Tyler Bertuzzi performed his first recreation as a Bruin on Saturday and first as a linemate of Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic.
But late within the first interval, the trio demonstrated some hand-in-glove chemistry, fundamental although it might have been.
Bertuzzi dumped the puck into the far nook for Frederic to trace down whereas Bertuzzi got here round behind the online. Frederic shoveled the puck again to Bertuzzi, who made an ideal cross to Coyle out entrance for the 1-0 lead. The B’s, who would by no means path within the 4-2 victory over the Rangers, have been on their approach.
Whether that line stays collectively or not, it actually regarded prefer it had an opportunity to be an actual presence.
“Those two guys made me look good tonight on the end of the things,” stated Coyle. “Just their forecheck, Freddy being a big body like he is and the vision and playmaking ability of Bertuzzi. That was great to get that going right away, when you’re the new guy and he’s trying to get acclimated and probably overthinking things. It didn’t look like it tonight, but I know how that is. But to capitalize right away, that can definitely help him, to settle him down and get more comfortable. It gives you that good feeling and confidence. That’s something we build on and focus on if that’s a line going forward. But those are two pretty good guys to play with. I won’t be complaining.”
While Bertuzzi, obtained on Thursday from the Red Wings, had a 30-goal season final yr, he confirmed off some slick playmaking mitts all through the day. He had a pleasant cross on his first shift of the sport after which arrange David Krejci for what regarded like a purpose, however the puck exploded off Krejci’s stick blade and went over the online.
“He’s a hockey player, and he made a lot of plays,” stated coach Jim Montgomery. “He’s really smart with his game management, too. He didn’t force plays at all.”
Bertuzzi admitted to some butterflies, however his adrenaline received him by means of the sport.
“It was awesome,” stated Bertuzzi. “Starts with the anthem, it’s a pretty cool anthem. All the guys were awesome. It just feels good to get this one out of way and now I’m just moving forward.”
For his first recreation, Bertuzzi thought he labored nicely with Coyle and Frederic.
“I thought we played simple and pretty good,” stated Bertuzzi, who additionally had some shifts with Krejci and David Pastrnak. “I’ll do whatever. I’m here to just win hockey games and wherever I play, that’s where I’ll play.”
Montgomery plans on experimenting a bit his strains the remainder of the best way. Asked if he thought the Bertuzzi-Coyle-Frederic line has an opportunity to develop as an identification line, the coach demurred.
“Maybe. I’m going to tinker. I’m not going to commit to anything right now,” Montgomery stated with a chuckle.
Bertuzzi’s new locker, in the meantime, was positioned subsequent to a fellow member of the sandpaper crew, Brad Marchand, with whom the previous Wing has had his battles.
“Yeah, I think they did that on purpose,” stated Bertuzzi with amusing.
Power outage
The B’s energy play, particularly the primary unit, continues to be a priority. The PP went 0-for-3, together with two man-advantages early within the third interval when the rating was nonetheless 2-1. The PP is simply 5-for-47 within the final 15 video games. Montgomery conceded he’s fascinated by tinkering with the personnel on the primary unit, which has had Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk and Charlie McAvoy.
“That’s going to be put in the think-tank blender, because we’ve got to get better,” stated Montgomery. “We’re not creating enough scoring chances. So that’s something we’re going to look at.”
Grzelcyk scratched
Matt Grzelcyk was the odd-man out on the again finish, the second time he was scratched since Dmitry Orlov was obtained. Connor Clifton, Derek Forbort and Brandon Carlo have all been scratched as soon as.
Montgomery hasn’t seen a lot profit for the blokes who’ve needed to sit out, not less than not but.
“I haven’t noticed anything, good or bad. We just talked about how this is the way it’s going to be,” stated “I noticed Clifton, after he missed the game, had a lot of juice in his legs compared to he rest of our D-men who had played all the games.”
No harm replace
Montgomery had no extra data on the injured Taylor Hall, who was consulting a second opinion, and Nick Foligno. Both have decrease physique accidents and will not be anticipated again earlier than the top of the common season.
Montgomery’s message to each gamers was succinct.
“We’re going to need you when it matters most,” stated Montgomery. “We’re going to need you for playoffs. Whenever they’re ready, that’s when we’re going to use them again.” …
The B’s now have 4 straight days off earlier than they host Edmonton on Thursday. Montgomery deliberate to present his expenses Sunday and Tuesday off from observe.
Source: www.bostonherald.com