Boston Bruins Three Stars: February

Boston Bruins Three Stars: February

February proved to be a difficult month as far as the Boston Bruins’ schedule was concerned. However, within that month, the Bruins were able to put together a record of 8-5-1. This was largely due to a spread out effort from every player and line respectfully. Some nights belonged to Patrice Bergeron‘s line, some to David Krejci‘s line, and a good portion to Ryan Spooner‘s line. With both goalies and the defense cleaning up their areas, the Bruins looked like a deeper team. As always, it is hard to honor only three players on such a valued group, but here they are all the same.

Third Star: David Krejci

While there were many players who had decent scoring months, Krejci came in second on the team in points and first in assists. It is the consistent play of Krejci night in and night out that earned him a spot on this month’s three stars list . His constant point production just goes to show how important it is to have him healthy and in the lineup.

Second Star: Tuukka Rask

Tuukka Rask arguably played his best hockey in February. Although there were some games where he was bombarded with scoring chances and had no chance of winning the game, the amount of highlight reel saves that he has made lately has been outstanding. With some of these saves, he has allowed the team to respond and score at the other end. I was particularity impressed with not seeing Rask get flustered as often when things didn’t go the way of the Bruins. He looks calm and collected out there and will need to continue to be as such if the Bruins are to remain in games against formidable foes.

First Star: Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand has been a scoring machine all year, but February was a whole other story. He led the team in goals again and scored so many that he led the team in points as well. The confidence that Marchand is showing with the puck is All Star like and has put him in the discussions of playing for Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey next fall. Needless to say, Brad Marchand has officially gone from being just a talented pest to being one of the better pure goal scorers in the NHL.

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My honorable mention this month could have gone to Loui Eriksson for keeping up his point production despite the rumors swirling around him, or to Brett Connolly for just being a solid linemate for Bergeron and Marchand, or even to Kevan Miller for having the best plus minus and contributing offensively more often than usual. However, my honorable mention this month will go to the third line of Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey and Jimmy Hayes.

Their play recently has put them in a position where Claude Julien can play them with confidence in any situation. Having a line like this, a line that many teams in the league would be glad to call their second line, puts the Bruins at a strong advantage when matching lines against other teams and playing more of an offensive game.

Next: What's Next For Frank Vatrano?

February certainly had its ups and downs, but finished on a positive note with the trade deadline acquisitions of forward Lee Stempniak and defenseman John-Michael Liles. Adding these two players to an already deep squad has Boston poised for a return to the playoffs. It is now time to generate enough points to make it official and begin to scout potential first round opponents. Enter the month of March.

To make your selections for this month’s three stars, post in the comment section below. For more access to all things Boston Bruins, follow 29Bruins on Twitter.