For the last few seasons, the Bruins biggest issue has been the same: second line right wing.
A double digit number of wingers have come and gone with none being able to hold onto the second line right wing spot next to Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci.
With Brett Ritchie continuing to struggle in a top-six role, it was time for another second line shake up by head coach Bruce Cassidy.
But this time, it was a shake up that worked.
Propelling the Bruins to a 4-2 victory in Florida Saturday night was a line of DeBrusk, Krejci and Charlie Coyle.
“They certainly were excellent,… Cassidy said. “Was it Charlie or was it the other two guys just knowing that sooner or later, they're good players, they're gonna come around? I think it's a bit of both. Charlie's a good presence in the slot, he'll help below the goal line.…
It’s not the ideal situation for Cassidy as Coyle is at his best playing down the middle, anchoring the Bruins young third line. But given the Bruins recent struggles, and their issues putting the puck in the net during their five-game losing streak, something had to give.
"It was the first time in a while that we kind of controlled the pace of play when we were out there and it's just one of those things that you try to keep building as the year goes along,… DeBrusk, who opened the scoring for the Bruins with his 100th career point said.
Coyle did not factor into any of the scoring, but the veteran certainly made an impact as both DeBrusk and Krejci picked up a goal and an assist.
"It was nice to produce two goals five-on-five,… DeBrusk added. “That's something that we want to do, especially this time when it's kind of backs against the wall going up against a good Florida team with a good home record. We knew that we had to be good and it was nice to see."
Coyle doesn’t bring the same style of play Milan Lucic or Nathan Horton did. Two guys who fit in well with Krejci and his skillset. But Coyle has the speed and smarts to skate with Krejci, and DeBrusk, complimenting the two perfectly.
The difference between Ritchie and Coyle is eye opening.
In 35:42 of 5v5 ice time together, DeBrusk, Krejci and Ritchie have 18 shot attempts, one goal and five high danger scoring chances.
With Coyle to the right of DeBrusk and Krejci, the three have 11 shots attempts, one goal and five high danger scoring chances in 19:59 of 5v5 time.
With Coyle on the second line, a hole opens up on the third line center position. Sean Kuraly got the nod there Saturday.
Kuraly is not quite the long-term option there, but he provides Cassidy with a reliable body down the middle, allowing Coyle to round out the top-six.
As the Bruins move forward and closer towards the trade deadline, having Coyle produce on the second line wing gives general manager Don Sweeney more options, as being able to acquire a third line center helps solve the Bruins issues on the right wing.
Either way, the Bruins have an answer to their second line right wing woes… for now.