By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter / X @KennyKaminskyy
If you have ever taken a high school physics class, you would know that opposites attract. Funny enough, that’s a solid comparison for the Boston Bruins’ projected third defensive pairing: Andrew Peeke, who was dealt to the Bruins in a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2024 Trade Deadline, and Mason Lohrei, who only needed two seasons at Ohio State before being offered a contract to become a Bruin.
Peeke is a defensive defenseman who won’t dazzle you with highlight-reel goals but is very dependable when defending the back end. Peeke, now 26, played at the University of Notre Dame. In 2017, he earned his way onto the Hockey East All-Rookie team. His six-foot-three, 216-pound frame is a nightmare for skilled guys to work around. In his limited role with the Bruins, he was far from transparent. His shot-blocking and heavy-hitting abilities were indeed distinguishable in the arena.
Lohrei is an offensive spark plug. During the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Playoff run, He wowed Bruins fans with his skill and creativity. He played two seasons at Ohio State. In both seasons, he was a team leader in points, which is extremely impressive for an underclassman in the Big Ten conference. After being knocked out by the eventual champion Quinnipiac Bobcats, Lohrei decided to turn pro. He finished the season with the Providence Bruins; he tallied one assist in five games.
Lohrei had an adequate 2023-24 season in Boston, with 13 points in 41 games. However, in Providence, he scored an outstanding 16 points in 21 games. On April 23rd, Lohrei was recalled from the American Hockey League and debuted in game three of the first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. At times, the rookie defensemen looked timid and hesitant. Lohrei seemed overwhelmed, but Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery gave him another chance. He quickly earned an everyday role with the team.
In each game, he looked more and more like himself. Lohrei showed his confidence in the second-round series against the Florida Panthers. He made jaw-dropping plays like a top-shelf snipe over the shoulder of Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. Lohrei was undoubtedly a bright spot in a disappointing series for the Bruins.Ā
Fans should be excited to see Lohrei develop. Partnering with Peeke will give him additional chances to show off those skills. Lohrei can resume his offensive progression while working with one of the organization’s best pure defensemen. Peeke being a mentor is the best thing for the team, as Lohrei looked a little flustered against the opponent’s top six, but that is to be expected from a rookie in his first playoff experience.
Having Lohrei and Peeke round out the D-core ensures Lohrei’s development while guaranteeing comfort at both ends of the ice. As fans, the best-case scenario is that Peeke’s defensive ability rubs off on Lohrei, and Lohrei’s offensive creativity rubs off on Peeke. This pairing is truly a match made in heaven and makes the Bruins’s defense look like a front-runner for best in the National Hockey League.
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