Boston Bruins: Anders Bjork gets his chance against the Predators

Boston Bruins’ coach Bruce Cassidy makes some lineup changes ahead of the matchup with the Nashville Predators.

Stop me if you heard this before: the Boston Bruins don’t get consistent production from the second and third lines. This plagued the team last year, and it continues to be a problem this year.

Boston’s top line looks virtually unstoppable at times, but nobody underneath can find the back of the net consistently. David Krejci remains ever as capable on the second line, but his linemates don’t always show up.

Coach Bruce Cassidy tried a few different second-line combinations this year, and we’ll see a new one on Tuesday in Nashville. Anders Bjork looks set to start at second-line right wing.

Anders Bjork joins David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk

Bjork joined Krejci and Jake DeBrusk on the second line at Monday’s practice. This means he’s likely to be there against the Predators.

Bjork definitely deserves a shot on Krejci’s right wing. He’s had modest production this year, but that’s only because his ice time, especially on the power play, is low. Bjork should shine in a bigger role.

Right away, Bjork adds a combination of speed and skill that Krejci hasn’t had this year.

Karson Kuhlman started the season on Krejci’s wing, and while he can skate, he lacks high-end offensive instincts. Then there’s players like Heinen and Brett Ritchie, both of whom don’t play with a ton of pace.

Bjork has elite speed, so maybe he can open things up on the ice for Krejci and DeBrusk. At the same time, Krejci and DeBrusk can unlock some of Bjork’s offense.

Brett Ritchie experiment continues for the Bruins

Another lineup change from Saturday’s loss against Edmonton is the addition of Ritchie. He’ll skate on the right wing with Charlie Coyle and Heinen.

With the trade deadline not too far away, you have to think this is one of Ritchie’s last chances to prove he belongs in the lineup. So far, he only has two goals and three assists in 23 games played.

The Bruins brought in Ritchie this summer as a no-risk experiment. They hoped he could demonstrate the physicality and offensive pedigree that earned him his second-round selection a few years ago.

Ritchie definitely looks the part, but the play isn’t there. He’s not a great skater, and he doesn’t produce a ton offensively, even with talented linemates. Honestly, it’s tough to imagine how Ritchie is a better option than a young player like Zach Senyshyn.

We’ll see how these lineup changes unfold Tuesday night against the Predators. The Bruins must find their offense if they want to leave Nashville with two points.