Lucic, Reilly Smith Key Players in Bruins Streak

Jan 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) skates during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Milan Lucic and Reilly Smith have been significant cogs in the Boston Bruins’ four-game winning streak over the past couple of weeks. Well, actually, Smith and Lucic have been standout players for the Bruins all season long, totaling 81 points in 103 games combined. Smith leads the Bruins with 18 goals and has been an important part of the hottest forward line in hockey right now. Lucic’s physical presence has been huge for Bruins. He dominated the Florida Panthers in the low slot on Tuesday, bodying defenders and muscling his way to two goals.

Lucic: A Trademark Presence for the Bruins

Most Bruins fans know Lucic as an enforcer, a guy who is willing to fight and scrap for respect and wins. Fight is the key word here. Lucic doesn’t back down from a physical confrontation. He’s an animal in a one-on-one fight, and he loves lining players up for highlight-reel hits. In the end, though, he’s a forward that Claude Julien can always rely on. His quick stick in the slot and awareness on the opponent’s crease allows him to boast great scoring capabilities. At the same time, Lucic controls puck possession along the boards very well. He’s a big reason why the Bruins are able to keep long possessions in their offensive end. He and Patrice Bergeron are definitely the most reliable Bruins’ players year in and year out. Here are some of Lucic’s greatest moments.

Reilly Smith vs. Tyler Seguin

While Lucic is well-known figure in Boston, the young newcomer Reilly Smith is an enigma to the those who don’t closely follow the Bruins. He came to the B’s along with Loui Eriksson in the Rich Peverley–Tyler Seguin trade. Still, he was supposed to be a prospect, and I’m not sure if many people believed that he would be the most prolific scorer on the Bruins this year. As opposed to Lucic, Smith is a speed player similar to Seguin, but Smith, I would say, is a bit more physical then Seguin. Despite not being a pugnacious specimen like Lucic, Smith is able to skate on the wing and use his strength to edged past defenders. There were times when Seguin was blatantly not trying and moving at half speed. Smith skates swiftly on the edge with great pace, though. Consequently, I think Smith, in comparison to the current Dallas Stars center, takes the cake in the “persistence” category of hockey. Check out Reilly’s nice goal against the Calgary Flames.

I  am curious to see what this duo can do in the coming weeks.