NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins rookie defenseman Torey Krug is certainly living the good life.

It's amazing when you consider the undrafted 5-foot-9, 180-pound lefty was just finishing up his final season at Michigan State University a season ago before signing an entry-level contract with the Bruins on March 25, 2012.

Now he's playing a key role for the team in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Rangers. Despite the fact he didn't experience the thrill of hearing his name announced at the NHL Draft, he told NHL.com it was probably a blessing in disguise.

"Yes, it's your childhood dream to hear your name called [at the draft], but it's not the end of the world," Krug said. "If you're going to make it to the NHL, you're going to make it, there's nothing that will stop you. You have to have that mindset, and maybe use it for motivation and work harder. But if you're out there, they're going to find you and you have to have faith in yourself."

In three Stanley Cup Playoff games, Krug has two goals, three points and a plus-2 rating. He spent 63 games with the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Providence this season before being called up during the playoffs.

"I felt I was ready to step in and make an impact in this League," he said. "I was doing it down in Providence for a little bit, and I thought I was ready to come up. Unfortunately, we had a couple of injuries, but I was given a chance and got in the lineup. I'm just trying to have an impact each game."

Bruins coach Claude Julien has paired Krug with Adam McQuaid. Krug logged a season-high 18:08 of ice time in Tuesday's victory over the Rangers and even though he didn't register a point, he took four shots on 24 shifts.

"In the first two games I felt I was having an impact," he said. "In my last game, I felt even better. I thought it was my best to date."

---