With the trade deadline approaching, Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk is catching fire. DeBrusk requested a trade from the team four months ago but since his move to the top line, he’s been red hot.
“When he’s first on the forecheck turning pucks over, which he’s done very well with that group, it’s all there for him — ability to see the ice, foot speed to beat guys,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “When he’s on pucks forechecking, he’s very dangerous…200-foot game, if he can consistently be strong on pucks on the walls, that’s an area most wingers — all guys go through it, young guys – that takes almost years.”
DeBrusk’s hot streak consists of seven goals and an assist over his past five games. The winger had a hat trick in last night’s 7-0 win over the Kings.
“(He’s) scored in different ways, shooting, going to the net,” Cassidy said. “I think he’s doing some good things on the wall, too, on his off-side. There’s some advantages to taking pucks there and he’s been good at that as well. I think he’s working above pucks, trying to play the right way.
“Happy for him. It’s made us a more dangerous lineup, obviously, when he’s going and contributing on that line.”
The 25-year-old’s move to the top line with Brad Marchad and Patrice Bergeron turned some heads at first, but DeBrusk has clearly proved himself. The winger was asked about him being touted as a streaky player — hence, he’s on quite the streak currently.
“It’s actually a funny way of looking at it,” DeBrusk said. “I think that means that I have the attributes to do it if that makes any sense. This is the best league in the world. It’s hard to do that every night, even top guys on each team have off nights or off swings. I sure like it when things are going like this.”
But, the hot streak comes near the deadline. The Bruins have quite the decision on whether to trade him or not — DeBrusk’s trade request was four months ago, and it’s also not clear whether or not he still wishes to be traded.
“I feel pretty decent,” said DeBrusk. “Obviously when pucks are going in and the production’s there, it feels good. But still lots of work to be done. We’ve got a game (Tuesday) against Anaheim. Enjoy this for a little bit and then get ready for another tough task.”
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