David Krejci Is Living His Best Life Right Now
Maddie Meyer. Getty Images.The resurgence of David Krejci ever since the NHL Trade Deadline has been a sight to behold. Then again, it is May so perhaps Playoff Krech is right on time… but the Bruins ability to roll two top lines is MASSIVE as they head into their last stretch of games before the playoffs.
A look at the numbers from the 2nd line in the last 11 games…
Taylor Hall has 5 goals, 5 assists for 10 points. But I was told he was washed up and a locker room cancer?
David Krejci has 6 goals, 8 assists for 14 points, including 3 apples on Saturday afternoon.
Craig Smith had quietly been putting up points before the deadline, but he has 5 goals, 5 assists for 10 points in this last stretch of 11 games, including a hat trick in Saturdays afternoon win vs. Buffalo. 23 points in his last 23 games.
No play was prettier than Krejci's set up to Hall last Thursday night… double toe drag… Jokiharju sent into Bolivian…
I mean, he just makes it look so easy. So effortless. Krejci's ability to slow the game down and create has been on display for years now in Boston, but man has the Taylor Hall acquisition done wonders.. add in a trigger happy Craig Smith and you've got a really good second line. Two wingers who both have a solid motor and can shoot the puck, the perfect recipe for the playmaker.
Bruce Cassidy said Krejci has been "reenergized", and that he's playing with more pace while finishing plays. There are 6 games left in the season (including tonight), hopefully the chemistry continues to build.
Team vibes? Incredibly high.
The Bruins are still trying to figure out the optimal lineup for the bottom six, but I feel incredibly more confident in my top 6 than I did a month ago. It's almost infuriating that Don Sweeney didn't try and get Krejci help sooner. The 36 year old Center is a UFA at season's end, but I think a one or two year extension will be in the cards after the expansion draft.
News, notes and quotes heading into tonights game against the Devils…
- Brandon Carlo will not play tonight, Kevan Miller will play tonight. Carlo will likely play tomorrow, Miller will not.
- Mike Reilly is OUT tonight, maintenance, Jakub Zboril slides back into the lineup.
- Brad Marchand will skate in his 800th career NHL game. He's been the MVP of the Bruins this year, love to see him hit this milestone.
- Tuukka Rask is in net tonight. Jeremy Swayman in net tomorrow.
The Bruins need just a point vs. the Devils (which has been difficult this season for whatever reason) or a Rangers loss to clinch a playoff spot. LFG. I'll be in the building.
It's a great night to win a hockey game.