December 3, 2008 For Bruins, everyone pitches in on 'D' Play video

(NECN) - It may not be the most glamorous job -- that of filling the shooting lanes on defense. But it is the job that Bruins coach Claude Julien attributes to much of the team's success on both ends of the ice.

"I think we've improved a lot in that area, as far as blocking shots," Julien said. "Not only that, it's helped our game offensively, because whether it's our forwards or whether it's our defenseman blocking those shots, we're quick on the attack from that."

One of the team's best shot blockers is veteran defenseman Aaron Ward. He will miss at least Thursday's game with a leg injury. The Boston Globe reported that Ward was walking around the Ristuccia Arena with a boot on his left leg. The team has recalled Johnny Boychuck and Matt Lashoff from Providence -- one of which will take Ward's place on the ice.

"Aaron Ward is one of those guys who likes to block shots. The proof is there. Even last year with a broken foot and other things," Julien said. "You can't ask for somebody to come in and be Aaron Ward, but hopefully on the whole we'll still be blocking a lot of shots."