Throughout this season the Bruins have dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity. Before their West Coast swing they suffered arguably their biggest blow as David Pastrnak was ruled out for at least two weeks. In his absence, the Bruins struggling offense has come alive. They have been lead by Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen, who have broken out of sophomore slumps. With the trade deadline looming the Bruins young wingers are playing their best hockey yet.

Before their recent hot stretches, Heinen and DeBrusk had been disappointing this season. As the Bruins struggled offensively, the lack of offense from Heinen and DeBrusk was magnified. With the trade deadline looming, their names had been included in many trade rumors. The two young forwards have responded by reminding people why they are both key to this roster.

Last season Heinen was a pleasant surprise as his forty-seven points were the fifth most on the team. He was key in the clutch and had four game-winning goals. Heinen provided support for his line mates as he dished out thirty-one assists. When the Bruins, needed an offensive boost he was there. Heinen, however, was prone to extended slumps which again had been the case this season until recently.

During January the former fourth-round pick only had three points. His offense was non-existent regardless of what line the Bruins placed him on. In February, Heinen has regained his confidence when the Bruins needed it the most. Over Heinen’s last nine games, he has three goals and five assists. Since being placed on the Bruins top line Heinen, has been a different player.

DeBrusk’s Hot Stretch

The same can be said for Jake DeBrusk who has been dominant since Pastrnak went down with an injury. In 11 games this month the former first-round pick has five goals and six assists. He scored in five straight games, after scoring only three times in January. After an inconsistent start, DeBrusk has been the dynamic playmaker he was expected to be. The success of these two has coincided with the Bruins best stretch of the season.

Heading into Tuesday’s tilt with San Jose the Bruins will be looking to extend their points streak to fourteen games. This is due to the fact that their secondary scoring, which had been absent, has been on full display. This team is getting contributions from everyone with their top goal scorer sidelined. Their current streak has catapulted them to second place in the Eastern Conference.

As the Bruins make their playoff push, secondary scoring will be key. Having DeBrusk and Heinen at their best will be essential. While this team may still need one more scorer to make a deep run, their young wingers have carried this team of late.