BOSTON — Rich Peverley's versatility was a big part of what attracted the Bruins to the forward when they acquired him from Atlanta in a four-player deal last month.
On Saturday, he showed off that flexibility as he moved from third-line left wing to second-line center to fill in for Patrice Bergeron, who missed the game against Pittsburgh for personal reasons.
"It was fine," Peverley said. "It wasn't much of an adjustment. I've been playing center most of the year [in Atlanta] so it's not that big an adjustment at all."
Peverley clicked early with new linemates Brad Marchand and Mark Recchi, with Marchand and Peverley in particular appearing to have some good chemistry right away. Looking to create some more chances in the third, Bruins coach Claude Julien moved Michael Ryder into Recchi's spot and that combination was even more dangerous.
"He brought some speed and he's a crafty centerman and a crafty player," Julien said. "So he was a logical choice I think to be put in that spot. But again, playing with some players you've never played with before, and you know in the third period we moved some of those guys around. We moved Ryder with him, played with him a little bit. That seemed to spark that line, especially on that first shift. I though as a centerman he did a good job."
Peverley didn't have a point, but he was a presence all night, using his speed to create chances while finishing with a pair of shots in 19:17 of ice time.
Peverley's speed seemed to play better in the middle, the position Peverley played most often in Atlanta. He won't stay on the second line when Bergeron returns to practice on Monday, but it might be worth exploring how Peverley looks at center on the third line. Chris Kelly has been in that spot, but is versatile enough himself to also play wing opposite Ryder.
"Pevs is a good player," Ryder said. "He's fitting in well here. I think I'm getting used to playing with him and Kells now.
"He played center in Atlanta and he can play the wing too," Ryder added. "He definitely adds that versatility, him and Kells switch off on faceoffs. He's a good fit and he's doing well."
Peverley also appreciates what Ryder brings to that line, as Ryder was arguably Boston's most dangerous forward on Saturday despite being held off the scoresheet.
"Rydes had a really good game," Peverley said. "He was skating well, had a lot of chances. We had a good shift right off the bat out in the third there, and I thought we were going to bury one in the first shift there."
It was a frustrating night for Ryder, but he's confident the goals will come as long as he keeps creating scoring chances.
"It's definitely frustrating, especially when we're losing 2-1 and you have a couple opportunities there," Ryder said. "But that happens. You have to take the positive out of it and if you keep working hard they'll go in even though it seems to be hard right now. If I keep working hard like that and skating then good things are going to happen."
