Max Legace and Dan Vladar combine to give the Providence Bruins a strong duo in goal.
Offense was on display for the Providence Bruins last week and into the weekend. In the last three games, Providence scored 15 total goals.
After the offense put up seven goals in a midweek game, Providence scored four goals Saturday against the Charlotte Checkers. Brendan Woods had two goals to bring his season total to four.
The next night, Providence finished with four more versus Charlotte. Woods had his fifth goal of the year, and Jack Studnicka, fresh off his stint Boston, scored goal number 10 of the season.
Max Legace earned the 4-1 win in game one, and Dan Vladar shutout the Checkers in game two. Strong goaltending continues to be a constant throughout the Bruins organization.
Max Legace and Dan Vladar stand tall in goal
Bruins fans know how much Tuukka Rask and Jaro Halak mean to Boston. With that one-two punch in net, the Bruins look destined for something special.
We see something similar down on the farm in Providence. Max Legace, who Boston signed to be a veteran presence in the minors, has been Providence’s best player so far.
Legace currently has 10 of the team’s 14 wins. His 2.34 GAA and .922 SV% put him among the best in the AHL.
What’s great about Legace is that he gives Providence a chance to win every night. This is important because it means young players like Studnicka get the chance to play in close, meaningful games. The Bruins want their youngsters to grow accustomed to winning.
Not to be outdone, Dan Vladar picked up a shutout in his first game back from injury. He stopped 36 of 36 shots in his best start of the season.
Given Boston’s goaltending situation, Legace and Vladar most likely won’t make much of an impact in the NHL. That said, their strong play this year can make a difference down the line.
Urho Vaakanainen builds off his strong showing in Boston
The Bruins probably didn’t expect too much from Urho Vaakanainen this season, as he remains at least a year away from consistent NHL time. However, he earned a callup to Boston because of injuries, and he looked solid in limited action.
Vaakanainen then went back down to Providence and built of his strong showing in the NHL. In his first five games back in the AHL, Vaakananinen had four goals and three assists. Those are impressive offense numbers for a defenseman.
On Sunday, Vaakanainen scored a shorthanded goal against Charlotte. He took a pass from Studnicka and rifled a shot past the goalie.
https://twitter.com/PBruinsHockey/status/1202193591029944320
He also finished those five games with a +9 rating, something you always want to see from a young defenseman.
Vaakananinen’s play earned him AHL Player of the Week honors. He looks like the real deal, and that’s great news for the Bruins.
Holiday cheer with the Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins players spread some holiday cheer at the Hasbro Children’s Hospital on Wednesday. You got to love the reindeer hat on Brendan Gaunce!
The boys had an awesome time spreading the holiday cheer at @HasbroChildrens yesterday afternoon! pic.twitter.com/xx6R79F4cT
— Providence Bruins (@AHLBruins) December 5, 2019
Providence continues the December schedule with three games in a row. Binghamton is up on Friday and Saturday, then Providence takes on Utica.
If the last few games are any indication, expect more goals from Providence.