The Boston Bruins seem intent on playing both David Pastrnak and Loui Eriksson on the top two lines beside Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. In the first few days of training camp, David Pastrnak skated alongside David Krejci, and has now been moved to the Patrice Bergeron line opposite Brad Marchand. Loui Eriksson moved from a line with Alexander Khokhlachev and Jake DeBrusk to a line that he can very plausibly start the season on, alongside David Krejci and Matt Beleskey.
Puck Prose
The Bruins might move the lines around even more as training camp and the preseason progresses, but it seems as though the Bruins have a pretty good idea of who they want in their top-six. If somebody else, like Brett Connolly, Jimmy Hayes, or a dark horse like Alexander Khokhlachev, shows that they deserve a top-six role on the wing, things could change, however.
When speaking about David Pastrnak, Bergeron had some very complimentary words. “He’s got great speed and tremendous offensive instincts,” He went on to say, “It’s nice to have him, and try to establish some chemistry with him. We’ll see what happens.” Patrice Bergeron has had a revolving door of right-wing partners over the last few seasons, including Mark Recchi, Tyler Seguin, Reilly Smith, Seth Griffith, Loui Eriksson, and even David Krejci. Bergeron is aware that lines are fluid and can change as quickly as one shift into a game, so it’s good that he acknowledged that chemistry is important, but also that anything can happen.
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At only 19 years old, it also seems that Pastrnak is bringing leadership value to the Bruins.”He’s just so happy to be here, and he wants to learn. He just talks to everyone and brings the energy that you want in a young guy. I think he’s got some leadership qualities that he’ll develop over time.” It’s encouraging that arguably the true heart-and-soul leader of the team, Patrice Bergeron, is noticing leadership traits in one of the Bruins youngest forwards.
The most recent practice lineup, which should also indicate who will be playing in the Bruins next preseason game, is as follows:
Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak
Beleskey-Krejci-Eriksson
Blidh-Kelly-Senyshyn
Vatrano/Cave-Czarnik-Ferlin
The lineup has a lot of talent up front, with a lot of unknown commodities on the backend, including Blidh, Vatrano, and Cave. Zachary Senyshyn, who had previously been lining up alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, skated alongside veteran forward Chris Kelly, which might not allow for him to showcase his scoring and speed, but should continue to allow him to develop his two-way game.
Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @FansidedBrandon to discuss all things Bruins and sports
More from Causeway Crowd
- Harrison, Toporowski shine in Prospects Challenge
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- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
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- McAvoy, Lucic named to “Historic 100” list over the weekend
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