Analysis: Brandon Carlo finding his game

NASHVILLE -- When Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy decided to separate defensive partners Zdeno Chara and Brandon Carlo earlier this season, it was time for the second-year defenseman to find his own way outside of the veteran's bubble wrap.

It was a struggle at first, but Carlo's beginning to make strides. He played his best game of the season during Saturday's 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. It was evident early in that game that Carlo was playing with more confidence. He wasn't sitting back. He was giving up his body to make plays. He used his stick well to break up potential quality scoring chances for the Flyers.

“It’s been good,” Cassidy said of Carlo's second season. “The things he does well – shutdown and penalty kill – have gone very well for him. Offensively we haven’t seen as much as last year, and more of that needs to be encouraged.

“We’re pleased with his year. Him and Torey (Krug) are starting to find themselves and they’re a pretty solid pair.”

So much has been made of rookie Charlie McAvoy's minutes per game of late as Chara's partner, but Carlo logged 25:41 of ice time on 27 shifts and registered a plus-1. He had two shots, which were quality chances, he blocked four shots and had only one turnover. And, he wasn't whistled for a penalty, which he's had some issues with this season.

Carlo's presence on the penalty kill was important too as the Bruins went a perfect 6-for-6. Basically, it was one of those games that will build confidence and trust in his game. He proved during his rookie season last year that there's plenty of upside to his game. If he can build on Saturday's performance and produce more consistent efforts, Boston's blue line will be in good shape.

Given all the injuries the Bruins have endured, it's tough to judge the team overall. In this latest stretch of winning six of the last seven games, we're starting to see the potential as the roster slowly gets healthy. Defensively, only Adam McQuaid remains sidelined as he continues to rehab from a broken right fibula. He's been skating but he's not close to being game ready.

Meanwhile, Carlo's game appears to be coming around.