Ames: Lauko making a strong case to stick in the lineup come playoffs

Jakub Lauko has only played in 19 games for the Bruins this season, but the rookie has made a legitmate case to remain in the lineup once playoffs start in three weeks.

The native of Prague, Czechia kickstarted the B's comeback on Thursday against the Blue Jackets with a fight during the second period. The Bruins were trailing 1-0 at the time, but Lauko's bout turned the tides in favor of the B's as they won 2-1 in overtime.

"I think this is why they brought me into the lineup," Lauko said. "Be energetic, and bring juice to the game doing all the things I'm doing. Be hard on the forecheck, I try to hit people and I will fight when it's necessary. That's what I do and what I need to keep doing."

Lauko rejoined the lineup against the Blue Jackets after suffering an upper-body injury in Carolina on Sunday. The 2018 third-round pick finished the game against Columbus with 4:53 of time on ice, but his contribution paved the way for his teammates to get involved physically.

Trent Frederic and Brandon Carlo each dropped the gloves, while Frederic's fight was a direct response to a Blue Jackets forward cross-checking Patrice Bergeron around the head.

"It's good to see that, Lauko did a great job and [Carlo] did a great job too," Frederic said. "I think guys get a lot of fuel off of that, especially at the end of the year. We've played a lot of games so I think it helps.

"I think it's easy to do with [Montgomery]," Frederic said on players embracing their roles. "It's just a fun team to be a part of. and any role you can get on this team is a good role. I think everyone is just trying to do their part."

Lauko exemplifies that mindset as the youngster has made the most of his opportunities this season. The 23-year-old has tallied four goals, including one game-winning marker earlier this year.

The winger has also brought some speed into the fourth line that features mostly grit and determination. Lauko's ability to stretch the ice can create opportunities for himself while his linemates hunt pucks.

Lauko's first career goal against the Penguins gave a glimpse of what the speedster can do.

The Bruins will have to do some line shuffling once Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall are cleared to return. Currently, Lauko and A.J. Greer are rotating on that fourth line while Tyler Bertuzzi has clicked on the third line with Frederic and Charlie Coyle.

It depends on when exactly Foligno and Hall return, but it's likely that Lauko and Greer will be the first two out of the lineup once the team is fully healthy. However, given everything that Lauko has brought of late, the Bruins coaching staff should consider giving Lauko a look in the playoffs until he proves otherwise.