Boston Bruins: 3 players who need to step up in 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs

May 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) handles the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) handles the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Charlie Coyle #13 of the Boston Bruins (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Bruins: 3 players who need to step up in 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs – No.2: Charlie Coyle

At the end of the 2021 season, Charlie Coyle wasn’t looking his best. Now that he has returned from injury and will be ready for Game 1 against the Washington Capitals.

Coyle has struggled so much that Bruce Cassidy has given his third-line center spot to Sean Kuraly while Coyle now lines up at right wing.

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With six goals and 10 assists this season, Coyle had his worst performance since his rookie season. While part of the blame goes to a condensed schedule, it also reiterates how difficult it was for Coyle on the ice.

While most of the scoring will come from the top six, Coyle and his linemates will need to produce. They need to provide some supplemental scoring in case the top six has a bad night.

A lot of Coyle’s success will come down to being in the right areas at the right time. He is great on the puck and has great control. A goal in Game 1 could do wonders for Coyle and his confidence moving forward.

If Coyle is able to play at a high level, he will have a successful postseason, and maybe even earn himself the starting center position on the second line next season.