One of the newest Bruins in the lockout-shortened season, Chris Bourque has underwhelmed so far this season with just one goal and three assists in 18 games played. While the NHL season had yet to begin, Bourque dazzled in 32 games for Providence, scoring eight goals with 20 assists. In the Bruins' ideal world, Bourque would be back in Providence, getting his mind right for another stint in the big leagues down the road, but there's one problem.
Waivers.
The winger is being optioned back to the AHL affiliate, but must clear waivers for the move to be completed, leaving room for the possibility of another team to pick him up. Bourque was traded last offseason from the Washington Capitals for forward Zach Hamill, so it wouldn't kill the Bruins to see him go, but for the son of Ray Bourque to put up a poor showing like that in Boston is not how anyone wants his tenure here to end.
Bourque found a home on the B's third line flanked by Rich Peverley and centered by alternate captain Chris Kelly, but the line has combined for only 15 points on the season. His minus-6 rating out-shined his three power play assists with the second unit, and couldn't seem to find a place. His playing style was fast and gritty, but with a solid energy line in Gregory Campbell, Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille (who Bourque has most resembled this season) meshing his energy with his linemates has been difficult.
The Bruins have recently-signed Jay Pandolfo to fill in for Bourque already. Pandolfo has won two Stanley Cup rings, and will look to be a new veteran presence, much like Mark Recchi was in the 2011 season, but the question still remains of how this third line will be paired up.
No comments:
Post a Comment