Entering the 2021-2022 season, Charlie Coyle had a lot to prove. The veteran center was coming off of a disappointing season in which he recorded less than 20 points for the first since his rookie campaign with the Wild. After quickly becoming a fan favorite in Boston, he seemed to lose his offensive touch. However, that has become a distant memory as Coyle has been hard to keep off the scoresheet.
Through 59 games this season, the former first-round pick has 32 points. Coyle also has 14 goals, including three on the power play. Due to his improved play, the Bruins’ third line is becoming one of their strengths. As Coyle has returned to form, his chemistry with Craig Smith and Trent Frederic has not gone unnoticed by Bruce Cassidy. “I think they’re playing to the identity of how they would need to play to score on a regular basis, which is typically they’re playing behind the D, they’re winning pucks, getting pucks back, good forechecks, in sync together in the O-zone with their spacing,” said Cassidy.
With the regular season nearly in the books, Coyle has landed 87 shots on net. His 16.1 shooting percentage is a career-best and 9.1 percent higher than last season. In March, his ability to create scoring chances has been on full display as Coyle has six points in his last five games. While the Weymouth native has excelled offensively, he is making an impact at both ends of the ice.
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Why Coyle is so Important
In 1,018 total minutes of ice time this season, Coyle has landed 70 hits. The 30-year-old has not been afraid of sacrificing his body and blocked 30 shots. With an increased workload, Coyle is reminding fans of his value. It has been a welcoming sign for a Bruins team that’s depth has been tested due to injuries.
HOLY HIGHLIGHT, CHARLIE.@CharlieCoyle_3 | @JagermeisterUSA pic.twitter.com/tFiYQzwZyy
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 13, 2022
Additionally, the Bruins will need their secondary scoring at it’s best with points at a premium. Over the last month, players such as Smith and Erik Haula have stepped up with Coyle, the latest to see production rise. The BU product has also shown a flair for the dramatics with four game-winning goals, his highest total in a season since 2016-2017. When needed the most, Coyle has risen to the challenge. Regardless of how the next few months play out, Coyle has been a key piece. His play is giving the Bruins third-line confidence at a crucial part of the season. If he can maintain his recent production, Boston could be a difficult matchup in the playoffs.
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