Boston Bruins’ second line coming alive at the right time

After two uninspiring losses in a row, the Boston Bruins got back on track with a 3-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The win wraps up their nine-day road trip and moves Boston within a point of the New York Islanders for third place in their division with a game in hand.

Both David Krejci and Taylor Hall scored highlight-reel goals and Craig Smith finished with a +2 rating. In total, Hall has recorded four goals and three assists since joining the Bruins and his third-period tally effectively stymied any hope for a Penguins’ comeback. As Jack Edwards mentioned in his broadcast, this is why they brought him here.

It may be hard to remember now, but this time last month Boston was entirely reliant on its top line to produce offense. Now, they’ve won seven of their last nine games and Taylor Hall, David Krejci, and Craig Smith have combined for 21 points during that stretch.

The Bruins’ second line is taking the pressure off their top line.

Since the trade deadline, something of note has happened, some of the offensive burdens have been lifted off the shoulders of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak. This is important for a few reasons. Obviously, it makes Boston a far more versatile team and provides Bruce Cassidy with the ability to juggle players depending on the flow of the game.

But, most importantly, it keeps your opposition honest. Which makes Boston much more difficult to match up against. Simply, when you are getting contributions from Krejci’s line it allows Bergeron’s line to focus solely on shutting down their opposition and vice versa.

With the playoffs around the corner, you want to be playing your best hockey. As of late, the Boston Bruins appear poised to make yet another deep run at the Stanley Cup and it’s to the credit of the moves made at this year’s deadline.