By: Edward Dunn | Follow me on Twitter @EdwardDunn71
The Shining Star Showcase is a weekly series reviewing the Providence Bruins based on their performance after their most recent games each week. The Bruins have played nine games and are leading the division by nine points over Hartford in second place. They have extended their lead to eleven points over Bridgeport in third place. The Bruins have an impressive 7-2 record. The team won three of their last four contests, and their loss was in overtime. This netted them seven points out of a possible eight over that four-game span. We continue to see Dan Vladar and Jeremy Swayman taking turns as goaltenders between the pipes. We will look at the last trio of games, and here are the players that made the Shining Star Showcase this week (March 2 – March 8).
Shining Star: Samuel Asselin
This was an effortless choice to lead off the Showcase this week. Samuel Asselin scored the game-tying, go-ahead, and insurance goals back-to-back-to-back in their win Tuesday’s 4 – 2 win over Hartford at the XL Center. Samuel scoring a hat trick to round out the scoring for Providence and placed a well-deserved star on a well-deserved win. Asselin was sniper-like in his effort as he only took five shots and scored three goals. The goals score were number two, three, and four on the season. Congratulations, Samuel, on your hat trick and your contributions to the team!
Shining Star: Jeremy Swayman
Where to begin. There are so many accolades that are deserving of Jeremy Swayman it is difficult to identify them all. Swayman continues to show no signs of being a rookie goaltender after his fifth start against Bridgeport. Swayman has his fifth win in as many starts. He is the only goaltender to remain undefeated after five starts. With just seven seconds short of 300 total minutes of time on the ice Swayman finished his start sending away 25 of 26 shots in the Bruins 4-1 win. The netminder has been doing just that with a 1.80 goals-against-average alongside a .935 save percentage. Jeremy continues not only his undefeated streak he also continues to make every Shining Start Showcase in as many weeks.
Shining Star: Oskar Steen
Welcome to the Club Oskar! Debuting this week on the Shining Star Showcase is Oskar Steen. He took to the ice on Thursday and scored the first two goals of the game. Steen wasted little time as he scored just 68 seconds into the contest against Bridgeport. The lone goal for the period on both sides lasted past the halfway point of the second period when Steen lit the lamp again, putting in the eventual game-winner in the Bruins 4-1 win. Steen ended the game with a plus-minus of +3. A solid effort gets rewarded with an appearance on the Showcase.
Shining Star: Anton Blidh
Linemates who score together showcase together. Anton Blidh, you are hereby welcomed to the Shining Star Showcase for assisting Oskar Steen with his two goals Thursday. The former taxi squad member has returned to Providence and shows no holding back in his effort with and without the puck. Blidh fed Steen for both goals over Bridgeport, as well as being a plugin the offensive game plan for the Sound Tigers. Anton shows what it means to be as effective and contributory handling the puck and handling his zone of the ice, causing fits for Bridgeport in their 4-1 win Thursday.
Who Will Shine Next?
As we await the results of the upcoming games on Wednesday, March 10 against Bridgeport, Friday versus Hartford, and Monday, March 15 against Bridgeport, who do you think will shine? Will we have any repeat stars, or will there be a new group that comes to the forefront? Come back to find out.
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