Two new forwards come back from injuries and join the Providence Bruins this weekend.
The Providence Bruins finished their 2019 schedule with a two-game split last weekend.
In the first game, Providence scored two goals in the third period to hold on to a 4-3 victory over Springfield. Jack Studnicka picked up another goal to bring his season total to 14.
The offense dried up the next night as Providence fell 4-1 to Hartford. Joona Koppanen scored the lone goal in the second period.
Providence begins its 2020 schedule with three games this weekend. After another matchup with Hartford, Providence takes on Charlotte two nights in a row.
Fortunately, Providence should get a boost up front with the addition of a couple forwards.
Anton Blidh and Karson Kuhlman join Providence
Earlier this week, the Bruins sent Karson Kuhlman down to Providence. Kuhlman is back after an extended injury absence.
Before the injury, Kuhlman played eight games in the NHL. He didn’t register any points, but he showed some flashes on the second and third lines.
Kuhlman gets the chance to find his game and prove his health down in Providence. If he plays well, don’t be surprised if the Bruins give him another look to see what they have before the trade deadline. At the very least, Kuhlman is a bottom-six option.
Anton Blidh joins Kuhlman in Providence this weekend. Because he’s subject to waivers, Blidh goes down on a LTI conditioning loan.
The Bruins hope that Blidh shows he’s fully healthy after early-season shoulder surgery. Once he does, they’ll have to make a decision whether to waive him or keep him in Boston.
Kuhlman and Blidh will likely play two of the three games this weekend.
Trent Frederic shows his toughness down in Providence
Before the holiday break, the Bruins won a physical game against Washington. After the game, however, many fans questioned whether Boston had enough toughness to handle a team like the Capitals.
One option to add some toughness and size to the Bruins’ lineup is Trent Frederic. Frederic, who the Bruins drafted in the 2016 first round, emerged as a physical force in Providence this year.
He had a nice fight last weekend with old-friend Tommy Cross. Cross is a big guy, but Frederic got the upper-hand.
Trent Frederic drops the gloves with Tommy Cross, drags him around and takes him down. Cross was ejected for a questionable hit on Hughes before Christmas, but Frederic has a long memory and made Cross answer the bell. Cross is around 6’3” and Frederic just folded him. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/qKJHUZ9LBZ
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) December 28, 2019
Frederic now leads the AHL in fights. He’s also first in penalty minutes by 25 minutes.
Even with the fisticuffs, Frederic still flashes his first-round pedigree with some decent offense. He has four goals and 13 assists in 32 games.
If the Bruins really want to add some size and toughness to the roster, they can try Frederic in a bottom-six role. They drafted him as a center, but he played left wing this season as well.
We’ll see if Frederic can continue his physical play in the three games this weekend. Based on everything we’ve seen so far, expect him to do so.