It’s February for the Bruins. They’re in the thick of the dog days of the NHL season. The hype of a new season has well worn off and the playoff hype is about a month away. That is if Boston can stay in the playoffs.
Please Just Score Goals
The Bruins received what is the equivalent of three different gut punches last week. Tuukka Rask retired, Patrice Bergeron got injured, and Brad Marchand yet again got suspended. Not exactly confidence boosters. But you would expect Boston’s depth guys to step it up after those happenings right?
In their last four games, Boston has scored 4 goals and has only picked up one win. Just not a fun stretch of play at all. Even in their win against the Senators, Boston kind of looked like they were on their heels for much of the game. The Bruins just do not seem to have a shooting mentality right now.
I am never really the guy to try and scapegoat players, but honestly if feel part of this has to do with David Pastrňák‘s production right now. Besides a very good streak in January, Pastrňák has just not been himself this season. And when the guy who’s supposed to be your top goal scorer struggles, I could imagine that dribbling down to everyone else on the team.
Marchand’s Long and Dragged Out Appeal
Brad Marchand traveled to New York with the Bruins in order to appeal his suspension in person. Good on him honestly because I also believe that Marchand should not have received 6 games. Marchand delivered his appeal before the Bruins played the Rangers this past Tuesday. And it is now Friday, February 18th as of writing this, and a decision still has not been made by the NHL.
This is just another reason on a long list of why I think the Department of Player Safety is a joke. If a decision does not come today or tomorrow, Marchand will have already served 5 out of 6 games. If they do not want to grant him an appeal, just say no. Why drag it out? It really just seems insulting.
Will a Trade Fix This?
It’s honestly hard to say with the Bruins. Sometimes it looks like this team is one piece away from being a top contender. Other times it looks like they have more holes than Swiss cheese. But making a big trade still would not hurt. And of all the holes that they need to plug right now, the one that desperately needs it in my opinion is still David Krejci’s old second-line center spot.
The best candidate for this spot in my opinion is J.T. Miller of the Canucks. Miller is responsible at both ends of the ice, which makes him a perfect fit in the Bruins system. He’s also currently on the right side of 30, meaning that he most likely would not be a rental. Miller would not only plug a hole but potentially allow the Bruins to keep their Cup window (very precariously) open for a year or two more. And maybe if he is brought in, they can finally fix their defensive gaps this offseason. Or even this season with another big trade.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley and I’m the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the B’s. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey as well for all your NHL needs!
