May 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) center Tyler Seguin (19) and center Patrice Bergeron (37) react after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in OT in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins have had a good second round of the playoffs so far. The Bruins have outscored the New York Rangers eight to four in the first two games. We’ve had some great performances from our team. The four lines have worked well, and we’ve received a genuine surprise from our rookie blueliners. Dougie Hamilton, Matt Bartkowski, and Torey Krug have exceeded our expectations and already have a combined seven points in the playoffs.
This also leaves Coach Claude Julien in a tough position. Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden have resumed skating with the Bruins. They are both listed as ‘day to day’, and will likely be game time decisions on whether or not they play. So, what should the coach do?
Personally, I say give Redden and Seidenberg a healthy scratch. Not as a sign of displeasure, but a show of confidence to the rookies. The Coach had no other option but to play them earlier. They were given that golden opportunity to prove why they should wear the B, and those three took it. (Well, to be completely honest, it’s more an opportunity for Bartkowski and Krug. For them it’s a chance to swap out the ‘P’ on the jersey for the ‘B’.) Give them an extra day of healing, and don’t tamper with the success that has driven the Rangers to an early 0-2 deficit.
So, how about putting Tyler Seguin back on the second line with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron? Here’s what the coach said about Tyler’s performance in this series. “I have no complaints on Tyler’s game yesterday. I thought he played extremely hard. I think he’s coming around, and maybe it’s a good thing that he’s on that line; take a little bit of pressure off the guy and let him work his way out of it. I think that’s what’s happening right now.”
I think Seguin will have more chemistry with the two guys he’s been playing with for the past three seasons. (Just look at the Merlot Men for that.) Jaromir Jagr is a future hall of famer, but he seemed to do better with Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley. Seguin did all the battling in that game seven series that led to the OT win.
The puck drops at 7:30 PM in Madison Square Garden. Another page in the saga of Boston/New York sports will be read tonight.