Hat trick: Three reasons to focus on Jake DeBrusk during the stretch run

From a statistical standpoint, Bruins rookie forward Jake DeBrusk's numbers don't jump off the scoresheet. Overall, he has 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 54 games. While those are still solid numbers for the 21-year-old, DeBrusk has experienced the normal ebbs and flows of a first-year NHLer.

It's only natural to deal with inconsistencies at a young age, but it's how one handles it and responds that's a true indication of a player's development. DeBrusk has shown upper management, the coaching staff, his teammates and fans glimpses of his motivation and determination of late.

Here are three things to focus on about DeBrusk's development.



Maturity shines through: After the Bruins defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on Jan. 25 — a game in which DeBrusk provided the winning goal — Boston enjoyed a four-day hiatus during the All-Star break. The coaching staff was interested to see how the rookie would handle the break and how he would perform once the schedule resumed. It was a crucial developmental moment for DeBrusk.

In 11 games since returning from the break, DeBrusk does not have a goal and has registered only four assists. He's been creating chances, but hasn't been able to capitalize. It hasn't helped that he's hit a few posts, too. During the Bruins' 6-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks last Saturday, DeBrusk was the team's best player. He provided another strong performance during Monday's 2-1 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames. However, with Tuesday's game against the Edmonton Oilers on the line, Bruce Cassidy tweaked his lines late and it worked. David Krejci scored the game-winner, but DeBrusk wasn't on his line. It was Danton Heinen and David Backes who created the scoring opportunity for Krejci that led to a 3-2 victory.

"I thought (Krejci) has had some jump around the net lately, even though he hadn't had much luck around the net," Cassidy told reporters after the game. "I don't think his linemates (DeBrusk and Ryan Spooner) were as good as they had been the last few games, so we made the switch and it worked out in the end."

No matter the lines for Boston on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, DeBrusk needs to respond once again. He's done it time and again this season, but February is the toughest month of the season to deal with adversity because it's the beginning of the stretch run.

Three amigos: For the majority of the season, Krejci has centered DeBrusk and Spooner. That line has built chemistry, but inconsistencies remain. While DeBrusk continues to hone his skills, Spooner is playing the best hockey of his career. With the NHL's trade deadline at 3 p.m. Monday, there's been chatter Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would like to add a Milan Lucic- or Nathan Horton-type player on Krejci's wing. The thing is, DeBrusk has that type of ability. When he’s heavy on the puck and going to the dirty areas, he’s been successful. His shot is dangerous and he’s scored some impressive goals this season. Some believe the Bruins are interested in Oilers' Patrick Maroon as a possible addition at the deadline to complement Krejci, but not sure that will, or should, happen.

"I really enjoy playing with Spoons," Krejci said. "He's got lots of speed and he's a really smart player and he makes plays. Jake's been playing good. He's a young guy and has lots of energy. He's skating up and down and winning battles in the corners. We just have to make sure we focus and regroup after each shift and don't take any shifts off."

Cassidy will likely ride that trio the rest of the way. Since the Bruins are in good playoff position and haven't lost back-to-back games since Nov. 11-15, the stretch run is a good time for that line to find its consistency.

Break down: Cassidy evaluates the rookie core in 10-game segments. So, DeBrusk had two goals and two assists in the first 10 games. He posted three goals and three assists in the second segment, while being a healthy scratch for the first time this season on Nov. 11. In the third segment, he posted one goal and three assists, but missed three games with a concussion. In the fourth segment, he had three goals and four assists. In this fifth segment (nine games), DeBrusk has three assists. He's been getting plenty of chances of late and he'll have to start burying those.