Bruins using caution with David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner-Young linemates need experience
OTTAWA – David Pastrnak is 18 years old. Ryan Spooner, 23, is a third-year pro, but has never been regarded as a reliable defensive center.
As such, the linemates will find themselves in hairy defensive situations. They are second-line players skating with Milan Lucic, so they will play tough competition. It is up to the coaching staff to determine when to give Spooner and Pastrnak rope, or take away their shifts for more experienced defensive players.
“Those young guys are good players for us,†said coach Claude Julien. “They need to play when it’s necessary. In order for them to get better, they need to play. At some point, if I see they’re having trouble . . . they did last game a little bit. Then you’ve got to make sure to make those adjustments. They bring a lot to our lineup. A lot more positive than negative. I’m going to stick with those guys to continue to evolve and get better.â€
Spooner and Pastrnak are the future. Spooner could be Soderberg’s replacement as the No. 3 center. Pastrnak projects to be a top-two right wing. They’re learning three-zone play on the fly. But with their team fighting for a playoff spot, their coach isn’t ready to take off the defensive leash just yet.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2...yan-spooner/pcZia5XSV49p347CLXUFqO/story.html
OTTAWA – David Pastrnak is 18 years old. Ryan Spooner, 23, is a third-year pro, but has never been regarded as a reliable defensive center.
As such, the linemates will find themselves in hairy defensive situations. They are second-line players skating with Milan Lucic, so they will play tough competition. It is up to the coaching staff to determine when to give Spooner and Pastrnak rope, or take away their shifts for more experienced defensive players.
“Those young guys are good players for us,†said coach Claude Julien. “They need to play when it’s necessary. In order for them to get better, they need to play. At some point, if I see they’re having trouble . . . they did last game a little bit. Then you’ve got to make sure to make those adjustments. They bring a lot to our lineup. A lot more positive than negative. I’m going to stick with those guys to continue to evolve and get better.â€
Spooner and Pastrnak are the future. Spooner could be Soderberg’s replacement as the No. 3 center. Pastrnak projects to be a top-two right wing. They’re learning three-zone play on the fly. But with their team fighting for a playoff spot, their coach isn’t ready to take off the defensive leash just yet.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2...yan-spooner/pcZia5XSV49p347CLXUFqO/story.html