Jeremy Jacobs press conference revealed that the Boston Bruins new CEO was as frustrated as the fans over their midseason record. If the public conversation was bad, you knew the private one was worse. There was a call for change in Boston, and it started from the very top. We knew that Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli has been checking out trade options, and the scouting team was scouring the rest of the NHL in the hopes of finding a long-term solution for the Black and Gold. In the interim, Claude Julien knew that the Boston Bruins had to make a few radical changes.
Claude Julien has shown in the past that he’s willing to mix up the lines in order to find something that works. (Does anyone remember the Tyler Seguin–Chris Kelly–Daniel Paille line from 2012-13?) In his attempt to line up the colors of his Rubik’s Cube roster, it appears he’s struck gold once again. Once again, the Bruins bench boss has pulled three veterans from different lines and found a combination that seems to work wonders for Boston. Once again, it involves winger and former Merlot Man Daniel Paille.
Puck Prose
Daniel Paille was perceived to be a future top six forward when he was drafted in the first round(twentieth overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He’s always been a very fast skater, and he’s always had good puck skills. When he was traded to Boston back in October 2009, it looked like he may see top six time for the Bruins. As the seasons progressed, Daniel Paille found himself on the fourth line with fellow winger Shawn Thornton and center Gregory Campbell. While Paille would get promoted to higher lines during the last few seasons, it was usually temporary measures to fill in for injuries.
Paille’s contract ends this year. With Claude Julien seeming reluctant to play him for more than a handful of a minutes during a game, (he was hovering in the nine to ten minute mark this season) it seemed that the thirty year old forward would be looking for a job at the end of this season. Then Claude Julien mixed up the lines and now Daniel Paille is getting a chance to shine as a top six forward in Boston. Julien has always had faith in his fourth line, and he’s happy to see Paille doing so well in the top six.
“I have a lot of confidence in Dan Paille. That line a few years ago were able to hold the Sedins, for example,” said Julien when he was first asked about Paille’s appearance on the second line. “They know how to play defense. And Dan knows. And Dan’s a great skater and when you give Dan that responsibility, he takes it to heart. And Looch when he’s on his game, it’s not an issue. So I thought I had a real reliable line there and they showed that night.”
More from Bruins News
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
- The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
- NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
- The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci
Daniel Paille’s assignment has certainly helped his teammates. The shake-up has certainly helped Milan Lucic find his game. Lucic has four points(two goals) since the change, and has been on ice for five of the B’s last six goals, earning him a +4. Both players have seen their confidence levels and their overall play take an upturn since being paired with Patrice Bergeron. Paille knows that this a great chance for him (as he will be playing for a potential contract next season), and he’s going to do all he can to stay on a productive line.
“I’m just trying to not take it for granted, and capitalize on the chances that I do have,” said Paille. “I’m not going to score every time, but the thing is to stay focused and positive about it. I know that in time, if I get a chance to stay with them for a little bit longer, I’ll try and make the best of it. I know for myself, I’ve said it time and time again, when I’m moving my feet I can be an effective player. If that gets guys moving their feet as well, then I’ve done my job there. But there’s a lot more to that and to work ethic and making sure that I compete throughout the whole game.”
The new Lucic-Bergeron-Paille line (The ‘Too Fast, Loo Furious’ line) will be making their third straight start this afternoon as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers.