So far in 2022, the Boston Bruins’ secondary scoring has come alive. As they have started January 5-1-0, Boston has gotten contributions throughout the lineup.
One player, however, who is making a noticeable difference is Taylor Hall. The former top overall pick has been a points machine after a slow start to the season. In the new year, Hall has been a different player.
Through six games this month, Hall has two goals and five assists. The 2010 draftee has a five-game point streak and helped spark the Bruins’ offense. Although he only has seven goals, he is still finding other ways to show up on the score sheet.
Due to his recent play, the Calgary native now ranks fourth on the Bruins in points this season with 22. Since Bruce Cassidy reshuffled the lines, Hall has started to play like he did when he first arrived in Boston at the trade deadline last year. It is a welcoming sign for a team that needs him to make an impact at both ends of the ice.
While Hall has impressed offensively, he has also blocked 20 shots. He has not been afraid of sacrificing his body and has been more physical than in years past. Through the first four months of the season, he has landed 18 hits while winning 50 percent of his faceoffs. The former Hart Trophy winner already has nine takeaways which matches his total from last year with Boston.
Happy Hall-iday. 🎊 #NHLBruins | @hallsy09 pic.twitter.com/Srd5r4K0Ln
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 1, 2022
Additionally, Hall has created more scoring chances and been aggressive with the puck as of late. Over his last six games, the 30-year-old has attempted 12 shots. He is only shooting the puck 9.2 percent this season but has only gone one game without attempting a shot since the calendar flipped to January.
With Hall in vintage form, the Bruins have been tough to beat. They have outscored opponents 28-15 this month and have not lost on the road. As injuries and positive COVID cases have kept key pieces out of the lineup, Hall has stepped up and been at the center of their success. In his last two games, he has had back-to-back multi-point efforts.
Over the final months of the regular season, Hall will be a player to watch. He has helped spark the secondary scoring while also contributing on the power play. Due to his improved play, the Bruins second line has been a difficult matchup for opponents.
With the Bruins playing their best hockey of the season, Hall’s slow start is becoming a distant memory.