Tag Archives: Riley Nash

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.

Riley Nash

The Emergence of Riley Nash

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2018 Season so Far

This year the Boston Bruins have been led by their youth. The young players have come as advertised and propelled the Bruins to the top of the Eastern Conference. Riley Nash doesn’t fall under that category. He is in his seventh NHL season, but he’s been key this year. Through seventy games he has a career high of 15 goals and 25 assists. He’s stepped up when the Bruins needed him the most and been key for this team. Like the other veterans on this team he’s complemented the rookies well and is quietly having a career year.

Riley Nash

Photo Credit: Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Riley Nash’s First Year in Boston

Prior to the 2016-2017 season Nash spent the first five years of his NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes. In Carolina the most points he had in a season was 25. This year, with 12 games left, he already has forty. In his first season in Boston Nash scored seven goals and contributed ten assists. This year has been much different for the former Hurricane who wasn’t seen as a big part of the Bruins offensive attack. He’s spent a lot of time on different lines contributing wherever he’s been put. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has shown his faith in Nash and even moved him up to the first line when for an injured Patrice Bergeron.

Riley Nash

Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Why Riley Nash Is Critical

Lately Nash has had to step up as the injury bug has hit the Bruins. This has been critical, considering the Bruins are one of the youngest teams in the NHL. What has made this team so good is the different weapons they have. Nash has surprisingly been one of those weapons. He’s not just a sniper, as lately he’s been crashing the net and earning his goals.

Riley Nash

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Prediction Going Forward

In the playoffs the Bruins don’t need Nash to be an elite scorer. If he plays like has in the regular season, then the Bruins could have a very dangerous top three lines. So far this year they have been a gritty team. They need to continue that come playoff time once some of their key players like Bergeron and Backes return. Even with their return the play of Nash will still be key.