Seguin/By S. Bradley
BOSTON — His rookie season taught Bruins forward Tyler Seguin about more than just what it takes to win the Stanley Cup and what type of attention he would get from the opposite sex in the post-championship celebration.
The 2010-11 season also taught the 2010 No. 2 overall pick what he needs to add to his game to stack up better against NHL competition.
“I think I’m still pretty young, so I still have to grow into my body,” said the 19-year-old. “So I’ll take advantage of that and get a lot stronger. I’m sure I want to work on my core and that man strength, just battling in the corners, having a strong stick. So I’ll work pretty good on my core this summer.”
If you’ve seen the recent celebration photos over at BustedCoverage.com, you know that Seguin definitely could stand to put on a few pounds, or a shirt. You also know he might want to bring his aggressiveness from the bar top and dance floor to the corners and the front of the net as an NHL sophomore.
Who would’ve thought that a year after the debate raged between Seguin and Taylor Hall for first overall in the draft, one would be partying at Foxwoods while the other would be waiting to see who his team — Edmonton — would select with a second straight No. 1 overall draft pick?
“I know at the time both Taylor and I kept saying our dream is to the win the Stanley Cup, not necessarily to go first overall,” said Seguin. “It’s still definitely an honor and at the time I still wanted it. I just knew that whatever happened was meant to be.”
Seguin nearly didn’t get a chance to contribute to Boston’s run, as he was a healthy scratch for the first 11 games. But then came Patrice Bergeron’s concussion and some playing time for Seguin against Tampa Bay. With three goals in two games, including two scores in the wild Game 2 victory in the Eastern Conference Final, Seguin made sure he’d be more than a footnote on the title run.
“I think even if you’re not playing, with this group you can still contribute,” he said. “Even though maybe you’d go home angry from the rink, I’m going to come in and even if I wasn’t playing trying to keep a positive vibe especially in the morning skates. So you can still chip in at any time. But still, yeah, definitely you always want to help out on the ice and I was glad that I had that experience and that chance.”
Judging by the party pictures, Seguin obviously knows how to keep things upbeat. If he sticks with hockey instead of a career as a male dancer, he should be in line for a bigger role and impact in this second season with the Bruins.
I guess I’m the only one that doesn’t see Seguin-Bergeron-Marchand as a very good mix. Seguin played his best hockey with Peverley and Ryder. I just don’t seem him fitting with those two. I think he’d be better served bumping Looch back to the Bergy Line or remaining on Line 3.
Bernard – call 911!!!!!!
If Seguin can back up his talk with a good summer on the weights, there’s no way he won’t be on the second line. The only thing stopping him is himself.
I think he should wing Bergeron and Marchand-I can just imagine what they could do together.
I suspect though that he will likely play third line center, but I kind of think he needs a good year with some strong players on a good centerman’s wing.
He has to play with Bergy and Marchand next year. I don’t understand this fascination with his “natural position” – who cares? He’s a kid and will be made to fit on this team. We have plenty of good centers. Put him on the wing and that line will be deadly. You couldn’t learn how to play center any better than watching Bergy every shift. The kid can play center for the next 10,15 years. Doesn’t need to be next year!
karl, give up your crusade. he will be a star despite your efforts
50- points if he plays with Bergy and Marchand. The kid can catch a hard pass as well as put the puck on a teamates stick, and Bergy will protect him a bit on the defensive side. And if he centers a line, who does he play with?
Seguin drank in public. Isn’t 21 the legal drinking age?
chia has so much cap space that segzy will be the healthy scratch next year. ain’t a bad thing.
Bojangles,
Judging from the photos of Marchand and Seguin, I’d be surprised if they could tell which one was white and which was Asian.
I’m expecting/hoping Seguin will move up a line each year until Savard decides the #1 job is in good hands and he can call it quits.
Jesus, Matt. No more of those photos! And for the love of god, Seguin. Pull up your friggin’ pants.
By the way.. thought the Bs would have done a little better on the Hockey Ho scene. Not impressed wit da Beetches.
Still would like to see him at the center position and begin that development process. Perhaps a Cup win buys the Bs a little flexibility and they can start him at his natural spot – 3rd line center.
My guess is he really emerges in 2 seasons. However, I bet he puts up a healthy amount of points next season. If he plays with Bergeron and Marchand, he can score 20 easily. If he would just play responsible defense in his own zone and use his body a little more, he will play, and when he plays, he scores.