Don Sweeney has been a magician when the deadline rolled around. He finally put all his chips in the middle and went all in on this core group. It wasn’t the flashiest toy on the shelf like Patrick Kane, but every player acquired has made an impact. In addition, these players all fit a need and we’re brought in to make the team better. One player in particular that is a huge boost is Boston Bruins Tyler Bertuzzi.
Boston Bruins Tyler Bertuzzi Fitting In Nicely
Panic began to set in when the news broke that Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno would miss time. Granted Taylor Hall is skating at the Warrior practice arena, but losing Hall is a gut punch. But Sweeney went ahead and addressed that situation and acquired Tyler Bertuzzi. This is the perfect Bruin and embodies what wearing the Spoked B is. He has that Big Bad Bruin-type attitude and brings a ton to the table. However, Bertuzzi has not found the back of the net yet, but his impact is noticeable on the ice.
Why Bertuzzi Will Be Fine
Boston Bruins Tyler Bertuzzi has made his impacts on the lineup. Primarily he has been playing on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic, and the trio has caught some fire together. Bertuzzi has yet to score a goal, but he has made really nice plays and forecheck hard. His assist last night is exactly one of those type of plays he has made.
SOME FREDDY FIRE FIRST THING 🚨 pic.twitter.com/pXUVVLSnu2
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 17, 2023
Bertuzzi also got on the board his first game in the lineup. He has three assists in six games in the black and gold. Nobody should panic. Comparing Bertuzzi to begin the year with Detroit and now with Boston is noticeable in his play. Per Natural Stat Trick, here is what he has looked like this season:
29 Games
3.74 GA/60
2.69 xGA/60
50.34 Corsi for (1st on Detroit)
41.03 Goals For % (last on team)
XGoals For Percentage: 50.26 (third on team)
High danger goals for: 6 (sixth fewest)
1.66 GA/60
1.84 xGA/60
66.67 GF%
56.21 Corsi For (4th on Team)
XGoals For Percentage: 64.35 (2nd on team)
You can chalk this up to being in a better defensive system, but Bertuzzi has been playing better hockey since coming over. Not only is he playing better defensively, but he is getting his looks and generating chances.
Final Thoughts
Tyler Bertuzzi is a great grab for the Boston Bruins. This is a great addition to the team and the chemistry he has built so far is noticeable. The goals will come eventually without question. This is a player that was a top-six winger in Detroit. In addition, he had a career season where he scored 30 goals and 62 points. Bertuzzi is doing the little things out there and the plays he has made down low behind the net are great to see. Playoff Bert will be something to watch.