Bruins adjust defensive rotations to limit Charlie McAvoy's penalty kill time

The Boston Bruins intend to decrease the shorthanded ice time for top defenseman Charlie McAvoy during the upcoming season. McAvoy led the team last year by averaging two minutes and 48 seconds of penalty-kill time per game. Coaches and management aim to keep the defenseman fresh for other situations by distributing those responsibilities to other players. The acquisition of Will Borgen is expected to support this rotation, providing the team with more options in the defensive zone. Despite a 24th-ranked penalty kill during the regular season, the unit improved during the postseason by successfully defending 23 of 24 power-play opportunities. Team staff emphasize that this move is intended to improve overall performance rather than reduce McAvoy's importance to the lineup.

• 11:45 PMYahoo Sports — Bruins Plan to Reduce Charlie McAvoy’s Penalty Kill Load