Boston Bruins’ Merlot Line make it happen in 3-0 win over Lightning.
Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Daniel Paille (20) reacts after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, and Shawn Thornton make up the Merlot Line for the Boston Bruins. Critics and fans alike acknowledge them as the ‘best fourth line in hockey’. They bring energy, drive, commitment, and a lot of physicality to the team whenever they are on the ice. While the drive was always there, the points weren’t exactly forthcoming. In yesterday’s game however, that changed. Daniel Paille scored on a great break away and a faked pass to Shawn Thornton. Paille was able to cross the crease and put it in past Anders Lindback to get the Bruins their second goal of the game.
That goal was more than just a great goal scored at home. That goal was assisted by Gregory Campbell. That point got Campbell his first of the year, and it was a happy day for all of the Merlot Men.
“There’s always room for improvement, but I’ve been working hard, and working hard in areas that I think have been coming back slower than I expected,” said Campbell after the game. “It will come. Claude and the coaching staff have shown me a lot of patience, and I appreciate that. My responsibility is to work hard at it every day and get back to the player I know I am, and its coming. It’s got to be small steps, and I have to be patient, too. But I’m working hard at it.”
Claude Julien was happy as well. “[The] Merlot line scores a big goal for us tonight. That’s kind of the identity of our hockey team; you need a little bit from everybody on different nights and the [David] Krejci line, to me, has been as consistent as a coach would want it to be so far.”
Dan Paille earned his second goal of the year and currently leads the Merlot Men with three points. His speed on breakaways have often caused the opposing team to be very careful with how they enact their line changes when he’s on the ice. We got to hear a lot of “Dan Paille with a breakaway!” last season and we’re looking forward to hearing more of it. As for Paille, he’s just happy to contribute to the Bruins in any way possible.
“That’s the type of role we accept as a line, and it’s a big bonus that a goal came right out of it,” offered Paille in the locker room. “For us, we’re going to do everything we can to score some goals and create that energy like we do every game.”
They’ll get another chance to make that energy when the Columbus Blue Jackets come into town on Thursday.