Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano Is Impressive At The IIHF.
Frank Vatrano joined the Boston Bruins as a player the B’s hoped would bring fire and supplimentary scoring to the team. Vatrano did that and more. He even put in a hat trick against the Penguins last December. He’s brought a lot of heart to the team, and that success has helped him in international competition as well.
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Frank Vatrano is certainly making a name for himself in the NHL. Now, the 22-year old Massachusetts native is making a name for himself on the world stage. Vatrano earned himself another point today as Team USA took on the surging Czech Republic in Thursday’s quarterfinals at the IIHF World Championships. Team USA came up huge with a 2-1 shootout win, and now head on to the semifinals.
Now all Frank Vatrano (and former Bruins prospect David Warsofsky, and several other Boston College players) has to do is take on fellow Bruin Brad Marchand and the powerhouse that is Team Canada on Saturday afternoon.
Vatrano has been one of those players that has played under the radar, but still has found ways to be important to team USA. Vatrano has put up 24 shots on net during the eight games he’s played during this competition( good enough for third on the team). He’s put up six points (one goal) for the Americans and has found a way to be an important part of their fourth line.
Vatrano has played solid two-way hockey throughout the tournament. His playing style is a lot like Daniel Paille (but with better hands). He’s a speedy, confident skater who looks for separation in the defense. If he doesn’t find it, he plays the puck to a player with a better shot. He’s a +4 so far, and he’s done what the coaches have asked for him.
Vatrano will be one of those bubble players battling for a bottom six job when training camp starts up in September. While he’s still a young player, he is showing what he can do against the best players in the world. If Vatrano brings this kind of passion and fire to training camp, then players like Brett Connolly and Jimmy Hayes may have to worry about their jobs come October.
It’s nice to see the fire and passion again in a young player. Brad Marchand had it. Tyler Seguin and Joe Thornton had it (when they were here). Hopefully, the Bruins front office see what they have and do what they can to keep a potential career Bruin at the TD Garden.