With the Four Nations Face-Off upon us players are either preparing for life in Montreal and Boston or life away from hockey all together. Hawaii maybe. Not a terrible idea given the February weather we are experiencing. For the Bruins the break is welcomed. The team continues to struggle as their season further appears to be a lost one. Though some players like David Pastrnak would welcome the opportunity to play for his country to be in the tournament, he could use the time off. He has single handedly kept the Bruins within a top 8 playoff spot in the East. Named the NHL’s player of the month for January, he carries a 13-game point streak into his nations uninvited tournament break. David, go have some fun in the sun.
Taking a look at the four Bruins who will be representing their countries as of Wednesday, Boston will be well represented.
Brad Marchand – Canada
Marchand will get an opportunity to represent Canada for only the second time in his career following his 2016 World Cup of Hockey appearance. He played a big role scoring the championship winning goal that tournament. Along side former Bruins linemate Patrice Bergeron and fellow east coast Canadian Sidney Crosby, the line was dominate for the group. With this team however Marchand’s role is yet to be determined. There’s no Bergeron and with Crosby’s health a question mark Marchand could find himself the only remaining member of that line returning. I see him skating with Nathan Mackinnon possibly and certainly with Crosby if he is able to suit up. At 36, Marchand will be a leader on team Canada though his sweater will not carry a letter. He scored his 20th goal of the season for the 14th consecutive time this past weekend for the Bruins, proving his is still a top goal scorer in the NHL. A big moment goal is always possible from him.
Charlie McAvoy – USA
Charlie McAvoy is not having a great season for the Bruins and he will be the first to admit that. In an off year that has seem him struggle, McAvoy is surely looking forward to the change-of-pace opportunity to play for his country. Having the luxury of playing half the schedule in his own barn is also a likely plus for the new dad. Speaking of family, McAvoy will be playing for his father-in-law in this instance as he is married to Pittsburgh Penguins and Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan’s daughter. His transition game will be vital for the Americans and will be counted on in top 4 role. Chipping in offensively will also be key.
Jeremy Swayman – USA
Speaking of a Bruin having a down year, and that sure seems to be a thing in Boston this season, Jeremy Swayman will represent team USA for the first time in his young career. The Bruins newly minted number one goaltender will serve as the third man in line for the USA and their crease. With Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck and Dallas Stars Jake Oettinger ahead of him, Swayman might be lucky to see any time on the ice at all. Heck, he may not even dress for a game. That is a testament to the depth the Americans have in goal. Regardless, exposure and experience to the tournament will be valuable for him.
Elias Lindholm – Sweden
Talk about a Bruin having a down year…Okay, this is getting old. Let’s go with; Boston Bruin’s centre Eilias Lindholm, the star free agent Boston penned to a 7-year deal last summer, needs this tournament more than any other player. On any team. From any country. For absolute sure. The season has been a near disaster for him and the Bruins. Through 59 games, Lindholm has managed a meager 29 points for the B’s and has recently found himself skating on the third line. Not what anyone expected when the Bruins signed him to the lucrative deal. Perhaps a break from the certain pressure he is feeling in Boston and skating with some of the countries top talent will be helpful to him and the Bruins. A rejuvenated Lindholm would go a long way for the Bruins during their post tournament stretch drive.
The Bruins hope these keys players will benefit from the opportunity to play for their countries, bring some rejuvenation back to the dressing room and most importantly avoid serious injury. Boston will have a steep mountain to climb after the tournament wraps as they try to claim a playoff spot for the ninth consecutive season. Maybe a break for everyone, from one another and from any where in the world, will go a long way. Black and gold faithful can only hope for that outcome.
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant/Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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