what it was, said Boyle. It was definitely a problem for awhile, though. Its behind me now, hopefully.
Murray practices: Sharks defensemen Douglas Murray and Jim Vandermeer both took part in the one hour and fifteen minute skate at Sharks Ice on Monday, and are still on injured reserve with left hand injuries. It was Murrays first full practice with the team since he was hurt on Dec. 3 against Florida.
McLellan said that Murray is, getting better. His legs and his lungs are good because hes done a lot of skating. Same with Vandy. It think theyre both close.
Their status for Wednesday will be determined later in the week.
Colin White, who left Saturdays game against Edmonton after what looked to be a right wrist injury, missed Mondays skate. McLellan expects him to play against the Lightning, though.
Joe Thornton did not skate on Monday with what the team called a maintenance day.