Much has been made about the Boston Bruins' fourth line as we enter the 2026-27 season. With Matthew Poitras and Dans Locmelis nipping at the three veterans' heels for a spot in the lineup, the Bruins made a statement on opening night by keeping the veteran trio together and even giving Tanner Jeannot an assistant captain's letter in Charlie McAvoy's absence. Jeannot and Sean Kuraly didn't have particularly great games, but Mark Kastelic was one of the team's best forwards in the 3-0 win.
On nights when David Pastrnak or the second line doesn't record any points, the Bruins are going to need others to step up. Even though Pastrnak's line did score a goal with JJ Peterka's beautiful tally, it was the combination of Fraser Minten and Kastelic who really stole the show up front, despite not playing on each other's line for much of the game.
Marco Sturm replaced James Hagens with Kastelic for a late offensive zone faceoff when it was still a scoreless game. Kastelic did his job and won the faceoff, but the puck cleared to the neutral zone, where the Bruins regained possession and went in transition for Minten's go-ahead goal. Later, Minten and Kastelic were sent out to protect a 2-0 lead; after breaking up an entry, the sophomore passed it to the veteran for an empty-net goal and a very productive night.
Mark Kastelic versus #nyr
— Bruins Media (@BruinsMedia1) September 30, 2026
1 Goal
+2
13:07 TOI
3 Blocks
3 Hits
1 Takeaway
0 Giveaways
66% at the Dot (2-3)
Kastelic was on the ice for Fraser Minten’s game-winner and later buried the empty-netter to help seal Boston’s 3-0 win.
Does Mark Kastelic deserve more minutes?
Kastelic is a force when utilized correctly, and dating back to last season, he is the catalyst of the fourth line. While we all love that trio, I think any combination would work, whether it's Locmelis or Poitras replacing one of the others, as long as Kastelic plays at his best.
Does Mark Kastelic deserve more minutes?
Bruins Media's X post above asks the question of whether Kastelic deserves more minutes. The fourth-liner is playing the perfect amount, and asking him to do anything else would be stretching him too thin. People are quick to try and give bottom-six forwards more opportunity, but most times they are better off just staying in their lane.
As long as Kastelic is winning his 13 minutes per night, the Bruins will be in a good spot. Take the opener, for example. The top-six wasn't scoring, but all it took was a good shift late in the third period by Kastelic to blow the game open and skate to a 3-0 victory. Why kill his confidence by playing him up in the lineup and potentially failing? The gritty forward has carved out a role, and he is a perfect fit for the Bruins.
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