Things are finally falling in to place for the Boston Bruins despite their first line center, David Krejci, suffering a season-ending injury.
Limited to 38 games this season, Krejci was still an effective player for the team with 7 goals and 19 assists for 26 total points. It was obvious that offensive production could come to a halt, however David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner had different plans.
After learning about Krejci’s injury, Bruins head coach Claude Julien called up Ryan Spooner from the Providence Bruins and slotted him at center between Milan Lucic and Pasrtnak. Considering all the hurdles the Bruins have dealt with this year, it was in question as to whether or not this would be an effective line. It’s no longer in question, however, as the line consisting of Lucic, Spooner and Pastrnak has been one of the most effective lines in the NHL for the month of March.
The effectiveness of the line comes to a surprise to many, as the Bruins have struggled adapting to injuries this year. However things are starting to look better for the 8th-seed team – all due to what Spooner and Pastrnak are bringing to the table.
Pasrtnak is mostly known for his offensive game – tallying 8 points in his last 8 games. However there’s a key element to Pastrnak’s game that most overlook – and that’s his stick-handling skills. Much like Jaromir Jagr, Pastrnak finds ways of creating space between himself and defenders out of absolutely nowhere. He’s smart with the puck and knows when to get rid of it when under attack. That is something rookies often struggle with, but Pasrtnak has proved he can contest with some of the NHL’s greatest defenders. In addition to that, Pastrnak rarely loses puck battles. Whether it’s lifting the opposing players stick or flinging the puck out of a dangerous spot, Pastrnak is aware of all surroundings on the ice, which is something you cannot teach a player.
It’s no doubt the presence of Pastrnak has improved Spooner’s game as well. For a few years now, Julien has looked to Spooner if a call-up was needed. Within months, Spooner would always be sent back down. In addition to that, Spooner has never played on an exceptional line. He is thriving playing between Lucic and Pastrnak. This is largely due to the fact that Spooner finally has a line-mate who is as fast as him. It’s not unknown that the Bruins are a relatively slow team – especially after trading away Tyler Seguin. But Spooner and Pastrnak bring that element of speed that can contest with fast teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Playoffs are becoming less of a dream, and more of a reality for the Bruins. With a line as effective as Lucic, Spooner and Pastrnak, the question remains; what do you do when David Krejci comes back? Julien has to make that tough decision. What he ultimately faces is the unfortunate outcome that if he breaks up the most effective line on the Bruins, it could stunt Pastrnak and Spooner’s effectiveness which is something you don’t want to deal with come playoff time. Of course Krejci deserves a spot on the roster come playoff time, but in the postseason, it’s all about winning that matters – and Spooner and Pastrnak are looking like key players to continue winning.
