Entering this season, Charlie Coyle was looking for a fresh start. During the 2020-2021 campaign, the former first-round pick struggled and only recorded 16 points in 51 games. Over the last few weeks, however, Coyle has looked like a different player. On a Bruins team that has lost two of it’s last three games, his offensive production has been a welcoming sign.
Through the first month of the season, Coyle has attempted 18 shots. The Weymouth native is shooting the puck 20 percent of the time after finishing last season at 7.6. Whenever he is on the ice, Coyle is creating scoring chances. He has also shown a flair for being in the right place at the right time.
In seven games this season, the 29-year-old has five points, including one on the powerplay. The second-line center already has three goals. It took him 16 games to hit that mark last season. Coyle has also been solid in the faceoff circle, where he has a 40 percent winning percentage while taking on a new role.
With the departure of David Krejci in the offseason, Coyle has become the new second-line center. The Boston University product has responded by recording five points in his last six games. On Saturday night, he came through in the clutch with the shootout winner as the Bruins ended their two-game losing streak. Through the first few weeks of the season, he has been one of the Bruins most consistent pieces while averaging 16:38 minutes of ice time a game. At both ends of the ice, he is making a difference.
Although the 2021-2022 campaign just began, Coyle has already landed 14 hits and blocked four shots. The former 28th overall pick has been one of the Bruins’ best forwards at protecting the puck and only has two giveaways. In his fourth season with Boston, Coyle is adjusting well to the increased pressure and has been an early bright spot.
In an Eastern Conference full of talented teams, the Bruins have a small margin for error. They have already faced some of hockey’s best and struggled as their top line is still rounding into form. With Coyle’s hot start, however, the second line has shown its potential. Their consistency will be critical going forward as the Bruins look to rise in the standings.
It has been an impressive start for Coyle as he looks to remind fans of his importance in the lineup.