Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano Sole Provider Of US Offense In Bronze Medal Game

Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano Sole Provider Of US Offense In Bronze Medal Game At IIHF World Hockey Championships

Although this off-season will be a long one in terms of length for Boston Bruins fans, one glimmer of optimism has been shining through all the way from Russia. Frank Vatrano certainly proved he has a future in the black and gold with his showing on the global stage at the International Ice Hockey Federation tournament, which Team USA finished today with a 7-2 loss to Russia.

Vatrano provided the only goals the US would score in today’s loss, which earned Russia the Bronze Medal. His two goals came on a game high seven shots, and that was more shots than established stars such as Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, as well as future star and teammate Auston Matthews.

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Much like he did in stints in the American Hockey League as well as the National Hockey League, Vatrano was a shot producing machine overseas, and he led the entire tournament with 34 shots on goal. That was more than young stars such as Artemi Panarin and Patrik Laine, as well as established NHL stars such as Taylor Hall and Mats Zuccarello.

Vatrano finished third overall on Team USA scoring, behind Dylan Larkin and Matthews, the consensus number one overall pick in next month’s draft. Dylan had 2 goals and 7 assists while Matthews has 6 goals and 3 assists. Vatrano had 3 goals and 5 assists, but he also led the team in another category besides shots on goal. His plus/minus rating of +6 was head and shoulders above all others. Larkin was a +3, while Matthews had a 0 rating.

Next: Frank Vatrano Shines on World Stage

There should be no doubt that during the upcoming season Vatrano will no longer be riding the Route 95 shuttle between Boston and Providence. He has proven at all levels that he can provide offense, and he’ll be counted on to do just that next year.