Johnny Beecher skated on the fourth line with Jesper Boqvist and Pat Maroon during Friday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena.
Johnny Beecher has checked a lot off the list in his NHL rookie season: first game, first goal, first fight. Now, he gets to add ‘playoffs’ to the pro resume.
The 23-year-old forward was recalled from AHL Providence Friday following a loan that gave Jayson Megna the chance to play a game with the Boston Bruins. Now back, Beecher is focussed on elevating his game in the bottom six, all while taking in the moment.
“It’s completely different. Every game in the normal season is to get to this point. Now we’re playing for our lives, which is extremely exciting,” Beecher told The Hockey News Friday after practice. “It’s going to be tough, but something I am looking to embrace out there. Just trying to help the guys win anyway I can.”
Beecher skated on the fourth line with Jesper Boqvist and Pat Maroon on Friday, signaling he’ll likely be in the lineup for Saturday’s 8 p.m., Game 1 puck drop against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden.
The Bruins’ fourth line has struggled to maintain a core identity this season, but one of Beecher’s goals when called upon for his second NHL stint in March was to be a more vocal leader in crafting what the line was all about.
“Just being one of those lines that the other teams sees come over the boards and they’re not excited about,” Beecher said. “Getting pucks deep, going to work on the forecheck, taking big D-zone draws when they come up…Just get momentum for the guys.”
While Beecher and Boqvist have gotten a good amount of reps together, Maroon – who made his Bruins’ debut Saturday after returning from back surgery – gives the trio a new look. The trade-deadline acquisition brings an edge and veteran experience, having won three consecutive Stanley Cups in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
In Beecher’s first go at the NHL postseason, Maroon will be an important resource for him to find his bearings.
“The guy’s got three rings. He’s been there, he knows what it takes and how it’s done,” Beecher siad of Maroon. “Just going to try to soak up everything I can from him. He’s made it to this point for a reason, so excited to see him out there and learn from him.”
Beecher’s size – standing at 6-foot-3, 216 pounds – is a benefit for a heavier bottom six, especially in the playoffs, but his speed is what has made him stand out for stretches of the regular season. It complements Boqvist well, too, who is an opportunistic center when he can actively join the rush with his linemates.
Rookie defenseman Mason Lohrei was also called up from Providence on Friday. He and Beecher have had similar up-and-down journeys this season, allowing the two youngsters to relate and support each other as they both worked their way back to Boston.
“To have somebody here doing it with me at the same time is pretty massive,” Beecher said of Lohrei. “We’ve become great friends – me, him and ‘Potsy’ – throughout the year. Just having each other to fall back on and talk to when you need to, it’s been awesome.”
Lohrei skated on the extra fourth pair with Parker Wotherspoon during Friday’s practice, and will likely not be in the lineup Saturday, but is a strong option for Bruins coach Jim Montgomery and his staff to have as a backup.
Beecher has logged his fair share of games at TD Garden this season, but Saturday will be different. What’s more, his mom, dad and brother will be in town to see him make his playoffs debut.
“It’s what you dreamed of as a kid, to play in the NHL playoffs. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of jitters tomorrow night,” Beecher said. “You see the energy of the crowd, and that’s only through the television, so I can only imagine what it’s going to be like tomorrow night. I think, personally, we have the best fanbase in the entire league. They’re so passionate, and I’m excited to see it.”
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