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Boston Bruins: Jack Studnicka should play with Sean Kuraly out

By Matt Hawkins

Mar 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek (41) makes a save against Boston Bruins center Jack Studnicka (23) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek (41) makes a save against Boston Bruins center Jack Studnicka (23) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Bruins are expected to return to action on Thursday after having their last two games postponed due to COVID-19 protocols, which included five players going on the COVID-19 list.

One of the players on the list is center/left wing Sean Kuraly. Kuraly was actually the first player on the list, going on Thursday before the game against the Buffalo Sabres. The rest went on Friday, resulting in the game postponements.

With Kuraly out of the lineup for last Thursday’s game, there was an opening in the lineup. Many thought this hole would go to rookie Jack Studnicka. However, surprising many, this spot went to veteran Greg McKegg.

Earlier today, head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Kuraly will miss Thursday’s game. However, it’s currently unknown if Cassidy will go back to the veteran in McKegg or go to the rookie with Studnicka.

The Boston Bruins need to play Jack Studnicka.

Since being shutout by the New York Rangers 4-0 almost two weeks ago in which almost the entire team, including Studnicka, looked horrendous, Studnicka has been a healthy scratch.

This was not only arguably the B’s worst game of the season, it was also Studnicka’s. He saw just 9:25 of ice time and was a -2 on the night. Not only couldn’t he produce offensively, he also couldn’t hold his own in his own zone.

However, this game was an outlier for Studnicka. He’s normally solid defensively, and since being moved to center after being called back up, has produced several high-quality scoring chances for his teammates and himself.

It would not only be beneficial for the Black and Gold to put Studnicka back in the lineup, it would be beneficial for Studnicka and his development.

How can Studnicka fix the issues with his game if he isn’t playing in games?

If Cassidy isn’t going to play Studnicka, Studnicka should be back down in the AHL playing regularly.

Next. Grading the Bruins Special Teams Through 28 Games. dark

Overall, I think Studnicka should be playing over McKegg with Kuraly out as he brings more to the table. However, the B’s still, as of right now, have five players on the COVID-19 list, so Studnicka may get to play regardless.

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