Boston Bruins: 3 Surprises so far in 2021

Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA;Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril (67) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals left wing Conor Sheary (73) defends in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA;Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril (67) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals left wing Conor Sheary (73) defends in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 14, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Matt Tennyson (7) push and shove during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Matt Tennyson (7) push and shove during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

2. Trent Frederic

Like Zboril, Frederic is another rookie making an impact, but as a bottom-six forward. He started the season on the fourth line with Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner, before being moved to the third line.

Right from the start of the season, he has shown that he is not afraid of anyone and won’t back down from anyone. He got under the skin of the New Jersey Devils P.K. Subban in the second game of the season, then dropped the gloves twice with Washington Capitals tough guy Tom Wilson. Right from his opening shift, he has been a physical presence for Boston.

Frederic has played in all 23 games and the 23-year-old has three goals. It is a good omen for the Bruins when Frederic scores. He scored his first NHL goal against the Philadelphia Flyers at Lake Tahoe, Nevada on Feb. 21 in a 7-3 victory. His second goal was Feb. 28 against the New York Rangers in a 4-1 win and his third goal was March 5 in a 5-1 romp over the Washington Capitals.

He is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Boston and if his game continues to improve and he can become a more consistent goal-scorer, then he will make Don Sweeney look good for spending a first-round pick on him in 2016 at 29th overall.