Learning curve for Carlo
Defense partners help youngster craft game
CALGARY, Alberta — Brandon Carlo chose to go the junior hockey route instead of college, but in his time with the Bruins he is working toward an advanced degree in how to be an NHL defenseman.
Based on his three regular defense partners, the 21-year-old Carlo has enjoyed a wide and varied course selection.
Two years ago, he was shepherded into the league by captain Zdeno Chara, who would occasionally provide cover for the young defenseman which allowed him to flourish in a solid, consistent rookie season. When paired with the more offensive-minded Torey Krug last year, the road was bumpier until they hit their stride in the last month before Carlo suffered a season-ending broken ankle.
This season, Carlo has been paired with newcomer John Moore, a defensefirst blueliner who is a terrific skater and can contribute at the other end of the ice as well.
“It’s been fun, honestly,” Carlo said. “It’s a challenge in a way. You get different things with each different partner. With Z, we were both defensive guys and when I was with Torey, he was the offensive guy and I put a little more responsibility on my shoulders and now Johnny’s kind of that two-way guy. It’s about reading the rush and when they want to jump in the play, different things like that. I’ve enjoyed the challenge and I feel like it’s just going to make me a better player overall playing with these guys.”
In his first season, Carlo gave hints there’d be an offensive side to his game as he popped in six goals with 10 assists, but last year he went goal-less with just six assists. His game will never be defined by stats, but he conceded he deferred a little too much to Krug last year.
“I think so, absolutely. I think I didn’t really recognize the way (coach Bruce Cassidy) talks to us about getting up into the play and joining the rush and different things like that,” he said. “I definitely want to do a little bit more of that this year.”
So far, Cassidy has liked what he’s seen from the Colorado native.
“I think he’s trying to play a harder game. I think he definitely understands his role. He needs to be a shutdown guy. He’ll probably see the other team’s second line a lot,” said Cassidy. “But I think his puck play has gotten better. We’ve challenged him on that end, to be more involved offensively so he’s trying to do that. It’s not as natural as his defensive game, but it’s growing.”
Carlo is also feeling good about his growing chemistry with Moore.
“We’re starting to understand where we’re at with our positioning on the ice and I think it’s been good,” Carlo said. “Now that it is my third year, I understand the system a little bit and I can help Johnny at certain times where he might need to be. . . . It’s been good so far.”
As another sign of his growing maturity, Carlo has learned how to tune out the noise. He has been the subject of much trade speculation since his rookie season. It used to get to him, but not so much anymore.
“I’d initially in my first year, I’d be like ‘Wow, what’s going on here?’ Because I was paying attention to the tweets and stuff like that,” Carlo said. “But I’ve shied away from that now. I just don’t find it very positive in my life. It’s nothing I need to be worrying about. I just want to go out there and do my job and whatever happens from there, happens from there.”