The Boston Bruins were struggling offensively, so coach Claude Julien decided to mix things up.
It has been just two games, but Julien’s decision has paid off so far.
Julien decided to combine wingers Milan Lucic and Daniel Paille with center Patrice Bergeron during Wednesday night’s game in Pittsburgh. That line produced Bergeron’s game-winning goal in overtime, and when Julien stuck with the group for Thursday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils, the unit responded again with two goals (one empty-netter) off Lucic’s stick in a 3-0 win.
Since joining forces, the line has produced four of Boston’s five goals.
It’s unclear whether the trio will stick together, but Bergeron, Lucic and Paille skated together at practice Friday, and Julien said he likes what he sees.
“I felt I had a real good, reliable line there,” Julien said, via the Bruins’ website. They showed that (Thursday) night. Not an issue. I don’t think Dan Paille’s a weaker defensive player than if we put (Reilly Smith) on the right side, or (Lucic), when he’s on his game, compared to (Brad Marchand). So those guys are reliable, and I like to be able to feel like I can rely on a lot of guys in those situations. Not having a last change, that’s certainly another line you can count on as well.”
After Thursday’s two-goal effort, Lucic would have to agree.
“I just think (it’s) kind of not doing anything real fancy — it’s just playing that straight-line type of hockey that I can play that’s really effective,” Lucic said Friday. “That’s kind of gotten my game going in the right direction. I think not just for myself, individually — I think as a team, we’re starting to get things going in the right direction by playing the right way.”
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
