Throughout the first half, the Boston Bruins have dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity. Despite their struggles, they still own the top wild-card spot. In order to make a deep playoff run, they will have to improve an offense that is averaging an abysmal 2.9 goals a game. As the deadline approaches, more options will be made available to Boston on the trade market. Their answer, however, could also come from within.
For the time being, they’ve looked internally to help those struggles. As a result, they re-called 23-year-old forward Peter Cehlarik from the AHL, hoping he could provide a spark to the second line. So far he has responded, scoring one goal and adding two assists in three games since being called up.
This is an encouraging sign from a player who has so far struggled to gain any footing previously. Over the past two seasons, Cehlarik had appeared in 17 games in the NHL. However, he had only recorded four points. While this current stretch is a small sample size, he has shown a more aggressive side to his game.
Since being selected in the third round back in 2013, he has had an up-and-down professional career. Injuries have held him back including earlier this year. His most recent opportunity is a shot at redemption as the Bruins look to gain ground in the standings. In his latest opportunity, he has not just improved the second line but made it a dominant force.
In just over 21 minutes, the trio has outshot their opponents 15-5 and out-chanced them 11-4. Over the first two games, they possessed the puck 77 percent of the time. This type of dominance is what the Bruins second line has been missing all season. Those numbers are similar to the Bruins second line last season after they acquired Rick Nash. For this team, having two dominant lines is crucial to a deep playoff run.
Although Cehlarik has only played three games, good things have happened when he is on the ice. The former third-rounder has the ability to extend plays with his reach, he is comfortable in front of the net and absorbing the abuse to create a scoring chance. His style of play fits very well alongside David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk, which was on display in his first game this season.
Additionally, what has been the most impressive is Cehlarik’s ability to take criticism. He has been strong on the puck, thus creating scoring chances. Cehlarik has played to his strengths and as a result, the Bruins have been rewarded offensively. He seems to have learned what is required to stay at the NHL level which is what the Bruins were looking for. If the former third-round pick can continue his impressive play, the Bruins may change their deadline plans.
As the Bruins have been in the market for offensive production, they have been linked to Blues wing Brayden Schenn, and Flyers wing Wayne Simmonds. While both would be great acquisitions, neither of them will come on the cheaper side. Charlie Coyle of the Minnesota Wild could also find himself on the Bruins radar, bringing his 26 points along with him.
However, Bruins GM Don Sweeney has been reluctant to part with young talent in the past, which is why Celharik’s play has come at the perfect time. Last year Sweeney traded a first-round pick –– which he is looking to avoid doing this year. Cehlarik could be the answer, however, the trade deadline is still a couple weeks away. Regardless of how the next few weeks play out, the 23-year-old Slovakian is making a bold statement as the Bruins answer for depth scoring.
