How Beneficial is Chris Kelly?
Oct 21, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Chris Kelly (23) prepares for a face off during their game against the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Over the course of the last two seasons the Bruins fan base has had to come to terms with a lot of familiar faces leaving the Bruins organization. From the departure of Andrew Ference and Shawn Thornton to the trades of Tyler Seguin, Rich Peverley and Johnny Boychuk, there have been a lot of changes among the B’s roster. With each change we get to know the ones who remain a little bit better as their value with the Bruins increases. A name that was has seemingly flown under the radar in recent years is forward Chris Kelly.
Chris Kelly has been a part of the Bruins organization since February 2011, when he was acquired for a second-round draft pick and has made a quiet but lasting impact since. Prior to his fibula injury last season he was on pace for a career-best season.This season, he’s off to much of the same start.
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Currently Chris Kelly and his line mates are among the teams’ top leaders in points, combining for 19 points through the first ten games of the season. Soderberg and Kelly among the top five forwards with 7 points a piece while Eriksson ranks sixth with 5. There is no question that the Bruins third line has been the driving force to an otherwise bleak Bruins squad this season and a lot of that has to do with a preexisting chemistry.
“I think we try to read off one another and support each other in all three zones which is key,” Kelly said after his game-winning goal in the Bruins’ opener. “The days of a guy trying to beat two guys and then you just try to get open are no longer there. We want to defend. I think it’s important to support one another and have communication.”
“He brings a lot,” Soderberg said. “He’s strong with the puck and really good on the forecheck. He makes some good plays and he means a lot to us and he makes the line complete.”
Along with the chemistry comes consistency and versatility. Both Soderberg and Kelly have the ability to play each other’s positions which gives them an added advantage to being productive. The three-zone coverage they exhibit is part of what is keeping the Bruins afloat.
“It’s really important,” Kelly said. “It’s fairly easy for a centerman to go to wing, as opposed to having a winger go to center. Carl and I communicate well. We both can take faceoffs, and both can play in our own end and know the center position well.”
In Chara’s absence, Kelly gets to take on a much heavier work load, on and off the ice. However, he knows he’s not doing it alone.
“If we’re expecting one guy to fill Zee’s shoes, then I hope I’m not that guy…because it’s impossible, and we need to do it as a group. Everyone doesn’t need to be better, they just need to be at their best. The focus every day should be playing to the best of our ability, and outworking the other team.”
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Chris Kelly may not be a fan-favorite among the Bruins fan base, but he is one of the most valuable players left on the Bruins squad and his linemates agree. His strongest assets being a defensive mindset, ability to win defensive zone draws and his presence on the penalty kill. Last season, despite missing twenty-two games due to an injury, he still was among he teams’ top leaders for shorthanded time on ice. This season, especially in the absence of Chara, we can expect to see much of the same.
“He brings a lot,” Soderberg said. “He’s strong with the puck and really good on the forecheck. He makes some good plays and he means a lot to us and he makes the line complete.”
While the Bruins are rumored for shopping around for a right-wing, Kelly’s early season success could help increase his value. He’s a strong penalty killer who dedicates himself and works hard for a full 60 minutes every game. When healthy, he’s one of the most consistent players on the roster.