Boston Bruins: Trent Frederic Deserves a Chance

The Boston Bruins will be fighting for their lives tonight in Game 6. They certainly have a lot of obstacles going against them. They will be at one of the most electrifying buildings in the league, the Nassau Coliseum. It also does not help that Brandon Carlo and Kevan Miller still will be out.

To make matters even worse, Curtis Lazar is now the latest Bruin who cannot play. Thus, there is an open roster spot available on the fourth line. With this series being full of grit and tenacity, Trent Frederic absolutely should be thrown into the lineup.

Frederic has shown time and time again that he is not afraid to challenge the toughest of opponents. This is something the Bruins could benefit from, especially when facing the Islanders’ fourth-line. Keep in mind, the rookie has fought some rather imposing figures in the league already, including Tom Wilson. They do not necessarily need him to do that tonight, but his high-energy game would be beneficial.

The Islanders have honestly been outplaying the Bruins physically for the vast majority of this series. Frederic could be a great answer to help combat this. Although he is not a player who is known for producing many points, no one else on this line has all postseason, either.

What the Bruins fourth-line could look like.

If the Bruins elect to play him, he could slot marvelously on the left wing. It’s important to note that Sean Kuraly is a natural center and looks more comfortable in that role.  Therefore, Frederic also would be lining up against Cal Clutterbuck, who has been a real thorn in the side of the B’s. That would then leave Chris Wagner on the right wing.

If the Bruins do decide to go down this route, they will have far more grit in their bottom-six. That is something that could be extremely helpful to them against a team like the Islanders. The fourth line also needs a serious spark, so Frederic could be the player who finally provides it.

Jake DeBrusk is not the right player for this role, either. It would make far more sense for him to be reinserted into the lineup on the third line. This, in turn, would make Karson Kuhlman a healthy scratch.

Change is needed after the last game. Giving Frederic the chance to succeed could end up being the correct move at the end of the day.