Bruins' Coach Comments on Plans to Replace Bergeron in the Lineup
Who to Replace Bergeron and Krejci?
Coming off a season in which they shattered records, the Boston Bruins were pegged as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the first round by the Florida Panthers.
To make matters worse, key players Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci announced their retirements shortly after the disappointing loss.
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Many speculated that Boston would look to the free agency market to fill the void at center. However, the team has opted to address the issue with talent from within.
Coach Montgomery Discusses Strategy to Fill Bergeron's Spot
Replacing someone of Bergeron's caliber is a difficult task; he's been one of the NHL's best players in recent decades. In a recent conversation with the Boston Herald, Bruins' Head Coach Jim Montgomery provided some insights into his plans.
"Montgomery has his first two lines pretty much mapped out, at least tentatively. He expects to pair Pavel Zacha with David Pastrnak, with James van Riemsdyk most likely getting the first look at left wing on that line. He expects the other top line will be Charlie Coyle centering Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk."
Zacha seems to have earned Montgomery's trust. Although Zacha's highest point total was just 36 before last season, he set a new personal record with 57 points last year.
Here's what Montgomery had to say about Zacha:
"I think (Zacha's ceiling) is significantly higher," he said. "Not only is he physically prepared, more importantly, I believe he's mentally ready for the kind of minutes and the responsibility of having to be played in all situations-which he did really well last year-but they're going to be more important minutes. I just think he's mentally ready. He believes that he can do it. That's the biggest step for a player. I have a lot of confidence that our top two lines will be very good because I believe Charlie Coyle knows he can do the job and will do the job, and Pavel Zacha does too."
Don't be shocked if Zacha evolves into a first-line center this year, living up to the high expectations that have surrounded him since he was selected sixth overall in the 2015 draft.
Do you think Zacha will break his record next season?
As seen on House of Hockey - Bruins Coach Comments On His Bergeron Replacement
As seen on House of Hockey - Bruins Coach Comments On His Bergeron Replacement
| POLL | ||
1 SEPTEMBRE | 25 ANSWERS Bruins' Coach Comments on Plans to Replace Bergeron in the Lineup Do you think Zacha will break his record of 57 points next season? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 48 % |
| No | 13 | 52 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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