Boston Bruins: What’s the best second line in Krejci’s absence?
By jc
One of the biggest struggles for the Boston Bruins this season looks to be secondary scoring. Once again, Boston’s top line simply dominates. David Pastrnak already has 17 points in only nine games!
After that, the Bruins can’t seem to find any consistency. David Krejci‘s absence from the lineup is the reason why. Krejci missed four of nine games this year, and he’ll miss both this weekend.
Krejci anchors Boston’s second line, so his injury trouble means Bruce Cassidy needs to find a new second line for the time being.
Cassidy tried two different second line options at past practices. What are his best options?
DeBrusk-Coyle-Ritchie
Based on the lines during the morning skate, Charlie Coyle will center the second line between Jake DeBrusk and Brett Ritchie against St. Louis.
Coyle’s the key to any second line now that Krejci’s out. He’s the best center in the lineup other than Patrice Bergeron, so he really needs to drive the second line.
Coyle looked good in a few games this year, but the production isn’t there. He doesn’t have any goals, and he only has two assists. He needs to step up and lead Boston’s second unit until Krejci comes back.
DeBrusk instantly becomes the best winger Coyle’s played with this season. Although he only has one goal, DeBrusk has the talent to score on any shift. He also plays a physical and straight-ahead game that suits Coyle’s style.
Ritchie also can be an asset alongside Coyle. He has great size like Coyle, so the two can wear down opposing defenders shift after shift. Ritchie has two goals in eight games this year, so he can find the back of the net.
The downside with Ritchie is his skating, as he can sometimes slow down a line. As such, Cassidy may want to consider giving Coyle some more speed on the wings.