The Boston Bruins played very well in their first game of the season against the Dallas Stars last night. Although it was a close matchup that ended with a 3-1 score, the Bruins looked like they were in mid-season form.
Brad Marchand, naturally, scored two goals on the night and was a major reason for the team’s first win. Jeremy Swayman also was marvelous in his first start of the year.
Yet, something else that was very promising about the game was that the third line looked very good. Bounce back candidate Jake DeBrusk carried over his success from the preseason, as he scored his first goal of the year, which was the game winner. It wasn’t an individual effort, though, as linemates Erik Haula and Nick Foligno each tallied assists on the play.
Not a bad birthday eve. 🎉 @JDebrusk | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/aawasPS4ab
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 17, 2021
As I discussed previously, the third line has extreme importance heading into this season. The Bruins have been immensely criticized for their lack of depth scoring over these last few seasons. Last year’s third line struggled significantly as well, which understandably led to the team revamping it entirely. Charlie Coyle has been promoted to the second line due to the loss of David Krejci. Nick Ritchie was not tendered a qualifying offer and then signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. DeBrusk, who had been the subject of trade rumors this summer, ended up sticking around.
With these moves, DeBrusk is back at his natural left wing position and the team signed his two new linemates in Foligno and Haula on the first day of free agency. In the trio’s small sample, including both the preseason and regular season, they have looked quite well. Even ignoring last night’s goal, they seem to be more of a threat each time they step on the ice. They simply have far more energy.
It will be interesting to see how these three continue to play together. Foligno provides a bit of sandpaper to the line, but also is capable of producing offense. Haula, on the other hand, is probably better-suited as DeBrusk’s center because of his offense-first style of play, rather than Coyle. It’s just good that the Bruins are now able to try something new after things went stale.
On Wednesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, it’ll be intriguing to see how the third line follows up their solid performances. Furthermore, it would be nice to see Taylor Hall and company also contribute on the second line, too. Nonetheless, it was a great start to the regular season for the Bruins, especially after their ridiculously long wait.
Lastly, Happy Birthday, Jake!