Frederic finding his niche
Rugged winger starting to click offensively with Coyle
When Trent Frederic was inserted into the Bruins lineup at the start of last season, he looked like he might be the second coming of Terry O’reilly, or at least the 21st century version of the Bruins’ pugilistic icon. Not backing down from the likes of Tom Wilson and getting in the face of established stars like P.K. Subban quickly made Frederic a favorite of a certain section of fandom.
But while that kind of extracurricular activity still has value today, it is just that. It is more sizzle than steak. The meat is in how you play your position and how you help your team win games.
Later last season and earlier this season, it was not always evident that Frederic was going to turn a corner in that department. But it seems that since returning to the lineup from a concussion, and especially since being placed on a line with center Charlie Coyle and right wing Craig Smith, Frederic is starting to figure out what he has to do to stay in the lineup.
Bruce Cassidy still has his fingers crossed on the 24-yearold Frederic’s play, considering the small sample size. But the coach likes how the rugged forward is trending.
“When you’re young – and he’s sort of getting past the young stage, but he’s still young
– the more you’re consistently in the lineup, consistent with your linemates, that brings it out as well. That’s a two-way street always between us and him. And him meeting expectations makes it easier for us to do that with him, so good for him,” said Cassidy on Sunday. “He’s finding out where he fits on that line and I think it is a complement to him to play with a guy like Charlie who’s good at puck possession. Fred