Boston Bruins Three Stars: November
By Jay Peterson
The Boston Bruins exited the month of November on an extremely high note, in their come from behind victory over the New York Rangers. They are currently on a five game winning streak and it is not because of any one player, but because an entire team effort. However, there are always specific players who have performances that are worth praising. Here are November’s three stars of the month, from the Boston Bruins.
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Third Star: Brad Marchand
It seemed that, in every game this month, Brad Marchand was in a higher gear. He was the main focal point every time he hit the ice, whether it was for a goal, a hit or a penalty. Due to this higher level of play, he managed to score five goals (second on the team in November).
Marchand is also one of the larger reasons why the penalty kill is starting to come around and become successful again. His speed and smart fore checking had the opposition’s power play hemmed in their own zone many times and, on occasion, even coughing up the puck for some scoring opportunities. Marchand was the only Bruin to score a shorthanded goal this month.
Second Star: Loui Eriksson
Loui Eriksson has always been a valuable player to the Boston Bruins because of his ability to play such a sound defensive game, for a forward. However, when Eriksson can also contribute offensively, like he did this month, his value goes through the roof.
Nov 17, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Eriksson led the Bruins in goals this November, with seven, and was second in overall points, with eleven. He was also tied for first on the team, with Ryan Spooner, in power play goals, tallying three this month. If Eriksson can continue to produce anywhere close to this rate, the Bruins will have a very interesting conversation with him regarding contract extensions in the inevitable future.
First Star: Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron led the Bruins this November in assists, with eight, and in overall points, with twelve. He also led all Boston players in shots on goal with forty eight, taking eleven more shots than the second place Torey Krug. However, the most impressive stat from Bergeron this month comes from the power play. Bergeron tallied six of his eight assists on the power play in November. That, to me, shows exactly how valuable Patrice Bergeron is to this Bruins club.
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To be able to set up goals at that pace in situations where everyone is counting on you to produce is what makes Bergeron so reliable night in and night out. He always gets high praise from everyone around the league, with or against him, but this month in particular was a pretty special one for him, offensively.
The honorable mentions this month go out to the goaltenders. There were a lot of tough and close games this month and if it weren’t for Tuukka Rask, and Jonas Gustavsson, coming up with key saves, sharp eyes and clear heads, the win column would not look like it does now. With all positions looking solid and all players feeling confident, one can look forward to December starting similar to how November ended.
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