With Bergeron Out, Unsung Hero Steps Up For Bruins

Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

Tomas Nosek has never won a Stanley Cup. The undrafted free agent played only 17 games with the Detroit Red Wings to begin his career but has established himself in an effective career as a checking-line forward and penalty-killing center over 398 regular season games and 46 playoff games between Vegas and Boston. He tied a career-high with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 66 games during his second season with the Bruins in 2022-23. What makes Nosek most effective is his ability to block shots and close down lanes when shorthanded and his knack for winning faceoffs, particularly in the defensive end. Monday night, the Bruins played Game 1 of their first-round series with Florida without their first-line center. Captain Patrice Bergeron (illness, upper body) and the 30-year-old forward took on some of Bergeron’s role effectively in a 3-1 win for Boston.

Nosek played just 11:54 of time on ice for the Bruins, but 2:22 of that shorthanded, which led the team. The fourth-line center had two shots and won 10 of 14 faceoffs (71.4 percent) on the night. The breakdown on draws for Nosek was one in the offensive zone, four in the defensive zone, and five in the neutral zone.

The veteran forward only got one offense zone start all night, eleven defensive starts, and was on the ice for six Bruins shot attempts and six Florida shot attempts with zero goals. Nosek was just shy of 60 percent on faceoffs during the regular season and tends to show his value on the stat sheet. The Czech player played his role perfectly, and Monday night Boston needed his solid play to offset the loss of their five-time Selke Award winner.

Late in the third period, Nosek and linemates Nick Foligno and Garnet Hathaway did what good fourth lines do when they are ahead 3-1 in a playoff game in the third period. The three forwards had a long, gritty shift where they cycled around the zone until Hathaway knocked the puck into the net out of Florida goaltender Alex Lyon’s glove. The goal did not stand, but the shift was highly effective and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Tomas Nosek and the Bruins will prepare for Wednesday night’s Game 2 with Bergeron’s status still in question. But Nosek is a clear example of Boston’s great depth throughout the lineup. The future unrestricted free agent is providing exactly what the Bruins need at exactly the right times.

Season 3. Episode 22. Montgomery Burns Bruins Benders Podcast

Bruins show some fight against Florida. Charlie McAvoy is most valuable. Wotherspoon and Peeke form a solid pair. Monty goes crazy. Check your Hyman at the door. Plus, much more!For more from us, visit Inside The RinkHow to support us and our sponsors:Columbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR    DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued aree bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.
  1. Season 3. Episode 22. Montgomery Burns
  2. Season 3. Episode 21. Brazen Brazeau
  3. Season 3. Episode 20. Mail it in March
  4. Season 3. Episode 19. Deadline Day
  5. Season 3. Episode 18. OT Again?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Predators Are Making History on Their Way to the Postseason

As the 2023-24 NHL regular season winds down, what a difference a month makes in the future of the Nashville Predators. Pundits and fans alike had essentially given up on Nashville before the All-Star break in early February as the Predators looked to be on the verge of extinction like the saber-toothed tiger in the […]

Read More

Flyers Miss Out on Two Points Against Canadiens; Lose 4-1 | 3/28/2024

The Flyers needed to come into this game hungry for two points. Not counting this game against Montréal, there are only eight games left in the season. Every point counts. What’s at Stake The Flyers have had a tough schedule the last couple of weeks. Since March 14, they have played teams that are top […]

Read More

Jason Zucker’s Return Highlights Predators at Coyotes on Thursday Night

Nashville locked down their 18th consecutive point recorded with a win in comeback fashion on Tuesday, as the Predators mounted the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in overtime. The Arizona Coyotes were mathematically eliminated from NHL Playoff contention after Nashville’s win but still have the ability to affect the run of other teams by handing them […]

Read More