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Post by RascalHoudi on Nov 19, 2019 10:03:17 GMT -5
TSN sports radio was Gold today and I don’t think there finished with the Leafs just yet .. Were they pushing the Babcock watch??? I've seen reference to "The Bab Clock" ... and it's ticking! Is it really not nice to laugh??
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Post by crafar01 on Nov 19, 2019 10:18:40 GMT -5
Were they pushing the Babcock watch??? I've seen reference to "The Bab Clock" ... and it's ticking! Is it really not nice to laugh?? I believe it is 100% acceptable, if not encourageable.
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 20, 2019 9:36:57 GMT -5
TMR’s latest NHL FCI® — the sports business industry’s standard measurement of the cost for a family of four to attend a game, incorporating average ticket prices along with costs for hot dogs, sodas, beers, souvenirs and parking — calculates an average game cost of $424.62 across all NHL teams, a $4.22 increase from last year. The New York Rangers, who essentially held ticket pricing flat — tickets to their games at Madison Square Garden rose just 0.1 percent — hold the priciest team title for the fourth year in a row with their FCI of $619.20. That is actually a drop of 2.9% year-over-year, thanks to SpotHero slashing $22.50 from last year’s average reported parking price of $50. Nipping at the Rangers’ heels are the Toronto Maple Leafs at $617.44 (up 2.3% comparing CA$ prices year-over-year), followed by the Chicago Blackhawks with their FCI of $565.80 down $4.60 from last year (-0.8%) and a drop of $17.68 from 2017-18). Next are the Boston Bruins, who register an FCI of $560.12 (up 1.7%). Rounding out the top five are the Vegas Golden Knights with their FCI of $559.42 (up 3.3%). The top five have followed the same order since the Golden Knights joined the league with the 2017-18 campaign. Looking at the other end of the price spectrum, the Florida Panthers continue their reign as the league’s “most affordable” team for seven seasons, back to 2013-14. For 2019-20, the Panthers FCI is $285.74 (up 2.8%). The next three teams making up Nos. 2-4 of the FCI “Most Affordable Five” remain in the same order as well: the Calgary Flames at $317.01 (flat in CA$), the Arizona Coyotes at $325.46 (up 2.6%) and the Ottawa Senators at $332.95 (up 1.9% in CA$). The new No. 5 are the Buffalo Sabres who have an FCI of $339.98 (down 0.9%).
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Post by madmarx on Nov 20, 2019 10:33:07 GMT -5
Vaakanainen's dad coached Tuukka Rask when Rask was a kid.
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 20, 2019 10:45:41 GMT -5
Vaakanainen's dad coached Tuukka Rask when Rask was a kid. Small world.
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Post by DonnyBrook on Nov 21, 2019 9:25:44 GMT -5
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Post by crafar01 on Nov 21, 2019 10:07:22 GMT -5
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Post by DonnyBrook on Nov 21, 2019 10:41:54 GMT -5
finally someone speaks their mind.
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 21, 2019 10:47:27 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 21, 2019 10:47:32 GMT -5
Since arriving in Boston at the trade deadline last February, veteran Charlie Coyle has become a true Bruin, both on and off the ice.
If everything goes according to plan, the 27-year-old forward — a pending unrestricted free agent — could sign a contract extension by the end of the season.
There’s strong interest from both sides, and while nothing is imminent, positive talks continue between Coyle’s representatives and Bruins general manager Don Sweeney.
“We’re always talking,” Coyle said. “I’m not worried about anything. Something will work out and it’ll work out the right way. It’s not something I’m really focused on. I’m here for this season, and I know that, so I’m just going to focus on that and make sure I play my game, because that’s something my team needs from me. I want to be the best player I can and the rest of it will take care of itself.”
Like most other deals, it will come down to fair value and term for both sides. If not, Coyle will reach free agency on July 1 and become a top offseason acquisition target for the rest of the league.
During our preseason predictions, we thought the Bruins could figure out a way to sign Coyle to at least a three-way deal worth $5 million per season.
He’ll likely earn somewhere in the “$4-5 million range,” per season, said one agent.
At the start of the season, Sweeney said he hopes the sides find “common ground” and that a player like Coyle will be in Boston for a long time.
Coyle needs to consider if he wants more money on the open market, or to take a little less and have a better chance of winning a Stanley Cup in Boston. Sometimes it’s worth more to players if they can control their own destiny, and that’s the case for a local kid like Coyle.
“I love it here,” he said. “My time here has been awesome. I really like playing for this team, for Boston, and on top of it you’re close to your family, friends and I use it as a good thing. The team we have, and will continue to have in years to come, it checks all the boxes.”
Before every trade deadline under Sweeney’s watch, the GM has said the organization would rather acquire a player with term remaining on his current deal, or one who has the ability to re-sign in Boston. Rick Nash, acquired in February 2018, probably would have re-signed, but the winger but decided to retire due to lingering concussion symptoms. The Bruins felt confident they could re-sign Marcus Johansson, whom they acquired at the trade deadline last season, but the talented forward took more money to sign as a free agent with the Buffalo Sabres.
Once again, the Bruins need to fill that second-line right-wing position. Yes, Coyle is effective in that role and has proven his worth on Krejci’s wing. However, Coyle also accepts his role as third-line center, because that’s where he best fits with the proper players on his wings, too.
“We liked the results we got when some of our right wingers were out. I think he’s more comfortable being in one spot consistently,” Cassidy said.
The Bruins value Coyle’s willingness to put the team’s success above his own.
“He’s not a talkative guy, but he’s very comfortable with this group,” Cassidy said. “He knows his role here. When we’re healthy he’s driving that third line.”
Cassidy wants Coyle to shoot the puck more and attack the net. He has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 21 games this season.
It’s no secret both Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have logged considerable minutes during their respective careers and it’s wearing on their bodies. At some point, Nos. 37 and 46 will no longer be in the lineup. The homegrown talent at center – Jack Studnicka, Trent Frederic and John Beecher – might not be ready for primetime.
Coyle is a perfect bridge for the Bruins.
If the sides don’t come to an agreement, and Coyle signs elsewhere, the Bruins will likely end up spending more money to replace his services. Case in point: The Philadelphia Flyers signed Kevin Hayes to a seven-year deal last summer worth $50 million.
The other obstacle is that the Bruins are trying to work out a contract extension for pending free-agent defenseman Torey Krug. Forwards Chris Wagner, Joakim Nordstrom, captain Zdeno Chara and goalie Jaroslav Halak can all become free agents on July 1.
Based on recent history, it’s likely Chara will again sign a one-year extension before the end of the regular season. It will also be interesting to see if Halak would be willing to sign a one-year deal since Tuukka Rask’s current contract expires after the 2020-21 season.
Forwards Jake DeBrusk and Anders Bjork and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk will all be restricted free agents at the end of this season. So, Sweeney may need to be creative. It helps that the Bruins have built a winning atmosphere and players understand Boston could offer their best chance to win a Stanley Cup.
Coyle embraces what’s expected of him in Boston and it didn’t take him long to fully grasp the Bruins’ style and systems of play. His results speak for themselves. Can he play better? Of course, if he shoots more and is a bit more selfish. But he’s shown to be very effective with the right talent around him, which was the case last spring while playing with Johansson and Danton Heinen.
A native of Weymouth, Coyle’s career is trending in a positive direction.
Not many players have the ability to perform and have success on a consistent basis in front of the hometown fans. Coyle thrives on his home ice and said it also helps having other local players – Grzelcyk and Wagner – on the team.
“If they can do it, I can do it,” Coyle said. “It helps. Everyone handles it differently, and it depends on the team, the environment. This is a great environment and everyone helps. Feeling welcomed on the team helps you just play and that can help limit distractions on the outside.”
It would pay dividends for both Coyle and the Bruins if the sides can find that common ground. By early indications, it’s heading in a positive direction.
“I wouldn’t be down about staying here – not in the least bit,” he said. “We’ll see what happens down the road.
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Post by KSJ08 on Nov 21, 2019 11:30:49 GMT -5
Great. I have said on here before I alway thought babCock was arrogant ego prick!! He inheirited a great team in Det. I have read & heard he treats his staff like a real PRICK! They are NOT to speak to media and to ONLY listen to him!! He's NOT that great of a coach as so many believe!! CJ is better & currently the best active coach is Coach Q. 100x the coach babCock is/was!! JMHO!!
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Post by orym on Nov 21, 2019 12:50:27 GMT -5
Great. I have said on here before I alway thought babCock was arrogant ego prick!! He inheirited a great team in Det. I have read & heard he treats his staff like a real PRICK! They are NOT to speak to media and to ONLY listen to him!! He's NOT that great of a coach as so many believe!! CJ is better & currently the best active coach is Coach Q. 100x the coach babCock is/was!! JMHO!! I have always pulled for Babcock as he is from Saskatoon but I agree it seems like he for sure has had some issues with players/staff over the years. Watching him fail with the Leafs was obviously nice but wish him all the best going forward!
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Post by madmarx on Nov 21, 2019 12:59:31 GMT -5
He went off on Twitter yesterday it was hilarious..
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Post by KSJ08 on Nov 21, 2019 13:08:05 GMT -5
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Post by RascalHoudi on Nov 21, 2019 15:28:31 GMT -5
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Post by madmarx on Nov 21, 2019 16:52:57 GMT -5
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Post by KSJ08 on Nov 22, 2019 16:19:18 GMT -5
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Post by madmarx on Nov 22, 2019 16:37:02 GMT -5
Pastrnak's 20 goals in 22 games is the fastest by a Bruin since Cam Neely's 20 goals in 19 games during the 1993-94 season. It has been an amazing journey watching Pastrnak grow as a player here in Boston.
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 25, 2019 7:45:01 GMT -5
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Post by KSJ08 on Nov 25, 2019 10:32:57 GMT -5
Anything's better than that deranged Pooh Bear 3rd Jersey!! WHo's child designed that one ?? My favorite is the one I have on in my Avatar. JMHO
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Post by offwego on Nov 25, 2019 11:33:58 GMT -5
Love it.... Especially Marchys head on Charas arm and Charas head down ahh that's sweet
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 25, 2019 14:05:55 GMT -5
Love it.... Especially Marchys head on Charas arm and Charas head down ahh that's sweet
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 25, 2019 14:06:29 GMT -5
Love it.... Especially Marchys head on Charas arm and Charas head down ahh that's sweet
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 25, 2019 14:06:58 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 25, 2019 14:07:43 GMT -5
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Post by orym on Nov 25, 2019 14:20:01 GMT -5
Really nice to have some depth on D. I can't help but feel he belongs up with the big boys. I liked what I saw of him when he was up here. Seemed really steady which is exactly what we need from our D. He should hopefully only get better and better!
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Post by KSJ08 on Nov 25, 2019 14:29:13 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 26, 2019 7:24:12 GMT -5
The Bruins were ranked 29th best farm system....yikes.
Corey Pronman’s deep dive into the farm system of every NHL organization includes a ranking of all of the team’s prospects, broken into tiers based on their projection; the impact on the upcoming season and an overall ranking of all players under 23. Further explanation of Pronman’s system, player eligibility, prospect tiers and the complete ranking of all 31 teams can be found here.
As a contender, the Bruins have traded a few picks in recent years, picked high and two-thirds of their 2015 first-round picks have not looked incredibly promising, resulting in a bottom tier farm system. Some of their recent top picks, like John Beecher, Trent Frederic and Urho Vaakanainen, will never likely be highlight reel types, but they project to supplement the current Bruins stars.
Key additions: John Beecher
Key subtractions/graduations: Connor Clifton, Ryan Donato, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
2018 farm system ranking: No. 27
2019 draft grade: C-minus
Prospect Ranking 1. Jack Studnicka, C, Niagara-OHL
Feb. 18, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 172 pounds
Tier: Very good/legit bubble
Studnicka had a good season between Oshawa and Niagara, and took off offensively following the trade. He’s always flashed offensive skill but this season he was dynamic with the puck more consistently, as a threat off rushes to beat defenders with skill. His hockey sense is very good. He’s creative with the puck and sees the ice very well, makinng high-level plays in tight areas. Studnicka isn’t an overly physical player, but he’s a competent defensive center. His skating is fine for the pro level. He won’t turn pro defenders, but he can skate at that level. He’s a well-rounded player who may not be an impact NHL forward but could be a very quality pro.
2. Urho Vaakanainen, D, Providence-AHL
Jan. 1, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds
Tier: Legit NHL prospect
Vaakanainen’s season started off tough with a concussion. He returned for the world juniors, where he was a key player for Finland’s gold medal run and was solid in the AHL after that tournament. There is a lack of spectacular in the way Vaakanainen plays. He is very smart, though, and a very good skater. He generates breakouts and ends forecheck pressure easily with how fluid his feet are and how quickly he picks up speed. He passes the puck at a high-end level. He may never have the hand skill to be a NHL power play guy or point producer, but he can find offensive zone seams and break pucks out well.
3. John Beecher, C, USNTDP-USHL
April 5, 2001 | 6-foot-3 | 209 pounds
Tier: Legit NHL prospect
Beecher entered the USNTDP as a physical beast and was ready to win battles versus USHL players as a 16-year-old. His production this season was similar to the previous one, albeit with little to no power play time this time around. There are very few 6-foot-3 centers who can skate like Beecher. He regularly turned defenders around with his surprising speed. And with his reach and ability to protect pucks, he generated so many chances with his skating. Beecher is big, strong and plays hard. He competes hard for pucks, is physical and makes his presence known on the ice. Offensively he has some question marks in the industry about whether he’ll score in the NHL. I don’t mind his puck game. His hands are very average, but I’ve seen him pull off the odd move around a defender. I think he’s got enough vision to make plays in the NHL. He finds his options, whether a defender at the line or option near the slot to move the puck to. I don’t see a power play guy, but I could see him become a decent top-nine center with penalty kill duties.
4. Kyle Keyser, G, Oshawa-OHL
March 8, 1999 | 6-foot-2 | 179 pounds
Tier: Legit NHL prospect
After going undrafted and being signed as a major junior free agent, Keyser has steadily developed into a great goalie prospect and was one of the best in the OHL. His quickness in goal is elite, he’s not small at 6-foot-2 and that allows him to steal games. Keyser is lightning fast in the net, getting to tough pucks easily, but I love his athletic ability combined with his hockey sense. His anticipation and legs always allow him to move with the puck at all times. He’s very brave and aggressive in the net with his challenges. One nitpick is that he seems to be moving too much at times, but I think that’s just due to how quick he is. I think he’s an NHL goaltender.
5. Trent Frederic, C, Providence-AHL
Feb. 11, 1998 | 6-foot-2 | 203 pounds
Tier: Legit NHL prospect
Frederic had a fine rookie pro season, getting a lengthy callup to the Bruins but not producing a ton of offense at the AHL level. I do think he has some skill and has particularly impressive vision. Frederic won’t be a big offensive guy in the NHL, but he has enough offensive IQ in his game to create some chances and be a useful player. His skating continues to improve year over year to the point where it’s a strength. He plays hard, can check good players and chip in a few points. That will be a useful role guy in the NHL.
6. Karson Kuhlman, RW, Boston-NHL
Sept. 26, 1995 | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds
Tier: Legit NHL prospect
I remember being intrigued watching Kuhlman in college. Once he signed, he translated incredibly well to the pro level, showing much more offense than I expected and deservedly earning a callup to the NHL – including in the playoffs. He’s a very good skater who plays the game at a fast pace. He attacks the net and puts pressure on defenders. He has more skill than I gave him credit for. He’s not a dangler, but he can make plays on the move and moves the puck well. Kuhlman is likely more of a speed and penalty kill type in the NHL, but I think he’s going to play in the NHL, which is a nice coup for a college free agent.
7. Jakub Lauko, LW, Rouyn-Noranda-QMJHL
March 28, 2000 | six-foot | 170 pounds
Tier: Legit NHL prospect
Lauko had a good season in the Q. He wasn’t a go-to guy on a rather loaded Rouyn-Noranda team that won the QMJHL and CHL. With that said, he still had moments of brilliance with his high-end skating that could turn defenders consistently. He attacks with his skating, and combined with his hands and above-average shot, he was able to create a lot of chances and goals. Lauko made more plays than I saw two seasons ago, showing more offensive IQ than I thought he had. He competes hard, some scouts argue too hard, as he attacks at times with reckless abandon.
8. Jakub Zboril, D, Providence-AHL
Feb. 21, 1997 | six-foot | 201 pounds
Tier: Legit/chance bubble
Zboril, the 13th overall pick in 2015, was solid in the AHL the past two seasons but hasn’t really taken a major step forward. His skating drives his value, and if he gets to the NHL, it’s because of that attribute. He so easily exists his zone and gains the offensive zone with the puck because of the fluidity of his stride. He can kill opponent’s attacks with how quickly he closes on them, plus the fact he plays the body well. Offensively he has some skill, but his puck game isn’t anything notable. He’ll make some nice plays and then there will be times he throws pucks away or worse if he goes beyond his limits.
9. Pavel Shen, C, Ufa-KHL
Aug. 14, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 183 pounds
Tier: Legit/chance bubble
Shen didn’t have a big statistical season for his club team, bouncing between the KHL and second tier pro league in Russia, but I liked him a lot for Russia’s U20 team. Shen’s hockey sense interests me a lot, and he seemed to add half a step from his draft season when he was a seventh-round pick. He’s not a burner, but he can skate with pros and turn corners occasionally. His skill is fine, it’s nothing special, but he can play on a pro power play. He sees the ice very well and that’s his main offensive strength. He can be a two-way forward who can produce a little versus pros.
10. Oskar Steen, C, Farjestad-SHL
March 9, 1998 | 5-foot-9 | 187 pounds
Tier: Legit/chance bubble
Steen had a great season in Sweden, as one of his SHL team’s leading producers and an all-situations player. He’s always had an interesting toolkit but this season he truly broke out. He’s fast and skilled. I don’t think either of those traits are high-end, and his height might still keep him out of the NHL. He’s a very smart and competitive player, though. He can make high-end plays and do so at a pro pace. He attacks the middle of the ice, can play hard on his checks and has a sneaky good shot.
11. Jeremy Swayman, G, Maine-Hockey East
Nov. 24, 1998 | 6-foot-2 | 187 pounds
Tier: Legit/chance bubble
Swayman has been a very solid college hockey goalie the past two seasons. At his best, he is a goalie who doesn’t move a lot, looks calm in the net and squares up a ton of pucks. He can move across his crease and get to tough saves when he needs to, but his game is more about reading the play and outsmarting the opponent with his positional play. Given Swayman isn’t the biggest or quickest goalie, I wonder if he could be an NHL goalie where pucks are flying all over the zone, but his high-end IQ will give him a chance.
12. Zach Senyshyn, RW, Providence-AHL
March 30, 1997 | 6-foot-1 | 192 pounds
Tier: Has a chance
Senyshyn looks like he should be a player, but to date he’s been just fine at the pro level with inconsistent production. His skating is awesome. He has quick-twitch feet and the ability to turn pro defensemen regularly. He’s got some sneaky skill and the ability to score goals. Senyshyn isn’t a crash and bang type, but he competes fine. The issue with him is he doesn’t see the ice well and coughs up a lot of pucks. His average hockey sense leads to a player who can seem too basic at times with the puck.
13. Cameron Hughes, C, Providence-AHL
Oct. 9, 1996 | 5-foot-11 | 161 pounds
Tier: Has a chance
There are times I watch Hughes and think there is absolutely a player there. His skill is high-end and his IQ is arguably even better. He makes such creative passes and out thinks defenders consistently at the pro level. Then you look at the box score and see a 22-year-old with mediocre AHL numbers. That is due to the fact he’s slightly undersized, has average feet and isn’t high-end at bullying his way through pro checks. I’m willing to tab him as a flier type who as a second year pro something clicks and he goes off.
14. Peter Cehlarik, LW, Providence-AHL
Aug. 2, 1995 | 6-foot-2 | 203 pounds
Tier: Has a chance
Cehlarik had another quality season in Providence. He got a lengthy look with the Bruins as well and looked decent. Cehlarik has NHL appeal because he has good size and above-average offensive ability. He has good hands and can make plays to his teammates. His skating has always been a hindrance, but he’s improved in that area enough to still be on the NHL radar. I don’t think his offensive abilities will ever dazzle, and his off-puck value isn’t much, but given his play in Boston, he’s still a prospect even as he enters his Age 23 season.
15. Curtis Hall, C, Yale-ECAC
April 26, 2000 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds
Tier: Has a chance
Hall had a decent freshman season at Yale. He got more opportunity early on and should be a key guy for the team next season. He’s a fantastic skater for 6-foot-3. He’s so imposing when he’s bringing a puck through the neutral zone with his frame, speed and physicality. The question on Hall is how much offense he’ll bring. Sometimes I think he has offensive creativity, other times I see a rigid puck handler. He may be a chip and chase type who gets most of his points from going to the net.
16. Axel Andersson, D, Sodertalje-Allsvenskan
Feb. 10, 2000 | six-foot | 185 pounds
Tier: Has a chance
Andersson got a regular shift in the Allsvenskan with occasional very good moments versus men. Despite his low point totals, he showed more in his game offensively than I saw last season, with the odd occasion of high-end speed or skill. I wouldn’t describe Andersson as a dynamic player, though; more of a well-rounded one. He can skate pucks up, he can make some nice offensive plays with his hands and vision, and he’s competent defensively. There’s an upside question for me with him but enough of a toolkit for him to have a shot.
17. Matias Mantykivi, C, Saipa-Finland Jr
June 21, 2001 | 5-foot-11 | 161 pounds
Tier: Has a chance
Mantykivi had a good season at the junior level, with impressive flashes versus men, and on the international stage. He’s a high-end playmaker who can drive play. His patience, vision and ability to run a power play get high grades. He’s very creative with the puck and is always looking to make a play. His hands are good. Not as good as his IQ, but he can make plays through defenders and slide out of danger. Mantykivi might not be the biggest guy, but he plays hard. He takes pucks to the net and isn’t afraid to engage physically. His skating is the one thing that might limit him. It’s not bad and I’ve seen him turn around defenders several times with his speed, but his stride flails at times and it’s not the most powerful for a guy his size.
Depth Players Jeremy Lauzon, D, Providence-AHL (Age: 22): Lauzon is a hard-nosed player with size and he can skate at a pro level, but he has limited offensive upside.
Victor Berglund, D, MODO-Allsvenskan (20): Berglund played all situations for MODO. He has some skill and decent feet but neither are top level, and in a six-foot frame he’ll need to gain an extra step for the NHL.
Note: I have not seen Boston’s third-round pick in 2019, Quinn Olson (18), enough to provide a tier and breakdown of his game.
2019-20 Impact Kuhlman helped the Bruins already and seems like a great candidate to lock down a forward position. Studnicka, Vaakanainen, Cehlarik and Frederic could all get NHL time in a lower half of the lineup role.
Organizational Top 10 (23 and Under) David Pastrnak, RW (23) Charlie McAvoy, D (21) Jake DeBrusk, LW (22) Brandon Carlo, D (22) Jack Studnicka, C (20) Urho Vaakanainen, D (20) John Beecher, C (18) Kyle Keyser, G (20) Anders Bjork, LW (23) Trent Frederic, C (21) Pastrnak is one of the best wingers in the NHL with an elite combination of skill and offensive IQ. McAvoy may never wrestle first power play time away from Torey Krug, but McAvoy still logs heavy minutes and, with his high-end skating and two-way IQ to go along with good skill, he’s a true top pair defenseman. DeBrusk continues to develop and impress. He’s highly intelligent and scored more goals than I thought he would this early – even if helped by a 17 percent finishing rate. There’s nothing spectacular about Carlo, but the big defenseman skates well for a guy his size and has enough of a puck game to make the most of his significant defensive value. Bjork’s season was ended by injury, and prior to that he was just OK. I love his speed but I’m not sure if the offense will ever come in a major way.
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Post by SeaBass on Nov 27, 2019 9:23:15 GMT -5
MONTREAL — The day, a wistful one, will come when Patrice Bergeron, 34, and David Krejci, 33, ease into their rocking chairs instead of their spots atop the Bruins roster. By then, Jack Studnicka, 20, could occupy one of their first- or second-line vacancies as the vanguard of the next generation.
Both the player and organization wouldn’t mind accelerating this plan to where Studnicka calls Bergeron and Krejci teammates for years to come.
“We have a projection for him. I don’t think we’ve made any bones about it. At some point, he’s the next wave after Bergy and Krech,” Bruce Cassidy said before Studnicka’s debut Tuesday. “Hopefully, that’s a long way down the road. Maybe he pushes his way in now or in the near future. It would reshape how our third line looks in that case. That’s what’s in front of him. But hopefully he’s just focused on one shift at a time, playing his game.”
On Sunday, following Providence’s 6-3 win over Hershey, general manager Don Sweeney called Studnicka to tell him of the promotion. Studnicka called his dad, then his mom. Two days later, from their respective home bases in Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, Studnicka’s clan was in full force at the Bell Centre: mother, father, brother, sister, girlfriend, stepmother, stepfather, grandmother and grandfather.
“Yeah, I did, I did,” Studnicka said with a laugh of prompting last-minute travel before Thanksgiving. “So, sorry for that.”
Studnicka did not apologize for kicking sand into Montreal’s face in the third period. It might have been a zero-meaning assist on Danton Heinen’s goal, the eighth and final score of an 8-1 plowing. But you only get your first point once in the NHL. It was a good one at that — a followup of his own shot, delivering a backhander for Heinen to bury.
“I know it’s a meaningless goal at the end,” Cassidy said. “But for him, it’s very meaningful. He gets an assist on it. You’re an offensive guy. You want to get your first NHL point. So that’s out of the way.”
To Cassidy’s eye, Studnicka started slowly. Like most 20-year-olds making their NHL debut, Studnicka looked tentative early. But Cassidy liked that Studnicka, for the most part, was reliable. There were no red flags, although the center had some reservations about his own play,
“Timing’s there, but more hanging on to the puck in the offensive zone,” Studnicka said. “I think that’s something that I’ve really gotten better at as the year went on. I wanted to show that tonight. I thought at points I did. But I wish I could have more.”
In a perfect Black-and-Gold world, Bergeron and Krejci would have both been in uniform against Montreal, with Studnicka continuing to develop in Providence. It’s been a good first pro season for the 2017 second-rounder: nine goals and nine assists in 21 games, including reps on the power play and penalty kill.
But misfortune, of the wear-and-tear kind, scuttled that setup. Bergeron did not play against Montreal and will not be available against Ottawa on Wednesday because of the lower-body discomfort that has been his chronic and unwelcome linemate.
Under ordinary circumstances, the Bruins would have made do in other ways. Charlie Coyle could have been the No. 2 center behind Krejci, who skated between Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. Sean Kuraly and Par Lindholm are capable of moving up temporarily. Brendan Gaunce, recalled along with Studnicka on Monday, is a natural center. Same with Trent Frederic, who was brought up earlier this month.
But extraordinary might not be an exaggeration by which to classify Studnicka’s last two weeks. He has scored in five consecutive games, seven of the last eight.
On Sunday, his most recent outing, Studnicka submitted a 1-2-3 performance for Providence against Hershey. It is not necessarily rushing a kid when said prospect has been the most qualified candidate for promotion.
“Well, that was it. He has been,” Cassidy confirmed when asked whether Studnicka had been Providence’s best player. “The thing with Jack, when he left here, we wanted him to mature physically. I think he knows the game mentally — strong kid. Just the physical part of it. But if you’re the best player down there when we need a call-up, we’ve always tried to reward, 95 percent of the time, the best player, whoever’s being recommended, as long as it’s the right fit for us. It is. So in he goes. Scoring goals, killing penalties, full 200-foot game, assertive on pucks, second effort on pucks.”
Neither is it exaggerating to declare Studnicka the organization’s most important prospect. Supply and demand say so.
It cannot be questioned that strength down the middle, via the consistent excellence of Bergeron and Krejci, has been one of the organizational pillars of the Bruins’ long-term success. Cassidy, like Claude Julien before him, does not lie awake at night worrying about his centers’ performance.
What costs Cassidy, Sweeney and everyone else in the organization sleep is the uncertainty of life when Bergeron and Krejci say goodbye. Offense-minded pivots are difficult to unearth. They’re expensive to acquire. Just ask the Canadiens, who have been pursuing skilled centers for years. They traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to Tampa Bay for Jonathan Drouin, only to learn that the ex-Lightning was better on the wing than center.
Studnicka projects to be the closest approximation to Bergeron and Krejci. He skates well, sees the ice and is not afraid to make plays. It’s why the Bruins cannot afford to see Studnicka go sideways during his development. He is too important for their future.
The first step was putting Studnicka in the right spot to express his skills. Cassidy plopped Studnicka on the No. 2 line between Jake DeBrusk and Coyle. This was not Krejci centering the fourth line in his NHL debut against Buffalo on Jan. 30, 2007 — and promptly being concussed by Adam Mair.
In a full lineup, Cassidy prefers Coyle as the No. 3 center between Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen. But against Montreal, Cassidy moved the broad-shouldered Coyle to right wing to serve as an on-ice mentor for his slighter center.
“It means he doesn’t have to battle bigger men,” Cassidy said. “That was why he got sent down at first — the physical part of the game. He’s got plenty of courage, plenty of work ethic, will. He’s just not as strong yet as what he needs to be if he’s going to be a puck-possession guy.”
Studnicka (14:30 of ice time, one shot) got his first game. His first assist. There should be more of both in his future.
“Pretty much the whole experience,” Studnicka said, reflecting on the highs of his NHL debut. “I couldn’t really ask for a better building — besides TD Garden — to play in. The whole experience, it lived up to the expectation.”
Notes • One of Pastrnak’s most precious gifts is how he can score in different ways. Even on a supposed off night.
“To be honest, I felt completely horseshit,” Pastrnak said of his first shifts. “That’s hockey.”
The right wing pumped in his first goal on the power play by wiring a sharp-angle shot past Carey Price.
In the second, Pastrnak scored off the opening faceoff by cutting into the middle on Shea Weber and firing a bullet short side on Price.
Later in the second, Pastrnak tipped a Brandon Carlo shot past Keith Kinkaid to complete the hat trick.
Three goals. Three snowflakes.
“I thought he did a good job on the second one,” Cassidy said. “It was a one-on-one where he worked his way into the good ice against a good defenseman. Got his shot off. Was willing to get inside. The first goal’s typical Pasta on the power play. He’s been hitting those well all year. Last one, just good hand-eye coordination. Probably got a little lucky. But when you’re around the front of the net, those things happen.”
• Kuraly turned in one of his best performances of the season. The energetic pivot, moved up to the third line, was all over the puck. It was not a coincidence, then, that Kuraly picked up three assists, including one on a rare power-play appearance.
“I just wanted to have fun, enjoy the game and skate,” Kuraly said. “Use my strengths. My strengths are my skating, being strong on the puck and checking well. Not necessarily blowing guys up, but checking well. When my details are good, I think the rest kind of falls in place.”
• The 8-1 final could have been closer. But Jaroslav Halak, making his first start since Nov. 16, showed no signs of rust. The ex-Canadien was especially dialed in early when the Canadiens were buzzing.
“Really solid in the first period,” Cassidy said. “Five-on-five, they were better than us early on. Our power play got us some goals. It’s been good for us all year in that regard. But Halak made some big saves. We weren’t sharp. We weren’t as hard on the puck as we need to be. They were.”
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Post by DonnyBrook on Nov 27, 2019 10:36:40 GMT -5
did you know our soph jurky did/does a podcast with jackie redmond.check it out on twitter. i listened to it but did not even realize til now that is our soph.
i love jackie redmond. she is a hockey goddess. great sense of humor. her only fault is she loves the leafs..who cares.
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