Analysis: Breaking down the Bruins' suddenly healthy offensive units

During the summer, Bruce Cassidy envisioned a few different lineup possibilities for the Bruins. There were many variables to consider with each one. The coach admitted there were sleepless nights, thinking about how the team would look and trying to figure out the best options to make it a successful season.

Would the vast majority of the rookie class be ready for the NHL? Would the veterans who underwent offseason surgeries be ready for the start of the season? Would it be possible to have a balanced lineup with so many young players fighting for spots?

These are most of the questions that needed to be answered. With 25 games in the books, the individual performances have been evaluated, and now with the entire roster nearly healthy, Cassidy finally has one of the few lineups he’s been waiting on.

“The good news is we’re getting healthier, maybe as healthy as we’ve ever been, so that’s the positive,” Cassidy said.

Here’s what it will look like when Bruins host the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night at TD Garden.

Forwards
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk-David Krejci-Anders Bjork
Danton Heinen-Riley Nash-David Backes
Tim Schaller-Sean Kuraly-Noel Acciari

Defense
Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug-Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk-Kevan Miller

Goalies
Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin

DeBrusk will be activated Thursday after a three-game hiatus due to an upper-body injury. As a result, general manager Don Sweeney & Co. will hold an internal discussion to decide which player is sent to the minors if he clears waivers.

However, that decision could get a stay of execution since Ryan Spooner re-aggravated a lower-body injury and will be re-evaluated on Thursday. If he’s deemed game ready, then management will likely assign Matt Beleskey or Frank Vatrano to Providence. That doesn't mean Spooner will be in the lineup because he could be the healthy scratch.

Again, I not a fan of using the term “bridge” season but that’s exactly what this is for the Bruins. So the players that make the team better will remain in the Boston and those who don’t will be elsewhere. The Bruins are playing well of late and Cassidy doesn’t want to tinker with the lineup.

“It’s not about second chances, necessarily,” Cassidy said. “Every player that’s here has been given an opportunity to play, some more than others. But, if this is our best lineup, then it’s our best lineup.”

After DeBrusk returns, only Adam McQuaid (leg) remains sidelined. He's been skating on his own and could return at some point next week. Then, the Bruins will have another decision on their hands, but we'll address that scenario when the time comes.

The current roster/lineup is an impressive one. Here are the pros and cons for each line combination as constituted:

First line: Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak

Out of necessity, Cassidy was forced to load up the offensive weaponry on the top line. The trio of Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak quickly regained its chemistry from last season and so far its been carrying the top six.

Pros: You know what you're going to get from Marchand and Bergeron every game. They are two of the best two-way players in the game. Pastrnak's creativity is fun to watch and he'll have the puck on the stick plenty of times. He leads the team with 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points. Because Bergeron is an elite center, the Bruins usually start with the puck, which is one reason for the team's recent string of success.

Cons: Marchand has been dealing with concussion issues this season and has missed a total of eight games. Pastrnak needs to be a more consistent 200-foot player. When he focuses too much on offense, it affects his defense, and vice versa. Once he figures that out, he will become an elite player.

Second line: DeBrusk-Krejci-Bjork


It makes all the difference when Krejci is healthy and producing. He missed 12 games due to back issues, but when he's playing, the Bruins are a completely different team. Having a 1-2 punch of Bergeron and Krejci down the middle is what makes this team tick. When he's flanked by a pair of rookies, it actually helps Krejci's game because he's moving all the time.

Pros: Before his recent injury, DeBrusk found his game and was one of the better players on the ice for a six-game stretch. He's strong on the puck and learning how to be effective in the dirty areas, especially in front of the net. Since missing one game as a healthy scratch on Nov. 11, he's been producing in all areas. During that stretch, he had two goals and four assists. He's only going to get stronger, but he has deceptive size and strength. He's at his best when he moving his feet and winning puck battles.

When asked is DeBrusk's game was trending in the right direction before his recent injury, Cassidy said: “Absolutely. Like a lot of young guys, he’ll have some ups and downs. He was in a bit of downturn, we addressed that and he missed game (as a healthy scratch). He came back and took it to heart and played really well. He was trending up again, but these are the things you have to deal with – some time off, some injuries, some setbacks – so hopefully he’s better off for it. But he was definitely playing better.”

DeBrusk said after practice on Wednesday, he remembers how he felt on the ice and plans on regaining that energy and production if he's given the green light against the Coyotes. When Krejci is playing, he's also a controlling force on the power play. His ability to slow the game down is rare and that's another weapon for the Bruins. Bjork's skating ability is an asset, especially when he has the puck on his stick.

The simple aspect why I like this line is the fact that Bjork and Krejci have he ability to get the puck on the net, so if DeBrusk can win those battles in front and go to the net hard, points should start piling up.

Cons: Bjork was sidelined and missed seven games with a concussion and it could take him a bit to regain his game. He's learning puck management and needs to make better and quicker decisions. Krejci's back issues will be something he'll deal with the remainder of the season. DeBrusk needs to continue to trend upwards and avoid the lulls as much as possible.

Third line: Heinen-Nash-Backes

For a team to win a Stanley Cup, it needs its bottom six to make significant contributions. The Bruins have that ability. This trio of Heinen, Nash and Backes is built on versatility.

Pros: It's a third line that can match up against opponents' top players. It also has the ability to chip in offensively. All three can play a solid 200-foot game. Heinen and Backes can make contributions on the power play, too. Nash can handle the penalty kill. Heinen has been exactly what the Bruins needed from him this season. He has played up and down the lineup and both wings. He's taken full advantage of his opportunity and you won't see him back in Providence anytime soon. He has earned his spot. To his credit, he's really worked on his skating. He already has terrific hands (one reason why he's effective on the PP) and has strong hockey sense.

“Danton’s played through a lot of different scenarios,” admitted Cassidy. “He’s been a real good addition for us, in terms of being able to move him around. He’s versatile and in today’s game that’s important for a coach, especially for myself that likes to juggle lines a little bit. He adds value.”

Cons: Wouldn't necessarily describe this as a negative, but Backes missed a total of 17 games with diverticulitis. It's unbelievable that he's back playing after having a portion of his colon removed on Nov. 2. He lost nearly 15 pounds in the process and he'll be a step behind until he regains his full strength. He hasn't look out of place too often.

Fourth line: Schaller-Kuraly-Acciari

Personally, I like the fourth line of Schaller, Nash and Acciari. Kuraly also adds a dimension of grit and tenacity too. He's played well and has taken full advantage of his opportunity.

Pros: Opponents know when this line is on the ice. Acciari is built like a linebacker and he hits like one. Next time you're in attendance, listen for the sound it makes when Acciari buries a player into the boards. It definitely makes a distinct sound. Schaller is versatile in the bottom six. Cassidy is comfortable putting this trio on the ice during important situations. Kuraly's compete level is off the charts. Pay attention to how many times he makes that extra effort and dives to put a 50/50 puck that's out of his reach into a better area. Because of his relentless style, he's good on the PK when needed.

Cons: Kuraly has made a few mistakes this season, but he's shown the ability to quickly bounce back. As far as diving for those 50/50 pucks, there are some instances when he should stay on his feet so he doesn't take himself out of the play. He'll continue to hone those skills.