Boston Bruins Call Up Khokhlachev
Apr 13, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Boston Bruins center
Alexander Khokhlachev(76) skates during the first period of his NHL debut against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Following a 6-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night, the Boston Bruins are seeking an alternate route. In addition to changing up the lines, the Bruins have called up Alexander Khokhlachev from the Providence Bruins, making him eligible to play in tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Khokhlachev was nearly a point-per-game guy in the regular season last year for Providence, netting 21 goals and 36 assists in 65 games. In the playoffs, he was even better, scoring nine goals and adding 5 assists in 12 games. He got his first call up in April of last year, making his highly anticipated NHL debut, but failed to register a point. This season, Khokhlachev has been stellar with the team’s AHL affiliate. In 12 games he has 5 goals and 11 points. According to Providence Journal’s Mark Divver, he has been putting on a show as far as puck possession as well, showing off some stick skills.
“When you move someone to the wing, it’s the board work, right? That’s what’s really tough, and it’s almost like pick your poison a little bit with the young guys,” Chiarelli said. “But both those players both have really good sticks and they’re smart. So, body position, timing, getting pucks out on the boards — that’s the trickiest part when you go from center to wing and then a standing start.”
His biggest asset is his ability to carry the puck on his stick and disguise his intentions of what he is going to do with it, something that could easily be used to the Bruins advantage. He also plays with grit, something the Bruins desperately need as of late, paired with an explosive release, the Bruins could have the type of finisher they’ve been looking for.
While it was previously believed that Khokhlachev would have to stray away from the center position and play a wing, with the recent demise of the Bruins offense and lack of productivity, he could very well be slotted in at his natural place. He’s a dangerous offensive player, which the Bruins need; however, he’s also prone to defensive lapses, his biggest downfall. Going to a wing position is hard work and causes a player to make several adjustments. There is less space to work with and you have to be on top of your defensive game.
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When the subject was brought up at the conclusion of last season of potentially placing Spooner or Khokhlachev on a wing for this season, Chiarelli had nothing but praise for the developing prospects;
“When you move someone to the wing, it’s the board work, right? That’s what’s really tough, and it’s almost like pick your poison a little bit with the young guys,” Chiarelli said. “But both those players both have really good sticks and they’re smart. So, body position, timing, getting pucks out on the boards — that’s the trickiest part when you go from center to wing and then a standing start.”
Khokhlachev is capable of filling a void the Bruins currently have in the absence of David Krejci and could easily take the place of one of the Bruins under producers. His willingness to fight for the puck along the boards and accurate shot would definitely help benefit a team that’s looking at any alternative to try and stay afloat despite the barrage of injuries that plague their roster. He’s been able to excel in the OHL, AHL and World Juniors, perhaps it’s time to give him a shot at the NHL level.