Julien defends decision to keep Seguin off PP

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By DannyPicard
CSNNE.com

BOSTON -- Tyler Seguin got his shot on Saturday night. He finished hisfirst career Stanley Cup playoff game with a goal and an assist in nearly 10minutes of ice time.

The big question, a day after the Bruins Game 1 loss tothe Tampa Bay Lightning, was whether or not Seguins time on the power playwould increase from the zero seconds he saw on the man advantage inthat Game 1.

Looking at the numbers, it looks like the Bruinscould use his offensive skills on a dismal power-play unit that went 0-for-4 inSaturday nights loss, and is now 2-for-41 in the playoffs.

Coach Claude Julien gave a simple no comment whenasked about Seguin and the power play after Saturdays loss.

The first question in Sundays press conference at the TDGarden was quite similar, and this time Julien defended his teams power playwithout Seguin. He said it improved throughout the game, and that it wasnt alack of production on the man advantage that hurt them in Game 1.

Its a situation where youve got to understand, this is a19-year-old that hasnt played in 11 games, said Julien, defending hisdecision not to use Seguin on the power play. He comes back in, and you wantto give him some small chunks to bite on, and certainly work his way up.

I think the other part is that our power play is nowstarting to pick it up. I thought, at first on Saturday night, our power play was not areally good one. The second one got a little better, and then we got some shotsgo through on the other one. Had it not improved, theres nodoubt, we would have thrown him in there.

But our power plays been good the last couple of games,added Julien. And just because you struggle in the first couple of ones, youexploit it again, and then try something new. Had it not gone well, we wouldhave. And Seguin would have certainly been considered.

Seguin said hell be readyif he gets the call.

Obviously I appreciate the fans support, but really, Imnot thinking about all that right now, said Seguin on Sunday. Im just tryingto stay focused on whenever the opportunities arise, and when they do, I justwant to be there to make the most of it.

My main focus right now is just staying ready, and if theopportunity arises, just like my chance to play last night, then I want to takeadvantage of it. Thats what I tried to do last night. I just want to staysharp and prepared, in case the call comes again.

Danny Picard is onTwitter at http:twitter.comDannyPicard.

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