By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
David Pastrnak has not appeared in a game for the Boston Bruins since November 26th. The dynamic winger sustained an injury during Boston’s 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders. While Pastrnak has joined the team on this three-game road trip and took part in the morning skate today in St. Louis, Bruins Head Coach Marco Sturm said Pastrnak will be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Blues.
It is impossible to replace a talent like Pastrnak. The forward is gunning for his fourth straight 100-point campaign. He has scored 11 goals and dished out 18 assists in 25 games so far this season.
Not to mention, Pastrnak has been very durable. Before missing Boston’s past five matchups, he had appeared in all 25 games this season and suited up for all 82 contests each of the past three seasons.
But despite Pastrnak missing time, the Bruins have been banking points. And their offense has been a major reason why.
Morgan Geekie has been incredible offensively for most of the season, but he has really picked up the slack with Pastrnak out of the lineup. Geekie blasted home five goals, one of which came on the power play, in the five games without Pastrnak. And in the one contest he did not light the lamp, he picked up two helpers.
Geekie is showing he does not need Pastrnak on his line to be productive offensively. This is a tremendous development for Sturm, as he can diversify his lines with two offensive juggernauts if he chooses to consistently split up Pastrnak and Geekie.
As Geekie’s linemates, Elias Lindholm and Alex Steeves, have really meshed well together of late. Steeves has ripped home five goals in the past six games, playing a predominantly top-six role. He has shown he can be a legit goal scorer in the American Hockey League, and it will be interesting to see if he can consistently sustain his scoring touch in the NHL.
After taking a couple of games to dust off the cobwebs, Lindholm has been a terrific playmaker. After missing nearly a month from injury, Lindholm continues to develop chemistry with Geekie and Steeves. His play will only improve once he reclaims the scoring touch he had at the start of the season.
The Bruins’ lines are starting to build an identity, especially the third line of Mark Kastelic, Tanner Jeannot, and Fraser Minten. Their relentless forechecking effort and play along the boards make life difficult on opposing defensemen.
It will be interesting to see how Sturm shuffles the lines when Pastrnak returns to the lineup, which should be sometime on this road trip. Chemistry is developing across the four lines.
The Bruins will take on the Blues in St. Louis tonight before jetting off to Winnipeg and then Minnesota for matchups with the Jets and Wild. If you want to see the Bruins in person on this road trip, or when the Black and Gold return to TD Garden later this month, consider using this official StubHub Ticket-affiliated link here for the most competitive concert and sporting event tickets in the North American region.
Leave a Reply