By Andrew Bluestein | Follow Me On Twitter @adbblue
It’s been six games into the Boston Bruins Centennial season, and the team is 6-0-0. There were a lot of questions about the center position coming into the season.
With the retirement of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, the Bruins needed someone to step up. Well, 2022 second-round pick Matt Poitras has answered the call.
The 19-year-old had a remarkable training camp, leading the team in preseason points. He earned an opening night roster spot for his efforts and hasn’t looked back. Poitras got on the score sheet right away, recording an assist in his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The young center is listed at 5’11 and 180 lbs, but he’s shown he’s not afraid to put himself in harm’s way. His board play has been solid while winning puck battles and taking hits to make plays. Furthermore, he isn’t hesitant to go to the front of the net.
It seems like he one-ups himself every night. The details of his game are highly noticeable. He is seemingly always in the right spot, as his positioning is outstanding. It’s clear that his hockey IQ is a large strength of his game.
Poitras recorded his first career NHL goal against the Anaheim Ducks on a great backhanded feed from Morgan Geekie. He went hard to the net and slapped the puck home past Ducks goalie John Gibson. In the same game, shortly after that, Poitras struck again. Perfectly positioned in front of the net, banking in a rebound off a Jake DeBrusk shot.
Poitras put on a forechecking clinic the following game in Chicago against the Blackhawks. He was relentless all night, and his efforts paid off in the third period.
His positioning in the high defensive zone generated a steal, and using his speed, he sprung himself on a breakaway. The rookie finished it off, beating Petr Mrazek on a beautiful backhand to forehand move. It was his third goal in two games.
Poitras’s efforts have certainly gotten the attention of the Bruins coaching staff. In the game on Tuesday against Chicago, he got promoted to the top line with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. That shows the coaches’ trust in the kid, and they rightfully rewarded him.
Poitras had been skating with Morgan Geekie and Jake DeBrusk prior to that and was back with them at today’s morning skate. But we’ll see if Jim Montgomery shakes things up again tonight against the Anaheim Ducks.
Since Poitras is 19 years old, he isn’t eligible to be assigned to AHL affiliate Providence. Because he made the NHL roster, the Bruins have nine games to decide if they want to keep him or send him back to juniors. Poitras played for the Guelph Storm of the OHL last season, where he was their leading scorer. In 63 games, he recorded 16 goals and 79 assists for 95 points.
It’s safe to assume at this point that the Brooklin, Ontario, Canada native isn’t going anywhere. He has four points, and his effort and performance have forced the organization to keep him in Boston. But that is great for the team, as he’s undoubtedly been a factor in their undefeated start.
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