One of the Boston Bruins’ Achilles heels this season has been the lack of offensive consistency and balance throughout the lineup. David Pastrnak has been on the ice for nearly 30 percent of the team’s goals. Other than Morgan Geekie, who has pitched in 16 goals, Bruins forwards have performed below individual standards this season. The main reason for their lack of offensive output is an organizational lack of playmaking centers.
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Young forward Matt Poitras has the skills and hockey IQ to be that type of player for Boston. Since a demotion to the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League, Poitras has returned as a factor for Boston. After compiling eight goals and 12 assists in Providence in just 23 games, the 20-year-old has chipped in six assists in his return to the NHL. In just about ten minutes of play with Pastrnak, the two have been on the ice for four goals and seem to be developing a chemistry that could change the dynamic of the team. So why is Poitras still on the third line with Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau? Good question.
Poitras has yet to receive any consistent time on a power play that is 30th in the NHL in success rate. The former Guelph Storm star is coming into his own as a viable offensive threat and has shown the ability to win pucks and extend possessions in the last few games. But through it all, Poitras is playing somewhere between 12 to 14 minutes on ice. With the Bruins currently outside of the playoff picture with 26 games to play, it might be time to see what Poitras and Pastrnak can create together and extend Poitras’ minutes as a top-six center.
For the season, Poitras has registered a goal and ten assists with a minus-3 rating. But in the last 11 games since his recall, the 5-foot-11 center is a plus-1 with seven assists. The power play could use more Matt Poitras, and even more importantly, David Pastrnak could use more Matt Poitras, too.
Season 4. Episode 34. Marco? Polo? – Bruins Benders Podcast
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