Boston Bruins: 4 takeaways from 3-2 shootout win over the Devils
By Matt Hawkins
2. Trent Frederic and Anders Bjork need to be regulars in the Boston Bruins’ lineup.
Going into last night, it was expected that Craig Smith would be handling the duties of third line right wing. However, it was suddenly announced that he had suffered a lower-body injury earlier in the week and was a game-time decision. He was ultimately scratched and didn’t play.
Because of Smith’s scratching, Anders Bjork moved up from fourth line left wing to third line right wing and Trent Frederic went from being scratched to playing fourth line left wing.
These lineup changes to prove to be great for the Black and Gold as both Frederic and Bjork brought tenacity and energy to their lines. The fourth line of Frederic, Sean Kuraly, and Chris Wagner was arguably the best line for the B’s. The third line of Ritchie, Charlie Coyle, and Bjork was also very good as Ritchie had multiple scoring chances tonight.
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When Smith is able to play, Frederic and Bjork must remain in the lineup if they continue to play at this level. It’s hard to find someone to take out of the lineup, but I’m sure Cassidy will figure it out. My top choices are either Ritchie or Wagner.
Frederic finished the night with 10:44 of ice time, one takeaway, and two shots on goal, while also playing just over a minute on the penalty kill.
Bjork finished the game with 13:56 of ice time, one takeaway, one shot on goal, and a -1 +/-, while also playing just under a minute on the penalty kill.