It’s a question that will be asked but won’t be completely answered until puck drop at 7:00 PM, on Oct 8th, in TD Garden; “Who will David Pastrnak play with next year?”
Puck Prose
For those of you considering Patrice Bergeron, in my mind, the second (shutdown) line of Patrice, Brad Marchand, and Brett Connolly is a good idea. Bergeron and Marchand could use a big body to help support them against the top talent they play against, and Connolly could use the defensive support of two amazing back checkers. It would also be nice for Bergeron to keep Connolly out of the box, like he tries to do for Marchand.
So, that leaves us with David Krejci on the supposed first line and Ryan Spooner on the third line, barring some sort of injury or collapse during training camp. Both situations are good ones for Pastrnak, but which one will Claude Julien eventually choose?
Mar 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) skates with the puck during the third period against the Calgary Flames at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
With both David Krejci and David Pastrnak hailing from the Czech Republic, one would like to believe that the chemistry and communication on the ice would come quite naturally. The thing is, as seen last year, Ryan Spooner has already shown that he has excellent chemistry with Pastrnak, and they are closer in age and have the potential to be working together on the same line for many years to come.
On the other hand, who else is there for Krejci to play with on the right wing, if not Pastrnak? It is speculated that Loui Eriksson will move back to the left side with Milan Lucic’s departure, and Jimmy Hayes is a right winger, but, as much as like him, I would not trust him on the top line. So, with the way the team is coming together, it looks like that top right wing spot is destined for Pastrnak.
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That being said, Krejci has had some troubles with injuries as of late and in the event of anything happening to him, Spooner would be the frontrunner to take over the number one center position and would then be able to play with Pastrnak. Also, looking way, way ahead, if the Boston Bruins climb back into the playoff picture, it might be wise for them to try to find a top right winger that is being shopped around the league, to bolster their lineup for a playoff push. This would once again give Spooner and Pastrnak a chance to play together, this time on a very good third line.
So, the chances that David Pastrnak will play with either of these players is pretty strong. Whatever ends up happening, it is definitely a comfort to know that Pastrnak’s two options are both somewhat familiar to him.