Bruins Hit Reset Button

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 Written by: Matt Ferreira



 Before the NHL decided to shut down for Christmas, the Boston Bruins were 14-10-2, good for fifth in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins have struggled with keeping players on the ice, and have yet to have set lines all year with injuries to Erik Haula, Trent Frederic, Nick Foligno and losing many more to COVID-19 protocols. 


 On top of the constant movement many of the Bruins stars struggled early in the season including Taylor Hall, who has not scored a five on five goal since the second game of the season. Another player who has struggled early is David Pastrnak with eight goals in 26 games and shooting at only 7%. 


 Injuries and COVID have not told the whole story for the Boston Bruins. One thing that many complained about early, but could help in the rest of the season is the schedule. As stated earlier the Bruins are fifth in the Atlantic Division, but have the fourth highest point percentage. The B’s have only played in 26 games while all the other teams in front of them have played between 30 and 33. With 56 games remaining in the 120 days of the season, the Bruins will be more likely to carry positive momentum from game to game instead of having five days off between games like in the past.


 The main story coming back from the NHL shut down is the Bruins line changes. 



 Bruce Cassidy has broken up the “perfection line” in hopes of balancing the offense and getting more production out of the second and third lines. 


 Cassidy swapped Pastrnak and Smith on the first and second lines creating a more goal scoring presence on line two with Taylor Hall, a former Hart Trophy Winner, and David Pastrnak, a well known goal scorer, with veteran Erik Haula in the middle. This allows Charlie Coyle to go back to the spot in the Bruins lineup where he has thrived since his homecoming as the third line center between Jake DeBrusk and veteran Nick Foligno. 


 On defense, the BU connection comes back as Matt Grzelcyk moves back up to the top pairing with Norris Trophy Candidate Charlie McAvoy, while big bodies Derek Forbort and Connor Clifton enforce on d-pairing three. 


 While the goalies stay the same for now with Ullmark and Swayman swapping time between the pipes, it is reported that Tuukka Rask has agreed to a deal with the Bruins.



While it is still waiting to be cleared by the league, it is unknown when Rask will see time with the Bruins, as he is expected to start some games in AHL Providence before coming back to his role in the NHL. 


 The Bruins will be putting these new lines to the test on the first two days of the new year against the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings as they continue to try and make up ground in the Atlantic Division and Wild Card Standings. 


Location: Boston, MA, USA

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