First line sparkles during B’s surge
The Bruins first line is the hottest scoring unit in the NHL and a huge reason why they own a 12-0-4 streak going into tonight’s game with the New Jersey Devils at the Garden.
Left winger Brad Marchand (20-28-48) was named NHL Third Star of the Week yesterday. Marchand had two goals and seven assists in the four games that included a home-andhome sweep of the Montreal Canadiens. Marchand will represent the Bruins at the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
His center, Patrice Bergeron (19-20-39), notched his second hat trick of the season in a 5-1 victory at the Islanders on Jan.18 and has four assists in the last five games.
And right winger David Pastrnak (20-24-44) had two goals and an assist in the 4-1 victory over the Canadiens on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
The Bruins’ Big 3 have a combined 59 goals and 72 assists with a plus-55.
“Every goal against Montreal the other night they had a hand in winning the puck,” said Cassidy. “It is something they do so well and that’s why they are so hard to play against. They all have their individual skills and are 200-foot players but they just never quit on pucks. I think that is the hardest thing to play against them.
“Bergy and March are so strong on their skates and you’ve seen the growth in Pastrnak there. Now we have three guys that can do it, and they are a monster.”
Veteran David Krejci (816-24) centers the second line with Jake DeBrusk (1014-24) and Ryan Spooner (7-10-17). The trio lacks the scoring finesse of the first unit but has been instrumental in extending the streak. They combined for six goals and eight assists in the last five games.
“He (Krejci) is probably getting some lesser matchups on some nights but we are not shying away from matchups for him,” said Cassidy. “We’ve got lot of confidence in that line right now. I think we are seeing Spooner win more and more pucks along the wall and that was a concern. DeBrusk’s game is getting more consistent.”
Riley Nash (6-15-1) centers the third line between rookie Danton Heinen (10-21-31) and veteran David Backes (8-11-19), who missed 17 games due to separate injuries that included colon surgery. The third line’s scoring numbers have dipped but they bring a physical presence to the Bruins attack.
“They are reliable and can play against anybody,” said Cassidy. “They can score but they haven’t much lately but we saw when they get going they can contribute and do their part. For them it is all encompassing in terms of when you can use them in a game. You can start or put them out after we get scored on or after we’ve scored to keep the tempo.”
The Bruins have a better fourth line than most teams. Sean Kuraly (3-5-8) centers the unit with left winger Tim Schaller (5-611) and right winger Noel Acciari (6-1-7).
“The fourth line continually bringing energy and physicality,” said Cassidy. “Their offensive game has dropped off but we are not relying on it every night. They are all in on the (penalty kill) which is functioning very well and they are hard to play against.”