David Krejci plays hockey like an old prizefighter that’s at the end of his career. Not saying the veteran forward is ready to hang up the skates, but he moves in a deliberate fashion, landing jab after jab until he unleashes the winning uppercut.
Krejci is deceptive. His ability to out-think the opponent is off the charts. Even though his body may be breaking down, his hockey IQ could extend his career past his current contract, which expires at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Make a list of the top five players in the NHL that make the subtle plays lethal, then Krejci tops that list. He made two outstanding plays that helped the Bruins earn a 5-1 victory in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday night at TD Garden.
With the game tied at 1-1, the Bruins were on the power play when Krejci controlled the puck at the bottom of the left faceoff circle. David Backes was battling for position in front, and Danton Heinen was camped out in the opposite circle, waiting for the cross-ice pass. In fact, everyone in the building, including the Maple Leafs penalty-killing unit thought Krejci would connect with Heinen.
Instead, he floated a simple saucer pass into the crease. Backes won the battle and shoveled the puck past Maple Leaf goalie Frederik Andersen to give Boston a 2-1 lead at 15:43 of the second period. It proved to be the game-winning goal.
DAVID BACKES KICKS IT FROM HIS SKATE TO HIS STICK AND ROOFS ONE PAST ANDERSEN! BRUINS LEAD 2-1!#GoBruins 2 - 1 #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/Sck2S3h7Nt
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 13, 2018
DAVID KREJCI FROM BEHIND THE NET! BRUINS UP 4!#GoBruins 5 - 1 #TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/oBSt3DMjig
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 13, 2018