Author Archives: @JamieGatlin1217

David Backes

David Backes Stepping Up When Needed Most

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The David Backes era has not gone as many expected in Boston. Backes has provided veteran leadership during his Bruins tenure but failed to live up to his contract. Earlier this season, as the Bruins offense struggled, Backes did as well. Through the Bruins first seventeen games, the veteran winger registered just one point. Lately, his play has improved. In the Bruins last four games, he has two goals. Despite his struggles, Backes can still contribute to this team and has started to round into form.

David Backes Improving After Slow Start

This season the veteran winger has been a staple on the Bruins third and fourth line. That is not what the Bruins envisioned when they signed him three years ago, however, that is where he has been the most productive. His improved play is due to the fact that he has been more aggressive. Over the Bruins last five games, he has fourteen shots on net. That, however, is not the only reason for the veterans recent offensive contributions.

During his tenure in Boston, Backes has battled injuries and this year has been no different. He dealt with a concussion earlier this season that sidelined him for the second half of October. Because of the injury, Backes played with a more passive approach. Keeping him healthy will be key as the Bruins have already had many players miss significant time. Even when healthy this season Backes play has been affected by the younger Bruins trying to find their way.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Inside Hockey

Changing Style

Backes began the season on skating on a line with Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen. Due to their struggles defensively Backes put more emphasis on his defense. This was reflected in his statistics as he failed to register a point through the Bruins first eleven games. The choice to hang back made him appear tentative and prevented him from battling in front of the net. His recent aggressive play is starting to yield results and has earned him time on the powerplay. On the man advantage, he is helping the Bruins win faceoffs and keep the puck in the offensive zone. He will never match Bergeron’s production. However he has made the Bruins powerplay productive without one of its best weapons.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Claus Anderson/ Getty Images

Through the Bruins first, twenty-six-game Backes has not been an offensive force. With injuries mounting, the Bruins need veteran leadership more than ever. Backes has answered the challenge and is stepping up when his team needs him the most.

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Bruins second line

Bruins Second Line Catching Fire

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So far this season the Bruins have been decimated by injuries. As a result, their lineups have been in constant flux. Matters only got worse last week when Patrice Bergeron was ruled out for at least the next month. Despite the injuries, head coach, Bruce Cassidy has not had to worry about Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci who are playing their best hockey of the season. With the injury list growing the Bruins second line has carried this team when needed most.

Coming into the season, expectations were high for David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. With Krejci’s vision and DeBrusks scoring touch, the two were expected to form a formidable second line. After struggling early on they are starting to meet expectations. In the Bruins, last five games DeBrusk has three goals. After scoring only three goals in October, he has seven this month including two multi-goal games. Even when DeBrusk isn’t scoring he has been more aggressive offensively and created scoring chances.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Bruins Second Line Stepping Up When Needed Most

Additionally, DeBrusk’s improved play is partly due to Krejci who is having a bounce-back year. Through 24 games, the veteran center has 17 assists after recording just 27 last season while battling injuries. He has been particularly good of late recording ten assists in the Bruins last eleven games. The Bruins center is on pace for sixty plus points for the first time since 2015-2016. Against Toronto, the Bruins second line was shutout however they still were aggressive offensively.

DeBrusk had a career-high seven shots on net and had the third most ice time on the Bruins. Danton Heinen and Krejci also saw considerable ice time finishing with the fourth and fifth most. They almost tied the game in the third period, however, a post denied Danton Heinen of his third goal this season. Although they were unable to capitalize they created scoring chances that in most nights would have resulted in goals.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Expectations Going Forward

Having a productive second line will be key to the Bruins success. It will make them a deeper team and put less pressure on their top line. With Krejci and DeBrusk at their best, they have not just been productive but dominant at times. The Bruins have shown that they can be a very good team in spite of their injuries. That is in large part due to Krejci and DeBrusk who have played their best hockey as injuries mount around them. Depth was what made this team success last season and it has again lead to their improved play.

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DeBrusk

DeBrusk Rounding Into Form

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Last season, Jake DeBrusk solidified himself as a key piece to the Bruins future. In 70 regular season games, he had 16 goals and 27 assists. He was dangerous on the powerplay recording nine points including two goals. In the playoffs, DeBrusk was even better and played like a veteran. Through the Bruins first four games, he had played well but had nothing to show for it. That all changed in the Bruins 8-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

DeBrusk’s Improved Play

In the Bruins victory, the former first-round pick got his first two goals of his sophomore campaign. The chances have been there this season but until Saturday luck had not been on his side. It was a welcoming sign for a Bruins offense that has been carried by their top line. In order for the Bruins to be successful, they will need DeBrusk to be productive. After five games it appears that he is rounding into form.

DeBrusk

Photo Credit:  Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bruins season is still young DeBrusk has been at his best over their last two games. He has been placed on the left side due to the Bruins experimenting with Joakim Nordstrom on the second line. As a result DeBrusk has played away from his natural wing. The move has not negatively affected his play but improved it. He has not made mistakes with the puck and played his most complete games. This is the role he played in Game 7 against Toronto last season when he had two big to help the Bruins advance.

Line Changes Going Forward

While this move has been effective but there could still be changes made. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy will continue to tinker with the lines before all four are set. Krejci and DeBrusk will most likely stay together the only question being who becomes their right wing. While Nordstrom has boosted the second line, he has also helped the play of the Bruins sophomore winger.

DeBrusk

Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald

Regardless of who has been on the right wing, this season DeBrusk has played well. He may not have the stats to back it up but many players are still trying to find their groove. DeBrusk is the Bruins’ best scorer other than the Bruins that dominate first line. He has proven to be successful regardless of what is going on around him. He finally has the monkey off his back and in what should be a special season for the young winger.

For more Bruins news follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

Oilers

Bruins Vs Oilers Preview

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On Thursday night the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers will meet at 7 PM at TD Garden. This is the first matchup between these two teams in the early going of the 2018-2019 season. The Oilers will be looking for their first win of the year while the Bruins are looking to extend their win streak to three. It will be an interesting matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions.

Bruins and Oilers 2017-2018 Season’s So Far

The Bruins will come into this game having won back to back games after being embarrassed on opening night. Their defense has improved over the last two games while their top line has been dominant. In their 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday, the Bruins top line contributed to every goal. The Oilers will have to contain that line which is no easy task. They are a young team and will be looking to rebound following a tough opener.

Oilers

Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Jason Franson

The Oilers first game of the season like the Bruins opener was forgettable. They fell to the Devils 5-3 and struggled in many areas of the game. Conor McDavid was a bright spot as he had an assist on two of Edmonton’s three goals. Former Bruin Milan Lucic will return to the Garden following a strong opener for Edmonton in which he recorded a goal and an assist. The Oilers must limit the Bruins offense which has scored ten goals in their past two games.

Keys To The Game

The Bruins top line early on has proved that it is still one of the best lines in hockey, but they will need help. Of the Bruins 12 goals this season only two have not come from the Bruins first line. The Bruins other lines have looked better of late but they will need to put the puck in the net. The Oilers will be looking to limit Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak and challenge the Bruins other forwards. The Bruins will have to limit McDavid and Lucic who are coming off strong performances against New Jersey.

Oilers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

For Edmonton, the key will be to limit the Bruins top line and challenge the Bruins depth. The Oilers will have to play better defensively and can not allow five goals again. They have had four days to rest meaning they should be at the top of their game. They will be getting reinforcements in the form of one of their top forwards in Ryan Nugent- Hopkins. He was held out of practice Monday after getting banged up against New Jersey but is expected to play.

Goalie Matchup

Jaroslav Halak will get the nod in net making his second start this season. He is coming off an impressive game against Buffalo in which he stopped all 32 shots he faced. In two games this season he has a save percentage of .960 and goals against average of 1.29.

Cam Talbot will get the start for Edmonton looking to bounce back after allowing four goals on 26 shots against New Jersey. He has been successful against the Bruins in his career recording a 5-2 record. In those seven games, he has a save percentage of .922 and goals against average of 2.72.

For more Bruins news, follow @JamieGatlin1217 on twitter

Bruins

Bruins Opening Night Preview

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The day that hockey fans have been waiting for all offseason is here. A summer of anticipation is over and the start of the NHL season is only hours away. The Bruins will open their season in Washington against the Capitals tonight at 7:30 and watch them raise their championship banner. This will only motivate a young Bruins team with championship aspirations. It will not be easy as their division only got stronger with Toronto’s addition of John Tavares. The Bruins still have enough talent, and like last year will be looking to surpass expectations.

Last year, the Bruins finished second in the Eastern Conference after a magical regular season. They will again be bolstered by one of the best lines hockey and a young core that is just beginning to emerge. Jake DeBrusk and Charlie McAvoy showed last season that they can be above average players for years to come. This season they will be joined by highly touted rookie Ryan Donato and Anders Bjork who battled injuries last season. How well these young players perform will dictate how far this team goes. They will be looking to build on last season and for this group a playoff appearance will not be enough.

The Bruins Roster

Last season the Bruins Stanley Cup core from 2011 showed that they still have a lot left in the tank. Patrice Bergeron will again center the Bruins’ top line which will only be better this season. Marchand continued to dominate and, when healthy, averaged more than a point per game. They meshed quickly with the Bruins’ young forwards, which was a pleasant surprise. They were carried by their youth and this season will be no different. Their rookies had the most goals in the NHL last season, scoring over fifty. Ryan Donato contributed to that, and will be looking to build on his brief NHL debut. He will be joined by Urho Vaakanien, who will get opportunities with the injury to Torey Krug. They will be looking to make the same type of impact that Charlie McAvoy and DeBrusk did last season.

Bruins

Photo Credit: Eric Bolte- USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, the Bruins have a solid defensive unit in front of starter Tuukka Rask. Chara will again anchor the group alongside McAvoy who already is one of the NHL’s top defenseman. The only new addition to this group is John Moore, whom the Bruins signed to a five-year deal in free agency. Last year this group struggled at times, but will improve this season as McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk get more experience. They will also see the return of Brandon Carlo, who missed the playoffs last year due to injury. This group has the potential to be one of the best defensive groups in the NHL, and tonight will be their first major test.

Bruins

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

Final Thoughts

The Bruins will again be a playoff team this season. Despite their youth, they have one of the deepest roster in the NHL. Their mix of veterans and youth should only continue to improve even with new faces added to the mix. Starting off against the defending champs will be a good test for this team. It will give the Bruins a chance to see how well their new line combinations work together. They will be looking to end a 12 game losing streak against the Capitals that has spanned four seasons.

Stempniak

Lee Stempniak Impressing In Camp

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When the Bruins invited Lee Stempniak to camp it was a surprise a move. With opening night only four days away Stempniak still remains on the Bruins roster. On a roster filled with young talent the thirteen year veteran has played with renewed injury this preseason. Whether or not that leads to a roster spot remains to be seen. With opening night fast approaching the Bruins will soon have to decide on what they will do with the veteran winger.

Stempniak’s Value

Last season Stempniak appeared in 37 games for the Hurricanes scoring three goals and recording nine assists. It was the first time in his career that he appeared in less than fifty games in a season. His three goals were his lowest total since 2012-2013 hen he had nine with Calgary. This preseason he has not looked like a veteran who has lost his scoring touch. Stempniak has looked re-energized by the Bruins youth even though that could be a reason he does not end up with a roster spot.

Stempniak

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, he is not a twenty goal scorer but still has value. He is a steady veteran presence who can score between 10 and 15 goals. In the preseason Stempniak has six points while only averaging 11 minutes of ice time a game. He has shown that he can produce in a depth role and on the powerplay. His scoring touch is needed but his veteran leadership is also important.

Veteran Presence

This off-season the Bruins have lost veterans Rick Nash, Riley Nash, and Tim Schaller in free agency. Stempniak has been in the league for over a decade and been in many different locker rooms. He can provide perspective for the younger Bruins players who are still adjusting to the NHL. This is a key quality and contribution that does not show up on the stat sheet.

stempniak

Photo Credit: Couch Guy Sports

Although Stempniak is a well-traveled veteran he will not end up on the Bruins top line. He would most likely end up on the Bruins third or fourth-line. He could provide scoring depth while adding a unique perspective in the locker room and has outplayed some of the players still in camp. It is these type of signings that sometimes work out to be the best moves. Stempniak will know his fate soon but he has made a compelling case in his second stint with the Bruins.

Bergeron

Bergeron Returns To The Ice

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Throughout his career, Patrice Bergeron has been a model of excellence. He is one of the games top centers and is coming off another solid campaign. Unfortunately, Bergeron missed 22 games last season due to injury. For the Bruins, he is vital to their success not only for his offensive contributions but also his work in the defensive zone. Bergeron has yet to appear in a preseason game this year due to his recovery from offseason groin surgery. He has also been dealing with back spasms due to the surgery. There have been encouraging signs of late and there is a chance he could appear in the Bruin’s next preseason game. The hope is that this injury will not affect him in the regular season.

Bergeron Continues Excellence in 2017-2018

Last year, Bergeron missed the first two weeks of the season. The Bruins struggled without their top center and upon his return looked like a different team. In 64 games last year he had 30 goals and 33 assists. It was the fourth time he has scored thirty or more goals in a season. He almost won a record-breaking fifth Selke trophy but finished in third partly due to the fact that he missed 22 games last season. When healthy, he centered one of the deadliest lines in hockey and averaged about a point per game. The fact that he is recovering from another injury is concerning, but last season he showed that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Bergeron

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

This season, the Bruins will again rely on their star center. Marchand and Pastrnak have the ability to carry this team but do not have the two-way impact of Bergeron. Keeping him healthy will be key for the Bruins and their young players. Like last season the Bruins will rely on their youth and are bound to go through growing pains. That is when they will need Bergeron’s leadership and his continued excellence.

Expectations For Bergeron In 2018-2019

Assuming Bergeron stays healthy he should be able to top last year’s numbers. The Bruins top line was hard to stop and the continued improvement of Pastrnak will only give the Bruins center more scoring opportunities. He will never score 100 points or score 50 goals in a season. That is not the player the Bruins need him to be. He has been the heart and soul of the Bruins and the team’s MVP for the past 15 years. In order for the Bruins to be successful they just need him to play the two-way game that has made him one of the best centers in the league. He has had a special run in Boston and this coming season it will only continue.

Krejci and Heinen

Krejci And Heinen Developing Chemistry

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Danton Heinen has not had the easiest road to the NHL. He began last season in Providence before being recalled by Boston and becoming a key piece on the third line. With an open spot on Krejci’s right side, Heinen is looking to prove he can be a top six winger. It will not be easy as has competition in the form of Ryan Donato and Anders Bjork. So far, Heinen has been developing chemistry with Krejci early on. This has been key for the Bruins as they try to find out how productive a line with Krejci and Heinen can be.

Krejci And Heinen Forming Chemistry Early On

In the Bruins’ third preseason game, Heinen got his first chance at playing alongside Krejci. Heinen looked comfortable playing with Krejci and felt his play was improving. Forming chemistry will be big for these two but it will not happen in just one game. During the first two days of training camp Heinen played right-wing on the second line, which was noteworthy. If Heinen can continue to improve then the Bruins could have a formidable second line. This would allow the Bruins to keep their dominant top line together. Heinen could help stabilize a second line that was inconsistent at times last season and underwent many changes.

In recent years, the Bruins have struggled to find the right line mates for Krejci. When healthy, he is a playmaker and creative in the offensive zone. That will mix well with Heinen who is coming off a solid rookie season in which he had 16 goals and 31 assists. In camp, Bruins coaches have been impressed with the two in their limited time together. Following the Bruins’ 2-1 win over the Capitals on September 16th assistant coach Joe Sacco said, “I thought it was a good start for those two guys as far as trying to form a little bit of chemistry with each other.” They key for Heinen will be patience with Krejci.

Krejci and Heinen

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Adjustments For Heinen and Krejci

As a result of being so creative, Krejci tends to hang onto the puck. In order for Heinen to be successful he will have to trust that Krejci will find him. In the game against the Capitals the main focus was getting their legs back. The fact that Krejci and Heinen showed chemistry quickly was a very good sign. They will only get better with time and more opportunities playing together. Heinen’s hockey sense allows him to adapt to any different linemate, which he has already shown with Krejci. Heinen also has very good puck protection skills, which will only help the Bruins’ second line. Along with Jake DeBrusk, this could be a formidable trio. So far, Heinen has risen to the challenge.

Studnicka

Jack Studnicka on the Rise

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This offseason one name that General Manager Don Sweeney has mentioned often is Jack Studnicka. The Bruins drafted Studnicka in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft. He has come to camp determined to win a job despite his limited professional experience. Studnicka is not the only Bruin prospects pushing for an NHL job leaving little room for error. He is a gifted playmaker with leadership skills that are rare for a 19-year-old. Regardless of whether he starts the season in Boston or Providence, he will be a player to watch.

Studnicka’s Expectations

Nonetheless making the Bruins roster will not be easy but his offensive ceiling is high. Last season Studnicka was one of the stars of the Bruins development camp. Due to a crowded forward mix, he returned to the Ontario Hockey League after only one preseason game. He was the Oshawa Generals leading scorer with 22 goals and 50 assists. He added muscle which allowed him to win more battles and improved his game. In five games for Providence, he was equally impressive recording one goal and four assists.

Studnicka

Photo Credit: Sabrina Byrnes/ Metroland

What Makes Studnicka so talented is his playing style. He is an excellent skater with an explosive first step. His speed and deception allow him to break away from coverage to put himself in the best position to score. He excels on both ends of the ice due to his competitiveness. Unlike many young players, he is not afraid of being a leader but embraces that role. He wants to be in charge and is not afraid of standing up for his teammates. The former second round pick is not a vocal leader but leads by example. These traits have caught the eye of Sweeney and the rest of Bruins management.

Where Will Studnicka End Up

Unfortunately like last season the Bruins have a crowded forward group. They do not have enough spots for all these prospects and are looking for some to distinguish themselves. Studnicka has done that after falling short last season. He has shown that he will work harder than anyone on the ice and that he is a natural leader. A lot is still determined but Studnicka has positioned himself well. Regardless of what happens, he has a bright future. Even if he begins the season in Providence it would not be surprising if he found himself in Boston at some point this coming season.

Third Line

Who Will Be on the Bruins’ Third Line?

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The Bruins will have many battles going on before the start of the regular season. One that will be interesting to watch is how the Bruins’ third line pans out. With the departures of Riley Nash and Tim Schaller in free agency, the Bruins have holes to fill. At the moment David Backes and Danton Heinen depending on who ends up on the second line are the only locks for the third line. The Bruins have many candidates for the last spot on the third line including Chris Wagner, Trent Frederic, and Jack Studnicka. All these players will be looking to make their case with the start of the season approaching.

The New Guy

Earlier this offseason the Bruins signed Chris Wagner to a two-year deal worth 1.25 million a year. Wagner is not the most offensively gifted and is seen as a better fit on the fourth line. He brings a bottom six versatility and could play center or on the wing. He relies on his physicality and intimidation. Wagner brings toughness to the Bruins’ bottom lines which would fit well on either the third or fourth line. In order to secure a spot on the third line, he will have to show more offensively. Of these three Wagner has the most secure spot on the Bruins’ roster the only question is where he will be placed in the lineup.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatierei/ Getty Images North America

Prospects Battling For the Third Line

Two players battling for the last spot are highly touted prospects. Between the two Frederic is closer to being NHL ready. The Bruins drafted Frederic in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. He was seen as a reach at that spot due to his limited offensive ability. He will never be a thirty goal scorer but the Bruins still have high expectations for him. Frederic will most likely fill a defensive role while contributing a respectable amount of offense. Frederic will have to show that he is ready for the NHL as he has only played in 13 games at Providence. He will have to hold off another highly motivated Bruins prospect who is starting to make a name for himself.

The Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft. Last season he played five games for Providence and was able to tally five points. He has the tools to be an elite scorer which was on display in the prospects challenge. He has more offensive upside than Frederic and is not afraid of standing up for his teammates. That will be key on the third line and his play has impressed the Bruins front office. In order to secure a spot he will have to continue to show his play-making ability. Even if he is sent back to Providence he has already left a good impression on the Bruins front office. He is a longshot to make the Bruins roster but he is not letting that hold him back.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

All of these players are battling for a single spot. Whoever does not win will end up in Providence or in Wagner’s case on the fourth line. They are each playing with a chip on their shoulder which will only make them better. For Studnicka and Frederic, it will give the Bruins a glimpse of what they can do. They will also be battling Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson who will looking to make the jump to the NHL but will most likely start the season in Providence. The Regular season is drawing closer but this battle is only getting started and it will have an impact on the Bruins’ future.

Follow me on Twitter: @JamieGatlin1217