Tag Archives: Chris Wagner

Boston Bruins

Home Opener: Bruins vs Senators

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As Bruce Cassidy stated after the Bruins 6-3 win over the Senators: we are spoiled here in Boston and the Bruins started the day off with an entertaining game against the Ottawa Senators. The atmosphere in the Garden was boisterous amid chants of “Yankees Suck!” and that energy was felt amongst the Bruins.  For one particular player, this win would one for the books as Patrice Bergeron scored his 4th career hat-trick.

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credits: Instagram @nhlbruins

A Hometown Welcome

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credits: NHL Bruins)

As the puck dropped, Bergeron scored 30 seconds in the first period, putting Boston on board 1-0 over the Senators. As the period continued at 17:12 Bergeron netted another goal, making the score 2-0 Bruins. The Senator’s Ryan Dzingel had a busy afternoon and cut the lead 2-1 in the second period. The Bruins answered back when Walpole native Chris Wagner tipped in his first goal as a Bruin, making the score 3-1.  Ottawa, however, didn’t stay quiet for too long as Dzingel once again scored making it 3-2. At the 4:38 mark, Bergeron completed his hat trick in the third period putting the Bruins up 4-2.

The Bruins were called on a penalty that saw John Moore sit in the box. Ottawa at one point had a two-man advantage but ultimately weren’t able to capitalize on their power-play. The Bruins came back as David Pastrnak buried one in net extending the lead 5-2 from a redirect pass by Bergeron. For the Senators, Bobby Ryan scored shortly after Pastrnak making it 5-3. However, with little time left in the third, Pastrnak once again scored albeit an empty-netter making the final score 6-3.

By the Numbers:

Patrice Bergeron came away with three goals and an assist. He recorded his fourth career hat trick. Bergeron also recorded another hat trick against the Senators in 2011.  David Pastrnak posted two goals with two assists. Both Charlie McAvoy and Brad Marchand added points with their three assists.  Goaltender Tuukka Rask made 28 saves. For The Senators, Ryan Dzingel had two goals along with Bobby Ryan-who scored one goal. Goaltender Mike Condon made 24 saves.

The Bruins will stay in town as they host the Edmonton Oilers this coming Thursday with puck drop at 7:00 pm.

 

If you want more Bruins news, give a follow on Twitter @pastagrl88

 

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