Stanley Cup Locked Away from Bruins, but David Krejci Holds Key
Krejci an Impact Player in Postseason
David Krejci can play. Just ask any of the seven teams he and the Boston Bruins sautéed en route to a Stanley Cup title in 2011 and another Finals appearance in 2013. All would agree because No. 46 in Black and Gold led the league in playoff points during both of those thrilling runs.
When the Bruins made it to the promised land and won, the B’s assistant captain led all players not only in points (23), but in goals as well (12). In 2013, when Boston was bested by Chicago for the Cup, Krejci once again led in points (26), while swapping his goal-scoring lead in 2011 for the top number of assists (17) two years later. Not bad, right?
It is safe to say that the most successful playoff runs for this core in recent years have stemmed largely from quality performances by Krejci, and his play this season has undeniably planted the seed for he and his team to grow closer to playing for the Cup once again.
This year, “Krech” is quietly having himself an outstanding season as a play-maker, with 15 goals, 40 assists, and 55 points. While also setting himself up to potentially reach a new career high if he’s able to produce at just about a point-per-game pace over the course of the Bruins’ 18 remaining regular season games.
If Krejci were to tally 19 more points across that span, he’d earn a total of 74 at the age of 32, which would be one greater than the 73 he amassed a decade ago in 2008-09 as a 22-year-old. Simply put, David Krejci has been flourishing, and he is showing no signs of cutting down on the point-getting whatsoever.
Not to mention, Krejci has been without consistent, effective linemates for most of the season, making his success on the score sheet even more remarkable. Now that Jake DeBrusk, his usual left wing, is putting on a light-show after a bit of a second-half slump, Krejci is really beginning to roll.
Additionally, the recent additions of Marcus Johansson and Charlie Coyle certainly will aid in keeping the Czech center surrounded by capable top-six players on Boston’s second line, while providing head coach Bruce Cassidy the opportunity to tinker with various combinations in search of effective chemistry.
This bodes well for the team as a whole, but there will come a time during the jagged postseason ahead when Bruins’ top center Patrice Bergeron will be shut down, or at least contained. Although that won’t happen very often, Krejci will need to be ready to channel his inner 2011 and 2013 when No. 37 is neutralized by a quality opponent. The one-two punch down the middle that the B’s were notorious for in both of those aforementioned playoff runs appears to be stronger than ever.
Combine that with the evolution of Brad Marchand and the emergence of David Pastrnak since Boston’s last Stanley Cup Finals appearance, and the team in Black and Gold looks ready to turn its playoff opponents black and blue.
“Krech” has clearly spearheaded the secondary scoring surge that the Bruins have created during their fifteen-game point streak, highlighted by a 7-0-1 record while missing his fellow countryman in Pastrnak. Complimented by a dependable defensive game, Krejci’s fruitful production is irreplaceable for the third-best team in the league right now.
So, yes, David Krejci can play. That is certainly a good thing because the Boston Bruins will need this vintage version of their second line center if they intend to send the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and others packing come April and May. Luckily for the B’s, Krejci blossoms in the spring.