Predicting the next Boston Bruins recall from Providence
By Sean Torney
Austin Czarnik
The Boston Bruins have given Austin Czarnik a chance this year already, but he continues to produce in Providence. Czarnik last played for Boston on November 8th against the New York Rangers. Czarnik didn’t show a ton of promise in his first call up with the big club, only recording an assist in 6 games, but he could be ready for another opportunity.
Why he deserves it
Czarnik is currently Providence’s leading scorer, accumulating 11 points in 9 games played. He is also a big factor on the P-Bruins’ power play with three goals on the man advantage. Czarnik failed to impress Boston head coach Bruce Cassidy earlier in the season, but he has experience in the NHL. Last season Czarnik played 49 games with Boston and had 13 points. The 25 year old center has proven in Providence and a little bit in Boston that he can create scoring chances.
Who he would replace
Obviously if another Boston Bruins’ center were to get injured (really hope that’s not the case), then Czarnik would seem poised to be the replacement. However, can Czarnik beat out one of the healthy Boston forwards for a spot in the NHL? It doesn’t look too likely if Czarnik wants to remain a center. Bergeron and Krejci occupy the top two lines, while Sean Kuraly and Riley Nash man the center duties on the bottom two.
Nash and Kuraly have somewhat produced for Boston, both scoring 5 points in 19 games. If Czarnik were to switch to a wing position for Boston, he could be a good replacement for Frank Vatrano on the third line. Vatrano has been in and out of the Bruins’ lineup, as he’s been struggling with putting the puck in the net. Vatrano has two goals in 15 games played and no assists. If Cassidy is looking for a better scoring option on that third line wing, Austin Czarnik could be his guy.