It has felt like a lifetime of Boston Bruins fans discussing what to do with the second line to help out David Krejci on the wings; David Pastrnak could be a solution.
Half of the problems was finally solved this past season when Jake Debrusk proved to be the real deal, but what about the right-wing problems? Maybe it’s time for Boston Bruins head coach, Bruce Cassidy to move David Pastrnak down to play with David Krejci.
Look, the Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand duo should and will never be broken apart. While the first line has become known as ‘The Perfection Line’ in the NHL, moving David Pastrnak down could be what’s best for the Boston Bruins next season.
There are certainly options, but David Backes is in no way the answer there, Charlie Coyle showed that he may be the best fit as the center on the third line and Karson Kuhlman had some flashes but more than likely isn’t the answer either. That makes David Pastrnak the true best option for the David Krejci line and they showed some life in the playoffs, when paired before going back to the original line-up.
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For David Pastrnak, he is coming off a career season where he notched a career high 38 goals and 81 points in 66 games. Some fans may credit that to being on the top line with Bergeron and Marchand, but Pastrnak has shown that he has what it takes to be a top player with his own abilities.
Partnering Pastrnak with David Krejci and Jake Debrusk on the second line not only shuts down any questions for that line, but allows someone else to then jump up with Bergeron and Marchand and improve completely as a player.
It becomes a win-win scenario for the Boston Bruins if you think about it like that. Anyone is going to improve with those two, just look at Pastrnak. That allows him to work on his chemistry with Krejci and become a second, real threat of a line for the Boston Bruins in the long run.
Krejci also made Bruins fans feel better about keeping him during the regular season when he put up his best point total of 73 points, since the 2008-09 season when he also got 73 points. Considering that was while having a revolving door on his right side, clearly Krejci has plenty left in the tank as long as he is healthy.
Boston Bruins fans may be afraid or disagree with the first line breaking up but when you put your three best players on one line, it’s hard for the rest of the team to deliver. Moving Pastrnak to the second line with Krejci won’t be considered the popular choice, but very well could be the right one.