Seguin/By S. Bradley
WILMINGTON, Mass. — Now it’s time to at least somewhat live up to the billing as the No. 2 overall pick.
General manager Peter Chiarelli said it’s a safe assumption that if Patrice Bergeron misses any games with his mild concussion, rookie Tyler Seguin would be the next player into the lineup.
Chiarelli said that his staff and the coaches are still discussing where to plug in Seguin — whether he should play center or wing, and on what line. But that he feels Seguin is ready to contribute when called upon.
But depending on when the Eastern Conference finals series with Tampa Bay opens, Seguin could get the nod.
“He’s actually really put his nose to the grindstone in practice and I think watching from above he sees the intensity and the tenacity of the game,” said Chiarelli. “Plus he’s going to give us an offensive boost as well.”
Seguin scored just one goal over the last 20 games he played and finished the season with 11-11-22 totals in 74 regular-season games. He was also a healthy scratch four times in the regular season’s final few months before he sat out the first 11 postseason games. Chiarelli said the time in the press box has done Seguin well.
“He pays close attention to the game, to the plays within the game, as they would impact him if he were playing,” said the GM, who took Seguin after No. 1 pick Taylor Hall at last year’s draft. “So I mean he’s using it as a good tool. … There’s a tendency subconsciously or consciously to kind of lay off your work ethic when you know you’re not going to play. And I’ve been watching him in practice, and his on-ice and his off-ice have been outstanding. He’s kept sharp. Having said all that, it’s hard to parachute someone in, especially a young player like that. So we’ll see how he does. But he certainly deserves a chance.”
Chiarelli said Boston’s other options for a replacement forward are rookies Jordan Caron and Jamie Arniel, who both played briefly for Boston in the regular season but spent most of the year with the Providence (AHL) farm club. Both have been practicing with the team.
I agree with Bo. Seems like Campbell plays well whoever he plays with. The 4th line has gotten so few minutes in the playoffs I don’t think Segzy will do enough bad on the defensive end to make a difference. I would like to see Seguin on the powerplay, although it finally seems to be coming around.
Good call Hungus. As much as I wanna see Seguin get back into the mix, Caron is the better option right now. He had a solid stint early on with Boston, and finished his year w/ Providence strong. More apt to play the physical game as well, and while that may not be TB’s calling card as it is Philly’s, it is the playoffs.
I’m obviously pissed that Bergy might miss some time, but I’m actually kind of excited to see what Seguin can offer, especially on the PP. And this can only help his development.
We’ve seen Seguin shy away from a hit and give the puck away before. I like the idea of bringing in someone willing to take a hit to make a play. If you have to play the kid, give him limited minutes on the fourth line and PP.
choke on this all you segzy fanboys…
khl line
marchand-pev-rex
caron-kelly-ryder
soup line
I’m with Dan. Seguin is never going to be an effective fourth liner, and Paille is never going to be an effective third liner, so why force it. I wouldn’t even be against letting Seguin take some shifts centering Ryder and Peverley, let the kid play his natural position and he has to think less. Kelly is the clear fill in for Bergeron.
I think you definitely put Kelly on the second line with Marchand and Recchi. That gives you a third line of Ryder/Perverly/Seguin. Let the kid go on the wing on a fast line that can wreak some havok. Tampa Bay only rolls out two lines, granted they are both good but there is a big drop-off to three and four and there defense is suspect. If you can have four solid lines that put pressure on and play their game we should be looking at some June games for the Bruins
Up Peverly one line. Play Seguin as a winger or don’t play him. The game has tuffened up. He is going to be tagged good I’m afraid. I would play a natural winger like Caron. The kid has a good stance. He is a good boy to be around with. And don’t forget that he just as well as Séguin can benefit from this.
DRESSING ROOM WINS REGARDLESS, so I opt for whatever Chia opts for.
@Bo. That might be the best option. Not having to muck with HuLK and RPK is a good idea.
Sucks when a player goes does to a headshot.
This is the third time in my memory that Bergeron has had this problem. It’s a shame because he’s a great talent but at this rate, his career will be over in a hurry.
All head shots suck. Pacioretty got real hurt and your 2 fellas might be done soon. The mentality around hits to the head needs to change.
To me, you are better off with someone else centering Paille and Thornton. If the plan is to put Seguin on the 4th line, it doesn’t make sense. If the plan is to put Campbell up to Bergy’s spot, they should call up Caron and put Paille in the middle of the 4th line
Nifty – maybe they shouldn’t mess with two lines. Kelly and Cambell are pretty interchangeable parts from my view point. Why not put Campbell b/w Marchand and Recchi, and give Ty the line four minutes along with PP time?
I’m pretty sure the conference finals can’t begin until the both pairings are set. Bergy has to sit at least 7 days. Should either the Wings or Preds extend the series that would be good for Bergy and the B’s.
I just hope Nashville can make a run and buy us some time. I would do this for a linep
H-K-L
Rex-Kelly-March
Ryder-Pev-Seguin
Thorny-Soup-Paille
Putting Seguin out there with Thorny and Paille is a waste of time
Kelly is more Bergeron like. I’d put him up and move Paille up with Pev and Ryder. The third line would be pretty quick. Just the thought of messing with two lines is depressing. I’m sure adjustments will be made on the fly. Pretty resilient bunch and they’ll find a way. Time to heal some bumps will help. Especially the D men.
Peverley up to replace Bergy, Campbell up to the 3rd, Seguin gets little TOI but hopefully some of it will be on that left half wall during the PP for some zingers.