Boston Bruins: The Newest Bruins Doing Well in Boston
Lee Stempniak and John-Michael Liles joined the Boston Bruins to help tweak the roster at the trade deadline. So far, the two newest Bruins have done their job, putting up three points in their first two games with the Black and Gold. Bruins fans were worried about Don Sweeney‘s choices at the trade deadline. They thought he hadn’t acquired the right players. For the moment, it seems that Don Sweeney has made the right choices.
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Stempniak seems to be the more visible of the newer players. The 33-year old former Devil was placed on the Bergeron line by Claude Julien. Stempniak’s promotion sent Brett Connolly down to the bottom six. Stempniak was very complimentary to Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand earning assists on both of their goals in the 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s done well early on and is happy to contribute to his new team.
“I felt a lot more comfortable [against the Blackhawks] than the other day. I guess the last game I felt like I was thinking a little too much, and not moving my feet,” said Stempniak. “I was able to handle the puck a little bit more, make some plays, and I’d like to get a few more shots. But when they’re going in for the linemates, it’s great. I thought we did a better job in the offensive zone, everyone, and I’m sure me being better is a part of that.”
Liles put in nearly twenty minutes of ice time against the Blackhawks. Claude Julien paired him with Adam McQuaid and the Bruins defensive pair did their job in the win. The veteran defenseman did earn himself his first point as a Bruin by being part of the set up for Loui Eriksson’s goal in the second period. Eriksson’s goal was just gravy on the potatoes as the B’s put a three goal lead over the defending Stanley Cup champions.
The 35-year old defenseman seems happy with his new team. That he’s already making a contribution has to make fans breathe easier. While two games may be too early to determine his value, he has helped to stabilize the blue line, and that is something all Bruins fans wanted.
“You’d like to contribute and, you know, it’s a good group of guys, a really talented group. So for me it makes it easier,” said Liles. “You just try and make your reads and get the puck to the guys as quick as possible, and if there’s a chance to join, you join. That’s really my focus. I’m not trying to put too much pressure on myself. I mean, this is a great group of guys in this room, and I think we’ve got a really nice team.”
Torey Krug finally has another puck-moving defenseman to help him out. No doubt he’s pleased with the skill set that Liles brings to the table. It gives the Bruins more flexibility as well, giving them more offensive punch. He’s certainly pleased how the newest Bruins have already contributed to the team.
“You can see what they do for our team. I think they stabilize a lot of things. I think having a puck mover back there [like Liles] to transport the puck to the forwards, and let them play with it,” said Krug of his new teammates. “Stemp [Lee Stempniak] is always in the right spot up front, and so it’s nice to have those guys. The more we play with them, the more they will gel in this room, and it’ll be beneficial for our team.”
Now the newest Bruins will have their work cut out for them as they take on the best team in the NHL tonight, the Washington Capitals.