|
Post by SeaBass on Oct 16, 2018 12:42:46 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by nfld77 on Oct 16, 2018 22:25:14 GMT -5
If someone told me Bruins would be ranked 5th just four games after that 7-0 shelacking in Washington a couple months ago{ok, it do seem that long ago}, I'd say they're friggin nuts..BUT since then outscoring their opponents 22-6 will do that I guess.. Thanks Seabass
|
|
|
Post by SeaBass on Oct 17, 2018 9:33:30 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by fforr on Oct 17, 2018 10:23:55 GMT -5
Been solid on the backend since the opener, 6goals against in the last 4 games. Surprised the author didn’t mention the 41% clip on the pp. Would think Kampher goes to Providence and Krug gets every opportunity to win a spot in the end.
|
|
|
Post by DonnyBrook on Oct 17, 2018 10:27:15 GMT -5
If someone told me Bruins would be ranked 5th just four games after that 7-0 shelacking in Washington a couple months ago{ok, it do seem that long ago}, I'd say they're friggin nuts..BUT since then outscoring their opponents 22-6 will do that I guess.. Thanks Seabass i dont get why tampa is up there. i also think the pens are in big trouble. i know they started out slow last year but i have a feeling they wont make the playoffs this year.
|
|
|
Post by KSJ08 on Oct 17, 2018 11:16:33 GMT -5
If someone told me Bruins would be ranked 5th just four games after that 7-0 shelacking in Washington a couple months ago{ok, it do seem that long ago}, I'd say they're friggin nuts..BUT since then outscoring their opponents 22-6 will do that I guess.. Thanks Seabass And the Caps haven't been that good since :-)
|
|
|
Post by nfld77 on Oct 17, 2018 12:16:33 GMT -5
If someone told me Bruins would be ranked 5th just four games after that 7-0 shelacking in Washington a couple months ago{ok, it do seem that long ago}, I'd say they're friggin nuts..BUT since then outscoring their opponents 22-6 will do that I guess.. Thanks Seabass And the Caps haven't been that good since :-) You're right there Kev, since the Caps embarrassed Bruins in their "Raising of the Banner" night they have went 1-2-1 and outscored and outscored 19-13.. If the Bruins played them another night except that game, they would have beat them,,Bruins have been by far the better team overall even including the 7-0 loss.
|
|
|
Post by SeaBass on Oct 19, 2018 7:08:02 GMT -5
EDMONTON – Jake DeBrusk received an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime birthday present from his father, Louie, on Oct. 18, 2005 – a day off from school.
It wasn’t a normal day off from his studies and it’s one that DeBrusk remembers well, even 13 years later.
DeBrusk had turned 9 the day before and suddenly found himself as a stick boy for the Phoenix Coyotes against his hometown Edmonton Oilers at since-shuttered Rexall Place. DeBrusk had received the invitation from the Coyotes coach – none other than Wayne Gretzky.
At the time, his dad, Louie DeBrusk — a former winger with 401 NHL games to his name — was working as a color analyst for the Coyotes radio affiliate and the team was on the road, playing the Oilers. It was a homecoming for the DeBrusk family, one that turned into something even greater when Louie showed young Jake a text he received from No. 99.
It read: “Does Jake want to come to the game?”
It became more than just a ticket. Gretzky invited DeBrusk down to the bench for warmups, but he ended up staying there for the entire game, which ended with a 4-3 overtime victory for the Coyotes.
“It was pretty surreal,” DeBrusk told The Athletic. “I remember that day pretty vivid even though I was young. It was the only time I was cheering against Edmonton. (Gretzky’s) a real down-to-earth guy.”
When DeBrusk returned to school the next day, his friends did not believe that he watched the game only a few feet from Gretzky on the bench.
“I have no video proof. I was trying to tell my friends at school the next day and they wouldn’t believe me,” DeBrusk said. “I was like, ‘I was on the bench with Wayne.’ My friends were like, ‘Yeah, right.’ I was on the bench for the entire game. I can only imagine what I was doing. I just remember the reaction I got trying to tell people I was on the bench and no one believed me.”
Fast-forward 13 years.
DeBrusk, now in his second season in the NHL, was back in his hometown Thursday with the Bruins to face the Oilers. During the morning skate, Gretzky sat in the stands and afterwards recalled his day with DeBrusk on the bench.
“He was pretty happy,” Gretzky said with a big smile. “He’s a great kid.”
The friendship between DeBrusk and one of the greatest hockey players of all-time was only beginning that day in 2005. The following season DeBrusk was invited to Gretzky’s home in Los Angeles to hang out with Wayne’s son, Ty, who’s now 28.
Oh, it gets better.
While the Bruins were in China last month for a pair of preseason games against the Calgary Flames, DeBrusk enjoyed breakfast one morning with a special guest, also along for the trip.
“I was just chilling, having breakfast by myself when Wayne walked in,” DeBrusk said. “He came over, sat down and we were just hanging out. Seeing the looks from the guys like, ‘Who is this kid?’ It was kind of funny. I didn’t know he was coming to China. That was pretty surreal, too.”
Louie DeBrusk is a hockey analyst for Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada and has worked the two Bruins games against the Oilers over the past week. It’s given the father and son some time to spend together, especially since the Oilers were in Boston for five days last week.
“It’s special,” DeBrusk said. “Anytime we can hang out, or our paths cross, it’s nice because we don’t get to see each other that often. Coming back to Edmonton this early in the season is nice as well.”
Since Edmonton is DeBrusk’s hometown, there’s plenty of spotlight on him when the Bruins come to town. His dad, an enforcer who was with the Oilers from 1991-97, stands back and enjoys watching his son play in the NHL.
“I’m his toughest critic,” the elder DeBrusk said with a smile.
As father and son were catching up Wednesday morning at Rogers Place, Gretzky was leaving the building. The NHL legend described what it’s like to have a parent watching your games, no matter how old you are.
“One of the greatest things about sports, whether it’s ice hockey, basketball, or tennis, is the encouragement you get from your mom and dad. Part of that fun is going to the practices and games with your mom and dad and the conversations you have in the car.”
Remembering that day with Jake and Louie DeBrusk 13 years ago, Gretzky suddenly began to reminisce about his relationship with his own father, Walter.
“I can still remember the first game my dad took me to when I was 6 and one of the coolest things I got to do in my career was the last game I played, I drove with my dad to the game,” Gretzky said. “After the game, my wife said: ‘How was the drive? That must have been fun.’ I said, ‘No. Actually it was a pain in the butt. He kept tapping me on the shins telling me I could play one more year.’ I look at him and said, ‘I’m not playing anymore.’ But the fact that I got to go to my first game, driving with my dad and then I got to drive my dad to my last game was pretty incredible.
“Whether you’re an 8-year-old kid, or playing in the NHL, kids look up all the time to see where their mom and dad are sitting. It doesn’t change from being a minor league player at 10-years-old, or playing in the NHL. There’s something so special about your mom and dad being at your games.”
Gretzky remembered how excited DeBrusk was that day on the bench as the Coyotes stick boy. And, knowing that Jake’s playing in front of his hometown fans, with his dad in the building, Gretzky passed along some advice for all hockey parents.
“You can never be there enough,” he said. “Kids want you there. Kids idolize the fact that they can look over at a practice and see their dad talking with other fathers. Kids love that parent backing and that’s one of the great things about our game of hockey that parents are involved even at the NHL level. I think that’s wonderful.”
On this day, a day after his 22nd birthday, DeBrusk was pumped to see No. 99 in the building.
“He was a special player and he’s a special human being,” DeBrusk said.
|
|
|
Post by SeaBass on Oct 19, 2018 8:46:18 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by crafar01 on Oct 19, 2018 9:05:54 GMT -5
I am beginning to think that dude might be worse than DuPud at his peak. I saw he didn't waste any time yesterday, tearing Rask up after the Flames game too.
|
|
|
Post by DonnyBrook on Oct 19, 2018 9:16:58 GMT -5
I am beginning to think that dude might be worse than DuPud at his peak. I saw he didn't waste any time yesterday, tearing Rask up after the Flames game too. i am starting to get frustrated with tuukka on my own volition ...i would ride halak. and im starting to wonder if they should trade a bunch of prospects for a top six forward. maybe those guys dont break the lineup...i dont know.
|
|
|
Post by DonnyBrook on Oct 19, 2018 9:51:31 GMT -5
i wonder if martin barkos will get a shot. he could be a solution in the top six.
|
|
|
Post by crafar01 on Oct 19, 2018 11:59:14 GMT -5
I am beginning to think that dude might be worse than DuPud at his peak. I saw he didn't waste any time yesterday, tearing Rask up after the Flames game too. i am starting to get frustrated with tuukka on my own volition ...i would ride halak. and im starting to wonder if they should trade a bunch of prospects for a top six forward. maybe those guys dont break the lineup...i dont know. There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion.
|
|
|
Post by DonnyBrook on Oct 19, 2018 12:40:18 GMT -5
i am starting to get frustrated with tuukka on my own volition ...i would ride halak. and im starting to wonder if they should trade a bunch of prospects for a top six forward. maybe those guys dont break the lineup...i dont know. There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion. im a tuukka fan. i have a tuukka shirt. im just wondering if i should go against him and maybe change his luck...LOL.
|
|
|
Post by crafar01 on Oct 22, 2018 6:24:04 GMT -5
There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion. im a tuukka fan. i have a tuukka shirt. im just wondering if i should go against him and maybe change his luck...LOL. It can't hurt at this point...give it a try and maybe he'll go on a tear.
|
|
|
Post by KSJ08 on Oct 22, 2018 8:04:49 GMT -5
Wore my Bergy Away Jersey Sat.Nite that didn't work out too well!:-(
|
|
|
Post by nfld77 on Oct 22, 2018 13:55:54 GMT -5
i am starting to get frustrated with tuukka on my own volition ...i would ride halak. and im starting to wonder if they should trade a bunch of prospects for a top six forward. maybe those guys dont break the lineup...i dont know. There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion. Excellent and very fair and sensible opinion that I certainly agree with!!
|
|
|
Post by crafar01 on Oct 22, 2018 14:23:51 GMT -5
There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion. Excellent and very fair and sensible opinion that I certainly agree with!! Thank you sir! Great minds...
|
|
|
Post by madmarx on Oct 22, 2018 15:46:13 GMT -5
i am starting to get frustrated with tuukka on my own volition ...i would ride halak. and im starting to wonder if they should trade a bunch of prospects for a top six forward. maybe those guys dont break the lineup...i dont know. There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion. I think the difference between Thomas and Rask was Thomas was a battler never giving up on a play Rask not so much and I think it rubs the fans the wrong way..
|
|
|
Post by crafar01 on Oct 23, 2018 6:42:44 GMT -5
There are times when Tuukka really pisses me off, but then there are games like the WAS one where the entire team decided to take the night off...but according to that fucking knob Haggs, it was all Tuukka's fault. I am more about calling a spade a spade - when the players in front of him suck ass, I will sight them as the issue, same with Tuukka when he doesn't show up. I remember myself and many others here shitting on TT for a long time saying he would never lead us to a Cup and he didn't have the mental make up for it, etc., etc., but that worked out OK. Rask may, or may not ever do the same, but every loss surely isn't his fault either. Just my humble opinion. I think the difference between Thomas and Rask was Thomas was a battler never giving up on a play Rask not so much and I think it rubs the fans the wrong way.. I would say that's accurate...the one thing they do have in common is a temper. And I must admit that I very much enjoy watching when they've occasionally lost their shit in the past.
|
|
|
Post by kjc2 on Oct 23, 2018 8:50:12 GMT -5
I think the difference between Thomas and Rask was Thomas was a battler never giving up on a play Rask not so much and I think it rubs the fans the wrong way.. I would say that's accurate...the one thing they do have in common is a temper. And I must admit that I very much enjoy watching when they've occasionally lost their shit in the past. When TT started here and for several years later I couldn't wait for Rask to replace him in goal. Timmy kept getting better and he won the Vezina and a much deserved Conn Smythe Trophy. Thomas started here as a journeyman goalie at 31 years of age and Tuuka is just 31 now, he has plenty of good years left to calm down his game a bit and just keep getting better. At least that's what I'm going with.
|
|
|
Post by KSJ08 on Oct 23, 2018 11:13:27 GMT -5
I would say that's accurate...the one thing they do have in common is a temper. And I must admit that I very much enjoy watching when they've occasionally lost their shit in the past. When TT started here and for several years later I couldn't wait for Rask to replace him in goal. Timmy kept getting better and he won the Vezina and a much deserved Conn Smythe Trophy. Thomas started here as a journeyman goalie at 31 years of age and Tuuka is just 31 now, he has plenty of good years left to calm down his game a bit and just keep getting better. At least that's what I'm going with. He needs Yoga like TT did :-0
|
|
|
Post by kjc2 on Oct 23, 2018 12:03:28 GMT -5
When TT started here and for several years later I couldn't wait for Rask to replace him in goal. Timmy kept getting better and he won the Vezina and a much deserved Conn Smythe Trophy. Thomas started here as a journeyman goalie at 31 years of age and Tuuka is just 31 now, he has plenty of good years left to calm down his game a bit and just keep getting better. At least that's what I'm going with. He needs Yoga like TT did :-0 I think you're right.
|
|
|
Post by SeaBass on Oct 23, 2018 13:07:02 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by KSJ08 on Oct 24, 2018 13:14:11 GMT -5
From NHL.Net
Is David Pastrnak becoming the new Jaromir Jagr? -- @bonnetbeats
Our Boston-based staff writer Amalie Benjamin wrote a terrific piece on this very subject.
I understand why the comparison is being made - the forward scores a lot of goals and he's from the Czech Republic -- but I'm not ready to compare anybody to Jagr. I like Pastrnak, love his game, his chemistry with forwards Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, the way he generates chances and scores, but he's not the new Jagr. Pastrnak doesn't play like him or have the same build as him. However, it's reasonable to say Pastrnak is on track to become the second-best Czech skater in NHL history. Right now, that's former New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias.
|
|
|
Post by SeaBass on Oct 25, 2018 7:46:34 GMT -5
As the Bruins’ top line continues to dominate, finding a suitable second-line winger to flank center David Krejci has become a priority in Boston.
Teams need consistent secondary scoring in order to be successful. Even though the Bruins’ top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak have combined for 44 points in the first nine games, even they can’t do it alone. They need backup.
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney thought he found the solution last spring when he acquired veteran power forward Rick Nash from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. A second line of Jake DeBrusk, Krejci and Nash could have been the difference between an early playoff exit and a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Unfortunately for the Bruins and Nash, he suffered a concussion soon after his arrival in Boston, and even though he returned for the playoffs, he continued to feel the affects of the injury. Since he has a history of concussions, Nash decided it was best not to sign as a free agent with the Bruins, or anywhere else, and wait until he felt 100 percent healthy before making a decision on his future career.
That meant the Bruins needed to find another answer on Krejci’s right side.
During the summer, coach Bruce Cassidy contemplated removing Pastrnak from the top line and reuniting him with Krejci. Other than for a brief moment against the Vancouver Canucks last Saturday, the top line has remained together because of its continued dominance.
So, Cassidy continues to tinker with different combinations, trying to find a consistent complement to Krejci and DeBrusk. The coach has even put DeBrusk on the right side and inserted a few different wingers on the left to see if that would work. With the pace of today’s game, Cassidy thought maybe switching DeBrusk from the left side to the right, it would give the line more speed because the player on the right exposes the puck a lot more. It’s helping, but it’s not ideal for what Krejci needs.
Danton Heinen, Ryan Donato and Anders Bjork have all auditioned to play with Krejci, each of them offering a different style from what Krejci has been accustomed to during his career.
“It’s been a work in progress,” Cassidy said. “We’re still searching.”
In the past, Krejci has been paired with traditional power forwards, including Nash, Milan Lucic, Nathan Horton, Jarome Iginla and, to some extent, Loui Eriksson. The options now are mostly quicker, smaller players.
“In the past, he’s had bigger wingers, but some of that has to do with the style of game and it’s changed,” Cassidy said. “You see a lot more speed and less brawn. We’re trying to put some speed around him.”
During their respective careers in Boston, Krejci and Lucic played with an impressive chemistry and remained longtime linemates. Insert the likes of Horton, Iginla or Eriksson, it’s the same basic idea; Krejci’s line was always big and strong.
“It was actually really easy to play with him,” Lucic said. “And it’s funny, even though he looks like he’s slowing the game down, he actually plays with more pace than he gets credit for. And, he’s an unreal give-and-go player, so it’s a matter of finding chemistry and getting open for him.”
When Eriksson arrived in Boston as part of the Tyler Seguin trade with Dallas, there was plenty of pressure on the Swedish forward to quickly perform. Then-coach Claude Julien decided Eriksson would be a good fit with Lucic and Krejci. It wasn’t always perfect, but eventually that trio found some chemistry.
“He’s so smart,” Eriksson said. “He can see the whole ice really well. He can make those plays that most guys can’t do and you have to be ready for it. He’s a smart centerman and he can make plays. He’s played in that system for a long time and he’s almost like (Patrice) Bergeron. Bergeron is a special guy, but Krejci has learned so much from him.”
When playing with Krejci, there’s one rule.
“Get open for him,” admitted Eriksson. “He will always find you. I really liked to play with him. He obviously played really well with (Lucic) on that (left) side and it’s all about chemistry and knowing where everyone is on the ice. My last season in Boston, we were really starting to find something and we had a good season together.”
While the line construction continues, Krejci is only trying to do his job.
“I really don’t get into it too much,” he said of finding the right complement on his wing. “My job is easy. I’ve got to go out there and do my thing, keep my feet moving, spend as much time as I can in the offensive zone and make my teammates around me better – no matter who’s on my left or right side. Just be good on forecheck and show up and give 110 percent and lead the way.”
Today’s game is so fast, with players focusing on playing that south-to-north style, Krejci still has the ability to slow the game down to his pace and control the play a little more east to west. It’s a strength of his and it’s impressive, especially as he ages.
“That’s just what I do,” he said. “I know I have to play with a little more pace (with quicker forwards on my wing) but slowing down the game is still a big part of my game. Some guys have good shots. Some guys are good skaters. This is what I do, but at the same time, the game is changing so I have to change with it as well. But, I’m not going to get away from my strength.”
Lucic is gone. Horton is gone. Eriksson is gone. Iginla is gone. Nash is gone. DeBrusk and Krejci have built chemistry the last two seasons and it’s time to find that third piece, whether from the available options, or from outside the organization. If they can find the answer, it will take a little bit of pressure off the top line, and the Bruins will finally have the balance attack they’re searching for.
|
|
|
Post by kjc2 on Oct 25, 2018 13:02:26 GMT -5
As the Bruins’ top line continues to dominate, finding a suitable second-line winger to flank center David Krejci has become a priority in Boston. Teams need consistent secondary scoring in order to be successful. Even though the Bruins’ top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak have combined for 44 points in the first nine games, even they can’t do it alone. They need backup. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney thought he found the solution last spring when he acquired veteran power forward Rick Nash from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. A second line of Jake DeBrusk, Krejci and Nash could have been the difference between an early playoff exit and a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Unfortunately for the Bruins and Nash, he suffered a concussion soon after his arrival in Boston, and even though he returned for the playoffs, he continued to feel the affects of the injury. Since he has a history of concussions, Nash decided it was best not to sign as a free agent with the Bruins, or anywhere else, and wait until he felt 100 percent healthy before making a decision on his future career. That meant the Bruins needed to find another answer on Krejci’s right side. During the summer, coach Bruce Cassidy contemplated removing Pastrnak from the top line and reuniting him with Krejci. Other than for a brief moment against the Vancouver Canucks last Saturday, the top line has remained together because of its continued dominance. So, Cassidy continues to tinker with different combinations, trying to find a consistent complement to Krejci and DeBrusk. The coach has even put DeBrusk on the right side and inserted a few different wingers on the left to see if that would work. With the pace of today’s game, Cassidy thought maybe switching DeBrusk from the left side to the right, it would give the line more speed because the player on the right exposes the puck a lot more. It’s helping, but it’s not ideal for what Krejci needs. Danton Heinen, Ryan Donato and Anders Bjork have all auditioned to play with Krejci, each of them offering a different style from what Krejci has been accustomed to during his career. “It’s been a work in progress,” Cassidy said. “We’re still searching.” In the past, Krejci has been paired with traditional power forwards, including Nash, Milan Lucic, Nathan Horton, Jarome Iginla and, to some extent, Loui Eriksson. The options now are mostly quicker, smaller players. “In the past, he’s had bigger wingers, but some of that has to do with the style of game and it’s changed,” Cassidy said. “You see a lot more speed and less brawn. We’re trying to put some speed around him.” During their respective careers in Boston, Krejci and Lucic played with an impressive chemistry and remained longtime linemates. Insert the likes of Horton, Iginla or Eriksson, it’s the same basic idea; Krejci’s line was always big and strong. “It was actually really easy to play with him,” Lucic said. “And it’s funny, even though he looks like he’s slowing the game down, he actually plays with more pace than he gets credit for. And, he’s an unreal give-and-go player, so it’s a matter of finding chemistry and getting open for him.” When Eriksson arrived in Boston as part of the Tyler Seguin trade with Dallas, there was plenty of pressure on the Swedish forward to quickly perform. Then-coach Claude Julien decided Eriksson would be a good fit with Lucic and Krejci. It wasn’t always perfect, but eventually that trio found some chemistry. “He’s so smart,” Eriksson said. “He can see the whole ice really well. He can make those plays that most guys can’t do and you have to be ready for it. He’s a smart centerman and he can make plays. He’s played in that system for a long time and he’s almost like (Patrice) Bergeron. Bergeron is a special guy, but Krejci has learned so much from him.” When playing with Krejci, there’s one rule. “Get open for him,” admitted Eriksson. “He will always find you. I really liked to play with him. He obviously played really well with (Lucic) on that (left) side and it’s all about chemistry and knowing where everyone is on the ice. My last season in Boston, we were really starting to find something and we had a good season together.” While the line construction continues, Krejci is only trying to do his job. “I really don’t get into it too much,” he said of finding the right complement on his wing. “My job is easy. I’ve got to go out there and do my thing, keep my feet moving, spend as much time as I can in the offensive zone and make my teammates around me better – no matter who’s on my left or right side. Just be good on forecheck and show up and give 110 percent and lead the way.” Today’s game is so fast, with players focusing on playing that south-to-north style, Krejci still has the ability to slow the game down to his pace and control the play a little more east to west. It’s a strength of his and it’s impressive, especially as he ages. “That’s just what I do,” he said. “I know I have to play with a little more pace (with quicker forwards on my wing) but slowing down the game is still a big part of my game. Some guys have good shots. Some guys are good skaters. This is what I do, but at the same time, the game is changing so I have to change with it as well. But, I’m not going to get away from my strength.” Lucic is gone. Horton is gone. Eriksson is gone. Iginla is gone. Nash is gone. DeBrusk and Krejci have built chemistry the last two seasons and it’s time to find that third piece, whether from the available options, or from outside the organization. If they can find the answer, it will take a little bit of pressure off the top line, and the Bruins will finally have the balance attack they’re searching for. I'd like to see a right shot on Krejci's right wing but I still think one of Heinen, Donato or Bjork can get it done.
|
|
|
Post by nfld77 on Oct 25, 2018 14:38:11 GMT -5
So do I KJC but Cassidy has to keep them there, not just for a game, or a week..They need to stay on that line until they figure it out..They're all good young players, they should be making a contribution pretty quickly after having 2 weeks of no show. I would keep Heinen there. I thought he was a little better last game and DeBrusk could break out anytime..
I think I'm more disappointed in Donato than any other player. I give Bjork a bit of a pass cause of past injuries.
|
|
|
Post by madmarx on Oct 25, 2018 17:13:59 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by madmarx on Oct 25, 2018 18:00:50 GMT -5
Hometown Hockey is in Burlington Sunday night might have to take a trip down Reppin the Bruins 👍
|
|