For many years the Bruins have been top-line heavy, with the majority of their scoring coming from players such as Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak. These three created what is known as the perfection line as they were one of if not the best line in Hockey. This season the Bruins find themselves flushed with top-six forwards and have the ability to create a handful of combinations when fully healthy, which does leave some uncertainty.
Newly hired head coach Jim Montgomery will have his work cut out for him in the beginning months as the Bruins will be without Brad Marchand, who is still rehabbing from off-season hip surgery. Luckily for Montgomery, he will have Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci to anchor his top two lines and provide top-notch veteran leadership.
The specific date of Marchand’s return is still unclear, but Montgomery recently tipped his hand on how he sees the top two lines coming together upon his return. When speaking to the Boston Herald, Montgomery said he plans to put David Pastrnak on Krejci’s right wing with Jake DeBrusk riding shotgun on the first line with Bergeron and Marchand. While this may not come as a surprise, it is nice to hear confirmation from the head coach about what many have speculated.
Top Two Line Combinations
Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – Jake DeBrusk
Taylor Hall – David Krejci – David Pastrnak
Montgomery Talks About his Top Six Forwards
“I think with the development of Jake DeBrusk last year and how well he played with Bergy and (Brad Marchand), naturally you see the other line being a fit to give us a two-headed monster in our top two lines,” Montgomery told the Herald.
“But we know Marchie’s not going to be there early on. So we’re going to have to do some balancing, because I do want two lines that other teams have to be aware of and fear. And I think when you have Bergy and Krejci as your top two centers, it gives you the ability no matter who your wingers are to have very dominant lines.”
“But I think it’s natural, seeing how well (Pastrnak and Krejci) played together at the World Championships, to give that an opportunity. And we always know Pasta, Bergy and Marchy. If things aren’t working, we can put that back together and the magic comes back real well.”
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