This is just rich. The Bruins are playing their best games of the season and they’re on the west coast. Meaning that if I want to watch, I have to evicerate my sleep schedule. And boy have I.
Everything is Coming Together
Boston is finally really looking like a team to watch out for in the playoffs. This year’s west coast road trip has proven to be very successful. Boston was able to go toe to toe with two of the West’s top teams and dominated both of them. Against LA, the Bruins scored a touchdown, and against Vegas, Boston held control for the entire game.
Really, I would say the only game that Bruins had issues with this road trip was a heartbreaker against the Ducks. But I can forgive that since the Bruins were visibly tired after basically non-stop hockey over the last few weeks. It looks as though all the forward lines, defensive pairings, and goalies are just clicking right now.
You have Jake DeBrusk getting a hat trick with Boston’s top-line, and Craig Smith getting a hat trick with Boston’s third-line. And not to mention, it almost seems automatic that either David Pastrňák or Taylor Hall will score when the Bruins’ second line is out there. Everyone is just firing off on all cylinders. But again, they of course had to do this at like midnight my time.
Let’s Talk About DeBrusk
Bruins’ coach Bruce Cassidy‘s decision to move Jake DeBrusk alongside Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron has worked wonders for the Bruins. It really looks like right now that this is the right spot for DeBrusk with the way he is playing. However, there is a mammoth in the room. Jake DeBrusk still wants a trade.
It was confirmed earlier this week by his agent, Jake DeBrusk still wants to be moved out of Boston. I still do not blame him, the past few years have been rough on him. And despite his recent play, there is no guarantee that he will stay on Boston’s top line. Ultimately, I still think a trade is what’s best for both parties.
What’s awesome though is that DeBrusk clearly has not given up on the Bruins. He’s still playing his heart out. And I wouldn’t doubt other teams have noticed that. When DeBrusk eventually gets dealt, the Bruins may find themselves with a sizeable return.
Swayman for Calder
A big part of the recent trip that I have not touched upon is Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins’ rookie goalie has been stellar. And by the way, do you know that he is first in the league for goals allowed average and second for save percentage? Because I feel like people are really overlooking Swayman right now.
Perhaps it was due to the Tuukka Rask situation that made people look over Swayman, but the Alaskan really has helped keep Boston in a position to compete. There might be other rookies out there that are flashier than Swayman, but I’d say none are playing at the level Swayamn is right now. Again, he is not just top 5 in rookie goalie stats, but top 5 in all goalie stats.
If he keeps up this pace, Swayman could easily get votes for the Vezina Trophy. He has stolen games for Boston. I honestly feel bad the Bruins are going from one elite goalie in Rask to basically another one in Swayamn.
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!
