Friday on the farm: Karson Kuhlman and Dan Vladar up from Providence Bruins

The Providence Bruins experienced quite the roster shuffle in advance of three games in three nights.

The Providence Bruins got back on track with a pair of victories over Springfield last weekend. With 10 goals total, it’s safe to say the forwards found their way.

On Saturday, Providence scored five goals en route to an impressive 5-2 win. Trent Frederic had a goalie, assist, and a fight as he continues his strong season.

Providence kept up the pace with a 5-3 victory on Sunday. Karson Kuhlman picked up his second goal in as many days.

Providence now heads into the weekend after a busy couple of days. There weren’t any games, but Providence experienced quite the roster shuffle.

Kuhlman to Boston, Ritchie to Providence

After his two-goal effort last weekend, Karson Kuhlman earned a recall back to Boston. He started the season with eight games in the NHL, but he went down to Providence after an injury. Now, Kuhlman gets his chance to stay.

Kuhlman’s up with the big club because the Bruins waived Brett Ritchie. Ritchie saw plenty of time this season, but he never could muster enough up to maintain his roster spot. If he clears waivers, Ritchie will report to Providence.

Kuhlman will likely be an upgrade over Ritchie in the lineup. He lacks Ritchie’s size and strength, but Kuhlman’s a much faster skater. He can push the pace, and he also will never lag behind his linemates.

At the same time, Kuhlman, even though he didn’t score in his first eight games this season, has more offensive upside than Ritchie. He should at the very least match Ritchie’s production in a third line role.

Goalie Dan Vladar gets his shot in Boston

Goalie Dan Vladar joins Kuhlman in Boston for his first taste of NHL action. Boston recalled Vladar on an emergency basis after Tuukka Rask went on injured reserve.

Vladar is in the middle of his best professional season, so this recall comes at a good time for him. In 12 AHL games this year, he sports a 1.84 GAA and a 0.935 SV%. Jaroslav Halak will likely see a lot of time for the Bruins, but if Rask is out for a while, Vladar may get his shot.

Vladar is an interesting player in Boston’s system. He never was a big-time prospect, but Vladar combines a big frame with above-average quickness. We may soon get the chance to see if this translates into NHL success.

With Halak set for free agency and prospect Kyle Keyser still some years ago, the time is now for Vladar to impress and gain the inside track to a backup spot next season.

Providence takes on Bridgeport in a home-and-home on Friday and Saturday. Springfield is next on the schedule on Sunday afternoon. We’ll see if the new-look lineup can build off of last weekend’s strong play.