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Post by SeaBass on Mar 13, 2023 9:33:53 GMT -5
Please keep the talk in here to Pavel.
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 29, 2023 7:20:10 GMT -5
He’s now the center of attention. Pavel Zacha, who spent most of 2022-23 riding the left wing on David Krejci’s line, is poised for some big moves on the precipice of his second season with the Bruins. Zacha is a leading candidate to take over the center spot on the top line, a role formerly held by Patrice Bergeron. Though his wingers are to be named later, Zacha has spent significant practice time this week with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. Additionally, Zacha has assumed another of Bergeron’s former tasks: the bumper role on the top power-play unit.
While no final decisions have been made when it comes to line combinations — the mixing and matching continued during Thursday’s sessions — it’s clear more will be expected from Zacha, who filled in at center several times last season when Krejci and/or Bergeron were out.
Coach Jim Montgomery said this week the difference between the 26-year-old Zacha last training camp and this year is “night and day.”
“I sense a guy that’s comfortable in his skin, knows who he is, knows how he’s going to have success in this league, expects himself to have success,” Montgomery said. “And to be a big part of the nucleus of our team. He was finding himself last year.”
Fans could get the first look at a Zacha-Pastrnak-Marchand combo Friday when the trio makes its preseason debut against the Flyers at TD Garden. It’s also possible, however, that Anthony Richard subs in for Marchand.
The Bruins captain knows things can change quickly and remains excited for all the possibilities.
“Pasta’s one of the best goal scorers in the league and Pav took a massive step last year, he’s got incredible vision and a really good two-way player, like Bergy,” Marchand said Wednesday. “I had a lot of fun playing with them. If I’m there [in the future], we’ll keep building and keep working together. It’s definitely going to be a work in progress. We weren’t completely in synch out there, but that’s expected, especially when you have a new center. We’ve played with different guys the last few years and you have to get used to one another. We’ll keep working on it and we’ll get to where we want to be.”
Zacha, the sixth overall pick in 2015, set career highs in goals (21) and assists (36) last season. He spent the summer working out in Boston, often skating with Marchand, which helped him feel more comfortable in his surroundings after coming over via trade from the Devils.
“I know [Marchand] and Bergy played together for a long time, but he was really nice,” said Zacha. “He was telling me the whole summer just how he trains, and I was able to watch him. I was just trying to get better with him. There’s a reason why he’s the captain. He’s a great player and he knows how to talk to players and how to make them feel comfortable. That’s what he was for me the whole summer and he tried to make me feel comfortable coming into the center position.”
“I’m excited for Pav. I love the step he took this summer,” said Marchand. “He trained extremely hard and it’s showing right now. He looks awesome in camp, with his elevated role and the position he’s going to be in. I still think there’s another step he’s going to take and it’s going to be fun to see.”
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Post by orym on Sept 29, 2023 9:49:51 GMT -5
He’s now the center of attention. Pavel Zacha, who spent most of 2022-23 riding the left wing on David Krejci’s line, is poised for some big moves on the precipice of his second season with the Bruins. Zacha is a leading candidate to take over the center spot on the top line, a role formerly held by Patrice Bergeron. Though his wingers are to be named later, Zacha has spent significant practice time this week with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. Additionally, Zacha has assumed another of Bergeron’s former tasks: the bumper role on the top power-play unit. While no final decisions have been made when it comes to line combinations — the mixing and matching continued during Thursday’s sessions — it’s clear more will be expected from Zacha, who filled in at center several times last season when Krejci and/or Bergeron were out. Coach Jim Montgomery said this week the difference between the 26-year-old Zacha last training camp and this year is “night and day.” “I sense a guy that’s comfortable in his skin, knows who he is, knows how he’s going to have success in this league, expects himself to have success,” Montgomery said. “And to be a big part of the nucleus of our team. He was finding himself last year.” Fans could get the first look at a Zacha-Pastrnak-Marchand combo Friday when the trio makes its preseason debut against the Flyers at TD Garden. It’s also possible, however, that Anthony Richard subs in for Marchand. The Bruins captain knows things can change quickly and remains excited for all the possibilities. “Pasta’s one of the best goal scorers in the league and Pav took a massive step last year, he’s got incredible vision and a really good two-way player, like Bergy,” Marchand said Wednesday. “I had a lot of fun playing with them. If I’m there [in the future], we’ll keep building and keep working together. It’s definitely going to be a work in progress. We weren’t completely in synch out there, but that’s expected, especially when you have a new center. We’ve played with different guys the last few years and you have to get used to one another. We’ll keep working on it and we’ll get to where we want to be.” Zacha, the sixth overall pick in 2015, set career highs in goals (21) and assists (36) last season. He spent the summer working out in Boston, often skating with Marchand, which helped him feel more comfortable in his surroundings after coming over via trade from the Devils. “I know [Marchand] and Bergy played together for a long time, but he was really nice,” said Zacha. “He was telling me the whole summer just how he trains, and I was able to watch him. I was just trying to get better with him. There’s a reason why he’s the captain. He’s a great player and he knows how to talk to players and how to make them feel comfortable. That’s what he was for me the whole summer and he tried to make me feel comfortable coming into the center position.” “I’m excited for Pav. I love the step he took this summer,” said Marchand. “He trained extremely hard and it’s showing right now. He looks awesome in camp, with his elevated role and the position he’s going to be in. I still think there’s another step he’s going to take and it’s going to be fun to see.” Could be a point per game this year playing with those two and being the bumper on the PP. Expecting a big year from him for sure!
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Post by SeaBass on Mar 11, 2024 12:28:28 GMT -5
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Post by nfld77 on Mar 11, 2024 15:16:39 GMT -5
Zacha and DeBrusk are both playing much better here of late..Just hope in continues in the postseason!
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Post by madmarx on Mar 28, 2024 9:28:38 GMT -5
Pavel Zacha becomes the first Boston center outside of Bergeron and Krejci to record back-to-back 50-point seasons since Marc Savard during 2007-2009
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Post by crafar01 on Mar 28, 2024 9:54:04 GMT -5
Pavel Zacha becomes the first Boston center outside of Bergeron and Krejci to record back-to-back 50-point seasons since Marc Savard during 2007-2009 I've got to give DS credit for getting him, he's been pretty solid since he's been here. And it's funny how all the NJ fans were laughing about it. I guess we came out on the right side of this one for sure.
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Post by nfld77 on Mar 28, 2024 15:36:51 GMT -5
Pavel Zacha becomes the first Boston center outside of Bergeron and Krejci to record back-to-back 50-point seasons since Marc Savard during 2007-2009 I've got to give DS credit for getting him, he's been pretty solid since he's been here. And it's funny how all the NJ fans were laughing about it. I guess we came out on the right side of this one for sure. Well we traded Eric Haula for Pavel Zacha..SO how bout we compare the stats on both players since the trade?? Let's see who actually got better deal and keep in mind that Zacha is signed to a 4yr contract with 3 yrs left at a bargain 4.5 million..Zacha is 26 yrs old and Haula is 33 so thats a HUGE difference maker right there, Haula is 7 years older..Erik Haula signed a 3 year, $9,450,000 contract with the New Jersey Devils on Jun. 23, 2023. The contract has a cap hit of $3,150,000. SINCE THE TRADE 2 SEASONS AGO:: Eric Haula has played 147 games with 28 goals 46 assists for 74 points.. SINCE THE TRADE 2 SEASONS AGO: Pavel Zacha has played 152 games with 39 goals 68 assists for 107 points.. I have to wonder if NJ fans are still laughing!! Right now Zacha is our #1 centre, he has surpassed Coyle by a wide margin in the faceoff circle and CC has exactly 100pts past 2 seasons so offensively not a big difference in offence, but a difference is age as Coyle is 33 years old, same as Haula..I actually thought Zacha was 28 but no, he's only 26 BUT turns 27 in a week.. Haula had his 2nd best career season last yr with Bruins so it was a risky move on Sweeneys part but I loved the move since day one and he's proven that he's a legit top 6 player..His offense has really kicked in here of late..Now if Coyle can get going, losing those faceoffs on the PP is killing us..Zacha should be taking majority of faceoffs on the PP and both him and Beecher on the PK..I do believe Charlie Coyle will step up once playoffs begin, he's an impactful player and will be ready for game one!!! SO, Getting back to who won the Haula/Zacha trade?? Bruins obviously won that deal but Haula is doing well in NJ so props to him also..
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Post by crafar01 on Mar 29, 2024 6:05:20 GMT -5
I've got to give DS credit for getting him, he's been pretty solid since he's been here. And it's funny how all the NJ fans were laughing about it. I guess we came out on the right side of this one for sure. Well we traded Eric Haula for Pavel Zacha..SO how bout we compare the stats on both players since the trade?? Let's see who actually got better deal and keep in mind that Zacha is signed to a 4yr contract with 3 yrs left at a bargain 4.5 million..Zacha is 26 yrs old and Haula is 33 so thats a HUGE difference maker right there, Haula is 7 years older..Erik Haula signed a 3 year, $9,450,000 contract with the New Jersey Devils on Jun. 23, 2023. The contract has a cap hit of $3,150,000. SINCE THE TRADE 2 SEASONS AGO:: Eric Haula has played 147 games with 28 goals 46 assists for 74 points.. SINCE THE TRADE 2 SEASONS AGO: Pavel Zacha has played 152 games with 39 goals 68 assists for 107 points.. I have to wonder if NJ fans are still laughing!! Right now Zacha is our #1 centre, he has surpassed Coyle by a wide margin in the faceoff circle and CC has exactly 100pts past 2 seasons so offensively not a big difference in offence, but a difference is age as Coyle is 33 years old, same as Haula..I actually thought Zacha was 28 but no, he's only 26 BUT turns 27 in a week.. Haula had his 2nd best career season last yr with Bruins so it was a risky move on Sweeneys part but I loved the move since day one and he's proven that he's a legit top 6 player..His offense has really kicked in here of late..Now if Coyle can get going, losing those faceoffs on the PP is killing us..Zacha should be taking majority of faceoffs on the PP and both him and Beecher on the PK..I do believe Charlie Coyle will step up once playoffs begin, he's an impactful player and will be ready for game one!!! SO, Getting back to who won the Haula/Zacha trade?? Bruins obviously won that deal but Haula is doing well in NJ so props to him also.. Yup, I would say that is a solid assessment, thanks Newf!
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Post by nfld77 on Mar 29, 2024 13:54:09 GMT -5
Well we traded Eric Haula for Pavel Zacha..SO how bout we compare the stats on both players since the trade?? Let's see who actually got better deal and keep in mind that Zacha is signed to a 4yr contract with 3 yrs left at a bargain 4.5 million..Zacha is 26 yrs old and Haula is 33 so thats a HUGE difference maker right there, Haula is 7 years older..Erik Haula signed a 3 year, $9,450,000 contract with the New Jersey Devils on Jun. 23, 2023. The contract has a cap hit of $3,150,000. SINCE THE TRADE 2 SEASONS AGO:: Eric Haula has played 147 games with 28 goals 46 assists for 74 points.. SINCE THE TRADE 2 SEASONS AGO: Pavel Zacha has played 152 games with 39 goals 68 assists for 107 points.. I have to wonder if NJ fans are still laughing!! Right now Zacha is our #1 centre, he has surpassed Coyle by a wide margin in the faceoff circle and CC has exactly 100pts past 2 seasons so offensively not a big difference in offence, but a difference is age as Coyle is 33 years old, same as Haula..I actually thought Zacha was 28 but no, he's only 26 BUT turns 27 in a week.. Haula had his 2nd best career season last yr with Bruins so it was a risky move on Sweeneys part but I loved the move since day one and he's proven that he's a legit top 6 player..His offense has really kicked in here of late..Now if Coyle can get going, losing those faceoffs on the PP is killing us..Zacha should be taking majority of faceoffs on the PP and both him and Beecher on the PK..I do believe Charlie Coyle will step up once playoffs begin, he's an impactful player and will be ready for game one!!! SO, Getting back to who won the Haula/Zacha trade?? Bruins obviously won that deal but Haula is doing well in NJ so props to him also.. Yup, I would say that is a solid assessment, thanks Newf! Well Crafar, you know as well as anyone how much I love statistics so it was actually a fun adventure comparing the Haula/Zacha trade, especially considering Jersey fans thought Sweeney was getting shafted and taking a problem off THEIR hands when actually Donny did quite well in that trade..Plus thats without comparing the age of both players..Zacha being only 26 is on the upside of his career while Haula being 33 is on the downside of his career..Solid assessmment, I dunno but I certainly appreciate you saying that..Have a super Easter Weekend..
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Post by crafar01 on Apr 1, 2024 5:53:15 GMT -5
Yup, I would say that is a solid assessment, thanks Newf! Well Crafar, you know as well as anyone how much I love statistics so it was actually a fun adventure comparing the Haula/Zacha trade, especially considering Jersey fans thought Sweeney was getting shafted and taking a problem off THEIR hands when actually Donny did quite well in that trade..Plus thats without comparing the age of both players..Zacha being only 26 is on the upside of his career while Haula being 33 is on the downside of his career..Solid assessmment, I dunno but I certainly appreciate you saying that..Have a super Easter Weekend.. Yup, the age difference is a major part of the equation for sure. Happy belated Easter!
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Post by kjc2 on Apr 3, 2024 8:34:49 GMT -5
I imagine NJ fans were drooling when they drafted the 6’4” center 6th overall 2015 and the expectations were probably over the top for a kid going to a shitty New Jersey team. A change in scenery is a breath of fresh air to an underachieving player I would think. Big win in that trade and maybe it takes away some of our sting from the 2015 draft.
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Post by madmarx on Apr 3, 2024 10:57:59 GMT -5
I imagine NJ fans were drooling when they drafted the 6’4” center 6th overall 2015 and the expectations were probably over the top for a kid going to a shitty New Jersey team. A change in scenery is a breath of fresh air to an underachieving player I would think. Big win in that trade and maybe it takes away some of our sting from the 2015 draft. I honestly think he has really good chemistry with Pasta and I think he’s gonna get a decent raise next time around
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Post by nfld77 on Apr 3, 2024 14:04:15 GMT -5
I imagine NJ fans were drooling when they drafted the 6’4” center 6th overall 2015 and the expectations were probably over the top for a kid going to a shitty New Jersey team. A change in scenery is a breath of fresh air to an underachieving player I would think. Big win in that trade and maybe it takes away some of our sting from the 2015 draft. I honestly think he has really good chemistry with Pasta and I think he’s gonna get a decent raise next time around Lucky to have him for 4.5 million three more yrs after this one..He'll be 30 at end of contract..No way in hell should DeBrusk get more or actually he shoukd get less then Zacha..Yet Zacha should be getting more than Coyle so guess it evens itself up..
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