By: Melanie DaSilva | Follow me on Twitter @meldasilva9
The Boston Bruins’ top-six forwards have been on fire recently, especially Jake DeBrusk. He has excelled after moving up to the Bruins’ first line alongside Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.
The 25-year-old has scored six goals in five games, tying the longest such streak of his career with eight points. DeBrusk also hit the 20-goal mark for the second time in his career and the first time since his high of 27 set in the 2018-19 season.
“It’s nice to bury some opportunities. Got kind of lucky in this stretch. You need some lucky bounces to go your way,” DeBrusk said. “But anytime you can help contribute and help the team win, especially around this time of year — it’s the playoff push — it’s always really nice. It’s something that gives you confidence.”
He currently has the third-most goals on the team with 21, sitting behind David Pastrnak (38) and Brad Marchand (31).
“That’s a point of emphasis to have production, especially with the situation I’m in right now,” DeBrusk said.
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy was impressed by DeBrusk’s two-goal game Monday night, but that wasn’t the only thing. After Marchand took a shot after the whistle blew during a scrum in the second period, DeBrusk stepped in.
“It was great to see him stick up for his teammate…that goes a long way, more than a goal will,” Cassidy said. “Trust me; we want the overtime goal, don’t get me wrong. But in terms of what you’re doing for your team and your team-building aspect, coming in and sticking up for your teammate, guys, don’t forget that. They don’t forget that.”
“When it’s your turn, it’s your turn. And he’s on that line. If someone goes after March or [Patrice Bergeron], whatever the case may be, he’s got to get in there and be a part of it. And he did, credit to him,” he continued.
DeBrusk previously requested a trade in late November but signed a two-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of $4 million just hours before the NHL trade deadline. The two-year deal allows DeBrusk to relaunch his game and set himself up for a better and even wealthier contract.
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