Boston Bruins: Jake DeBrusk has found his game at the perfect time

Through two postseason games, Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk has been a different player. Entering the playoffs, DeBrusk was coming off a tough 2021 campaign. In 41 games, he recorded 14 points and was a healthy scratch multiple times. For the first time in his career, the former first-round pick did not record double-digit goals. In the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, he has stepped up.

In the first two games of the series, DeBrusk has two goals. He has looked more engaged than during the regular season and has not been afraid to shot the puck. The Edmonton native has provided a spark and scored Boston’s first goal in both games. While his improvement offensively has been a welcoming sign, he is making an impact at both ends of the ice.

The Bruins winger is grinding out plays and getting involved defensively. So far in the series, he has blocked one shot and landed two hits. In Game 1, DeBrusk was able to break up a prime Washington Capitals scoring opportunity with a backcheck. Despite enduring a tough regular season, he is turning things around at the perfect time.

As DeBrusk has found his game, he has been the Bruins’ best forward. He is the only player with a goal in both games, and he is making a major impact. His play has helped energize the Bruins’ secondary scoring as their top line has only accounted for two of the Bruins’ six postseason goals. After an impressive effort in Game 1, DeBrusk was even better on Monday night as Boston evened the series.

On Wednesday night, the Bruins will need the same effort from DeBrusk as they look to take a 2-1 series lead. Against Washington, their secondary scoring has delivered, which will be key as they look to make a deep playoff run. So far, DeBrusk has been vital to their success and is performing to expectations when needed the most.