The NHL season is a grind, especially in this year’s shortened 56-game slate. Although it is not as long as usual, the NHL is packing in more games per week for each team. With as many as four games a week, with many on back-to-back nights, players have little opportunity to rest. This makes it more difficult to sustain high levels of play for an extended period of time. Some can do it better than others. Each week, we will take a look at players on the Boston Bruins who are on a hot or cold streak. This week we look at David Krejci and Jake Debrusk.
Boston Bruins Hot and Cold Streaks
Hot Streak: David Krejci
The Boston Bruins will be approaching a major crossroads this offseason. David Krejci is 35 years old and up for a new contract at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. While an agreement on an extension has not been made yet, that may be benefitting Krejci and the Bruins in the meantime. Without the safety of having a contract already in place for next year, Krejci is playing to earn that next deal.
In four games this week, David Krejci has totalled seven points. He has not had the greatest season in terms of goal scoring. But he has found other ways to contribute to the team’s success. Krejci has 37 points in 46 games this year. Only eight of those points are goals. He had two of them this week alone. Krejci does not have to be an elite goal scorer. The players around him are talented enough to support him. He has still proven he can be an effective player passing the puck and his performances this past week are proof he is a solid second-line centreman for Boston. His play could certainly earn him another contract in Boston.
Cold Streak: Jake DeBrusk
Jake DeBrusk came into this season figuring to be a fixture on David Krejci’s wing. Instead, he has found himself to be a third-line player, at best. The former first-round pick has swiftly fallen out of favour with the Bruins’ coaching staff this year. DeBrusk has failed to live up to his potential and there have been rumours of a trade out of the organization. The displeasure of the coaching staff has been evident as DeBrusk only suited up for two of the team’s four contests this week.
DeBrusk failed to earn a single point in his two appearances this week. Boston is pushing hard for the playoffs and has not clinched a spot yet. With David Krejci building chemistry with Taylor Hall on the left side rather than DeBrusk, you have to wonder what the future holds for the 24-year-old winger. Debrusk is already in and out of the lineup. A move out of the organization could benefit him, and push him to play better. Only time will tell. But for now, DeBrusk has to step up his game if he wants to regain his position within the organization. Otherwise, he could be on the way out.
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