Boston Bruins: A Riley Nash return would mean a lot for the B’s
By Sam Minton
The Boston Bruins have jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. If Riley Nash returns, the Bruins will have a strong 4 lines.
If before the season you told me I would be begging for Riley Nash to return for the lineup, I would say you are insane, but the veteran forward had a great season for the Boston Bruins. Actually it was the best season of his career.
Nash had 15 goals and 26 assists this year. He was the leader of the Bruins third line. He has a similar style of play to Patrice Bergeron in the sense that he is an effective 200′ player. Nash is a great defender who can also get things done in the offensive zone. He isn’t at Bergeron’s Selke level, but he gets the job done.
One of Nash’s best plays came against the Ottawa Senators when he blocked an Erik Karlsson shot and scored on a breakaway. If Nash can return he will bring that great play to a team that is already dominating their opposition.
What does Nash bring to the table?
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If Nash is able to return, the Bruins will have one of their healthiest lineups in a while. They will be a hard team to beat because all 4 lines are dangerous. We all know the offensive prowess of the Bruins top 6, but with Nash the Bruins would have their great third line back.
Also if Nash was to return the Bruins would have their regular lines back. Nash would be the third center and Noel Acciari would slide down to the fourth line. Even though it would likely mean that Ryan Donato would be taking a seat on the 9th floor, it is best for the team. Nash has some playoff experience and is coming off the best season of his career. He will improve the Bruins penalty kill as well as there overall depth.
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The Boston Bruins play the Maple Leafs tonight in Toronto, and will look to gain a 3-0 lead in the series. If one of their top scorers returns the Bruins just got a lot scarier to opposing teams.