The Bruins are expecting a lot from this veteran in Game 1.
The Bruins are expecting a lot from this veteran in Game 1.
Playoff hockey is officially here. The Boston Bruins will play Game 1 of the first round tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. Starting off the series on the right foot with a win is crucial, especially with the B's having home-ice advantage.
The Bruins' power play is one area that they are hoping can heat up with the playoffs here. It has been quite underwhelming for a decent chunk of time.
At the end of the season, the Bruins started playing Kevin Shattenkirk on the club's top power-play unit. Based on the morning skate, this is expected to continue for Game 1 against the Leafs, as Shattenkirk skated with the top unit.
Shattenkirk, 35, has shown this season that he can still provide solid offense from the point. The New York native ended this regular season with six goals and 24 points in 61 games. Overall, it was a decent campaign for the veteran, and they are hoping he can take his offense up more with this big opportunity on the top power-play unit.
Time will tell how much of an impact Shattenkirk can make against the Maple Leafs. With Toronto having several star forwards, the Bruins need all the help they can get offensively.
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