Bruins play numbers game at deadline

With a key Bruins player succumbing to injury seemingly every week, general manager Peter Chiarelli was thinking as much quantity as quality at Monday’s trade deadline.

Toward that end, the Bruins made a pair of trades Monday, bringing in a pair of a defensemen and a veteran forward for the postseason push.

The Bruins acquired left-shot defenseman Mike Mottau and forward Brian Rolston from the Islanders in exchange for prospects Yannick Riendeau and Marc Cantin. The Bruins also acquired a second lefty defenseman – and shot-blocking specialist – Greg Zanon from Minnesota for Steve Kampfer.

With Zanon and Mottau, the Bruins shored up their defense, while Rolston helps offset the loss of Nathan Horton (concussion) and Rich Peverley (knee). Johnny Boychuck may also miss time with concussion-like symptoms after taking a hit Saturday night in Ottawa.

“We’ve added some veteran depth to our lineup, specifically on Rolston,” Chiarelli said. “I feel he’s a motivated player – terrific shot. Can really skate, and he’ll add to our depth and versatility. Mottau adds to our defensive depth – left-shot D – we’ve been looking for some left-shot D’s and has a good head on his shoulder, good mobility and I find he keeps a nice gap for someone his size which is hard to do.

“Zanon is a terrific shot blocker, he’s a real gritty competitor. We’ll wait and see what happens with our two forwards that are currently injured right now.”

Mottau and Rolston have strong Boston roots. Rolston played for the Bruins in the early 2000s, and Mottau grew up in Quincy and attended Boston College.

“I’ll definitely embrace it only because it’s such a great hockey town,” Mottau said. “Growing up there and having the experience of playing close to home in college and playing in some big games in the Garden – and having family and friends to be in the stands each night will be quite a thrill for me.”