The Boston Bruins are currently on a 15-game point streak. With last night’s win, the Bruins depth continues to prove how strong this roster really is.
Without a doubt, the Bruins top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak is one of the best in the league. This trio consists of the Bruins three point leaders, and their production and chemistry together are undeniable. In just these past two games against the Canadians and Islanders, this line played a huge role. But, Boston’s success goes well beyond the top three forwards.
63 + 37 = 🍝pic.twitter.com/9ZEfhvuB80
— Daniel Luise (@jeez_luise) January 18, 2018
Firing on all Cylinders
After last night’s win over the Islanders, The Boston Bruins are sixth in goals for per game with 3.25 and second in goals against with 2.48. They are tied sixth on the Powerplay with 21.6% and sixth on the penalty kill at 83.3%.
Throughout the overall roster, there are eleven players with at least ten assists and five players with at least ten goals. From the outstanding play of Tuukka Rask over the last month and a half to the consistent production of all four lines, the Bruins depth has been a proven challenge for many teams to overcome.
Spooner at the Top of His Game
Ryan Spooner is a key component of the Boston Bruins depth. Currently playing second-line winger. While he would rather be playing center, he knows he is needed on the wing and has fully accepted that role. After last night’s game against the Islanders, Spooner now has six goals in his last eight games, which is a personal best. His linemates, David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk are right there with him in terms of playing well and creating chances.
Six goals over his last eight games for Ryan Spooner. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/OaFuddIUqR
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 19, 2018
Bruins Depth Visible on all Lines
The third-line currently consists of one of the best rookies in the league-Danton Heinen. He is currently fourth in points amongst rookies with 31 (10 goals, 21 assists). It helps that David Backes is also back from injury and playing much better than last season. Backes has eight goals and ten assists in only 27 games this season.
The rest of the supporting cast of Riley Nash, Tim Schaller, Sean Kuraly, and Noel Acciari should not be overlooked either. Everyone knows Bergeron’s skill on the face-off dot. So many times this season, that top line has scored off of an offensive zone face-off win. But, how did they get an offensive zone face-off? The hustle and play of those four players above. Time and time again, Schaller, Kuraly, and Acciari get the puck deep, forecheck hard and cause those face-offs.
Brad Marchand is the only player on the team in the top 20 for goals and points across the league. But, the Boston Bruins are still one of the top teams in the league. How? They have some of the strongest third and fourth lines in recent years. Whether finding the back of the net or putting pressure on the opposing team for almost the full 60 minutes, this team is playing some special hockey.
Unfortunately, in the last four games, the Bruins have given up the first goal. While not a stat teams want, it shows their ability to battle back and work as a unit. It can be easy for a team to go down early-on, depend on only a few guys to score and never be able to get back into the game. Not Boston. This year, the Bruins depth has been too much for teams to handle for a full 60 minutes.
Next: Normal Service Resumed vs New York Islanders
This only takes into account the offensive side of the puck. The depth on the Bruins blue line is a whole other advantage as well. If the Boston Bruins are going to be legit Stanley Cup Contenders, then this depth is something they will definitely need and right now have it.