Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano Influencing Providence Bruins Forward Brandon DeFazio
Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano Influencing Providence Bruins Forward Brandon DeFazio Even After Being Called Up To The Main Roster
Frank Vatrano may be playing with the Boston Bruins as they attempt to make a push for the playoffs in the final stretch of the season, but his influence is still being felt on the Providence Bruins roster.
It’s no secret that Frank Vatrano has had unbelievable success at the AHL this season as he’s scored 33 goals in 33 games. With that jaw-dropping stat in mind, it’s no wonder why one of Vatrano’s former line-mates in Providence took note and has made some changes to his own game to better reflect Vatrano’s. As Mark Divver of the Providence Journal has reported, Brandon DeFazio of the Providence Bruins has recently started using the same stick as Frank Vatrano and the results have been immediate and plentiful.
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DeFazio first tried out the new stick in practice and he felt an instant change in the way he was shooting the pick. After making the change from his old stick to his new one, DeFazio scored a goal in five straight games. “It felt like I was shooting harder. a little more accurate. I figured, ‘Might as well give it a go.’ All of a sudden, I scored five games in a row. I said, ‘It must be the stick,”
DeFazio made sure to give credit where credit is due, however. “Isn’t it crazy? I’ve never switched my curve, ever, in my life. I never really thought to switch it, to be honest. I just watched the kid shoot. Let’s not say just because I’m using his curve, I’m getting to shoot like Frank Vatrano. His release is unbelievable,” DeFazio said. While the stick that DeFazio is using might be attributed to Frank Vatrano, it’s no doubt that Frank Vatrano‘s success has come as a result of more than just the curve of his stick, but also as a result of talent and continued effort.
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Frank Vatrano has shown a much greater consistency in his most recent call-up with the Boston Bruins. From scoring goals, adding assists, and laying out hits, Frank Vatrano has shown that he is committed to staying in the NHL this time around. In the Bruins most recent win over the St. Louis Blues, Vatrano scored a goal — his eighth of the season — and also had six hits on the night. Fellow-first year player Noel Acciari was the only Bruin to lay out more hits in the Bruins’ win.