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.