Boston Bruins Change Lineup Combination Amid Offensive Struggles – Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins got off to a rough start. They have just four wins from ten games and a goal difference of 7. They have struggled on both ends of the ice so far, but their offense has been a major concern, as they have been shut out twice in their last four games.

This should surprise us. Despite losing Jake DeBrusk last offseason, they added Elias Lindholm and are still loaded with offensive weapons like David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that head coach Jim Montgomery chose to combine his lineup in practice on Wednesday (Oct. 30). Below is how the frontrunners took the ice:

• Beecher – Zacha – Pastrnak
• Marchand – Lindholm – Kastelic
• Jones – Coyle – Koepke
• Frederick – Poitras – Geekie

Bruins’ Fourth Liners Go Up

The Bruins fourth line has been the lone bright spot this season so far. Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, and Cole Koepke had six, six, and seven points, respectively. Koepke’s seven points are second to Pastrnak, while Beecher and Kastelic’s six are tied with Marchand for third on the team. Those three also lead the team in plus/minus, with a plus-7 or better. Nikita Zadorov is the only other promising player in that number. Overall, each member of the fourth line has proven that they deserve a shot at more playing time and that they can be meaningful contributors on the line.

It may come as no surprise that Montgomery chose to dismantle his top line. Beecher has been a mainstay of the fourth line during his time in the NHL. He will now be getting his shot on the top line, playing with Pavel Zacha, who will be moving to center from his position on the left wing, and Pastrnak. Kastelic, who had been the focus of the fourth line, was promoted to the second line to play on the right side next to the relegated Lindholm and Marchand. Koepke, in the end, was moved to the right wing on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Max Jones.

Related: Bruins Need Coyle and Frederic to Step Up

Montgomery’s fourth line has played well together so far this season, and he hopes the trio’s confidence will carry over throughout the program. Kastelic and Beecher should be excited about their chance to play in the top six and potentially make an even bigger impact.

Lindholm Downgraded

Another move that jumps off the page is Lindholm’s demotion to the second line. The Bruins offered Lindholm a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million this past season. The Bruins were excited about the arrival of the center who they believed could be a star alongside Pastrnak and Zacha. While it’s unlikely we’ll see the last of that group playing together on the Bruins’ top line, this drop should be disappointing. Lindholm started the season hot, putting up five points in his first three games in black and gold, but has cooled off without a single point in the team’s last seven games.

Looking Forward

The injection of a fourth line into the Bruins’ top 9 should give the team offensive power. That line has been solid on the forecheck all season and has played with urgency that bodes well for them in their new role. If the Bruins’ top six hopes to turn things around, they’ll need more from Lindholm going forward. They will get a chance to test their new lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes during a Halloween night matchup in Raleigh.