By: Tim A Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
The 2020-2021 Providence Bruins season has officially come to an end. Our boys in black and gold wrapped up their season on Thursday, May 6, 2021, with a 6-3 victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack to help them claim the Atlantic Division crown. This season they were 15-6-2-2 (34 points), which was good for first in the Atlantic Division and third in the American Hockey League. The big reason why the Bruins season is over while other AHL teams are still playing is the realigned divisions due to COVID. The Bruins were in a three-team division: as a result, they had fewer games. At this time, there are no plans for AHL playoffs.
The Providence Bruins had an excellent offense. They scored 78 goals in 25 games, which is 3.12 goals a game. The Bruins defense was even better. They gave up 60 goals in 25 games, which is 2.4 goals a game. From the beginning of the season to the end, the Bruins proved they were the best team in the Atlantic Division by a wide margin. It’s always sad when a season comes to an end, but the Bruins have a lot to be excited about going forward. There are many players to watch, but I will give you three that I am the most excited about moving forward.
My Players To Watch Moving Forward
Up Front
Jakub Lauko: Jakub Lauko is a speedy forward who has as much potential as anyone. He came to Providence last season highly touted after a superb season in the QMJHL. The young forward’s first professional season did not go as planned. It was injury-riddled. Lauko was determined to make this season better, and boy did he succeed. In 23 games, he netted five goals while dishing out 14 assists for 19 total points. That’s .82 points per game. That translates to about 62.32 points over a 76-game AHL season. He is a player to watch going forward. I believe he ends up being a middle-six winger for Boston when all is said and done.
On The Blue Line
Jack Ahcan: 2020-2021 was Jack Ahcan’s first professional season. He came to Providence after a successful four-year career at St. Cloud State University, the last of which he served as the team’s captain. In 144 games with SCSU, he found the back of the net 21 times while dishing out 82 assists for 103 total points. Ahcan hoped to bring his puck-moving ability to the professional ranks, and he did just that. In 19 games with Providence, he netted one goal while dishing out nine assists for ten total points. Ahcan also made his NHL debut with Boston. He played in two games and did not register on the scoresheet. The young defenseman is speedy and can play in every area of the ice. He is one to watch moving forward.
In Net
Jeremy Swayman: Jeremy Swayman is someone I’ve been excited about for a long time. The former fourth-round pick came to Providence after a successful three-year career at the University of Maine. In his last season at UMaine, he was an All-American, a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the nation’s top collegiate player. Swayman also won the Mike Richter Award, which goes to the nation’s top collegiate goalie. All of that success has carried over to the professional ranks. In nine games with Providence this season, he went 8-1 with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage. The young goalie has also spent time with Boston due to injury and COVID protocols. In nine games with Boston, he’s 7-3 with a 1.50 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage. Look for him going forward.
It was an excellent season for the Providence Bruins despite the late start and COVID procedures. Many players got some quality experience that will help them moving forward. As a whole, not only Providence but Boston has an exciting future ahead. It has been a blast providing you with updates on the minor league squad and their prospects. Even though the season is over, I will still be bringing prospect coverage with their season reviews. Be on the lookout for that! I hope everyone enjoyed the season. Feel free to send me any comments or questions on Twitter. As always, GO, Bs, GO!
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