We usually wait until Fridays to talk about the Providence Bruins, but this week Jack Studnicka would not let us wait.
Providence ran through Springfield 5-0 this past weekend. Dan Vladar was a major story with 42 saves in a shutout effort, but Stucknicka is the one who really stands out.
Whenever we look at a Providence scoresheet, Studnicka’s name is right there. Last Sunday’s scoresheet was no different.
Studnicka had a goal Sunday against Springfield. This was after a goal and an assist Saturday night versus that same Springfield team.
After his weekend heroics, Studnicka now has 12 goals and 12 assists in 28 AHL games. Those 24 points are second-most among all AHL rookies, according to Mark Divver.
Studnicka is a shorthanded master
What’s especially noteworthy about Studnicka is his production on the shorthand. Five of his 12 goals this year are shorthanded. He has more shorthanded goals than anybody in the AHL.
Studnicka’s most recent shorthanded goal came Saturday night against Springfield. This one certainly was impressive.
Here’s Jack Studnicka potting his 12th of the year in a fashionable way. Studnicka sees an opening, accelerates, catches a pass from Frederic and goes forehand-backhand on Montembeault. Studnicka is the real deal, Bruins fans. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/ZAlufj2J5I
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) December 15, 2019
Notice how Studnicka quickly took the open ice before any defender even realized he was there. He collected a pass and then calmly roofed a backhand shot into the net.
Studnicka clearly has a knack for offense when his team is on penalty kill. He always seems to be in the right position, and then he has the speed and skill to take advantage of openings.
With five shorthanded goals already, Studnicka actually has a chance to break the league record of 11. If he continues his strong play, however, he might not be in the AHL long even to catch it!
Bruce Cassidy says Studnicka is ahead of schedule
Studnicka entered his first full professional season as Boston’s top forward prospect. He had lofty expectations, and so far he exceeded them.
Night after night Studnicka puts in strong efforts for Providence. He is often one of the best forwards on the ice, even as he plays against older, more experienced players.
Even when he came up to Boston, Studnicka didn’t look too far out of place. He had an assist and was a +2 in his two NHL games.
No surprise that Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy recently said that Studnicka is ahead of schedule in terms of his development.
Cassidy on Jack Studnicka: “He’s ahead of schedule in Providence.”
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) December 16, 2019
We mentioned before how Studnicka probably should stay the full season in Providence so he can develop and work on his game. That still is the case now, but you have to wonder if he deserves another recall at some point.
If the Bruins choose to keep Charlie Coyle at right wing, Studnicka can be an option as third-line center. This seems like a long-shot, but if GM Don Sweeney can’t find top-six help, it may be Boston’s best option.
No matter where he finishes this year, the good news is Studnicka looks exactly as his last name implies: stud. He’s a big piece of Boston’s future, and we can’t wait to see him earn full-time NHL duty in the near future.