For the second time this season, Boston Bruins rookie Jake DeBrusk has responded to being benched mightily. The 2015 first round pick has 18 points in 27 games this season.
As the Boston Bruins prepare for their third game in four nights with the Winnipeg Jets making their lone trip to the TD Garden this season, I thought it would be a good time to write about one of the Bruins’ rookie sensations.
No, I’m not talking about the birthday boy Charlie McAvoy, who turns 20 on Thursday, but rather I’m referring to Jake DeBrusk, who once again has gone from Bruce Cassidy’s doghouse, to responding in a big way.
Flashback to last Saturday evening, the Bruins were playing host to the New York Rangers, and Debrusk saw a season-low 7:43 of ice time, which included a second period benching. After the game and leading up to Monday night’s game against Columbus, we were left wondering if the 21 year old would be watching from the ninth floor for the second time this season.
David Krejci was unable to go Monday (or Tuesday for that matter) so DeBrusk got a chance at redemption, and didn’t disappoint. The rookie paced the Bruins with three points (1-2-3) as the team had an offensive explosion, taking care of the Blue Jackets 7-2.
Tuesday night against divisional foe Buffalo, DeBrusk proved to be the difference maker in the win. Midway through the second period with the game still scoreless, DeBrusk gained control of the puck at center ice, quickly moved into the offensive zone. He deked passed one time Sabres’ captain Jason Pominville with a self pass along the boards, curled and dragged the puck and fired bar down for what proved to be the game winner. The team went on to win 3-0, with Anton Khudobin notching his first shutout of the season.
Jake DeBrusk's laser was the difference tonight for the #NHLBruins! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6bwL2ESNB0
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 20, 2017
Four points (2-2-4) in the two games since he was benched is very similar to how he responded to being a healthy scratch last month, where he followed up with six points (2-4-6) over the next five games.
Other Gameday Notes
David Krejci (Upper Body) did not participate in the team’s morning skate and has been ruled out tonight. Bruce Cassidy stated that the forward is considered “Day to Day”
An illness has appeared to make it’s way into the Bruins locker room as Brad Marchand, Ryan Spooner, and Riley Nash all sat out this morning. All three are considered to be game time decisions.
Adam McQuaid (Leg) has been ruled out for tonight, but Cassidy said that Saturday afternoon is a possibility when the Red Wings come to Boston. With the league-wide Christmas Break starting after the game, could be a good game to ease his way back into the lineup with three days off afterward.
Peter Cehalrik (Leg) was skating with the coaching staff before the rest of the team took the ice. No update on a possible return date for him.
Next: Causeway Charlie making a name for himself
Reports out of Providence say that Colin Cave left practice after 15 minutes, sounds like he could be making the trip up to Boston in case one of the three sick guys can’t go. It would be his NHL debut if he gets the call, the 22 year old has 14 points (3-11-14) in 27 games for Providence this season.