However, Tyler Seguin is slowly but surely starting to do just that. The rookie is finally seeing his ice time increased as he becomes more comfortable with his surroundings and, more importantly, starts embracing Julien’s defensive mentality.
Seguin has been grouped on a line with Mark Recchi and Patrice Bergeron for much of the season. Seguin, a natural center, had been moved to the wing with Bergeron playing center. Lately, though, Julien is using Seguin more at center. That is something he should consider doing even more.
Seguin was centering Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille on Jan. 1 in Buffalo. Despite playing with “limited” offensive threats, Seguin recorded the first two-point game of his career. A couple of nights later, he was back with Recchi and Bergeron, seeing more time at center.
In hindsight, it may have been the best thing to do from the beginning. While playing center comes with more responsibility, it is Seguin’s natural position. Sure, he’s comfortable at the wing — his success in doing so at his age is no small feat — but he may bring most to the Bruins at his natural position.
Bergeron, on the other hand, is no stranger to the wing position. Perhaps even more importantly, Bergeron, when compared to Seguin, is a grizzled 25-year-old veteran. The versatile forward can handle more time at the wing.
While the Bruins would be fine with Seguin at the wing, he may be more productive with more shifts in the middle. It will give him more ice to show off his breathtaking speed, and it will continue to give him the opportunity to be a creative playmaker.
Allowing Seguin to use his strongest qualities and gain more confidence, along with using the versatility that Bergeron brings to the table, will only help increase offensive production for the Bruins.
Do you think Tyler Seguin should spend more time at center? Share your thoughts below.
Monday, Jan. 3: How many Bruins should make the All-Star team?
Should Claude Julien increase Tyler Seguin's ice time at center?online surveys
