Kids more than all right
B’s rookies shine in playoffs
TORONTO — One of the biggest questions facing the Bruins heading into the playoffs was whether their handful of rookies would be able to keep up their level of play once the spotlight of the postseason warmed up.
The answer through three games?
So far, so good.
Jake DeBrusk has a goal, an assist and made a tremendous rush in Game 3 against Toronto that nearly resulted in a goal for David Krejci. Danton Heinen shook off a tentative first period in Game 1 and has done a good job of winning pucks and battling along the boards. Sean Kuraly, still technically a rookie though he played in the playoffs last season, had a goal in Game 1 and assisted on both Bruins goals in the Game 3 loss. Matt Grzelcyk had been using his quick feet and strong stick work to defend well in the first two games before a lower body injury knocked him out of Game 3. And Charlie McAvoy, who also played in last year’s playoffs, fell a couple of times in Game 2 and narrowly averted disaster but he’s otherwise been good. His 26:21 of ice time in Game 3 led both teams.
“I thought Charlie was much better in Game 3 than Game 2. He had a couple of hiccups there,” said B’s coach Bruce Cassidy. “He found his game and played more. It was an effective night for him. DeBrusk has been good, steady and he’s making some pays, he’s checked well. Danton, for the most part, has done a good job away from the puck, has had a couple of looks, hit a post (in Game 3), had a chance to get his feet wet. (Grzelcyk), we’ll see how he is going forward. He got through practice today so it’s looking like he has a good chance to play (in Game 4 tonight). He’s been fine for us. Kuraly has done a real good job. I put him a little farther than the other guys because of his age and because of his experience last year in the playoffs so he’s been through it a bit. He’s been very good for us.”
The B’s have lived and died with the performance of their top players up front, but the rookies have performed their roles well. DeBrusk credits the leadership group for creating an environment in which the rookies have been able to succeed.
“We’re up 2-1 right now and I guess we’re happy with that. Personally, I think it’s the biggest stage. It’s the NHL playoffs. You get nervous and all that stuff and I think the leadership around this room has helped us out a lot this year and throughout the playoffs,” said DeBrusk. “I’m proud of the guys and proud of what we’ve accomplished but we’re expecting a long series. There’s still lots of hockey to be played. I think it’s been a decent start. Like I said, we’re up 2-1 and we’ll take it. But personally I know I have more to give.”
At 25, Kuraly is the graybeard of the group. It’s a small sample size, but he’s been a player whose best performances come in the postseason. He had two goals, including the overtime winner in Game 5 against Ottawa last year that helped the B’s stave off elimination, and he’s got three points in three games against the Maple Leafs.
Kuraly’s not sure whether it’s a matter of him elevating his game or if the style of hockey in the playoffs is a little more conducive to his rugged, northsouth style.
“I don’t like to say I’m playing a different game at any time. I’m really just trying to put my best foot forward every day. For whatever reason, I’ve played a few playoff games and it’s worked out on the score sheet a little bit better,” Kuraly said. “Maybe it’s just a more focused time of year and you get rewarded for some hard plays and the simple, consistent plays a little. But I haven’t figured it out yet. I don’t know if that’s going to be the case in the playoffs always. I was really excited last year in the playoffs. I had just got called up. It was a few games and I really gave it my all. This year, I got through most of an NHL season and I think I’m just really excited at this time of year.”
And so far, none of the rookies could be considered a weak link.
“It’s been a positive,” Grzelcyk said. “We were all pretty aware that we were going to have to play pretty important roles here just from playing through the regular season. It’s been a focus of ours for a while that we need to be on our toes