As the playoffs commence, the Boston Bruins gear up to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a familiar adversary. In the opening game of the series, it’s imperative for the Bruins to shake up their lineup and ensure Johnny Beecher’s presence on the ice.
While Jesper Boqvist has been anchoring the center position effectively with his puck-handling prowess, there’s still untapped potential in Beecher, a natural center, particularly in faceoff situations.
Reflecting on their past inclusion in the lineup together, head coach Jim Montgomery emphasized Boqvist’s adeptness with puck possession, stating, “We want [Boqvist] handling the puck… He’s confident with the puck.” However, Beecher’s proficiency in faceoffs offers a strategic advantage. Montgomery outlined the plan succinctly: “We’re going to have Beecher take the draws because he’s so good at it… But when it goes 5-on-5, we want Boqvist playing center.”
Versatility in the lineup proves advantageous, a hallmark of the Bruins’ identity over the years. This flexibility becomes particularly crucial in postseason play. Beecher’s energetic style and ability to capitalize on limited opportunities align well with the Bruins’ ethos of impactful play. While not necessarily relied upon for scoring, the fourth line must make its presence felt on the ice, a task facilitated by Beecher and Boqvist’s collaboration.
Beecher’s Impact Crucial for Bruins
In his inaugural NHL season, the imposing 6-foot-3, 216-pound figure of Beecher registered seven goals and 10 points across 52 games. Despite the expectations accompanying his first-round draft selection in 2019, Beecher’s playing style never leaned towards being an offensive powerhouse. Instead, he emerged as a player whose presence on the ice elevated his team’s performance. While still in the learning phase, Beecher consistently demonstrates his value when in action. Although consistency remains an area for development for the 23-year-old, once he refines his game, he possesses the potential to establish himself as a fixture in the NHL for years to come.
For the Bruins, the opportune moment to introduce Beecher to NHL postseason intensity arrives in Game 1 against their perennial rivals, the Maple Leafs. Given the history of grueling, physical matchups between the two teams in recent playoff encounters, Beecher’s skill set aligns well with the demands of such a series. His ability to sustain high energy levels from shift to shift and game to game could prove instrumental in navigating through the challenges posed by the Maple Leafs.
As the Bruins concluded the season with lackluster performances against the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators, the team now faces a pressing need for energy and scoring contributions. Despite averaging just 10:37 of ice time per game, Beecher managed to secure the 11th spot in goal scoring for the Bruins, ranking 10th among forwards. While his role dictates limited ice time, Beecher’s offensive impact is undeniable, suggesting untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. If he continues to provide depth scoring, excel in faceoff situations, and generate opportunities and energy during his brief shifts, Beecher could emerge as a quietly influential X-factor for the Bruins in the postseason.