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Boston Bruins: 3 players who need to improve in Round 2

By Sam Minton

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins celebrates a third period goal with Brad Marchand #63 against the Washington Capitals during Game Five of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on May 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins celebrates a third period goal with Brad Marchand #63 against the Washington Capitals during Game Five of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on May 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle (13) (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Boston Bruins will soon begin Round Two as they continue on their quest towards lifting the Stanley Cup. After their performance against the Washington Capitals, it’s hard to complain.

Boston handled Washington easily. They were the better team and deserved to move on.

Of course, the usual names performed well. Tuukka Rask was strong between the pipes, Charlie McAvoy controlled the blue line, and the first line continued to light the lamp at an efficient rate.

But there were some players who struggled. Heading into Round Two they will need to perform better (especially if Boston wants another banner in the TD Garden rafters).

While the New York Islanders might not be as good of a team as the Caps. The Bruins need to continue to play at a high level if they want to advance.

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So here are the three players who will need to step up once play begins in the second round.

Boston Bruins: 3 players who need to improve in Round 2 – No.3: Charlie Coyle

Charlie Coyle was a player who entered the postseason not exactly playing his best. While he improved in the first round, the center still needs to play better.

After spending some time on the wing, Coyle returned to his natural position at center with Sean Kuraly dropping back down to the fourth line. While Kuraly continued to be a menace all over the ice, Coyle left fans wanting more.

In the series Coyle had a goal and an assist. That’s not bad but Coyle can do a lot better. Just look at how good he was last season.

There were too many games where Coyle had no output. If he’s not going to be scoring goals he at least needs to make an impact physically or getting involved in the corners.

Coyle’s linemate Nick Ritchie had a similar output with only one more point, but he was able to make an impact physically and more consistently than Coyle.

So look for Coyle to rack up more assist in the next round as well as get involved physically. If he does that Bruins fans will be pleased.

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