Providence Bruins Highlights: Week 1

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 19: Bruins C Jack Studnicka (68) chases the puck after a faceoff in the first period during the game between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers on September 19, 2019 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Let’s check out what’s brewing down in Providence.

The Boston Bruins aren’t the only professional hockey team ready to start a new season. Boston’s AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, begins play next weekend.

The Baby B’s open up Saturday, October 12 against Rochester. They play again on Sunday against Springfield.

Providence will start the season with one of the strongest squads in recent memory. The Bruins organization has done a great job drafting and developing young talent. And now, this young talent is ready to make its first impression.

Studnicka and Lauko steal the headlines

All eyes will be on Jack Studnicka and Jakub Lauko. Studnicka, a second round pick in 2017, embarks on his first full professional season. He projects to be a top six center for Boston, but he’ll start the year in Providence.

Studnicka had a solid preseason with Boston. Most fans will remember him scoring a goal off his face, but his offensive instincts stood out. He skates well and has a good shot, so hopefully he makes a big jump this year.

No prospect has fans excited like Jakub Lauko. Boston chose Lauko in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft. He already looks like a steal. Lauko looked great this preseason against NHL competition. He demonstrated blazing speed and a strong shot.

More importantly, Lauzo didn’t hit the brakes after Boston sent him down to Providence. He scored two goals for Providence in a preseason tilt last Friday night.

Studnicka and Lauko’s presence in the lineup make Providence games even more worthwhile this season. But, the question remains: how long will they even be in Providence?

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 07: Boston Bruins left wing Peter Cehlarik (22) looks in front during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on March 7, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Cehlarik tries to make an impact

Peter Cehlarik was one of Boston’s last cuts of training camp. He required waivers given his professional experience, but fortunately he cleared and reported to Providence.

Cehlarik played off and on with Boston over the past three seasons. He played 20 games for Boston last year, and this gives him 37 total NHL games under his belt. He has five goals and five assists in these games.

When he first came up from the minors, Cehlarik looked decent on David Krejci’s left wing. Since then, he has been unable to find his consistency. Cehlarik’s a big body with good hands, and there are times when he looks like he belongs in the NHL. There are, however, times when he struggles to keep up with the pace of the game.

The time is now for Cehlarik impression and earn a spot with Boston. Boston has a strong group of forward prospects who could pass Cehlarik at some point this season. Also, according to Cap Friendly, Cehlarik only has one year left on his contract.

Cehlarik will get a chance in the NHL at some point this year. He’s probably one of the first callups if there’s an injury. For now, he’ll get a chance to continue his growth in Providence. His season won’t start yet, as Mark Divver reports Cehlark suffered an injury at practice.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Paul Carey #34 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New Jersey Devils during preseason action at the Prudential Center on September 16, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Carey and Petrovic offer experience

Boston signed veteran Paul Carey this offseason. He’s set to be an important piece in Providence’s lineup. In fact, the team named Carey captain for this season.

Carey, the Weymouth native and Boston College graduate, adds a lot of experience to a youthful Providence squad. He’s played in 99 NHL games with Colorado, Washington, New York, Boston, and Ottawa.

Carey comes off another dominant AHL season. He averaged around a point per game in his last three seasons in the minors.

Expect Carey to anchor Providence’s top line this year. He’ll be a great mentor for the young players, and he’ll be one of Boston’s first emergency callups.

Alex Petrovic is another veteran who joins Carey in Providence. Boston invited Petrovic to training camp on a PTO, and then he signed a one-year deal.

Petrovic has 263 games of NHL experience, so he adds depth to Boston’s blueline. He provides some extra reinforcement in case Boston deals with injuries. If not, he’ll be a steady presence in Providence.

Carey and Petrovic probably don’t have big roles in Boston’s future. They nevertheless can impact how Providence’s young players grow and develop into NHL players.

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