Apr 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) during game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Seguin Would’ve Helped
Last summer, Boston Bruins GM made a fairly bold move to trade young forward Tyler Seguin and former Atlanta Thrasher Rich Peverley to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Reilly Smith, Loui Eriksson and other prospects.
Seguin had a 2013/14 breakout season for the Stars, tallying a career-high goal total (37) and assist number (47). He lead the Stars in points as well.
For the Bruins, Loui Eriksson didn’t have the best year, battling injuries and unsuccessful in finding that certain rhythm with Boston that the management expected him to utilize. Smith, though, exceeded standards, especially in the fall when he gathered the majority of his points.
“I don’t think anyone expected Reilly to have the year that he had. We knew what type of player he could be, but it came probably quicker than we expected,” Bruins president Cam Neely said. “Loui, I think he came in and it was a difficult transition for him, and then he got hurt. We think he can be a better player, he’s proven to be a better player, and that’s our expectation, that he can be a better player.”
However, the postseason matters most, and when the Bruins required dynamic speed capable of regularly pressuring the Montreal Canadiens, Smith and Eriksson, who’s not know for his quickness, weren’t ready to oblige in that area of expertise. P.K. Subban and Co. noticed this weakness and attacked, causing even more problems as the Bruins became more fatigued and despondent.
Admittedly, Tyler Seguin didn’t have great playoff stats, and the Bruins maintained a variety of difficulties, many stemming from the defensive side. But the B’s are nearly a complete team, and harnessing the slightest absent element could’ve pushed them closer to another Stanley Cup victory.