Seth Griffith Sent To Providence, David Pastrnak Stays
Nov 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing
David Pastrnak(88), playing in his first NHL game, looks to take a shot during the third period of the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins organization announced last night in the midst of the Patriots victory that they sent forward Seth Griffith packing and back down to the clubs’ AHL affiliate Providence Bruins. Griffith, who began this season as one of the Boston Bruins most prominent players has since lost his groove. Through 30 games Griffith was able to produce a total of 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points.
With the news of Griffith being sent down, the likeliness of David Pastrnak sticking around becomes more of a possibility. In fact, his being sent down on the same day as Pastrnak scored a pair of goals in his debut game since the World Juniors should speak for itself. Pastrnak, after appearing in yesterday’s game against the Flyers, has two games left for his evaluation process before the Bruins have to make a decision on his future.
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After watching his performance in Philadelphia, it was easy to see the difference in skill set and talent level between the two players who each had time alongside Krejci and company this season. While Griffith struggled with speed and finding consistency, Pastrnak exploded and showed just how much speed he possesses. He was able to net the game-winning goal and become the Bruins first 18-year-old to register multiple points in a single game since Patrice Bergeron in 2004.
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“It was something new, you know? Some new feeling is what I got after the goal,” said Pastrnak to reporters following the win in Philly. “It was nice, I can’t describe it.”
The creativity Pastrnak exhibited alongside David Krejci, paired with the speed, tenacity and creativity of Brad Marchand brought a new element to the Bruins that they have been lacking; productivity.
“It was first game last game for us together, so just taking time to get used to each other and find each other on the ice and I think it will be every game better,” said Pastrnak. “He found me a really great pass you know, so it wasn’t that hard to score.”
Being at ease with his line mates Pastrnak appeared to be more comfortable and confident on the puck, traits that will allow him to get better as time goes on and he becomes more comfortable. While decision-making time is just around the corner, with his added self-confidence paired with the confidence he brings to the team as a whole, the Boston Bruins organization would be crazy not to burn the first year of his contract and keep him at the NHL level.