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Post by crafar01 on Feb 17, 2021 8:12:38 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 18, 2021 9:15:57 GMT -5
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Post by crafar01 on Feb 18, 2021 9:23:03 GMT -5
Is that because you really want Crosby, or just that the package would almost have to include DeBrusk?
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 18, 2021 9:38:29 GMT -5
Is that because you really want Crosby, or just that the package would almost have to include DeBrusk? Yes!!!
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 18, 2021 9:39:44 GMT -5
The Bruins are rolling along at 10-2-2. So far, they’ve adapted to life without Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug. Charlie McAvoy looks great.
But there are always questions to be answered.
Questions edited for style and clarity.
Jack Studnicka seems to be getting cast as a winger full time in the organization seeing as he is currently slotted as a right winger in the AHL. Danton Heinen, another center prospect who had good two-way talent, was similarly moved to wing. Does the organization see something in these prospects that doesn’t fit for center duties that I am missing, or are they moving Jack over to wing just because the top-three center roles are so solidly filled? It seems like a bit of a waste to move Studnicka to wing full time when David Krejci’s days with the club might only extend to this summer. — Wes H.
Moving Studnicka to right wing is temporary. The Bruins like their current depth at center. They believe Jack’s best opportunity for short-term NHL contributions are at right wing.
It’s the same story for Trent Frederic. Trent is a long-term center. But he is best suited to help for now at left wing.
The difference between the two is Trent is more ready for the switch than Jack from a physical perspective. Studnicka is still short of his preferred NHL weight and strength. Thus the AHL tuneup on the right side.
Do you see Jake DeBrusk-Charlie Coyle-Craig Smith as Bruce Cassidy’s eventual preferred third line? We all know the top line will end up back together. Nick Ritchie looks good with Krejci. Do you think the Bruins will shop for another right wing or just rely on Ondrej Kase’s health? — Patrick H.
I think DeBrusk will end up back with Krejci at some point. This would push Ritchie down to the third line with Coyle and Smith. As for right wing, the first move is to get Kase back to health and see if he can contribute. If that looks iffy, then yes, right wing is a position that requires reinforcement.
What are the chances, when fully healthy, we go with a fourth line of Frederic-Sean Kuraly-Studnicka and something of a youth movement? — Matt N.
I could see Frederic sticking on the fourth line. Don’t see Bruce favoring Studnicka over Chris Wagner. The latter is a straight-line player with more experience, especially on the penalty kill.
Since they’ve only played a limited schedule to this point, how much “Yeah but” do you put into their success? How would they fare to this point against Tampa, Toronto, Colorado, or Vegas in a long series as constituted? — Kevin C.
The sample size is large enough to get a pretty clear picture of who they are: a team that defends like crazy and has to work to produce five-on-five offense. In other words, the usual story.
There’s more upside there if the shooting percentage improves and Tuukka Rask gets back to Vezina Trophy level. I still put them in a second tier under Tampa Bay and Colorado. A long series with Toronto or Vegas would be a dogfight.
If the Bruins have remaining cap space after signing free agents this summer, do you see them looking to take on a bad contract or two while also receiving picks and/or prospects? They are in great shape cap-wise for the next 1-2 seasons, and if they can’t attract UFAs with the cap space, I see this as a good way to restock the prospect cupboard which is pretty bare. — Robert K.
I don’t see it. There won’t be many teams taking on bad contracts in this financial landscape. The damage cuts too deep.
Yes, the Bruins need pick-and-prospect capital. But they are also running a business that makes money on tickets but doubles up on that with concessions — the latter of which they manage for multiple teams around the league. Seeing all those empty seats reinforces how much money every team is losing.
What do you see as the long-term plan at center? Do you think that’s the biggest team weakness? — Vivian C.
Once Krejci and Patrice Bergeron are gone, they will look to Coyle, Studnicka, Frederic, Oskar Steen and John Beecher. I see them continuing to add to the position at the draft. They will look for trade opportunities, but top-two centers are very difficult to acquire. It is absolutely their biggest weakness, especially after so many years of Krejci and Bergeron doing what they do.
What is being done to address five-on-five offensive production? —Christopher F.
The coaching staff has been emphasizing a straight-line approach with better net drive and more robust presence inside the dots. Easier said than done. This will be a work in progress. It’s not necessarily in the DNA of players like Krejci, Coyle and Anders Bjork. DeBrusk can do it, but he’s inconsistent.
On the back end, the staff is working with the defensemen to use their feet inside the offensive blue line, open up shooting lanes and get more pucks on net. Again, easier said than done. This doesn’t come naturally to Brandon Carlo, Jeremy Lauzon or Kevan Miller.
I think DeBrusk is never going to be a consistent 30-goal scorer, maybe not even 20. He’s a tough one to figure out. Plays with high energy and without fear, and is a great teammate, but just nowhere near as consistent as he needs to be. I’d move on from him at the right time. Thoughts? — Michael N.
I can understand the frustration with Jake. Management and the coaching staff feel similarly. But there is too much there for the Bruins to toss aside. They would be selling low at this point. If they move him and he hits his sweet spot, that would be a really tough asset to lose, especially given Brad Marchand’s age and the eventual departures of Bergeron and Krejci. Jake is worth working with to express the entirety of his skill set.
In your “If I were the Bruins GM” piece, the first two things you suggested were trading Tuukka and acquiring Matt Murray. Would you care to comment on how that is holding up hahaha. — Patrick H.
Poorly! Murray’s start has been far from optimal. Who knows if he’s cooked or whether the break-in time with a new organization is going to take time.
I still see the Bruins somewhat caught in between with their goalies. They don’t have an NHL-ready goalie to take over the net next year.
Which (if any) of the Bruins’ prospects do you think will be stars of the team in three years or so? — Chris H.
I see Jeremy Swayman as being a No. 1 NHL goalie. I think Urho Vaakanainen could develop into a top-pairing defenseman. I don’t project their other prospects to be stars in that way.
I know it’s hard to judge your team when they don’t play the other divisions. But is this lineup, when healthy, good enough to compete seriously for the Cup? Or just good enough for a decent playoff showing? Also would it not be beneficial for Kase to go on LTIR and use that $$ on another asset? — Philip S.
The Bruins can absolutely compete for the Cup when healthy. They have an elite defense, the best three-zone line in the league and two quality goalies. That said, I don’t think they are as good as Tampa Bay or Colorado. Those teams have more good players.
As for Kase, they can make LTIR retroactive if they add a player to exceed the cap by part or all of his salary.
Updated projection of who may not be protected in the expansion draft? And why hasn’t Vaakanainen been in the starting lineup? — @pgaff71
My most recent projection had Frederic being the seventh and final forward protected. Up front, this would leave Ritchie, Kase, Bjork, Wagner, Karson Kuhlman and Anton Blidh as team-controlled unprotected forwards.
On defense, Connor Clifton, John Moore, Jakub Zboril and Lauzon would be unprotected.
Vaakanainen is behind Matt Grzelcyk, Lauzon, Zboril and Moore on the left-side depth chart.
Does Frederic have much offensive upside at this level? Scored 30-plus goals as an underclassman at Wisconsin on a mediocre team so would think there is a tad of finish in there someplace, but doesn’t seem to be getting his share of chances much. — Tim O.
I don’t see Trent as being an impact goal scorer. He looks like a 12-goal third-line center in the future.
That said, Trent took a big step from last year to this season in terms of skating, presence and strength on the puck. Perhaps he can make similar improvements with his offensive game.
How is Swayman doing with Providence? Is he the long-term future in net? Or are we going to have to pay Tuukka to another extended contract? — David H.
Swayman is off to a good pro start. I think he is a future NHL No. 1. But it would be very difficult to ask Jeremy to be an NHL starter in 2021-22 with such a limited first pro season. Swayman may not even get 15 starts this year because of the shortened AHL schedule.
So yes, I foresee the Bruins extending Rask so they have at least one proven goalie next year. It will be up to Tuukka to determine how long of an extension he requires.
Do you see the B’s blowing up the second line this summer? It’s been the glaring weakness for years and patchwork Band-Aiding has only created leaks at the worst times. Jake (DeBrusk’s) trajectory remains a mystery, but it’s getting more and more obvious he isn’t going to be a catalyst for that second line. With the Krejci contract expiring and Kase’s future in the NHL cloudy after now a series of head injuries, there couldn’t possibly be more questions for a line in the NHL. I assumed Coyle would take over 2C but his showing this year is much closer to an NHL 3C. At what point does Don Sweeney bear some responsibility for this, in possibly the final Cup push here this year before our core begins a steep decline? Is it all right to simply stand pat and see how it works out? Shouldn’t the team’s moves reflect more urgency? — Dave H.
It’s possible the second line could be changed this summer if they don’t re-sign Krejci. That would mean Coyle or Studnicka would get a second-line opportunity. It would certainly give the unit a different look, and not necessarily better. I still see DeBrusk as a No. 2 left wing. Kase is a question mark because of the injury history.
As for Sweeney’s responsibility, he has put the team in position to contend this year while getting a look at Zboril and Lauzon in more pronounced roles. I suspect he will acquire short-term help to make this year’s team best equipped to win a championship. But Don also has to replenish the picks-and-prospects category, which is spare. Balance is important.
First and foremost I just want to say the team looks awesome this year. Frederic looks awesome in a bottom-six role, Miller has come back incredibly strong, and the fears of losing the left-shot defensemen in free agency have almost entirely been assuaged. That said, being too positive is no fun, so we’ll nitpick a bit, and I have a few things I’d love to get your thoughts on:
1. Do you think putting DeBrusk on the top line will be what it takes to finally get him going? Is he going to get to the full potential they saw in him back in 2015?
2. Do you feel like Bjork is ever going to break the plateau he seems to have found?
3. Is Lauzon really a tenable long-term top-pairing option? Sure, McAvoy can carry anyone and Lauzon has been acceptable, but it certainly feels like a place with room for improvement to me. Do you foresee any changes in the D core this year?
4. Lastly, what do you think the four center roles look like next year, with Krejci’s contract up and Studnicka and Frederic continuing to develop? Bonus points for the complete forward lineup. — Kirk S.
1. I don’t see DeBrusk sticking with the top line for very long. David Pastrnak will be back there sooner rather than later. But yes, I see DeBrusk picking up his game and finding his way back to the second line. He will reach his potential.
2. I see Bjork as being what he is: a bottom-six wing whose processing power does not align with his physical skill set.
3. Lauzon has done well on the No. 1 pairing. I question whether he will be ready for playoff battle just yet. He would be better sheltered on the third pairing. I believe a more experienced left-shot defenseman will be something the Bruins pursue.
4. I go back and forth on Krejci. I think David can still play. Whether the Bruins are interested in extending the relationship remains to be seen. If Krejci moves on, it could be Bergeron, Coyle, Studnicka and Frederic.
It looks early on that despite the East being dubbed by a lot this preseason as the toughest division this year, the Bruins lucked out big time by avoiding Tampa, Toronto, Montreal and Florida in the first two playoff rounds this year. I think Philly and Pittsburgh they will be just fine against and with no Braden Holtby, it looks like the tides might be turning vs. Washington. Do you see Sweeney looking at the deadline this year as all-in, swing-big due to the one-year division change and what looks like an easier path for a Cup run? —Corey L.
Yes and no. It’s in Sweeney’s interest to improve this year’s team to optimize it for a Cup chase. At the same time, they are in no position to give up picks. Don will be selective with how he adds. Agree that there is no competing heavyweight in the division.
Fluto, is Coyle playing hurt? His play has seemed tentative lately after a very strong start. — Michael M.
Charlie missed one practice because of an upper-body injury. Perhaps it’s still bothering him. I don’t think the rotation of wings has helped his offensive production. The rest of his game has been fine.
I’m curious about how much you think the looming expansion draft is weighing on the Bruins brass. You’ve laid out before that the Bruins will likely have some interesting pieces unprotected in July. Do you think it’s more likely that the Bruins try to make a deal with Seattle, try to consolidate some of those pieces, or let it ride? — Matthew R.
I think they’ll accept that they will lose a good player. We saw how teams made things difficult with Vegas the last time in terms of trading picks, prospects, players, etc. Better off to play it straight, protect your most important players and say “good luck” to the one they’ll lose. That said, I believe expansion was a factor in letting Krug walk.
I still think the Bruins need to add a little more toughness whether that be up front or on defense to get through a long playoff run. Would you agree? — Mark G.
As long as toughness can skate, yes. Never hurts to have abrasive players with pace in the playoffs. Nobody enjoyed played against Yanni Gourde.
Kase and Rick Nash for two first-rounders. If we kept the picks who might we have now? — Chris B.
Anaheim picked Jacob Perreault. Ottawa drafted Jacob Bernard-Docker with the Rangers’ pick. I don’t know if either player was on the Bruins’ lists in their respective years.
How do you think the adjusted breakout strategy you wrote about earlier has worked out? I think their breakouts have looked pretty clean besides the latest game against the Islanders, but I attribute that to it being the second of a back-to-back. — Duncan M.
For the most part, the staff has been satisfied with the breakouts. They’ve been good at moving the puck pretty quickly. Agree, they really struggled against the Islanders. Fatigue did not help, nor did losing Zboril early. It’s where they also missed Grzelcyk.
Any word on contract talk with Krejci? Do you think they let him walk? — John B.
Do not know whether the sides have talked. As noted above, I go back and forth on this one. David can still play. If the price is right and he’s OK with one year, I could see an extension happening.
Could you go over who we’ll potentially face first in the playoffs and how it will all work with the new divisions? How is Vaakanainen doing? Will he get his shot soon? — Tim B.
The top four teams in each division qualify for the playoffs. The first two rounds are within the division: No. 1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3. The four teams that advance to the semifinals are seeded by order of regular-season points total.
Vaakanainen has appeared in three games for Providence. He’s next in line for a promotion if more defensemen get hurt.
Zboril has not looked out of place. Does he have some fairly steep upside, with more experience? — John S.
He can skate, pass and handle the puck like a top-four NHL defenseman. Can he reduce the panic in his game, reload when things go off the rails and be stronger in the battles? That remains to be seen. He has all the skills.
Scouting: often criticized for the Bruins and rarely praised. Is it time for a full overhaul of the scouting team for the Bruins? Outside of McAvoy (a layup) and Pastrnak, seems as if the Bruins often whiff hard in early rounds but do OK in Rounds 3-4. Impact prospects are needed more than ever with Bergeron aging and Krejci walking away soon. —Erik A.
I think 30 teams would be delighted to pick McAvoy and Pastrnak in the first round. Difficult to say they were lucky picks but then hammer the team for other picks that fell short. They’re like most teams. They hit on some, miss on others. Part of their challenge is stocking up after trading two first-rounders in three years. They are not in position to continue that approach.
I feel like the writing is on the wall when it comes to Krejci next season. Perhaps the Bruins will give Krejci the same treatment they gave Chara — limited role next season, wanting to move toward Coyle being the next second-line guy. Let’s be honest, Krejci is still a magician when the puck is on his stick, but he doesn’t push five-on-five play like he used to (seven of his 10 points coming from PP time). Is it worth stunting the growth of the future to hold on to him? — Nicholas K.
It’s certainly a factor they’re considering in terms of giving more opportunities to Studnicka and Frederic. If David remains in place, Jack and Trent don’t have as many shifts at center, if at all. The question is whether either of those players or Coyle as No. 2 center give the Bruins a better chance to win than bringing Krejci back. I think the Bruins will take more time to come to an answer.
How would you assess the impact of Bergeron’s leadership at this point in the season? — Brian Q.
Fine. The transition has been seamless, as expected. Patrice has been a co-captain for a long time.
What has changed in how you are able to cover the Bruins this season versus previous seasons? Such as watching practice, going to TD Garden on game days, away games, anything behind the scenes that is not obvious to the normal bystander which impacts you being able to cover the team? Are there any changes you prefer/dislike? Do you think any of them will stay in place after things go back to normal? — Kristy N.
The experience is completely different. Reporters can attend practices, morning skates and games. But all interviews are via Zoom. For now, I am not traveling to away games.
Face-to-face interaction reinforces so much of the reporting aspect of the job. A lot of story ideas come from casual conversations with players, coaches, management. Those interactions are also the way you develop relationships and trust. Doing everything virtually is the way it has to be for now, but I don’t like anything about it. I suspect access to the dressing room will be limited to some degree even when things return to normal.
Any insight as to how this year’s outdoor game at Tahoe will differ from past years, from a player/coach perspective? — Ryan C.
I don’t think it will be any different. The players and coaches have gotten used to playing without fans by now. The views will be great, but that’s more for TV than the participants.
Do you feel that younger players have an extra short leash with Bruce and this leads to roster shuffling, not allowing consistency and time to gain chemistry? — Steve H.
Absolutely yes on the shorter leash. And yes, it creates short-term roster disruptions when Bruce benches players or takes them off lines.
But he feels it’s required to reinforce good habits that will pay off later. I think it also helps management determine whether younger players are worth retaining if they don’t respond well to Bruce’s moves. Difficult to dispute the results Bruce has gotten from his rosters. I see few teams playing with similar degrees of structure and discipline.
Peter Cehlárik is doing very well in the Swedish Hockey League. Do the Bruins still retain his NHL rights? Could he play for the Bruins again? — John M.
Yes, the Bruins retain Peter’s rights. I saw few indications in Peter’s game signaling he was a reliable NHL player. Perhaps he’s improved in that aspect. But I see a return being doubtful.
Even a casual look at the Bruins’ salary cap this year vs. next year indicates they will have an abundance of cash to play with. What do they spend it on? Who do they re-sign, and who do they chase? — @devilish21ca
Among the unrestricted group, I think there’s a chance they bring back Rask, Krejci and Miller on short-term extensions, assuming all three want to stay in Boston. That would eat up a good deal of dough.
On the restricted front, Carlo and Ritchie will be up. It’s difficult to project deals for defensive defensemen, but I could see Carlo making a case for $5 million annually. We’ll have to see how expansion plays into the Ritchie negotiations. But assuming he stays, Nick could argue for $4 million per year.
You also have the goalie issue. They’d have to sign a veteran if they don’t believe Swayman or Dan Vladar are ready.
I don’t see them being aggressive in free agency. Not many teams will be given the financial wreckage.
Do you think the Bruins will try to showcase Moore a little bit in an effort to move him? I know he’s filling his role as dependable depth D very well. But surely we can stomach more youth in that corps while shedding some salary, either for in-house extensions or free agency. — @dizzypineapples
Moore will be challenging to trade because of his contract ($2.75 million annually through 2023) and performance. The Bruins would have to assume part of his salary, add another asset or take back another contract.
Based on the current roster and assuming a completely healthy lineup, what do you see as the best four line combinations? — @edmarshall723
Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak
DeBrusk-Krejci-Kase
Ritchie-Coyle-Smith
Frederic-Kuraly-Wagner
What do you think the future holds for Bjork? More patience? Fourth line? Bench? Trade? — @mhall3333
Bjork is a depth wing who can play both sides. If another team sees greater potential in Anders, he will be traded.
Update on Kase’s recovery? Who is doing best in Providence when it comes to defenseman development? — @tdodge25
Ondrej is skating lightly on his own. Vaakanainen is next in line for a promotion.
While it’s only been a few games, it seems like Jakub Lauko is a legit high-end prospect. What do you think? — @zakman62
Jakub has potential. Good wheels, nose for the net, willing to engage physically. Could become a third-line NHL left wing. Maybe second.
What do you think the next contracts will look like for Carlo, Krejci, Ritchie, Frederic and the goalies? — @eastcoastute
Carlo: three years, $14 million
Krejci: one year, $4.75 million
Ritchie: three years, $12 million
Frederic: two years, $2.5 million
Rask: two years, $8 million
Why do you think the Bruins terminated Par Lindholm’s contract? Seemed like a great insurance policy in case of injury. — @masadboi
Par was unhappy as a member of the taxi squad. He had a better opportunity to play and be with his family in Sweden. The Bruins did not want to stand in his way. They have other options at center. Every penny off the books counts when teams are trying to recover financially.
What are the chances Alexander Khokhlachev joins the Bruins this year? — @bacisitptetty
Zero.
Who should the Bruins target at the trade deadline? D-men only and only left-side D-men since their right side is already strong. Think the youth on the blue line is coming along nicely, but that’s Boston’s only weak link, in my opinion. — @junior57409670
An experienced all-around left-shot defenseman like Mattias Ekholm. There’s always the Anaheim route with Hampus Lindholm or Josh Manson.
So hockey sticks have developed so that everybody shoots 100 mph. But with that, reliability is sacrificed. Sticks get dinged, nicked and break, or just snap when slashed. The one time you need reliability is penalty killing. Why hasn’t a manufacturer come up with a penalty-kill stick of rubber, wood or some material, that while may not be good for shooting, will not break? They could market it as the PK. Or is there not a way to tape or coat a shaft so it doesn’t break? I am so sick of seeing sticks break on a PK that end up causing a goal against. Seems like an opportunity. — @rogermaxnl
Interesting thought. I see this as being a customer-driven issue. Players, even PK specialists, are always thinking offense first. Marchand, for example, is still going to be looking for shorthanded opportunities when he is killing a penalty. He will not stand to be compromised by a stick that does not perform to his preferred capabilities. So unless you have a large cohort of players who demand near-unbreakable sticks, I don’t see this changing.
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 18, 2021 11:20:25 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 18, 2021 12:44:38 GMT -5
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Post by kjc2 on Feb 18, 2021 14:55:07 GMT -5
Ekholm and we’d have to move a young left D, a first and a prospect, it’d be a hard no for me.
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Post by kjc2 on Feb 18, 2021 14:57:54 GMT -5
It’d be a yes from me because it would put us in the window for a couple of more years but knowing full well we’d be fighting for last spot for years after Patrice and Sid called it a career.
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 19, 2021 7:45:50 GMT -5
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Post by madmarx on Feb 21, 2021 6:55:13 GMT -5
Click on photo to see Brad’s response 🤬
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 23, 2021 9:41:54 GMT -5
David Krejci can still play.
The 34-year-old has 10 assists, which, as of Monday, was more than in-their-prime pivots Brayden Point, Mathew Barzal and Elias Pettersson.
The 6-foot, 188-pound center is leaner than he was earlier in his career, when he was not as enthusiastic about workouts as he is today. At times, Krejci has worked the point as the fifth forward on the No. 1 power-play unit. This year, Bruce Cassidy has asked his centers to assume more defensive responsibility, partly because the Bruins coach knows Krejci can deliver just as effectively as four-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron.
“They’re two very gifted offensive players,” rookie pivot Jack Studnicka said. “But the thing that stands out to me is they’re always taking care of the defensive zone first, really driving their line, playing a 200-foot game and doing all the things a centerman should do.”
Krejci’s Black-and-Gold future beyond this year would be a moot point if his deal, like Bergeron’s, expired after 2022. Krejci, however, is in the last season of his six-year, $43.5 million contract. He turns 35 on April 28. The Bruins have Studnicka, 22, and Trent Frederic, 23, eager to play center full-time. Krejci is not interested in retiring.
So even though a continuation of their partnership could serve Krejci and his employer well, recent history indicates a parting is more likely.
Not even two months have passed since Zdeno Chara said goodbye. The 43-year-old Chara is proving his tank is far from dry. Chara is averaging 19:33 of ice time per game, third highest on his new team.
But Chara is working in Washington, not Boston, because of his age, expiring contract and younger alternatives such as Jeremy Lauzon, Jakub Zboril and Urho Vaakanainen, all of whom have now logged at least one NHL appearance this year. Through 16 games, the Bruins’ 11-3-2 record and 2.25 goals allowed per game rate indicate they made the right call, even if Lauzon, Zboril and Matt Grzelcyk are all hobbled.
Within this context, Sunday’s 7-3 Lake Tahoe laugher could signal what is to come. Krejci did not play because of a lower-body injury. Charlie Coyle moved up to No. 2 center. Studnicka, recalled from Providence two days earlier, was the No. 3 pivot. Frederic was the fourth-line left wing. But next year, it would not be a stretch for Frederic to displace current linemate Sean Kuraly, who, like Krejci, will also be an unrestricted free agent. Brandon Carlo wore Krejci’s “A.”
It is difficult to say whether this will make the Bruins a better team. It would certainly be different. Krejci tugs on his line’s reins tighter than the other centers, more so because of his cerebral, creative, east-west style than his age. This is not necessarily how Cassidy wants to play.
“He’ll want to come back and counter more. Like the old school where you regroup and slow the game down, then speed it up,” Cassidy said. “There’s some times in a game where I’d rather say, ‘Let’s play a little faster this period. Let’s get behind them and more straight lines.’ That would be the only times we’ll talk about it. Maybe instead of circling back, let’s just tight turn, get going, get the D pushing the pace.”
Following Chara’s exit, Cassidy evolved his system toward his younger and more mobile defensemen. He could follow suit up front. The league will not slow down next year.
Coyle and Studnicka are faster, although the former has some of Krejci’s puck-possessing, draw-the-defenders approach. Coyle also shares Krejci’s preference to pass instead of shoot. The Weymouth native is averaging 10.06 attempts per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, according to Natural Stat Trick, ahead of only Krejci, Frederic and Anders Bjork among team forwards. Coyle took a good step on Sunday by shooting in the second period and finding one of Carter Hart’s numerous holes.
“He attacked more,” Cassidy said. “His goal’s a great example of that. Didn’t look to pass. Made his move, attacked the net, got rewarded.”
There would be turbulence if Coyle, Studnicka and Frederic slot in behind Bergeron next year. Opponents would attack the centers, just like they’ve targeted the defensemen this season. The Flyers, like the Devils and Islanders before them, were at their best when they bombed the Bruins below the goal line and won their wall battles. Until the Bruins improve at breakouts, furious forechecks are in their future.
“It was addressed after the first period that we’d need help from the forward group as well,” Cassidy said. “Especially on the breakouts. Those scrum pucks below the goal line, we need to do our jobs. Win the battles on the walls so we don’t get stuck for extended periods of time in our end. I thought the second period was terrific in that regard.”
General manager Don Sweeney is likely to take his time, perhaps the entire season and beyond, to make his decision. The postseason, after all, is when “Playoff Krech,” as his teammates call him, emerges at his boldest.
But by next year, Studnicka should be more fortified physically to endure nightly abuse. Frederic should take another step. Oskar Steen, currently developing in Providence, could make an NHL case.
Extending unrestricted free agents is not Sweeney’s preference. Since 2018, UFAs-to-be who have walked include Chara, Torey Krug, Joakim Nordstrom, Noel Acciari, Marcus Johansson, Riley Nash, Tim Schaller and Anton Khudobin. In this stretch, Chara (2018 and 2019) and Jaroslav Halak (2020) are the only 35-or-older players who signed extensions.
Krejci has appeared in 926 games, all with the Bruins. He has enough juice in his legs to hit the 1,000-game threshold sometime next season.
Whether that’s with the Bruins remains to be seen.
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Post by KSJ08 on Feb 23, 2021 12:18:52 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 23, 2021 12:23:48 GMT -5
Anyone who has followed Brandon Carlo throughout his career knew the moment was coming.
So when he hit the ice for warmups Sunday in Lake Tahoe wearing the “A” on his jersey, it was hardly a surprise.
With David Krejci unable to play in the Boston Bruins’ outdoor walloping of the Philadelphia Flyers, the B’s elected to have someone serve as the other alternate captain in his place. The B’s rolled with Carlo, who was clearly touched by the gesture.
“It was amazing,” Carlo said over Zoom after Tuesday’s practice. “That was probably the biggest honor of my life to walk into the locker room that day and see the A on my sweater. It means so much to me that this group and the management, everybody can trust me to take on that responsibility. So, it definitely warmed my heart and gave me an extra boost of confidence knowing that I’m contributing to this team in a leadership aspect.
“I want to continue to grow in that regard. We have great mentors along the way. Obviously, we had (Zdeno Chara), but now we have (Patrice Bergeron), who has been fantastic this year leading us along that path. So I’m a sponge. I just want to soak in all of that stuff and do my best to be a voice in the room and keep that respect.”
It’s not uncommon for the Bruins to switch things up on occasion. David Backes in years past wore an A on the road but not at home. Thus, it’s unclear if the distinction for Carlo was a one-time thing or something that will continue whenever Krejci and/or Brad Marchand are out.
Regardless, it’s clear he was thrilled to have the opportunity even once.
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Post by madmarx on Feb 26, 2021 17:43:21 GMT -5
Combining his willingness to participate in advertising campaigns, his off-ice personality, and his on-ice performance, is David Pastrnak the most entertaining player in the NHL? The most marketable? – David R.
He has to be close, right? The whole Lake Tahoe thing was just so great, especially his postgame interview. He’s all sorts of fun to watch, and he even gets a nice boost from the contrast of having linemates like Patrice Bergeron (cool but boring) and Brad Marchand (interesting but chaotic-evil). David Pastrnak as the new face of the league? I could be talked into this.
On the other hand, his commercial work has been, um, uneven. Let’s have him take some acting workshops to improve on that. Preferably instead of participating in any potential Leafs/Bruins series.
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Post by madmarx on Feb 28, 2021 17:29:06 GMT -5
The Good Old Days
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Post by RascalHoudi on Feb 28, 2021 17:59:40 GMT -5
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Post by madmarx on Feb 28, 2021 18:35:13 GMT -5
That game I think made feared through out the the league I really miss that ..
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Post by madmarx on Mar 1, 2021 15:32:53 GMT -5
Jack Eichel has one even-strength goal in 17 games. He’s been dealing with multiple injuries since training camp, the latest of which sidelined the right-shot center for two of the last three games. The 24-year-old center is due $10 million annually through 2026. Eichel’s next playoff game will be the first of his career. He has a reputation for being surly. Three-hundred and seventy-one games with the Sabres have tainted him with the scent of losing.
Yet if Buffalo puts Eichel up for trade, the Bruins may raise their hand. They can only count on so many more shifts from Patrice Bergeron (35) and David Krejci (34).
“I just don’t see any way they can’t be all over him,” said an NHL source familiar with Eichel.
Eichel and the Sabres are in their sixth season of partnership. Nothing has proceeded as either party expected when Buffalo picked Eichel second after Connor McDavid in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Ralph Krueger is Eichel’s third coach following Dan Bylsma and Phil Housley. Kevyn Adams is Eichel’s third general manager after Tim Murray and Jason Botterill. The Sabres are sprinting toward another postseason no-show with 15 points, the fewest in the NHL.
It may come to a point, then, when player and organization acknowledge that extending the relationship is no longer worthwhile. Eichel is weary of losing games and losing productive seasons. The Sabres’ return on a $10 million annual investment is a postseason zero.
Observers are especially keen on how Buffalo proceeds prior to 2022-23 when Eichel’s no-move clause activates. Before then, the Sabres would be free to open the bidding to every club and expand their return. Once Eichel gains no-move protection, he and agent Peter Fish could steer the direction of any deal.
“He can ask for a trade. But he could be off to Columbus,” the source said. “On the flip side, if you’re Buffalo, if you’re ever going to trade him and you’re worried about this, you should trade him before it kicks in.”
Eichel’s hometown club, meanwhile, is aligned for another Stanley Cup pursuit. The franchise’s future, however, looks cloudy.
Krejci’s contract expires at the end of this season. Bergeron is up after 2022.
Whether Charlie Coyle, who turns 29 on Tuesday, is a top-two center remains to be seen. Jack Studnicka, 22, requires more muscle and experience before the Bruins determine his long-term line-driving status. Trent Frederic is a natural center playing left wing, but the 23-year-old may be best served as a No. 3 pivot.
So in terms of need, Eichel fits the Bruins’ profile. He has 351 career points. The North Chelmsford native and one-year Boston University standout would be a homegrown star. If he replaced Krejci, Eichel would be a No. 2 center, free to manhandle opposing second pairs. The Bruins would not have to worry about secondary scoring behind Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak.
“If you ever put him on the Bruins and gave him Pastrnak, Bergeron and Marchand, look out,” the source said. “That would be scary.”
Unlike most teams, the Bruins could incorporate Eichel’s cap hit under their ceiling. They could make $14.25 million in cap space available by not re-signing Krejci and Tuukka Rask, both unrestricted after this season.
The first trick, though, would be the price to pay. It would be high. If the Sabres put their captain and best player on the market, they would require bankable assets. The most equitable conversation would begin with Pastrnak or Charlie McAvoy, both of whom the Bruins adore. Pastrnak, 24, is an offensive firestarter whom the Bruins stole in 2014. McAvoy, 23, is the Bruins’ MVP this year and blue-line alpha dog.
It wouldn’t end there.
“I think you’re looking at McAvoy and Frederic, probably minimum,” said the source. “Minimum.”
An alternative template of young player, prospect and first-round selection would probably not fly. Traditionally, young stars move for similar pieces: Patrik Laine for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen, Jonathan Drouin for Mikhail Sergachev. If Buffalo moves Eichel primarily for futures, the franchise would signal yet another rebuild to its fans and sponsors.
Multiple bidders could drive the return higher. Minnesota, which already made one deal with Buffalo (Eric Staal for Marcus Johansson), would pursue another. The Wild, screaming for a No. 1 center, could offer Kirill Kaprizov. The Rangers would also be interested in reuniting Eichel with David Quinn, his former BU coach. New York is loaded with potential, from Alexis Lafreniere to Kaapo Kakko to K’Andre Miller.
Other possibilities include Vancouver, either with Elias Pettersson or Bo Horvat, or Los Angeles, which has future NHLers in Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte.
There is also the question of fit. Eichel is one of nine forwards earning $10 million or more annually. McDavid, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, three of Eichel’s contemporaries in age and pay, are earning their keep. Whether Eichel is as much of an airtight investment as his peers remains to be seen.
“His effort and compete, they’re never truly an issue if you really focus on him,” the source said. “He can sometimes look it because it’s such a long stride and the way he reads the play. Off the ice, there’s no issues with Jack.”
Nonstop losing cannot help but weigh on a player like Eichel. Leaving Buffalo may lead to liberation. At some point, the Sabres may have no choice but to consider Eichel’s exit. The Bruins will be waiting.
“I think you have to consider it,” said a second NHL source. “You have to. He’s that good.”
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Post by kjc2 on Mar 1, 2021 21:26:22 GMT -5
Jack Eichel has one even-strength goal in 17 games. He’s been dealing with multiple injuries since training camp, the latest of which sidelined the right-shot center for two of the last three games. The 24-year-old center is due $10 million annually through 2026. Eichel’s next playoff game will be the first of his career. He has a reputation for being surly. Three-hundred and seventy-one games with the Sabres have tainted him with the scent of losing. Yet if Buffalo puts Eichel up for trade, the Bruins may raise their hand. They can only count on so many more shifts from Patrice Bergeron (35) and David Krejci (34). “I just don’t see any way they can’t be all over him,” said an NHL source familiar with Eichel. Eichel and the Sabres are in their sixth season of partnership. Nothing has proceeded as either party expected when Buffalo picked Eichel second after Connor McDavid in the 2015 NHL Draft. Ralph Krueger is Eichel’s third coach following Dan Bylsma and Phil Housley. Kevyn Adams is Eichel’s third general manager after Tim Murray and Jason Botterill. The Sabres are sprinting toward another postseason no-show with 15 points, the fewest in the NHL. It may come to a point, then, when player and organization acknowledge that extending the relationship is no longer worthwhile. Eichel is weary of losing games and losing productive seasons. The Sabres’ return on a $10 million annual investment is a postseason zero. Observers are especially keen on how Buffalo proceeds prior to 2022-23 when Eichel’s no-move clause activates. Before then, the Sabres would be free to open the bidding to every club and expand their return. Once Eichel gains no-move protection, he and agent Peter Fish could steer the direction of any deal. “He can ask for a trade. But he could be off to Columbus,” the source said. “On the flip side, if you’re Buffalo, if you’re ever going to trade him and you’re worried about this, you should trade him before it kicks in.” Eichel’s hometown club, meanwhile, is aligned for another Stanley Cup pursuit. The franchise’s future, however, looks cloudy. Krejci’s contract expires at the end of this season. Bergeron is up after 2022. Whether Charlie Coyle, who turns 29 on Tuesday, is a top-two center remains to be seen. Jack Studnicka, 22, requires more muscle and experience before the Bruins determine his long-term line-driving status. Trent Frederic is a natural center playing left wing, but the 23-year-old may be best served as a No. 3 pivot. So in terms of need, Eichel fits the Bruins’ profile. He has 351 career points. The North Chelmsford native and one-year Boston University standout would be a homegrown star. If he replaced Krejci, Eichel would be a No. 2 center, free to manhandle opposing second pairs. The Bruins would not have to worry about secondary scoring behind Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. “If you ever put him on the Bruins and gave him Pastrnak, Bergeron and Marchand, look out,” the source said. “That would be scary.” Unlike most teams, the Bruins could incorporate Eichel’s cap hit under their ceiling. They could make $14.25 million in cap space available by not re-signing Krejci and Tuukka Rask, both unrestricted after this season. The first trick, though, would be the price to pay. It would be high. If the Sabres put their captain and best player on the market, they would require bankable assets. The most equitable conversation would begin with Pastrnak or Charlie McAvoy, both of whom the Bruins adore. Pastrnak, 24, is an offensive firestarter whom the Bruins stole in 2014. McAvoy, 23, is the Bruins’ MVP this year and blue-line alpha dog. It wouldn’t end there. “I think you’re looking at McAvoy and Frederic, probably minimum,” said the source. “Minimum.” An alternative template of young player, prospect and first-round selection would probably not fly. Traditionally, young stars move for similar pieces: Patrik Laine for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen, Jonathan Drouin for Mikhail Sergachev. If Buffalo moves Eichel primarily for futures, the franchise would signal yet another rebuild to its fans and sponsors. Multiple bidders could drive the return higher. Minnesota, which already made one deal with Buffalo (Eric Staal for Marcus Johansson), would pursue another. The Wild, screaming for a No. 1 center, could offer Kirill Kaprizov. The Rangers would also be interested in reuniting Eichel with David Quinn, his former BU coach. New York is loaded with potential, from Alexis Lafreniere to Kaapo Kakko to K’Andre Miller. Other possibilities include Vancouver, either with Elias Pettersson or Bo Horvat, or Los Angeles, which has future NHLers in Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte. There is also the question of fit. Eichel is one of nine forwards earning $10 million or more annually. McDavid, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, three of Eichel’s contemporaries in age and pay, are earning their keep. Whether Eichel is as much of an airtight investment as his peers remains to be seen. “His effort and compete, they’re never truly an issue if you really focus on him,” the source said. “He can sometimes look it because it’s such a long stride and the way he reads the play. Off the ice, there’s no issues with Jack.” Nonstop losing cannot help but weigh on a player like Eichel. Leaving Buffalo may lead to liberation. At some point, the Sabres may have no choice but to consider Eichel’s exit. The Bruins will be waiting. “I think you have to consider it,” said a second NHL source. “You have to. He’s that good.” I wouldn’t feel good about moving either of our rocket Richard winner or our blue chip #1 D . Eichel always got too much to say, he needed to be surrounded with more vets and be sheltered a bit. Not a good captain, he needs to stop whining and lead by example. His resume is not good for a highly skilled guy who’s supposed to be the face of the franchise.
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Post by nfld77 on Mar 1, 2021 22:02:40 GMT -5
Taylor Hall bitched forever about only playing 4 or 5 playoff games and how he wanted to go to a contender last season or season before..And what do he end up doing?? Signing with lowly Buffalo?? Is it same thing with Eichel??
Oh, Hall has ONE goal in 19 games this season!!!! Again, I wonder if Eichel is on same path..I hope Sweeney stays the hell clear both of them..I was a long time hoping Bruins would get Hall. No More!!
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Post by kjc2 on Mar 1, 2021 22:55:36 GMT -5
Taylor Hall bitched forever about only playing 4 or 5 playoff games and how he wanted to go to a contender last season or season before..And what do he end up doing?? Signing with lowly Buffalo?? Is it same thing with Eichel?? Oh, Hall has ONE goal in 19 games this season!!!! Again, I wonder if Eichel is on same path..I hope Sweeney stays the hell clear both of them..I was a long time hoping Bruins would get Hall. No More!! Hall was on a one year deal and his big pay day next year should be all but done. I’d take him as a cheap UFA but no way I’d pay him much.
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Post by KSJ08 on Mar 2, 2021 8:03:59 GMT -5
Taylor Hall bitched forever about only playing 4 or 5 playoff games and how he wanted to go to a contender last season or season before..And what do he end up doing?? Signing with lowly Buffalo?? Is it same thing with Eichel?? Oh, Hall has ONE goal in 19 games this season!!!! Again, I wonder if Eichel is on same path..I hope Sweeney stays the hell clear both of them..I was a long time hoping Bruins would get Hall. No More!! Hall was on a one year deal and his big pay day next year should be all but done. I’d take him as a cheap UFA but no way I’d pay him much. This what, his 4th team & what's he done? ?? Yep nothing but a very avg. deal at BEST or a hard pass!!
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Post by madmarx on Mar 2, 2021 16:55:58 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Mar 3, 2021 7:24:09 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Mar 3, 2021 9:27:12 GMT -5
For now, according to one assistant general manager, the Boston Bruins have not made Jake DeBrusk available for a trade. If that happened, multiple franchises would jump into the mix because of the 2015 first-rounder’s playing style and postseason pedigree.
The 24-year-old’s struggles this season, however, have proceeded to the point where observers believe he would best serve the Bruins as a trade asset.
“I can see DeBrusk getting moved,” said one NHL source.
The argument to deal DeBrusk lies in some of his numbers: zero even-strength goals, career-low 3.3 percent shooting percentage, below the 50 percent five-on-five goals-for threshold (41.67 GF%, per Natural Stat Trick) for the first time ever.
This follows a quiet 2019-20 postseason against Carolina and Tampa Bay where DeBrusk scored three goals in 10 games. Two of those goals were in Game 4 against Carolina. By the end of the shortened regular season, DeBrusk was playing on the third line with Sean Kuraly and Charlie Coyle.
So for almost an entire year, both the statistics and the eye have signaled that DeBrusk has fallen short of expectations.
“Jake has more to give,” said coach Bruce Cassidy. “I think he’s had pockets of real good hockey and other inconsistent moments where he’s not playing to his strengths to affect the game. By that, I mean turning some pucks over on the forecheck. Attack and get inside ice when you have an opportunity when there’s maybe a vulnerable D one-on-one. Second effort around the net, some rebound opportunities.”
Cassidy acknowledges that no coach can thoroughly and accurately evaluate all 18 skaters during live action. The game is too fast.
But one of the damning things about DeBrusk is that, when Cassidy sits behind his laptop, it generally confirms how the winger did not regularly appear in the coach’s sightlines while he was on the bench.
“I don’t see Jake enough in the video after,” Cassidy said.
To prove his point, Cassidy used the example of the Bruins’ third goal of Sunday’s 4-1 win over the Rangers. As Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak played catch along the right-side boards, Patrice Bergeron worked the front of the net. This is not Bergeron’s usual territory. He makes his living higher in the slot as one of the sharpest bumpers in the league.
But as McAvoy loaded up for a one-timer, Bergeron gained position on Ryan Strome and screened Alexandar Georgiev. The only thing Georgiev could see was Bergeron’s backside, not the puck that McAvoy screamed past the goalie.
“He’s not there the whole time,” Cassidy said of Bergeron. “But he’s there when it’s his turn to go there. It’s what he does so well. It’s what that line does so well. That’s what we want to see a little more of from Jake. When it’s your turn to be the inside net presence, stay there and don’t get pushed out of there easily. Sometimes you do with a bigger opponent. That’s a little bit of the ask of Jake offensively.”
This is DeBrusk’s first season of a two-year, $7.35 million bridge deal. It has not gone as anybody expected. He had one assist in the first six games. He missed the next five because of a lower-body injury. He has one goal, which came on the power play, in his last eight games.
Lineup instability has probably not helped. DeBrusk has taken shifts on the top three lines. He was most recently on the No. 3 line with Trent Frederic and Jack Studnicka playing his off side. On Tuesday, DeBrusk practiced as the No. 2 right wing with Nick Ritchie and David Krejci.
But part of this is because Ritchie displaced DeBrusk as both the No. 2 left wing and net-front presence on the first power-play unit. As usual, there is a spot open on Krejci’s right side, this time because of Ondrej Kase’s unavailability. It’s there for DeBrusk to grab. He has yet to do so.
“The onus falls on the player, no matter who your center is or other winger, just to line up and play hockey,” Cassidy said. “That’s a little bit of what we’re expecting from Jake. Yes, in the long run, it might affect some of your totals. But you should still be a good hockey player once the puck drops when you’re in the lineup, whether you’re on the left or right.”
DeBrusk’s injury has not compromised his top-end speed. In his first game back, DeBrusk winged 14 pucks on net. The mystery is why the skills go silent following bursts of activity.
The issue with trading DeBrusk is that it would further degrade one of the organizational soft spots: secondary scoring behind Brad Marchand, Bergeron and Pastrnak. The Bruins would have to pursue a hockey trade for a like-minded forward or left-shot defenseman — young, high ceiling, underperforming for whatever reason.
DeBrusk’s game has not unraveled to the point of disrepair. Prior to this season, DeBrusk had an 11.7 percent five-on-five shooting percentage. He will not continue shooting blanks (0 for 23).
But there may come a time when the Bruins’ patience runs out. If so, rivals will be waiting.
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Post by SeaBass on Mar 3, 2021 9:27:43 GMT -5
Hopefully someone thinks he is really good and will take him for a bag of pucks.
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Post by RascalHoudi on Mar 3, 2021 10:03:23 GMT -5
Is that why the car dealers won't let you have an unescorted test drive?
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Post by SeaBass on Mar 5, 2021 8:02:39 GMT -5
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Post by SeaBass on Mar 5, 2021 8:32:25 GMT -5
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