By: Jason Cooke | Follow me on Twitter / X @cookejournalism
After going the first eight games of the 2023-24 season without scoring a goal, Boston Bruins forward Jake Debrusk is beginning to find his touch around the net. Not only has DeBrusk lit the lamp in each of Boston’s last two games, but his pair of tucks was reminiscent of the style of hockey he has perfected throughout his time in Boston: scrappy, hungry, and relentless.
Entering the final season of his two-year, $8 million contract with Boston, DeBrusk had lofty expectations for himself as his contract year approached this winter. Coming off a career season in which the seventh-year Bruin posted 27 goals and 23 assists for 50 points, it looked like the 27-year-old was in line for a payday when negotiations for a new contract began sometime this season.
DeBrusk’s trajectory didn’t exactly go as planned. After going the entire month of October without scoring a goal, the 6’0″, 188-pound left winger may have flipped the script. DeBrusk has collected points in three of his last four games, improving his total to seven this season for the Black and Gold.
Before DeBrusk found the back of the net in Boston’s last two games, his overall play began to drastically improve. While picking up an assist in Boston’s 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadians on November 18th, DeBrusk skated to one of his best games this season. DeBrusk impacted all three zones, utilizing his speed and physicality to create opportunities for the Bruins all night.
When DeBrusk plays his hard-nosed brand of hockey, good things happen. In Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers, DeBrusk did just that. Winning a puck battle in the corner, he powered his way to the Florida goal, collecting his rebound before firing a puck between the legs of the goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Just like that, Bruins fans were reminded of DeBrusk’s scoring capabilities.
He didn’t stop there. On Friday, in a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, DeBrusk’s net-front goal was one of Boston’s few positives. DeBrusk stayed with a scrambling puck on the power play and eventually batted it home for his second goal in two straight games.
After a lackluster start to the season, DeBrusk has improved his season totals to three goals and five assists for eight points. Anchoring a third-line role with newcomer Matthew Poitras as of late, DeBrusk has been able to showcase his offensive skill in what appears to be a solid line combination with either Danton Heinen or Morgan Geekie. While he isn’t playing alongside stars Brad Marchand or David Pastrnak, DeBrusk has started to create offensive opportunities on his own.
DeBrusk is a spark. Once lit, he may be a force to be reckoned with. The Bruins will need the speed and tenacity moving forward if they want to continue yet another historic regular season en route to a push and secure a Stanley Cup Playoff spot.
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