A snakebit Jake DeBrusk looking to finally cash in on B’s second line

Jake DeBrusk has yet to light the lamp this season, but it’s certainly not for a lack of trying.

The 21-year-old winger established himself as a top-six regular as a rookie thanks to his willingness to go to goal and convert in the dirty areas, and it’s been more of the same so far this season.

Skating on David Krejci’s line, DeBrusk has found himself in the middle of the action when the B’s break into an opponent’s zone, with the young forward posting a 64.18 Corsi For percentage in 52:46 of total ice time. During that stretch, DeBrusk has been on the ice for 18 scoring chances for the Bruins, along with 13 scoring chances against his club.

And yet, despite his propensity for creating havoc down low, DeBrusk has yet to tally a point this season.



It hasn’t been the start that the winger was looking for the open his second go-around in the NHL, but DeBrusk was quick to note that the changes have been there.

“There hasn’t been any production yet, but every game — I’m feeling comfortable and just trying to generate more chances,” DeBrusk said. “Can’t wait to celly that first one, that’s for sure.”

DeBrusk was visibly frustrated during Thursday’s win over the Oilers, at one point slamming his stick on the bench after failing to convert on a Grade-A scoring bid while crashing the net and colliding with Edmonton netminder Cam Talbot.

In 15:01 of ice time against the Oilers, DeBrusk fired two shots on goal, while also being on the ice for a pair of high-danger Bruins' scoring chances  — and zero high-danger scoring chances against.

Along with his production on the ice — and the frustration that comes with failing to cash in on some good looks — DeBrusk also skated on his off wing against the Oilers, shifting to Krejci’s right in order to accommodate Joakim Nordstrom’s promotion up to a top-six role.

DeBrusk has some experience skating at right wing in his career, although he was quick to admit that there were a few lapses that he’ll look to tighten up, especially with Nordstrom expected to remain on the second line for the time being.

“I’ve played it in junior and a little bit in Providence as well,” DeBrusk said of playing at right wing. “I played it growing up and I’m pretty confident on that side. But it’s a different animal, obviously, going into a game. There were a couple of times, where I noticed myself wondering out to the left side when you go back … quickly hustled to my side, but I like it.

“I think there’s a couple of little plays where I kind of gave it away on my backhand. That’s just getting used to the position and try to stay on your forehand as much as possible, that’s something that Butch has talked about, talked to me about a little bit. I think I can use my speed to attack off my off side and hopefully get some more chances in the middle, get a shot off and start forechecking.”

For Cassidy, the biggest challenge for DeBrusk skating out of position will be how he transitions the puck through the neutral zone, with opposing skaters getting easier angles to pickpocket the B’s winger.

“The challenge will be through the neutral zone, you’re exposing the puck when you’re on your off side,” Cassidy explained. “I think guys that can separate quicker will have an easier time getting between, say, the back pressure and the D that’s staying up. So that’s the first thing on the off side that I thought some of the other guys we’d move would struggle with a little bit.

“I thought he handled that well, so that will be the first challenge though he got his shot off from that side. ... That will be the other challenge, you’re exposing it when you shoot.”

Even with the adjustments, DeBrusk is expecting to break through sooner rather than later — with the Edmonton native looking to get rolling before the B’s head out for a three-game trek out to Western Canada next week.

“It’s different feeling any time Edmonton is in town or playing against the Oilers or when family is in town, for that matter,” DeBrusk said. “Obviously, you want to put on a show and try to get one in front of them. It just didn’t happen this time. It seems like (father Louie DeBrusk) is not good luck for that. You win, though — so good luck in that aspect. He’s got to keep coming back. It seems like when my mom comes, I get a goal or something. I need her to come down here pretty soon.”