Friday on the farm: Offensive struggles for the Providence Bruins
By jc
The Providence Bruins can’t seem to find the back of the net. After three straight losses, Providence has one win in the last seven games.
The Providence Bruins hit a rough patch last weekend, and a lack of offense was the reason why. In three games, Providence only scored two goals. It’s no surprise all three games ended in losses.
Providence fell 3-1 in the first game to Hartford. Paul Carey scored in the first period, but that was all the offense the team mustered. The next night was even worse, as Charlotte shutout Providence 4-0.
With a chance to end the weekend on a high note, Providence lost 4-1 to Charlotte in the rematch. Robert Lantosi had the lone goal with less than a minute left in the third.
The Providence Bruins now only have one win in their last seven games. Despite all that, there was some good news with the team.
Jack Studnicka and Paul Carey named AHL All-Stars
The AHL named its All-Star squads, and two Providence Bruins forwards made the cut. Paul Carey and Jack Studnicka earned the nods.
https://twitter.com/AHLBruins/status/1213173224827236353
The Bruins brought in Carey this offseason to be a leader down in Providence, and he’s lived up to that. So far, he has 15 goals and 11 assists, and he provides a veteran presence to the young lineup.
Studnicka also started the season with high expectations, but for much different reasons. He’s been as advertised, and his 26 points makes him one of the most productive rookies in the AHL.
Both Carey and Studnicka are deserving All-Stars. They’ll be in action on January 26 and 27.
Karson Kuhlman stands out for Providence
Another forward who looks impressive for Providence is Karson Kuhlman.
The Bruins sent Kuhlman down last week after he came back from injury. The plan was for Kuhlman to get some ice time, find his game, and prove he’s healthy.
Although he only played two games and has zero points, Kuhlman looks solid out there for the Providence Bruins. Here’s one of his best shifts, courtesy of Bruins Network on Twitter:
This shift from Kuhlman (1:00 TOI) was absolutely nightmarish for Charlotte. He works the puck deep, low and around the net. Pinning pucks against the boards, winning battles and rotating perfectly. Studnicka was also a tough out on this shift, but Kuhlman is nails. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/YGtQuQZ6VP
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) January 9, 2020
Kuhlman showcased his speed and strength on this shift, and he looked like an NHL player against AHL players.
If he keeps this up, Boston may give him another shot sooner rather than later. The Bruins probably want to see what exactly Kuhlman can contribute this year, despite us originally seeing him as a break-out NHL star, before they finalize any trade deadline plans.
Next. Is Kreider a trade option?. dark
Providence takes on Springfield in a home-and-home on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully forwards like Carey, Studnicka, and Kuhman find enough offense to win both games.