WILMINGTON, Mass. — The Bruins returned from their Sunday off to practice today at Ristuccia Arena.
Every healthy body was on the ice, including Blake Wheeler and Mark Recchi, who Saturday night switched lines during the game.
Wheeler, who was playing on Patrice Bergeron’s right side, moved to Tyler Seguin’s left opposite Michael Ryder. Recchi, meanwhile, moved to the right side of Bergeron opposite Jordan Caron. Those new line combinations remained for today’s practice.
“I wouldn’t say it was about not being happy with what I saw, it was more I really thought that if I made that change, it might give both lines a little bit of a boost or a little bit of a change,” said Julien after practice. “It might give it a little bit of a spark. I don’t think it was aimed at any individual more than it was just giving both of those lines a little bit of a spark, which I thought could help our team be better.”
It says here that the line switches might’ve provided a spark, but they also gave Julien a full-proof defensively responsible line (Caron-Bergeron-Recchi) to work with, and a second line that could be more focused on offense. That might be just what Wheeler needs to get his game going since he’s still searching for his first goal.
This is all premised on Ryder and Wheeler scoring. I don’t mind it because of the sheer talent that Ryder and Wheeler have, but I would be nervous that their bad habits would infect Seguin.
I don’t think this is a setup for Savard. I have no information, but my guess is he is 50/50 to even play this season
I like this move. All season, so far, when the Krejci and Bergeron lines are out, there has been constant scoring threats. But when the 3rd line is out, there has been a drop off of sorts. Of course the 4th line provides energy and even with their pressure and chances I dont have confidence they will score…hopefully they get a few this year.
I do like the spark idea with the 3rd line….lets see what happens
Why change it when it ain’t broke?
It’s a setup to get ready for when Savvy returns. Move Kid to wing, Savvy at C, whoever is still here from Wheeler/Ryder on the other side. setting up Bergie’s line now to get them rolling. Julien is looking ahead, that might mean that Savard is getting close?
I am not the biggest fan of either Ryder or Wheeler and therefore don’t like this move.
I agree that in theory this could be a good line if it works out, like you said Wheeler is a good defensive forward, and Ryder is a good player when he gives an damn, which he does right now. So the chance for a good line is there I think. The question is whether we can give these guys some confidence. By the way, this move by CJ is showing confidence in Seguin, and I doubt that he will leave Seguin to flounder if the line doesn’t work out.
Those two didn’t kill Krejci, they didn’t put up point like they did the previous year, but they were always an above average line. Putting Seguin on a line with Rydes and Wheels is a great idea. All three are gifted offensive players, but for some reason inspire no defensive confidence. Wheeler is a fixture on the penalty kill line, a big body who forechecks and always makes a smart play. Ryder is also a good two way forward, and has had more hits than any other Bruin forward (except maybe Lucic, no positive.) Seguin will be playing with two responsible wingers who, although streaky, have tons of offensive talent.
This is going to be a very good line.
Those two killed krecji last year, why would he do that to the kid?
I am also not in favor of saddling Seguin with two wings who need to resolve their own problems. Seguin needs guidance not problems. This mistake shows CJ’s lack of offensive flexibility and limited to defense-only thought process.
I don’t like the Wheels/Segs/Ryder line only because there is nobody out there to protect the kid. I liked Rex out there as a psudeo sherriff, keeping opponents honest. With that being said, I really like what I’ve seen out of Ryder so far this year. He’s not blowing up the stat columns, but he’s been visable every game with the other stuff. Gotta love contract years, eh?