By: Jeff Playdon | Follow me on Twitter @PlaydonJeff
On Tuesday night’s contest against the New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins found themselves in a 1-1 tie at the beginning of the second period. With 18:43 remaining in the period, Nick Foligno sent a backhand attempt at Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, which deflected up to the top of the net. Steen didn’t quit on the play and saw an opportunity to make something happen, reaching his stick up under the crossbar to give the puck a poke. It sent the puck off the top of the net and onto the back of Blackwood, where it rolled into the back of the net. It was Steen’s first career NHL goal and one that no one will forget.
Journey to Playing for the Bruins
Boston drafted Steen in the sixth round, 165th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. However, it wasn’t until 2019-2020 when Steen would play in the U.S for the AHL Providence Bruins. Before that, Steen was playing overseas for Sweden. In his first season playing for Providence, Steen played in 60 games totaling seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points. The following season, which was shortened due to COVID-19, Steen played in 23 games, scored five goals and six assists for eleven points. The Swedish Stud has recently made his case for a spot in the Boston lineup with some solid play in the AHL, tallying five goals and six assists over 23 games for the Providence Bruins this season.
Tuesday night was Steen’s fifth career NHL game this season and the eighth of his career. Steen made his NHL debut last season. Earlier in the season, on October 24th against the San Jose Sharks, Steen recorded his first career NHL point when he assisted on a Jake Debrusk goal. The Bruins would end up beating the San Jose Sharks 4-3. Since then, Steen had been looking for that first career NHL goal. Finally, on Tuesday night, Steen was able to get that coveted first NHL goal. After the game, Coach Cassidy was asked about Steen and his recent play. This is what he had to say:
“Guys like Oskar, He’s quiet, works hard, plays the right way. He plays a courageous game. I think people are rooting for him. The goal was clever. Some guys might have tried to bat it off. It was a clever play, a little composure; I’m happy for him”.
What’s next for Steen?
After scoring his first goal and playing with intensity, the Bruins should look at keeping Steen up in Boston. Especially if Steen can keep producing, he deserves a spot on the third or fourth line. With the recent news of Karson Kuhlman and Jake Debrusk landing on the COVID list, it is expected for both of them to miss a few games. That being said, Steen should be able to stay up in Boston and play against Minnesota (January 6th) and Tampa Bay (January 8th). After that. We’ll see how things shake out, but it should be noted that the recent play of Steen has been a pleasure to see. Oskar Steen and the Bruins look to extend the win streak to six on Thursday night when they host the Minnesota Wild.
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