Boston Bruins: Three Players Who Can Step Up with Krejci's Injury

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The loss of David Krejci is a tough one for the Boston Bruins. Krejci anchors a second line that really needs to provide secondary scoring for Boston to be successful.

The Bruins have a few different options to replace Krejci’s production. No matter which option Bruce Cassidy chooses, one thing is clear: some players have big opportunities to assert themselves and earn more playing time.

Charlie Coyle

Charlie Coyle is one of these players. Coyle came to Boston in a trade last season from Minnesota. He struggled to find his game in the regular season, but he made a big impact in the playoffs.

Given his postseason run, Coyle entered this season with high expectations. He looked poised to be a fixture on a third line that could pose matchup problems for opponents all season long.

So far this season, Coyle’s been a solid piece for Boston, but he doesn’t have the points to show it.

Coyle’s right wing has been the big issue. Brett Ritchie and David Backes took turns on the right side with Coyle.

Ritchie and Backes both don’t have great speed, so they struggle to keep up with Coyle and Heinen. As a result, Coyle and linemate Danton Heinen often have to carry the play without much help. This is one of the reasons why Coyle only has one assist this season.

The best Coyle and Heinen looked this season is with Karson Kuhlman on the right wing. Kuhlman lacks the experience and size of Ritchie and Backes, but he’s a much better skater.

With Krejci injured, Coyle will get a chance to play alongside some of Boston’s higher-end forwards.

Danton Heinen

Danton Heinen started every game this season on the left wing with Charlie Coyle.

Coyle and Heinen form a strong partnership. They both are puck possession players who use different styles to make plays. Heinen is more of a finesse player who is great with his stick.

Like Coyle, Heinen doesn’t have a lot of points this year. He scored a goal in the first game against Dallas, but that’s it.

Things might get a little more difficult for Heinen given Krejci’s injury. He’ll start with Par Lindholm and Kuhlman on the third line. Cassidy wants to balance out the forward group to get consistent play shift after shift.

Heinen will really need to step up his game on a line with Lindholm and Kuhlman. Heinen is the best out of the three, so he’ll need to make plays and drive possession. If not, this line won’t find the back of the net.

That said, if Boston struggles or needs a goal late in the game, don’t be surprised if Cassidy puts Heinen back with Coyle.

Jake DeBrusk

Jake DeBrusk is another player who needs to step up in Krejci’s absence.

DeBrusk played on a line with Krejci for all but one game. This game, of course, was the opening game that Krejci missed.

Even with Krejci down the middle, DeBrusk has yet to score a goal this year. He also only has one assist.

The Bruins had high expectations for DeBrusk this year, so the slow start is concerning. He had 27 goals last season in only his second year in the NHL. Most expected him to flirt with 30 goals this year.

Boston desperately needs secondary scoring from someone like DeBrusk. With Krejci out, this need only becomes bigger.

DeBrusk will start the game against Tampa with Charlie Coyle as his center. DeBrusk and Coyle are both physical players who play a straight-ahead game. Cassidy hopes that DeBrusk and Coyle can click and finally score some goals.

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No matter how many games Krejci misses, Coyle, Heinen, and DeBrusk need to step up this season for the Bruins. It’s not enough for them to play well; they need to score goals. If not, the Bruins will fail as a one-line team.

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