Boston Bruins: Game 5 Confirms The Need To Blood New Talent
The Boston Bruins bowed out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs somewhat valiantly in the end, though it was evident the team needs a little bit of turnover before the regular season rolls around.
Of note, the Boston Bruins opted not to play Nick Ritchie this game and reaped the rewards. His play, whilst it couldn’t be faulted for effort and willingness to throw himself about, wasn’t making big differences to the team’s overall performance.
Without Sean Kuraly available, Charlie Coyle found himself flanked by the energetic duo of Anders Bjork and Jack Studnicka, while Karson Kuhlman added some pace to the combo of Joakim Nordstrom and Par Lindholm on the fourth line.
The result was 17 shots on goal between the third line trio at even-strength, while the fourth line held their own only giving up the one goal despite primarily seeing defensive zone face-offs.
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Suffice to say, Nick Ritchie on the third line brought very little to the team and even the usually ever-reliable trio on the fourth line were lacking spark. It’s this sort of depth that you need to win through in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Last year, Noel Acciari was the hot plug on that line and added the element that Bruce Cassidy was looking for when he opted to play Nick Ritchie in Games 3 and 4.
Equally, Sean Kuraly is massively underrated for what he brings to the Boston Bruins’ bottom-six. Without his contributions alongside Charlie Coyle in Game 2, we might well have seen a sweep by the Tampa Bay Lightning – they very much missed his presence.
In terms of shaking things up, it won’t be altogether that challenging to keep Anders Bjork, Jack Studnicka and Karson Kuhlman in the line-up.
Maybe even give Trent Frederic a shot in there too; provided he maintains his discipline, he might actually prove a better option at center than Par Lindholm. Let’s also not forget the likes of Zach Senyshyn also looking ready to make the leap next season.
light. More. Trent Frederic Isn't Quite Ready (Yet)
The injection of youthful energy could well be what the Boston Bruins need the most if this ageing core is to have one more run at the Stanley Cup.