Top line draws three of a kind
As much hype as the Bruins’ top line has generated, an argument could be made they’re not even the best in the NHL.
They will be tested tonight in Colorado against the Avalanche’s own version of a superline, powered by NHL points leader Mikko Rantanen alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog.
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
It’s the closest to evenly matched as the trio of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak have faced to date.
“Our trio isn’t as big, but they have plenty of courage that makes up for that,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Those guys have plenty of size and they make enough plays so we have to be as dynamic as them.”
The Bergeron line has combined for 68 points and the Avalanche top unit has totaled 69 points. They’ve been on par with each other for much of the season, with Pastrnak currently in the lead in goals with 16, but Rantanen at the head with 26 points.
“It’s hard to pick between the two lines as far as who’s better,” Cassidy said. “From my point of view, I love our top line as the best and I’m sure (Avalanche coach Jared Bednar) would say the same (about his line.)”
Over the past four home games, Bergeron’s line has worked to shut down the Maple Leafs’ prolific offense 5-on-5 while also holding Dallas to a single tally.
They’ve been tested with some good teams and strong offensive groups, but the Avalanche are the most similar to themselves they have seen so far.
“They have a lot of skills and a lot of chemistry,” Bergeron said. “I think we also have that chemistry going on. We’re trying to approach it as a game where it’s a long road trip and we have to start it on the right track.”
There’s other things to worry about against the Avalanche, with former Bruin Carl Soderberg and Harvard alum Alex Kerfoot having strong seasons, while defender Tyson Barrie always is a threat.
While those viable threats are handled, however, eyes still will be glued to the top three on each squad.
“It will be good if they match up, they control that matchup,” Cassidy said. “At the end of the day, it might settle that argument, for a night anyways.”
Injury update
Kevan Miller will make the trip out west with the Bruins and start practicing, but won’t be ready for game action likely until Nov. 21 against the Red Wings.
Charlie McAvoy and Urho Vaakanainen began skating, with the latter taking part in practice drills in a noncontact jersey. Neither of them will make the initial trip.
Brandon Carlo will not travel until the later portion of the trip and remains out with an upper-body injury.
Jaroslav Halak will start in net at Colorado, with Tuukka Rask getting into a game in one of the back-to-back contests in either Arizona or Dallas.
Zboril called up
With the injuries in the blueline, Jakub Zboril was recalled to the NHL for the first time.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “Keep going at it, and try to get the chance to play in a game.”
A year ago in Providence, Zboril posted four goals and 15 assists in 68 games. He has two goals and two assists through 13 games this season before being recalled.
“When I got the call yesterday I started sweating right away,” the 21-year-old said. “I got so nervous. Right now after practice I’m pretty confident, and I’m excited for it.”