Boston Bruins: Charlie McAvoy continues strong form versus Red Wings
By Luke Ryan
You would scarcely believe that Charlie McAvoy had a half-season goal scoring drought, as he notched the Boston Bruins’ game-tying goal on Saturday.
Charlie McAvoy is still only in his early twenties and thus the Boston Bruins defenseman should be forgiven for a lack of consistent performance; that will come with a little more time in the NHL. However, against the Red Wings he had a two-point afternoon.
This is just the latest in a strong showings since the All-Star break; it’s safe to say the week off did Charlie McAvoy absolutely no harm and in fact left him refreshed, revitalised and raring to go.
His goal to bring the game to 1-1 in the second period definitely seemed to ooze confidence that was lacking just a few weeks ago. McAvoy stepped up from the blue-line, found the puck and flicked a neat wrist shot home.
More from Bruins News
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
- The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
- NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
- The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci
Likewise, his assist on Charlie Coyle‘s goal was the result of being willing to put a shot on net and allowing it to be tipped; it’s not that he wasn’t trying in the early part of the season, just nothing was getting through or if it did, it wasn’t on target.
McAvoy has also impressed with his physical game of late, getting involved in net-front tussles and not backing down. The nasty elbow he copped against the Arizona Coyotes was the result of working them over continuously to the point that they’d had enough and lashed out.
At even-strength for the Boston Bruins, he had a Corsi score that actually on paper underwhelms comparitive to his teammates with a relative -4.75. This speaks though to playing tougher match-ups and also highlights that statistics don’t tell the full story.
Yes, his defensive pairing conceded shots on net and didn’t always have possession, but McAvoy had a hand in 2 of the 4 goals for the night and indeed was on the ice for 3 of them.
Someone clearly had words with the youngster during the All-Star break, or maybe he actually just got some well-needed rest and relaxation, especially since summer was the run to the Stanley Cup Final and then a slightly delayed pre-season start due to contract negotiations.
Maybe it’s taken all this time to catch back up. Either way, the Boston Bruins aren’t going to be complaining. As they head down the stretch, they need Charlie McAvoy stepping up and showing why his is the team’s future on the blue-line.
Next. The Red Wings have had our number this season. dark
Against the Detroit Red Wings, he did that. Let’s hope it continues against the New York Rangers tomorrow.