Tag Archives: Jake DeBrusk

Boston Bruins offseason outlook part two; Free agents and more

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After falling one game short of winning the Stanley Cup, the Boston Bruins can set themselves up for another run with some good additions.

As the team looks to win now, the future starts with the draft

The first round of the NHL draft is Friday night. The Bruins hold the 30th pick in this year’s draft. Now that the league has announced the salary cap will be $81.5 or $82.0 Million, however, it is more likely that we see a trade. A trade involving the Bruins first round pick Friday night could be one way for the team to clear some cap space. Assuming that the Bruins keep the pick, there are a lot of options on the board for them. Looking at the Bruins minor league system, there aren’t really any glaring holes that need to be addressed. The Bruins goalie depth is good enough for them to stay away from a goalie in the first round, and maybe in the 2019 draft as a whole. Given the young D core that the Bruins have assembled, I think we see Boston take a forward.

Whos caught the eye?

Forwards John Beecher, Bobby Brink, and Michal Teply are some realistic names for the Bruins to possibly take at 30. A play maker (Teply), a shooter (Brink), and a banger (Beecher). All three are well rounded, but the mentioned skills are the ones that stick out. All three players would certainly impact the Boston Bruins one day.

Money talks

As mentioned in my first offseason outlook article, the Boston Bruins have a good amount of money to spend on their own free agents before they look elsewhere. With key players like Carlo and McAvoy to bring back, the amount of money that the Bruins can shell out during free agency is limited. Marcus Johansson is a name that will be swirling around the Bruins until he is signed. Johansson will likely hit the free agent market and test the waters, as he should after a good year. Free agency will be very interesting for the Bruins. Their biggest need is a top six forward. The amount of money that the Bruins will be able to give a player capable of fitting a top six role might not be enough to seal the deal. Johannson is likely the most suitable player for the Bruins to target and ultimately bring back.

Outside help?

Another very interesting name that could be tied to the Bruins is former Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry. After being bought out by the Ducks, Perry is now a free agent. Perry, a right wing, would fit well in the Bruins lineup, as well as the Bruins style of play. Perry is 6’3 and plays more of a power forward roll. Will he fit with the playmaking skills of David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk? I would certainly love to find out. Milan Lucic is another name that a lot of Bruins fans keep bringing up. Lucic was a crowd favorite who also played a top six power forward roll. Still under contract with Edmonton, it would take a buyout for the chance to come back to Boston. Similar to the Bruins situation with David Backes, it just doesn’t make much sense for the Oilers to buy him out.

Let the dominos fall

The NHL draft and free agency are both things that involve young players and money. Two things that the Boston Bruins have, kind of. With players lingering on the edge of the NHL, the Bruins have enough talent to ship out along side an undesirable contract like David Backes. The Bruins also have enough talent to go get a proven veteran on draft night in a trade that could involve the Bruins 30th overall pick. Don Sweeney and the rest of the Bruins front office will be VERY busy over the weekend.

Recap: The Boston Bruins Force Game 7

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The Boston Bruins had their backs against the wall going into Enterprise Stadium in St. Louis on Sunday night. The Stanley Cup was in the building and the Blues were looking to hoist it in front of their home crowd. Word got out that the Blues already had a restaurant rented to celebrate their victory and a St. Louis newspaper had leaked an image online congratulating the Blues on their Stanley Cup win. Boston had an uphill battle to climb and they were up to the task.

Motivation

In the locker room before the game, Patrice Bergeron gave a rousing speech to fire up the boys in black and gold. Jake DeBrusk spoke about it afterward. “He’s a legend. He said some words that I don’t know if he necessarily wants me to repeat. They weren’t bad words. It was just about what we all dream about doing. Everyone that grows up playing hockey dreams of being in this moment. It was something along those lines and to see him set the tone that way wanted us all to run through a wall.”

(Photo by Jeff Roberson)

Quick Start

If the St. Louis Blues defense was the proverbial wall, the Bruins certainly ran through it. In the first period they had a 5-3 power play and capitalized almost immediately with a goal by Brad Marchand. After holding a 1-0 lead through two periods, the Bruins opened the floodgates in the third. Two and a half minutes into the period Brandon Carlo scored, and halfway through the period Karson Kuhlman scored his first career postseason goal, putting the Bruins up 3-0.

With eight minutes left in the game, Blues Center Ryan O’Reilly scored in a bizarre incident. Tukka Rask stopped the puck with his right leg pad, kicked it back out and play continued. During the next stoppage in play word had come down from Toronto to review the shot attempt. Upon review it was determined that the puck had completely cleared the line, making it a good goal. St. Louis was on the board and had life with the score now 3-1.

Closing Out Strong

That was the only goal they would score. With six minutes remaining, Brad Marchand, in front of the net, sent a backward pass to David Pastrnak. Pastrnak faked a shot, baiting goalie Jordan Binnington, who laid out to make a stop. The puck was shot top shelf and went in easily. Finally, with just under three minutes left, Zdeno Chara scored with an unassisted slap shot, making the final score 5-1. After the game, Brad Marchand said, “We’re fighting for our lives obviously. When you play desperate, I think you see everyone’s best game.”

(Photo by Jeff Roberson)

The Bruins are now 3-0 when facing elimination this post season and Tuukka Rask is a major part of that. His goals allowed average is 1.34, and he has a .953 save percentage in elimination games. Boston will host Game 7 on Wednesday night. The Cup will be at TD Garden and somebody will be hoisting it in victory. Both teams will be desperate. With Rask in net and the home crowd fired up and participating, this Boston Bruins team could very well pull the victory. They’ll need everyone ready to run through a wall to do so.

Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Boston Bruins Clinch Home Ice; Marchand Hits 100

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With two games left to the regular season, and a guaranteed spot in the Playoffs, the Boston Bruins brought some fire last night in Columbus as they defeated the Blue Jackets 6-4. In a win that certainly felt like a Playoff game, the boys in Black and Gold were back to form after dropping their last two games. And for one particular player, last night would be one to remember as teammates swarmed number 63.

HITTING 100

After scoring a goal and tallying up an assist, Marchand reached a personal milestone: he would become the 10th Bruin to net 100 points, joining a list with likes of:

Phil Esposito

Johnny Bucyk

Ken Hodge

Joe Juneau

Rick Middleton

Bobby Orr

Adam Oates

Barry Pederson

Joe Thornton

Fellow teammates as well as the coach had glowing remarks following Marchand hitting that record:

“Couldn’t be prouder..He’s a kid that came through Providence a long time ago-we were both much younger people. He’s worked really, really hard. I’m gonna guess he’s worked as hard as anyone in the National Hockey League to round his shot, his puck play. We’ve incorporate him more on the power play and he’s grabbed it…he’s bought into it, he’s done what we’ve asked…when he’s on the ice, he’s deadly.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

“Any time you have a 100-point producer on our team, it’s pretty special..he’s an amazing player on the ice, he sees things that other guys don’t see. But off ice, his preparation-him and (Bergeron) ad all the leaders here are pretty similar in that. I think it’s something that as young guys you want to be like them…it’s a pretty special milestone and it was cool to be part of.”

Jake DeBrusk

STARTING AT HOME

With the win over the Jackets, the Boston Bruins have now clinched home ice in the First Round of the Playoffs when they face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lost last night to Carolina 4-1.  Jake DeBrusk netted two goals, Marcus Johansson scored his first goal as a Bruins, David Pastrnak scored a goal and Marchand scored-leading to his 100th point of the season.  Torey Krug and David Krejci also had career highs in assists.

Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
(Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports)

DeBrusk has scored four goals in his last four games, and has tallied up 27 goals so far this season. He also picked up an assist on Karson Kuhlman’s goal.  DeBrusk’s first goal was credited to him after a lucky bounce got past Sergei Bobrovsky. Johansson scored off a rebound that was set up by Charlie Coyle. Krejci notched his 52nd assist last night, while Krug accumulated his 47th assist. David Pastrnak scored off an assist by Patrice Bergeron.

SLOWING THE JACKETS

The Boston Bruins were able to snap Columbus’s five-game winning streak last night. Bobrovsky was pulled from goal after Boston scored their fourth goal. Joonas Korpisalo took over and allowed two goals. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored in the third, putting the Jackets on board with their first goal of the night. Matt Duchene scored a power-play goal off a pass by Artemi Panarin (who has eight points in his last six games).

The Bruins continue with their road trip as they face the Minnesota Wild on Thursday with an 8:00 pm. start time.

Columbus will look to clinch a Playoff berth when they face the New York Rangers this Friday.

Heinen And DeBrusk

Heinen And DeBrusk Stepping Up With Pastrnak Injured

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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.

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.

Follow me on Twitter @JamieGatlin1217

Boston Bruins defeat the Flyers 3-0

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The Boston Bruins continue with their win streak in a shutout 3-0 against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Garden last night. Despite a slow first period played by both teams, the Bruins came on top despite a chippy game.  Captain Zdeno Chara netted two goals and after a frustrating start to the season, winger Jake DeBrusk netted a goal from a Krejci pass. The night, however, belonged to goaltender Jaroslav Halak who made all 26 saves for his second shutout of the season. Halak, so far, has proven to be a solid back-up to Tuukka Rask. The 33-year-old Slovak native is 4th in the league for best GAA (goals against average) and tied for first for shutout wins.

BREAKDOWN

Real clean first period, not with the puck, but in terms of not allowing chances. In the second, he (Halak) had some big saves for us when we needed them, timely, and here we are with the win”-Coach Cassidy

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers

(Photo Credit: MICHAEL DWYER / AP)

After a quiet first period, things started to pick in the second for the Bruins. Halak got a workout between the pipes making 11 stops, robbing the Flyers’ Claude Giroux of two potential goals, frustrating the captain.  After the second save by Halak from Giroux, Zdeno Chara blasted one in net from a one-time fed by Danton Heinen, getting the Bruins on board 1-0. DeBrusk gave the Bruins a 2-0 lead after netting a power-play goal at 17:28 (Krejci with the assist).  The Flyers were 0-3 with the man advantage. With the assist from Halak, Chara scored an empty-net goal with 23 seconds left in the third. The Flyers had some missed chances when Jordan Weal tried to net a goal on a 2-on -1, while Giroux tried multiple times to score. Goaltender Brian Elliot made 22 saves in net for Philadelphia.

The third period saw some confusion as both teams drew multiple penalties that had both teams with players in the box. Bruins’ Steve Kampfer and Flyers’ Scott Laughton got into a brawl in the third period.

Bruins Vs Flyers

(Photo Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki)

QUICK STATS

The Bruins are 4-0 at home and are the only NHL team to have that record. Chara is now the third defenseman in NHL history to score multiple goals in a game at age 41 or older. With defenseman Urho Vaakanainen out with a concussion, Providence player Jeremy Lauzon made his NHL debut last night for the Bruins. With a slew of injured d-men, Boston recalled the 21-year-old for last’s night game. He played pretty comfortably with 11:25 TOI (Time on Ice).

The Bruins play the Montreal  Canadiens this Saturday with puck drop at 7:00 pm @ The Boston Garden.

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

Boston Bruins Celebrate an 8-2 win over Detroit October 13, 2018

Boston Bruins Throttle Red Wings 8-2

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The Boston Bruins were feeling good this Saturday afternoon as they won in great fashion, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 8-2.

A few of the Bruins players hit some personal career milestones. Superstar David Pastrnak had his second career-hat trick and scored his 100th career goal. David Krecji hit his 400th career assist. Both Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand tallied assists for the night, showcasing the great chemistry that the power-trio first line has.

Other lines also produced for Boston as both Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy and Anders Bjork potted goals each. A few bright spots for Detroit were goals netted by Filip Hronek and Dylan Larkin.

BREAKDOWN

In a lackluster fist period, the Bruins woke up towards the end of the first as David Pastrnak scored at 19:09, putting Boston on the board, 1-0. In the second period, Charlie McAvoy snipped a goal right off a Bergeron face-off win at 4:44. Jake Debrusk deked to slide one past Detroit’s goalie Jonathan Bernier, making the score 3-0. With four minutes left in the second, McAvoy drew a high-sticking penalty that sent Detroit’s Christoffer Ehn to the box. The power play led to Pastrnak’s second goal of the afternoon.

Bruins celebrate after left wing David Pastrnak scores his third goal during the third period of the Wings' 8-2 loss on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston.

(Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford USA TODAY sports)

With the third period underway, Detroit  scored just 21 seconds in with a power play goal by Filip Hronek. Boston answered back with a two-on-one push by Brad Marchand that had David Pastrnak score his second hat-trick of his career. Detroit’s Dylan Larkin scored a short-handed goal at 8:23 in the period, making the score 5-2.

Anders Bjork scored unassisted at 10:12, making the score 6-2. Jake DeBrusk scored off a Brandon Carlo deflection as David Krejci recorded his 400th assist of his career. With 48 seconds left in the third, Sean Kuraly found the pass from Kevan Miller and scored, ending the game with a final Score of 8-2.

Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo and Red Wings center Christoffer Ehn play for the puck during the first period on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston.

(Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford USA TODAY sports)

QUICK NOTES

Tuukka Rask made 32 saves while Jonathan Bernier made 31 saves (with 39 shots on goal)

On scoring his 100th goal:

“I don’t really think about [my success],” Pastrnak said. “I just go out there and play hockey … and enjoy every moment on the ice.”

Pastrnak joins a small group of Bruins who have made that mark the fastest, doing so in 259 games. Barry Pederson reached it in 187 games, while Dit Clapper did it in 247. Both Patrice Bergeron (3) and Brad Marchand (2) came away with a few assists in the game. Both players lead Boston in points (so far).

This games marks Boston’s fourth win in a row, while Detroit loses their fifth in a row. Wednesday we’ll see the start of a four game road trip in Canada where they will play the Calgary Flames.

 

 

Boston Bruins: 2018 Season Preview

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Photo courtesy:
Matt Stone

The Boston Bruins season is about to begin, with the team and fans alike expecting a deep run to the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins ended last season with a second-round playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even with the elimination, fans were happy and excited for the road ahead with the promise of the young crop of players who seemed to show promise.

Going into this season depending on Bergeron’s health, the Boston Bruins will still have one of the strongest lines with Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak together. Bruce Cassidy has matched up Danton Heinen with David Krejci during the preseason to hopefully get two strong lines to begin the season. Donato and DeBrusk are still showing they belong; if they can keep up last season’s pace, there will be a good balance of scoring that could make this Bruins team tough to handle offensively.

Defensively, they are still able to depend on Zdeno Chara. Also with players like Grzelcyk, McAvoy, and Krug, they offensively can add some points from the back end. The depth will help them throughout the season when injuries occur with Moore and Miller most likely the other defensemen who will start the season.

Photo courtesy:
Charles Krupa

Important games this season 

Oct. 3 at Washington

The Boston Bruins open the NHL season versus the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. It is also the night they raise their banner.

Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa

The Bruins will be on home ice for the first time in a matinee game on Columbus Day.

Oct. 27 vs. Montreal

This is the first matchup between the two rivals this upcoming season. This is the Red Sox versus Yankees version of the NHL.

Nov. 10 vs. Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired John Tavares and this is the first time the Boston fans see him as a division rival.

Nov. 29 vs. Islanders

Rick Middleton becomes the 12th Boston Bruins player to have his number raised to the rafters on this night.

Jan. 1 at Chicago (Winter Classic – Notre Dame Stadium)

Original Six franchises meet in this year’s 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, the Bruins face the Chicago Blackhawks. This will be the third time the Bruins take part in the outdoor game.

Apr. 6 vs. Tampa Bay 

The B’s last game of the season is versus the Lightning, Tampa knocked them out of the playoffs. This game could also have implications in the standings.

  • Longest road stretch: 5 games – Feb 15 to 23, against the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Golden Knights and Blues.
  • Longest Homestand: 6 games – Feb 26 to Mar 9, against Sharks, Lightning, Devils, Hurricanes, Panthers, and Senators.
  • The All-Star Break is Jan. 25-28, with the game being played on Jan. 27 at SAP Center in San Jose.
  • The Bruins play four matinee games at home this season.

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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.