Boston Bruins: 3 takeaways from the win in Vegas
Not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The Bruins leave with two points after a solid performance.
The Boston Bruins and the Vegas Golden Knights met for the first time last week. The Bruins prevailed 4-3 the contest.
The game saw two Stanley Cup favorites square off in a heavyweight content worthy of the Vegas venue.
Vegas jumped out to an early two goal lead thanks to goals from Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty. David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand responded to tie the game at two.
Marchand gave Boston the lead in the second, and then Torey Krug extended it to 4-2. Despite a late goal from Vegas, Boston held on to win 4-3.
Boston played almost a complete game in Vegas, and it was the top line that really stood out.
Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak Had Best Game of Season
Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak led the way against Vegas. The so-called Perfection Line combined for seven total points.
Pastrnak got things started with a big goal in the first period after Vegas went up 2-0. This goal probably epitomizes the Bergeron line more than anything else.
Bergeron, like he always seems to do, had great stick position on the forecheck and won the puck. Marchand grabbed it and made a great pass to Pastrnak, who buried it. All three players did what they do best to get Boston back in the game.
Marchand scored a power play goal to tie it later on in the first. In the second, he and Pastrnak again combined for some more magic.
Pastrnak got the puck in the defensive zone, looked up, and saw Marchand streaking down the left wing. He played an indirect pass off the walk and hit Marchand in stride. Marchand skated into the zone and ripped a shot past Marc-Andre Fleury.
Bruins fans were ready to see the Bergeron break out, and they got their wish against the Golden Knights. If Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak continue to elevate their games, look out NHL.
Second line remains a work in progress
Boston really needs the first line to dominate because the second line remains a work in progress.
After David Krejci missed the first game of the season, he returned to his expected spot: center between Jake DeBrusk and Karson Kuhlman. The trio had a quiet game in Arizona, but that was par for the course for Boston.
The Krejci line, however, really struggled at the jump against Vegas. Krejci, DeBrusk, and Kuhlman failed to generate much offense against the Golden Knights. As a result, Bruce Cassidy decided to mix things up.
Brett Ritchie replaced Kuhlman on the right wing midway through the first period. Cassidy wanted to add some strength and size to the line. Ritchie looked okay, but he wasn’t too noticeable out there.
Then, later in the first, Krejci took some shifts with Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen. Cassidy tried to get Krejci going with some new faces, but nothing came out of it.
Cassidy reunited Krejci and DeBrusk in the second, with Ritchie and Kuhlman each seeing chances on that right side. Eventually, Kuhlman settled in nicely on the third line with Coyle and Heinen, so Ritchie got more time with Krejci.
Krejci, DeBrusk, Ritchie, and Kuhlman each finished the game with zero points. They couldn’t generate much offense at all, regardless of how Cassidy juggled the lines.
It’s still too early in the season to worry about the second line. Krejci needs to ease into the season after his injury late in the preseason. Nonetheless, the Bruins hope to get answers soon, because the line remains a work in progress.
Coyle and Heinen fortify the third line
Fortunately for Boston, the third line played well against Vegas. This comes off of two strong games against Dallas and Arizona.
Coyle and Heinen are the two constants with the third line. The pair started with Ritchie on the right wing, and then Kuhlman filled that role in the second and third periods. Kuhlman really fit in nicely with Coyle and Heinen.
Coyle was nothing short of a beast in the game against Vegas. He didn’t register any points, but Coyle finished with six shots on goal and a lot of puck possession.
In one play in particular, Coyle used his size to shield off numerous Vegas defenders. He skated all around the offensive zone and eventually made an impressive power move out front.
Heinen, too, had an impressive game. He doesn’t have Coyle’s size, so Heinen won’t wow anybody with physical play. He, however, has a great stick. He blocks passes and consistently wins the puck on the forecheck.
Heinen also does well to keep possession along the boards. He shields defenders, protects the puck, and makes plays to his linemates.
Coyle and Heinen form a great partnership, and they add depth to Boston’s forward group. With those two in the fold, the Bruins can expect consistent contributions from the third line.
Expect Coyle, Heinen, and Kuhlman to see some more time together moving forward.
Next. Why the Bruins must resign Krug. dark