Boston Bruins: The forgotten member of the 2nd line
By Sam Minton
With the recent addition of Rick Nash to the Boston Bruins second line, some have forgotten how great of a season rookie Jake DeBrusk is having.
The Boston Bruins are having an amazing season. No one could have expected a run like this before the season started. The Bruins lineup is filled with young players and they are all performing above expectations. One of those players is Jake DeBrusk.
DeBrusk started the season off wonderfully scoring his first goal in his first career game. His father former NHL player Louie DeBrusk was emotional to say the least.
Jake DeBrusk’s dad tears up after watching his boy score in his NHL debut pic.twitter.com/IARZmZsx4H
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) October 6, 2017
DeBrusk has 14 goals and 21 assists this season. He has grown a lot skating alongside David Krejci. DeBrusk has gained confidence in every game he’s played. His wrist shot is deadly and his greatest weapon.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
DeBrusk has evolved a lot this season. Even in stretches of play where he hasn’t played so well DeBrusk has come out of it a better player.
There are two examples this season of DeBrusk responding well to head coach Bruce Cassidy’s tough love. DeBrusk was a healthy scratch on November 11th, the first healthy scratch in DeBrusk’s career. How did DeBrusk respond? With two goals and four assists in his next five games.
Then in last Saturday’s win over the Montreal Canadiens, DeBrusk ended up in Cassidy’s doghouse and spent some extended time on the bench. When DeBrusk returned to the ice, he ended up scoring the game-tying goal.
Fitting in well with Nash
With the addition of Rick Nash, DeBrusk has been on fire as of late. Since Nash joined the team he has 2 goals, 4 assists and a rating of +7. With teams having to worry about Nash and Krejci, DeBrusk has become an afterthought. He can take advantage of the lack of focus and slip behind defenders and get some good scoring opportunities.
DeBrusk will be among a group of many that will be playing in their first playoff games. With Nash and Krejci by his side, DeBrusk will be able to rely on the vets.
Next: Have a night Brad Marchand!
Hopefully, DeBrusk will be able to do something Louie Debrusk couldn’t, take home a Stanley Cup.