Tag Archives: NHL

Jake DeBrusk- Playing Where It Counts

Bad timing always seems to befall teams, especially during the most important part of the season. For the Bruins, it’s something that they’ve become somewhat experts on. With their roster being filled with many first-year guys, you knew that this team would be going through some growing pains. As the team would experience one injury after another, it seemed Boston couldn’t catch a break.

ENTER DEBRUSK

The Bruins not only had those nagging injuries to deal with. On top of this, they were trying to find their style and voice on the ice. Early on there was a concern about whether or not this team would ever bounce back. But as they say, you gotta keep the faith, because things have a way of turning around. One trip out west would change the course for the Black and Gold. Something special was happening. The Bruins (now healthy) started to win, play gritty and are on pace to being in the playoffs. The biggest thing about this team that has been discussed so many times is the surge of the young players. One, in particular, is starting to make not only important plays but scoring the winning goals- Jake DeBrusk.

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

A GOOD START

A second-generation NHL player, DeBrusk quickly made noise early on after he was signed to an entry-level contract back in 2015. He was assigned to Providence after two seasons in the WHL and posted 49 points with 19 goals and 30 assists. In the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs, Debrusk scored six goals and finished with nine points. Some impressive numbers led to DeBrusk earning a spot in the Bruins training camp. As one of the young stars many were talking about prior to this season, DeBrusk would score his first NHL goal against the Nashville Predators. He would be one of many rookies that would score their first goals- a precursor of what was to come out of this Bruins team.

FINDING HIS PLACE

By mid-season, the Bruins have found themselves on an upswing and after a trip out west. Consequently, the team started to develop one of the most important things it needed: chemistry. After a few mediocre seasons that was still playing under an old Julien system of dump and chase, the youth movement was just beginning to bubble. A new coach in Bruce Cassidy, a bunch of young hot studs mixed in some wise veterans and you have the perfect concoction of what it takes to be competitive. Ever tweaking his lines, Cassidy placed DeBrusk alongside David Krejci and Ryan Spooner (prior to the trade). The young 19 year old found himself playing in the regular lineup averaging around 15 minutes on the ice every night.

BY THE NUMBERS

A quick look at Debrusk’s stats shows that the young winger isn’t afraid to get involved and help his teammates. There have been instances where DeBrusk had a tough game and was subsequently benched for a few shifts. Since his debut on October 5, 2017, DeBrusk has averaged seven or more assists each month. He currently ranks fifth behind Torey Krug with 39 points. And as the Krejci line is proving to be a powerhouse with the addition of forward Rick Nash, Jake DeBrusk is there, setting up some nifty plays.

TOUGH LOVE

It can be hard being a young player among the big boys in the league. Sometimes when you hit a rough patch, it’s time for a quick reset. For someone like Jake DeBrusk, he’s learning to take some needed criticism. Recently, Coach Bruce Cassidy wasn’t too happy with how his young winger was playing and sat him the next few shifts.

Some players don’t respond well to taking some time out. Others like DeBrusk take it and become better. And he did. DeBrusk came out off the bench to tie a recent game against Montreal. He also drove to the net and was there when Brad Marchand scored the OT winning goal. Five shots total that game, and the Bruins swept the Montreal Canadiens. As he put it:

“You don’t want to miss shifts with anyone… But at the same time, I understood why and I was eager to get back out there and try to help the team win.”

At the midseason mark where the Bruins started to turn things around, it was DeBrusk again that put some much-needed effort. After being a healthy scratch in a game against Toronto, (again some tough love from Cassidy) the winger would respond with two goals and four assists in his next five games. Sometimes all you need is a little reminding that you need to get the puck more.

MOVING FORWARD

In the NHL business, you got to play your best players and for someone young like Jake DeBrusk, you have to earn your stripes to be in the lineup. There’s no doubt that this kid can play, and it’s hard to remember that he’s only 19 years old. In a recent back to back game against the Chicago Blackhawks, DeBrusk connected with his linemates, David Krejci and Rick Nash. He certainly made his mark, being there when Krejci needed him. In a 7-4 win over Chicago, the Czech forward scored two goals, and forward Brian Gionta scored as well. DeBrusk got the assist on those power-play goals:

“…We’re just trying to read off each other and at the same time try to know where we’re going to go..obviously tonight it clicked and hopefully we can build on that.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

With fifteen games left in the regular season, every play, assist and point is crucial. The Bruins have come a long way, exceeding every expectation. With key players out on injury, Boston closed out a perfect home stand series posting a 6-0 record. When most teams start to fray at the seams, the Bruins continue to push through. Every line pulls their weight. For Jake DeBrusk, whose racking up points in his last eight games, he continues to be there for his linemates.

“The whole year I’ve been trying to build… so just trying to keep it going and understand how valuable it is to be out there and who I’m playing with”

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrl88

Is Brad Marchand a Hart Trophy Contender?

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Hart Trophy Contenders

As of now it appears that Nikita Kucherov, Taylor Hall, and Nathan Mackinnon are the frontrunners for this year’s Hart Trophy. Kucherov leads the league with 88 points and has dominated all season. Hall and Mackinnon have also had career years, yet both teams remain on the playoff bubble. Many fans and analysts have actually used this to strengthen the argument for both of them. They say that their individual production is essentially the only reason New Jersey and Colorado are in contention. Heading into the season neither team had high expectations, so this is a valid point. But can’t the same logic be applied to Brad Marchand and the Bruins? If we’re talking about one player stepping up his game and allowing his team to defy expectations, Marchand absolutely needs to be in the conversation.

By the Numbers

They made the playoffs last year, but the Bruins have been on the outside-looking-in for a while now in terms of being a cup contender. Prior to the season, the consensus was that the Bruins would be a bubble team come the latter part of the season. One set of preseason rankings from www.sportingnews.ca even had the B’s listed as the 20th best team in the league, falling behind Montreal, Ottawa, and Carolina.

But with Marchand continuing his dominance that we saw last season this prediction has become far from accurate. He leads the team with 67 points despite having played in 13 less games than the second leading scorer, David Pastrnak. This averages out to 1.29 points per game, good for fourth in the league and only 0.05 points per game behind Nathan Mackinnon, the current leader. This is something that the Bruins haven’t seen in a while. If Marchand can keep this pace up, he’ll have the most points per game by a Bruin in a single season since Joe Thornton back in 2002-03. Thornton managed to put up 101 points through 77 games that year, and even those numbers narrowly beat Marchand’s current points per game at 1.31.

We all know what Marchand’s reputation is outside of Boston- he’s pretty much hated unanimously. Fans, players, coaches, analysts- you name it, they all can’t stand him. He’s been suspended six times throughout his career and hasn’t made too many friends around the league. He’s always straddled the line between “chippy” and down-right unacceptable. But the effect that it has on the team is overblown.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Marchand for MVP

So far this season Marchand has 53 PIMs in 53 games. This doesn’t even crack the NHL’s top 50 and averages out to just one minor penalty every other game. For some teams this would cause problems, but the Bruins penalty kill is more than capable of weathering the storm. They’ve managed to kill off 82.4% of penalties this season, good for 10th in the league. We also can’t look past how this time in the box relates to his style of play. Unlike most scorers he plays his best hockey while trying to get under the opposing teams skin. Scoring and being a pest are a package deal, and he’s equally talented in both categories. With the amount that he throws the other team off their game, I’ll take a minor penalty every other night.

Even despite all this, it remains unlikely that Marchand will take home the Hart Trophy. He’s missed too much time with suspensions and his reputation has taken a bigger hit than ever. Keep in mind that the Hart trophy is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Most of them probably hate him too. But his production when in the lineup has been just as good as anyone in the NHL, and it shows with his 1.29 points per game. He’s part of the best line in hockey and has given Bruins fans scoring that we haven’t seen in 15 years. It’ll be interesting to see if Marchand can pad his stats down the stretch and become more of a solidified Hart Trophy candidate.

Brad Marchand Is the Key to the Bruins’ Success

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When we talk about the Boston Bruins’ success, the names that usually come to mind are Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask. But the real key to this team is none other than Brad Marchand

Production

The NHL just named Brad Marchand the second star of the week, and for good reason. Since Patrice Bergeron went out with a fractured foot, Marchand has stepped up in a big way. In the 10 games Bergeron has been out, Marchand has eight goals, seven assists, and 15 points for a 1.30 point per game pace. Including three straight game winning goals to lead the Bruins to a historic 6-0-0 home stand. If you pace Marchand’s production over a 82 game pace he would finish with over 100 points. That has not been done by a Bruins player since Joe Thornton in 2002-2003. In the past three seasons, Marchand is in the top five in goals scored in the entire NHL. As we have seen lately it’s not because of Bergeron. On top of the fact that number 63 is a ridiculous +32 this season to go along with his 69 points. Marchand is showing why he is the most talented player on the Bruins.

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Defensive Reliability

Not only is Marchand a heck of an offensive talent he is also one of the most dependable defensive players Bruce Cassidy has. Playing on a line with Bergeron most of his career certainly has helped Marchand with his defensive ability. But the hustle and relentless drive of the left winger is the reason he has become such a successful player. His offensive burst allows him to be an offensive factor on the penalty kill remaining responsible in his positioning. Most players that small in the NHL are usually a liability not a weapon in the defensive end. But just like everything else Marchand continues to defy logic and exceed expectations.

Although he has quite a past of misconduct in the NHL, Marchand is the most important player on the Bruins. Now he has to start acting like it because the Bruins need him come playoff time.

Czech This Out- the Bruins Are Back in Fighting Form

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Last night’s blowout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins cements the Bruins spot in the playoffs with some help from fellow Czech Mates.

At the end of 40 minutes, the horn sounded and the Boston Bruins were up 8-3 against two-time Stanley Cup champions Pittsburgh Penguins.

8-3. At the end of the second period. Let that sink in.

WILD NIGHT AT THE GARDEN

The air was electrifying last night at the Garden and the Bruins exploded, defeating the Penguins 8-4. Boston was ready to play and they played hard, leaving Pittsburgh floundering on the ice. With last night’s lopsided win, it may be time to admit that the recent trades are making an impact. Even though it’s early to say just how much each new acquisition will affect the team in the playoffs, there’s no denying that right now they’re doing their job. With the Bruins scoring five goals in the first period alone, there were two players in particular that made a lot of noise-fellow Czech mates, David Krejci and David Pastrnak.

CZECH MARK

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

There were many moments from last nights game, not excluded all the other goals from other lines, that made for a standout game. And for David Krejci, he saw his sixth career hat trick before ending the second period. Fellow Czech David Pastrnak saw a recent goal drought come to an end, scoring two goals as the first line continues to grind out and push towards the net.

As stated earlier, for any fan that had reservations about the trades can rest assure that Sweeney did well. And he didn’t have to up a whole lot to get a lot. In last night game, new players Rick Nash, Nick Holden, and Brian Gionta posted points and attributed assists in each of Krejci’s three goals. Rick Nash would even score again in the first, putting the Bruins up 3-1.

SOME QUICK STATS

Photo Associated Press

Last night’s game saw 12 Bruins post at least one point and six with two. Tuukka Rask took the win, despite a rough start in net. And for any Penguins fan reading this, yes I know your bottom defense pairing is just starting to play together, and Matt Murray is out with a concussion.

But to put things in perspective, the Bruins have started this season with multiple injuries, and are missing one of their most important players in Patrice Bergeron. With number 37 out while healing from a fractured foot, Coach Bruce Cassidy once again tweaked his lines and the Bruins are doing what the they have done all this season- their guys are stepping up. Cassidy has sent a clear message to that no injury will keep this team from winning.

So far, no line has disappointed, especially in last night’s game.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Bruins continue to rack up points and play a more physical game. Boston will be beading into the playoff and Krejci has a power forward player in Rick Nash. There is no denying that in the last few games, the former Ranger has made an impact on the Krejci line. For fans, last night’s game was one for the ages- a hat trick, two goals and one assist from the Czech players. You also had a goal and assists from the new guys, some hard thrown punches, and a bloodied-up McAvoy.

Buckle up Bruins fans, this is going to be a wild month.

Photo by John Wilcox.

Deadline Moves Make Boston Bruins’ Ceiling Much Higher

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The 2018 trade deadline has come and gone, and to the surprise of many the Boston Bruins made a big splash. Don Sweeney went out and acquired Rangers star forward Rick Nash. In exchange the Bruins sent back center Ryan Spooner, Matt Belesky, Ryan Lindgren, and a 2018 first round pick and a 2019 seventh round pick. The cost is a bit high, but there is no denying that this trade makes the Bruins substantially better. But how much better does this make the team, and what’s their ceiling now?

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Rick Nash’s Impact

It was on full display last night against Carolina- Rick Nash makes the Bruins a much better team. Nash potted his first goal as a Bruin as well as saving a goal with a great individual effort. Basically the Bruins traded Ryan Spooner for Rick Nash on their current roster. Anyone who watches the game of hockey knows that Ricks Nash is just an all around better player. Nash has always been a bit of a disappointment in his career, never really living up to the hype he had coming in as the number one overall pick. But on the Bruins Nash is not tasked with being the guy he is a second line winger. This could benefit Krejci more than anyone else, as he thrives when he plays alongside a big talented winger.

Maybe the biggest asset that Nash provides to the Bruins is his flexibility. Now Bruce Cassidy has a ton of flexibility up and down the lineup. If the Bruins get into a high tempo game, Cassidy can roll three offensive lines that can keep pace with the opposition. But if the game starts to get heavier, Krejci and Nash are more than fit to handle the grind it out atmosphere. On top of that, Cassidy can bump up Backes to the Krejci line to create a real heavy proven line.

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Ceiling

The Bruins acquired a few other smaller players at the deadline. Trading for Nick Holden, Tommy Wingels, and signing Brian Gionta. On the surface these moves like rather insignificant moves in the big picture. But each of these three players are proven veteran players with playoff experience. A team who intends on making a deep playoff run is bound to lose a few bodies to injury. Adding veteran depth instead of being forced to call up a player from Providence who would not be ready for the moment. Sweeney is ramping up for a deep playoff run and has made all the moves he can to help this team win.

Unfortunately for the Bruins they have a gauntlet that lie ahead of them. Toronto in the first round followed by a potential matchup against Tampa Bay. Who could be waiting in the conference finals? Washington, who has owned the Bruins, or Pittsburgh, the two time defending Stanley Cup Champions? The Bruins’ ceiling is way higher now then it was a week ago or even a few days ago. But the road to the cup is grueling. The Bruins ceiling is a Stanley Cup, but whether or not they can hit that remains to be seen.

Back in Boston: Brian Gionta

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The Bruins signing of 39 year-old Brian Gionta to a one year, $700k deal means a former Boston College legend will be returning to Boston. The last time Gionta wore a jersey with Boston across the front was in 2001.

Offseason

Brian Gionta’s 1000 NHL games are the reason why he is a household name throughout the National Hockey league. Gionta last put in time in the NHL last season with the Buffalo Sabres. Gionta captained Buffalo for three straight seasons after signing a deal in July of 2014. During his time in upstate New York, Gionta solidified himself as a leader. The Sabres did not resign him this past offseason. Buffalo’s AHL team, the Rochester Americans, also the home town of Gionta, inked him to a practice squad contract. This let Gionta stay in playing shape.

The United States Olympic committee named Brian Gionta the Captain of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey team. Not being in the NHL allowed the Olympic Committee to put his name on the roster. Being a captain of an Olympic hockey team is an incredible achievement, not to mention it gave Gionta the chance to play with many young, talented hockey players. This includes possible future teammate, Ryan Donato.

Boston College

Brian Gionta’s path to Olympic leader began as a leader for the Boston College Men’s ice Hockey team. Gionta flew with the Eagles from 1997 to 2001. Jerry York, current coach of BC, guided Gionta into the legend he is today. Gionta acquired the skills and traits of a leader by playing on a team filled with leaders and future stars. Marty Reasoner, a native of the city Rochester like Gionta, mentored Gionta during his freshman season. With the guidance of Reasoner, Gionta put 30 goals in the back of the net and put up 62 total points. The University of Michigan Wolverines put an end to Gionta’s incredible season, defeating Boston College in the National Championship game in Boston.

Gionta continued to put up numbers at Boston College, scoring 33 goals with 56 points as a sophomore. The playoff woes still plagued the Eagles as the University of Maine Blackbears eliminated BC in the semi-finals of the Frozen Four. The phrase “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” is continuing to reign true for Gionta at this point in his BC career. Junior year for Gionta was more of the same. Continues to put the puck in the net and put up points with 33 goals and 56 points. However, once again, BC was not able to get it done in the playoffs with a loss to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux in the national championship game.

Senior year for Gionta, the season all the pieces were falling into place. Gionta’s point total took a hit, but remained strong at five points. Not to mention he led the country in goals with 33. Amongst an Eagle roster crawling with talent, Gionta stood out as the leader. Vengeance for the loss in the National Championship game was even sweeter for Gionta and the Eagles. The won in overtime with a score of 3-2, in Albany New York no less. Not quite Rochester, but it is something.

Gionta continues to prove himself despite his age. His mentoring and leadership skills are extremely valuable to the Bruins and some of their emerging young talent.

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

Cover image courtesy of The Boston Globe.

A Healthy Rask Will Be Key for Bruins

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Final Stretch

As the season winds down, it will be crucial that the Bruins keep Tuukka Rask fresh. This will allow him to be at his best in big games down the stretch and in the playoffs. That is why Anton Khudobin’s play becomes critical for the remainder of the season. Rask and the Bruins have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since the 2013-2014 season. This year they are one of the best teams in the league and seem poised to break that streak. Being able to rest Rask will be essential, something the Bruins have not been able to do in the last couple years.

Rask’s Backups

Over the last three years Rask averaged over sixty games a year. This has been because of inconsistent play by his backups. The Bruins ideally want him to play 50-60 games during the regular season. Before last season the Bruins suffered two consecutive late season collapses, causing them to miss the playoffs. As a result, Rask has received criticism for not being clutch when the Bruins need him the most. Last year Khudobin had an amazing second half but struggled in the first half. This caused the Bruins to rely on Rask more than they would have liked. So far this year Rask’s numbers are better and Khudobin has had a career year. At times he made his own case to be the number one goalie. This has brought out the best Rask and caused him to elevate his play.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

Rask down the Stretch

If the Bruins are to make a deep playoff run, they will need Rask at his best. He has shown in the past when he is healthy he can be the difference maker for this team. When he is playing at his Vezina form the Bruins are a hard team to beat. Last year in the first round of the playoffs the Bruins were without two of their top four defenseman. This affected the whole team, and everyone had to step up. This year the Bruins improved their depth at the deadline in case injuries occur.

Photo Credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

The last part of the regular season will be a huge test for this team. They are young and surpassing most expectations placed on them before the season started. They are a contender, but the last half of the season will determine just how far this team could go. A healthy Rask will be essential come playoff time and he will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong.

The Bruins Are Making Some Moves

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The Bruins look to make a playoff push with the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching

Early Sunday morning, Don Sweeney made his move- a somewhat aggressive one. The Boston Bruins signed Rangers Rick Nash in exchange for Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, Ryan Lindgren, a 1st round draft pick and a 7th round pick in 2019.

For some fans, this move is either great or terrible and judging from comments online, fans are split. I want to hate this trade, but in truth, I think it’s smart. Believe me, I’ve haven’t always been a Sweeney fan, but you have to give him credit. After all, he’s a big reason why the Bruins have so many young prospects. And in the NHL, that’s what you need in order to be competitive. The big thing for me is that he found a team willing to take on Belesky’s contract and letting Spooner go means that the Bruins will have some wiggle room in their salary cap, which is good news for Boston.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

It’s no secret that the Boston Bruins look like serious contenders for the Stanley Cup (even though a recent road trip is leaving a sour taste in their mouths). As we’re nearing the end of the NHL regular season, Sweeney and Co. had to add some missing pieces to help bolster their defense and give David Krejci what he needs: a big forward. The Bruins needed a power forward player and they now have that with Nash (along with David Backes). And in a post season run, Boston will absolutely need to be physical. At 6’4, 211 lbs, Nash can certainly make a big impact on the Krejci line. Coach Cassidy had this to say:

“Very dynamic. He’s hard to stop, contain one-on-one,” Cassidy said. “He’s got good speed. Protects the puck well. Gets to the net. Knows how to get to the net. Good hands around the net.”

BY THE NUMBERS

In addition, the Bruins would only have to retain 50% of Belesky’s contract. And yes, there are many fans who think trading Spooner and giving up a top prospect like Lindgren was too high of a price to pay. But think of it this way: realistically, Ryan Spooner didn’t have much time left on his contract and the Bruins more than likely wouldn’t resign him after he becomes a free agent. In all fairness, Spooner had started to play really well this season and put up some good numbers.

But let’s face some tough truths here- his career wasn’t really going anywhere in Boston. For the past few seasons, Matt Beleskey hasn’t exactly been stellar. However, finding a team to absorb his contract was a challenge. Luckily, the Rangers answered that call, which leads back to my original point of the Bruins now having some good wiggle room in their salary cap.

RETAINING THE YOUTH

Throughout this season, the message was clear. This Boston Bruins team is exceeding all expectations, despite some recent tough losses. In order to rebuild your team, you need to get some young players along with a coach that’s going to lead them to the playoffs. The Bruins have a good amount of young prospects that are playing their first year in the NHL and plenty that are being developed in the AHL and college level.

Players like Jake Debrusk, Danton Heinen, Sean Kuraly, Matt Grzelcyk, and Charlie McAvoy. They’re good. Like really good. And if you want them to continue to wear the spoked B, you need to pay the price. So for those thinking these recent trades are not going to work to the Bruins advantage, you have to look at the big picture. As a fan, I would rather see someone like McAvoy here in Boston for many seasons, even if it means losing someone like Spooner.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Don Sweeney was able to do something amazing in these recent trades. He was able to make good moves without giving up a lot. And yes, there was some early worry that Jake Debrusk would be traded for Ryan McDonough. I do have to admit again that I was a bit relieved when reports indicated that Sweeney wasn’t too interested in changing up the chemistry that this team has built. Even President Cam Neeley had some thoughts on the dynamic of this team:

“It’s a great group of guys, it really is,” said Neely. “They’re all pulling on the same rope. The chemistry seems to be really strong right now. It’s another thing we talk about is the chemistry of this group. Historically, you’ve seen things happen at the deadline where, maybe teams after the fact, say ‘We made too many moves and it disrupted the chemistry’. So that’s something we’re cautious about.”

The Rangers also got a pretty good deal that will help rebuild their team and the Bruins got a proven veteran player that can score. A perfect mixture of veteran and flourishing youth is what the Bruins have now. And they wouldn’t want it any other way.

. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

It’s Crunch Time for the Bruins

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As teams continue to put pressure on the Boston Bruins, can the Black and Gold continue to tough it out?

I’ll be first to admit, I wasn’t sure if the Boston Bruins really needed to make a trade. But I had to take a hard look at their recent playing effort. The one thing about this team, which has been an issue these past few years, is the depth of their defense. As the trade deadline nears, most teams are looking to rebuild and that means making some changes. Recent rumbles throughout league would have the possibility of Jake DeBrusk going to Rangers in exchange for Ryan McDonough.

Yes, the Bruins need a top D-man, and Chara won’t be around forever. And yes, Carlo should be better than he is. Lacking that depth is being exposed in their recent road trip. We knew this was going to be tough test of just how good this team is and after a pretty bad showing against Vancouver, reality was starting to set in. If they want to be in the playoffs, they would have to play smarter, faster, and tougher.

Staff photo by John Wilcox/The Boston Herald

Quick Change

After losing 6-1 against a low standing Vancouver team, the Boston Bruins had to bounce back. A win against Calgary gave another shot of confidence that the team needed. The Bruins went back to the basics while working on what needed to be polished. Tuesday’s night game against the Oilers was another test. Edmonton hasn’t been playing great this year, yet somehow managed to find their pucks behind the Bruins’ net. A quick look at some stats and you’ll see that Boston plays under .500 when they are two goals behind. The black and gold found themselves in a hole, which they had to dig themselves out of. Something had to change and with a stroke of genius, Coach Bruce Cassidy led the charge. With the third period getting underway, the Bruins were set to make a dramatic comeback. And they did. David Krejci skated alongside David Backes and Danton Heinen. Backes retrieved the puck from Edmonton, passed to Heinen which set up Krejci to score the winning goal. Because of the stellar comeback win for the Bruins, the question of whether the B’s can play gritty was answered.

Production

The thing about this year’s Boston Bruins team is the production from their lines, particularly the 4^th line. While the 1^st line of Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak has produced huge numbers for the team- let’s take a look at the 4^th line. With Tim Schaller, Noel Acciari, Sean Kuraly, this line has been very productive for this team. Cassidy put that line out in the crucial minutes of the third period and sure enough, that move worked. The Bruins scored. In a bold move, Cassidy switched up his center and Riley Nash played alongside Jake DeBrusk and Ryan Spooner. After some great puck movement, Charlie McAvoy’s shot hit off Nash, who beautifully back passed to Matt Grzelcyk and the Bruins tied the game.

Photo Credit/Getty Images

Coach Cassidy had this to say about the fourth line:

“Offensively, they’ve done a real good job chipping in.They’re over 20 goals even strength as a line. That’s pretty good for a fourth line that doesn’t see any power-play time. It was a big one by Noel tonight, typical goals. Again for Noel, going to the net, willing to pay the price, be around there. Very, very happy for those guys …I think they’re well liked by the group, so when they give you energy, it just gets the whole team going [and] they’ve done it more than once for us this year.”

Boston Bruins David Krecji scores game winning goal

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Looking Ahead

March is going to be a tough month for the Bruins. After finishing their Canadian road trip, they’ll be back home for the next five games. With the newly acquired Rangers defenseman Nick Holden, the Bruins are looking to add some jolt to their defense. The black and gold will need to work on their back-end, make smart trades (if needed) and keep pushing. Cassidy will have to switch up lines and the young guns will need to play through their growing pains. Boston hasn’t exactly made the greatest decisions when it comes to making trades however, fans will have to trust the process. This could possibly mean losing a young player and that can be hard to swallow, given the amount of talent this team has and the chemistry they’ve built.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Bruins need to stick to the basics, drive hard to net and continue to get pucks in. Other teams will be gunning for a spot in the playoffs and the pressure will be on. One thing is for sure, this team is and has been exciting to watch. Because of the comeback win in Edmonton, this team continues to prove once again just how special they are. Cassidy keeps making the right calls, the team has found their stride and Holden is someone we could use. If everything falls into place, the Bruins will get far into the playoffs. Finally, does this team need another player like a McDonough or even a Lucic? From this writer’s perspective, Boston doesn’t really need to make another trade, but I’ll leave that to the experts.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

Ryan Donato: the Next Young Bruins Star

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The Bruins youth has been responsible for a good portion of the team’s success this season. Guys like Pastrnak, Heinen, and McAvoy have provided plenty of scoring depth in addition to the consistent production from the top line. This has propelled the team all season, and it seems like there’s only more to come. Bruins draft pick Ryan Donato is having a career year at Harvard with 31 points through 23 games. He has proven that he’s ready for the next step. Fresh off a stellar Olympic tournament, it seems that the young phenom might be on Garden ice sooner rather than later.

The Local Prodigy

Ryan has lived every New England hockey player’s dream. He is the son of former Bruin Ted Donato, and grew up right in Scituate. He spent his high school years playing for both Dexter and the Cape Cod Whalers, and even saw some time with the USNTDP team. After putting up 78 points in 30 games as a junior, his hometown Bruins snagged him in the second round of the 2014 draft. Donato finished his high school career with a stat-line of 98-129-227 over 115 games. Do the math and that adds up to 1.97 points per game.

After eight games in the USHL following his senior season, Donato began his collegiate career at Harvard playing for his dad. Ted has served as the Crimson head coach since 2004 and has now coached in over 400 NCAA games. The team reached the Frozen Four for the first time in his career last season, and it’s safe to say that Ryan is what pushed them over the top.

Moving up the Ranks

Donato has 92 points through his first 91 collegiate games and is best known for elite goal scoring prowess. He isn’t the quickest guy out there, but his lethal shot and hockey IQ make him effective in all three zones. What’s really exciting about him is that he’s been able to find immediate success at every level. He got 36 points as a freshman at Dexter, put up ten in his first and only eight games in the USHL, and put up 21 in his first year at Harvard.

He’s handled the increase in skill tremendously at every level and did the same over in Pyeongchang. He was just as advertised- effective in all three zones without sacrificing any offense. His goal scoring ability was first put on display with two beautiful tallies against the Slovaks and continued from there. Donato led Team USA in scoring with five goals and six points through five games. He was one of four collegiate players on the squad.

Much to the delight of Bruins fans, there have even been rumors of him signing immediately after the Olympics. But don’t get too excited, because Harvard could really use him back across the pond. The team is currently standing at 13-10-4 with Donato leading the team in scoring. Due to this his NHL debut may need to wait. There’s no question that Donato should make an immediate impact with the B’s. It’s just a matter of when it’ll happen.

Cover image courtesy of BostonPucks.com.