Despite demotion, Sobotka satisfied Julien

Sobotka

BOSTON — Forward Vladimir Sobotka’s most recent stint with Boston last four games and included one assist and a plus-2 rating in around 11 minutes of ice time per game.

Unlike previous call-ups when he was cast in a fourth-line role, he had to skate higher up on the depth chart, mostly with center David Krejci and winger Blake Wheeler.

Although Sobotka’s stay ended with a healthy scratch Sunday in Tampa and a demotion back to Providence (AHL) today, Boston head coach Claude Julien said the former fourth-round draft pick held his own.

“I thought when he played, he played pretty well. And again, it’s just trying to maintain that level of play. … I think when you looked at Vladi, he was put in a different role than he’s been put in in the past, as far as moving up with Krejci and then … showing a more offensive side to his game. And I thought he did pretty well,” the coach said.