Bruins Depth Playing Big Role
Admittedly I was a little confused at most of the Bruins’ deadline additions, except Rick Nash.
But Holden is now set to step into a bigger role with the news that McAvoy is out for at least a month and Gionta or Wingels will fill in on the third line while Bergeron is injured. These depth moves by Sweeney are already paying off which is good and bad, it’s good he made the moves for depth guys but bad that some of the Bruins top players are getting injured.
Holden has been great in the three games he’s played for the Bruins and has racked up a point in each game. When Holden was on the Rangers earlier this year he was forced into a top pairing role and was unable to succeed on a Rangers team that struggled heavily. Now Holden is put into a role more suited for him, he is seeing less time on ice and is fitting well with Torey Krug on the second pair. Nobody can really replace Charlie McAvoy but Holden can at least soften the blow to the Bruins for now. Hopefully McAvoy will be set to return from his MCL sprain just before the playoffs start.
Patrice Bergeron is the other injured Bruin and that has caused Riley Nash to be put into a bigger role on the first line
To Nash’s credit he’s played well with Pastrnak and Marchand and has six points in his four games on the top line. Nash sliding up lines created a vacancy on the third line and both Tommy Wingels and Brian Gionta have been filling in on that line and the fourth line. Gionta and Wingels are not offensive dynamos and they won’t be lighting the lamp regularly but they are guys that can contribute in the defensive end. Both players have playoff experience and can fill in for younger guys if they have defensive lapses.
Depth is the key to winning championships in any sport
The Bruins have added some great depth to their roster and are poised for a deep playoff run. These depth players don’t just add insurance in case of injury they also give some players a kick in the ass. When players realize they can be benched and replaced they usually kick it into higher gear and are less complacent with their play. Cassidy has done this a few times to give guys like DeBrusk and Heinen. Depth players give a head coach options and you can never have enough options going down the stretch. The Bruins now have some of the best depth in the league and when guys like Bergeron, McAvoy and Acciari return the Bruins will be in an even better position to win.
– Written By Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith4386)