Boston Bruins: Brendan Gaunce leading the charge in Providence
By Luke Ryan
Leading the charge for the Boston Bruins’ minor-league affiliate of late has been former Vancouver Canucks’ winger, Brendan Gaunce.
25 year-old Brendan Gaunce has only featured once for the Boston Bruins since arriving last summer, whereas the Canucks had him suit up 117 times in the NHL. It’d seem that his demotion to Providence has spurred him on though.
He is currently rocking a seven-game point streak for the Providence Bruins as the team has charged towards the Calder Cup Playoffs with a six-game winning streak.
Brendan Gaunce’s point streak has seen him grabbing five goals including a double against the Springfield Thunderbirds, a game he also tallied an assist in for a three-point night. He has also grabbed 5 assist in that time, including the aforementioned.
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10 points in 7 games though still isn’t enough for him to claim team-leading point scoring numbers; that honor remains with Jack Studnicka who is already proving he has pro-league credentials with 42 points in 54 games during his rookie year in Providence.
These two may be leading the charge, but at the back it’s Dan Vladar holding the fort. His goals against average and save percentage is only bettered by one player in the American Hockey League this season. That player being the recently minted NHL goalie with the New York Rangers, Igor Shesterkin.
In Gaunce, Studnicka and Vladar, the Boston Bruins have three guys that they could call upon, at least with some degree of confidence if injuries were to hit their line-up.
The Providence Bruins may not look like the strongest chance at going all the way and winning the Calder Cup, but they’re certainly seeming to get it right in terms of developing the future of the Boston Bruins.
Gaunce may no longer be considered a prospect but he’s the perfect guy to have in the American Hockey League ready to step back up to the NHL level if need be.
Add in the likes of Trent Frederic who has a reputation for keeping the bullies away and Peter Cehlarik who might still have value in the NHL based on recent form; safe to say the future looks okay!
Next. Finishing second in the Atlantic would be better. dark
Don Sweeney should be giving Gaunce a call before the season is up; he deserves a game or two on an NHL pay cheque as reward for his recent point streak. Make it happen!