The Boston Bruins have reportedly signed veteran forward Jay Pandolfo—a move that sets the club up for a deep playoff run in 2013.

Via TSN's Bob McKenzie: 

Pandolfo has been traveling with the Bruins and practicing with the team for the better part of a month now. CSN New England's Joe Haggerty writes that Boston will likely send Pandolfo "down to Providence to play a few games" before it calls him into active duty.

Boston is currently sitting pretty in second place in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the New Jersey Devils with one-fifth of the season already completed. 

The Bruins are among the best in the league on defense, allowing just 2.1 goals per game and stopping almost 93 percent of power plays against them. 

Boston has been able to win on the back of its defense, despite the fact that it is among the worst in the league at converting power plays and features a middle-of-the-road offense. 

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Pandolfo, a 38-year-old defensive specialist, isn't going to come in and fix the team's lackluster offense, but he will add depth to the team's already dominant defense. Additionally, he'll add insurance should the team suffer through a rash of injuries in this strike-shortened season.

Given the fact that there's not much Boston can do to change its offense, it's imperative that the team continues to dominate on defense. General manager Peter Chiarelli understands this fact, and he knows that Pandolfo will add strength to strength. 

Pandolfo isn't a flashy new toy, but his experience, leadership and defensive prowess will greatly assist the Bruins for a run at the Stanley Cup this year. 

 

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