The trade deadline struck at 3 P.M. Monday meaning no more teams could make a trade. Some late trades snuck in about an hour after the deadline but some of the most exciting news came late Sunday night for Bruins fans.
After an 8-1 loss an injured Bruins defense was looking for a stable reinforcement. Mike Reilly was acquired from the Ottawa Senators for a 2022 third-round draft pick. Adding a much-needed 2-way defender was only the first step for General Manager Don Sweeney. Later in the night, he acquired left-wing Taylor Hall(50% retain) and Curtis Lazar in exchange for Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round pick. Providing an offensive boost to the top six and a shakeup to the fourth line, Don Sweeney covered both areas the Boston Bruins needed an improvement.
After a 3-2 win over the Sabres here are my grades for the three players' debuts.
Taylor Hall: B+
The former Hart Trophy winner is a play-driving, smooth-in-transition wing which is what the Bruins need to add scoring in the top six. He started a little rough falling over his own feet and not putting passes on the tape but once he got going he was exciting to watch. A defender’s nightmare, when he grabs the puck and is moving up the wing he has a loaded arsenal full of moves ready to unleash. He added an assist to Craig Smith's goal that was later called back and deemed "unassisted". He showed some great flashes of being an elite playmaker throughout the game as well. He impressed me the most in overtime where he and David Krejci walked through the Sabres like they were an ECHL team generating numerous chances to end the game. Unfortunately, he didn't jump into the shootout and overtime was the last we saw of him. Due to his lackluster first 10-15 minutes, I’ve ranked him B+ but it easily could’ve been a low A.
Curtis Lazar: A+
Since COVID-19 hit the Boston Bruins fourth line has not been able to hold zone possession, generate offense, or be dependable for a full sixty minutes. Bringing in Lazar changed that. The Fourth line looked rejuvenated and more energized than ever before. A mix-up from winger Sean Kuraly resulted in a goal against but other than that they looked great. Curtis Lazar played a physical energetic game and helped the fourth line hold offensive possession and generate shot opportunities. With a Trent Frederic return shortly, the fourth line could improve even more.
Mike Reilly: A
Injury after injury, the Boston Bruins defense was desperate for help. Inconsistent and not enough balance in the lineup the Bruins added Mike Reilly into the mix. He showed off his two-way game all night long getting the puck off his stick and up the ice as soon as possible. He knew what to do with the puck before he even had it showing a high hockey IQ. He certainly showed off that high hockey IQ and demonstrated why he will help tighten the Bruins defense. He spent most of the night in-between shifts with Charlie McAvoy and Kevan Miller, two very good defenders. Reilly’s debut was given an A and it’ll be exciting to see who he pairs with once the defense is fully healthy.
The performances of these three players will help the Bruins win hockey games. It should be an interesting final sixteen games as the Bruins look to secure a playoff berth in a tightly packed division.
Comments