Boston Bruins: Where can Anders Bjork play in the lineup?
Anders Bjork had an impressive training camp and preseason with the Boston Bruins. In fact, he was so good that many viewed him as a lock for the roster.
Nonetheless, the Bruins sent Bjork down to Providence to begin the season. Bruce Cassidy assured that this was a short-term move; Bjork needed to show that he was healthy after he missed so much time last season.
Bjork took the move in stride, and he went to Providence intent on showing the Bruins organization that he’s ready for the NHL.
So far, so good for Bjork. He has three goals and two assists in four games with Providence. And if you watch the highlights, he often looks like the best player on the ice.
Based on his start, it’s only a matter of time before Bjork gets the call up to Boston. But, where exactly in the lineup will he play?
Second line with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk
The most obvious spot for Bjork is on the second line with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk.
The second line is definitely an area of concern for the Bruins given its lack of production. DeBrusk has zero goals through six games, and Krejci has only one assist.
Now, with Krejci possibly out with another injury, this line may need a jolt more than ever.
Bjork primarily has lined up on the left wing in Providence this year. DeBrusk, of course, also plays the left wing, so there’s some question as to whether they can play together.
Bjork, however, does have experience on the right side. In fact, he played the right wing with Boston for parts of the last two seasons. So, he can play on the right with DeBrusk on the left.
DeBrusk and Bjork have the potential to be a great combination, especially when you consider someone like Krejci in the middle.
Bjork has great speed, so he would inevitably help the second like pick up the pace. DeBrusk is a player who thrives with this type of style.
At the same time, Bjork has more offensive upside than Karson Kuhlman. Kuhlman can’t create many opportunities for his linemates, but Bjork probably can.
Bjork’s presence can take away some of the burden from DeBrusk, and it might provide him with an early-season spark.
Third line with Coyle and Heinen
Cassidy can also choose to put Bjork with Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen on the third line. Although, if Krejci’s out for an extended period, this may as well be called the second line.
Coyle and Heinen don’t exactly have the stats to show it, but they’ve each had impressive starts to the season.
Coyle can be a force out there against inferior third-line matchups. He has great size and strength, and he skates well. As a result, Coyle can shield off defenders and maintain puck possession.
Heinen can also be a possession monster on the ice. He’s not as physical as Coyle, but Heinen is really effective with his stick. He wins a lot of puck battles, and he’s excellent along the boards.
The big issue with Coyle and Heinen, however, is their right wing. They’ve played mostly with Brett Ritchie and David Backes this season.
Both Ritchie and Backes tend to slow down Coyle and Heinen. In fact, Coyle and Heinen sometimes find themselves alone as the right wing tries to keep up.
The best the third line looked this year was with the speedy Kuhlman on the right side. Nonetheless, Cassidy chooses to put Kuhlman on the second line.
Bjork can replicate Kuhlman’s skating, but with more offensive potential. He’s a player who can team up with Coyle and Heinen to actually create chances and drive offense. With Bjork on the wing, Boston’s third line can dominate its matchups.
Bjork can play the right wing on this line, but he can also stay on the left. Heinen, like he did last year when he played with Bergeron and Marchand, can move to the right side.
If Cassidy really wants to get crazy, he can try Bjork on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
Here’s the deal: it’s certainly not an easy decision to break up the best line in hockey. Especially when David Pastrnak scored four goals on Monday as the first-line right wing.
But, the truth is Boston desperately needs secondary scoring. The Bruins cannot be a one-line team and expect to win a championship.
As long as Krejci is healthy enough to play, Cassidy should at least consider putting Pastrnak on his right wing. Pastrnak, Krejci, and DeBrusk definitely form a solid line that will provide the necessary secondary scoring.
And how will the top line fare with Bjork instead of Pastrnak? Production will certainly drop a little; Bjork is good, but he’s nowhere near Pastrnak’s level.
Yet, we can expect a line of Bergeron, Marchand, and Bjork to still be dominant at times.
First off, there’s the fact that Bergeron and Marchand have produced with pretty much every right wing option through the years. Whether it with was the young Tyler Seguin or the inconsistent Reilly Smith, that line performed well.
Second, Bjork will have a lot of room to develop with Bergeron and Marchand. He won’t have to worry as much about the defensive game, nor will his linemates rely on him to drive offense. Instead, he can grow at his own pace and really become a well-rounded player.
Related Story. Why the Bruins need secondary scoring. light
Look, everybody knows that Anders Bjork has a bright future in Boston. But, his future look like it’s now. Bjork is about ready to make an impact with the Bruins; he only needs a chance.