Boston Bruins Power Play Options
By Jay Peterson
When a coach in the NHL is faced with the difficult task of choosing a final roster for the opening night of the NHL season, there is a lot to consider. One of the strategies that helps quicken the decision making process is determining who is capable of playing on the power play and penalty kill. Having a strong idea of who Claude Julien will depend on for special teams this year will give us a good indication of who will be playing for the Boston Bruins on opening night, and in what capacity.
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Unlike the Boston Bruins penalty kill, the potential line ups for the power play are more ambiguous. With nine forwards spending over 1:30 per game on the power play last season (all stats found on nhl.com), there will undoubtedly be some healthy internal competition for these highly coveted spots.
First, let us make the easy decisions. Torey Krug will play defense on the top power play unit with Patrice Bergeron playing the point on his right. There may be times when Claude Julien puts Krejci on the point and has Bergeron taking the face offs, but either way, one of these two players will accompany Krug on the point.
For the second power play unit, Zdeno Chara and offensive defenseman Matt Irwin will take on the duties. The only other options for the Bruins would be if defensive prospects Zach Trotman, Colin Miller or Joe Morrow were playing. However, based on Matt Irwin’s 1:20 per game on the power play last year for the San Jose Sharks, it is safe to assume that he is the front runner for the job.
Sep 26, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Boston Bruins forward
Loui Eriksson(21) is congratulated by teammate Boston Bruins forward
Ryan Spooner(51) after scoring in overtime at MTS Centre. Bruins win 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
That brings us to the forwards. As said before, both Krejci and Bergeron will play on the first unit at the center and right defense positions. This set up would make it seem like Ryan Spooner will be taking the face offs on the second power play unit.
Loui Eriksson (6-5-11) and Jimmy Hayes (4-7-11) lead the Bruins wingers in power play points when looking at last year’s stats. Having the large body of Hayes fighting for pucks and fighting in front of the net along with Eriksson’s ability to finish plays and put the puck in the net, will make this first power play very tough for the opposition’s penalty kill to manage. Whether or not Bergeron, Krejci, Krug, Eriksson and Hayes start the season as the first power play unit is still anybody’s guess, but the stats from the past indicate that it is the best option for Claude Julien.
That leaves us with Matt Beleskey (4-0-4), Brett Connolly (3-1-4) and David Pastrnak (2-1-3) to play on the wing with Spooner. These are all good choices and, if you wanted, could also be challenged by Brad Marchand (2-0-2). However, Marchand only had 0:59 time on the power play per game and will be given plenty of penalty killing time as well.
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So, when it comes to Beleskey, Connolly and Pastrnak, it may come down to who has the better training camp, along with who clicks well with Spooner and the rest of the second unit. All three of these players have the ability to give this second power play unit a scoring touch and the fact that it will be a constant competition between the players will mean that whoever is on the power play will have the scoring touch at that time.
As we have heard many times before, tough decisions are great scenarios for a coach. It is a comfort to know that, with all of the changes that the Boston Bruins made to their roster during the offseason, the power play looks like an area that Bruins are relatively deep in. Whether or not this translates onto the scoreboard will have more to do with team chemistry and follow through of certain set plays, among other things, but it seems like the pieces are in place for everything to go according to plan.
What do you think? Post your power play line ups below in the comment section.