When Aaron Ward went down with a leg injury Saturday night, the Bruins called up defensemen Matt Lashoff and Johnny Boychuk. Both players are vying for the #6 defenseman spot on the upcoming Florida road trip.

Matt Lashoff has spent part of the year shuttling back and forth on Route 95 between Boston and Providence. Although Lashoff has been up with Boston at times this year, he has not yet dressed for an NHL game this season. In 18 AHL games, he has recorded 16 points (4-12-16), good enough for 3rd in the AHL among defensemen. Matt Lashoff is a strong skater with a solid all-around game.



As for Johnny Boychuk, this is the first time he has been called up this season. Boychuk currently leads AHL defensemen in both points and assists (4-19-23). Johnny Boychuk brings a physical presence and a heavy slapshot.



So, the question remains: Who will Claude Julien go with tomorrow night?