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For the first time in general manager Don Sweeney’s three-year run as the team’s decision maker, the Bruins opted not to spend anything close to big money in free agency. They hardly spent any money at all, actually. That decision was made with Sweeney showing a commitment and deep faith in what some of the organization’s young, unknown talent could bring to the NHL table in 2017.
And it took all of the first 8:37 of the new season, and in what finished a 4-3 victory for the Black and Gold, for Sweeney’s Bruins to reap their first of what should be many rewards for that faith.
It started with Jake DeBrusk’s effort in the cycle game leading to a Boston power-play opportunity. From there, Charlie McAvoy fed David Pastrnak a pass that earned the B’s a 1-0 lead, and the 19-year-old McAvoy’s first (regular season) NHL point. DeBrusk then scored Boston’s second goal of the night, with a secondary assist to the 21-year-old Anders Bjork, and it was McAvoy that came through and joined the goal party, with a bullet ripped home for his first career NHL goal.
“They all had good moments, they all had learning moments throughout the course of the game, as we expected, but they stayed with it,… Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said of his rookies’ impact in a winning effort. “They’re good players and obviously helped us win a hockey game. But, that’s what they’re here for. They were put in good positions to do that, and I thought our veteran guys pulled them along well. But, they’re good players and they did their part, so we’re very pleased with them.…
Surprising? To some, of course. But not to the guys on the ice.
“That’s the way the league is going right now – the young guys that are skilled and good skaters,… Pastrnak, who finished the night with one goal and four shots, said. “That’s the reason why they’re here, because you can see it today, all of them were key players for us.…
“We’ve seen that in practices, so it’s not a surprise but I think it’s very entertaining and exciting for the fans to see what kind of hockey we play,… Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask said. “You know, it will be challenging to play like this, obviously, every game. There’s going to be some games we can’t push the pace as much, but, you know, it’s very exciting, for sure.…
With the added skill and speed of these kids came a noticeable increase in the offensive creativity, which is exactly what the Bruins had for a full 60 minutes, with consistent movement and scoring chances that developed out of their unpredictability and take-charge attitude in the offensive zone.
“We know there will be challenges along the way but it’s the culture we’re trying to create,… Cassidy said of the team’s up-tempo style. “So, if we continue to work on our fitness and practice habits and get it in our heads that’s the way we want to play – we want to be relentless, not reckless, for 60 minutes. Today we were, for about 58 and a half, which is pretty good. So, we’ll keep pushing that.…
And with their wide-eyed youngsters looking every bit ready to help lead the charge.
Rask finished with stops on 26 of 29 shots thrown his way.
This and that
- The talk of the town will be about the kids, and rightfully so, but this was a monster game from David Krejci. In what was his first three-assist game since Mar. 2014, the 31-year-old pivot was all over the place, and seemed to have one of his best skating games in what felt like years.
Krejci’s impact on this game was so strong that Cassidy had no problem putting NHL first timers Anders Bjork and Jake DeBrusk on his wings midway through the game.
“We thought we’d look at it at some point. It just happened [tonight],… Cassidy said. “They were going to be on the second power play unit together, so figured it might kind of gravitate towards that, and it did. And they looked good tonight. Again, we’ll revisit it. Worked well for us tonight.…
- The average age of the seven Bruins that finished tonight’s game with at least one point: 23 years old. Only two of those seven players are actually over the age of 23, by the way, with the 29-year-old Marchand and 31-year-old Krejci. The other five are all 21 or younger. The youth movement is real.
- Noel Acciari (upper-body) was dinged up in this one, and the Bruins do not expect him to be ready to go for Game No. 2 of this season. If he’s unable to go, and if Patrice Bergeron (lower-body) is not yet healthy enough to play, the Bruins will have to make a call from Providence. Early odds would have to be on Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson or perhaps Jesse Gabrielle, given the role they would be filling for the B’s. Maybe even Anton Blidh gets a call and returns to the NHL for a game or two.
- David Backes will miss the next three-to-four weeks after being diagnosed with diverticulitis. The 33-year-old Backes has been undergoing treatment at Mass General Hospital, and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Google what diverticulitis is at your own risk. (It’s not very pleasant at all.)
Up next
The Bruins will take Friday off before returning to the practice rink Saturday, and then returning to game action with a Columbus Day matinee against the Avalanche on Monday.
Ty Anderson is the Boston Bruins beat writer for WEEI.com, and has been covering the National Hockey League for HockeyBuzz.com since 2010. He can be heard on the Saturday Skate program on 93.7 WEEI (Boston), and has been part of the Boston Chapter of the PHWA since 2013. Contact him on Twitter or send him an email at Ty.AndersonHB[at]gmail.com.