20-year old Jack Studnicka made his NHL debut during the Bruins 8-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
The Bruins 2017 second-round draft pick was recalled from Providence on Monday. Studnicka led the Providence Bruins in scoring with 18 points in 21 games.
Jack Studnicka Given Big Role in Bruins Debut
Jack Studnicka made his NHL debut for the Bruins in a top-six role as Head Coach Bruce Cassidy inserted him on the second-line center between Charlie Coyle and Jake Debrusk. Studnicka also saw time on the Bruins second power-play unit during Boston’s win as well.
Logging 14:17 minutes of ice time Studnicka was sixth-most among Bruins forwards. Studnicka recorded his first career assist on Danton Heinen‘s goal with 1:16 left in the third period.
What This Means for the Future
With Studnicka called up to replace an injured Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins will need him to produce offensively. Studnicka, a 6-foot-1 right-shot center, impressed in 21 games for the Providence Bruins this season recording nine goals and nine assists.
Prior to the game, Cassidy spoke about Studnicka hitting his stride offensively in Providence. “[Studnicka] seems to have found his stride offensively,” said Cassidy. “So hopefully he’s coming at the right time in terms of being confident to be able to make his plays.”
In the 2018-2019 season, Studnicka had 12 goals and 22 assists in 30 games with the Oshawa Generals (OHL) before being traded to the Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) where he had 24 goals and 25 assists in 30 games. In 252 career OHL games, Studnicka scored 80 goals and 153 assists for 233 points while posting a +21 rating.
This call-up could be a great opportunity for Studnicka, who stands as the Bruins best prospect to fill a future top-six center role with Bergeron and David Krejci reaching their mid-30’s.
Cassidy spoke about Studnicka’s debut during a postgame interview.”He settled in and did his job,” said Cassidy. “Happy he made a play there at the end to get on the score sheet.”
With the Bruins taking a cautious approach with Bergeron’s injury, it’s possible that Studnicka’s opportunity could end up lasting beyond a game or two.
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