How Morgan Geekie is Approaching His New Lineup Promotion

In Pavel Zacha's absence, Morgan Geekie has the opportunity to center the first line between Jake DeBrusk and David Pastrnak.

BRIGHTON, Mass. – Morgan Geekie has played whatever role the Boston Bruins have needed of him this season, and now, he’s getting his shot on the top line.

With Pavel Zacha out day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Geekie slotted into the pivot position between Jake DeBrusk and David Pastrnak during the B’s Tuesday practice. Previously, Geekie was skating on the fourth line wing with Johnny Beecher and Oskar Steen.

“Anytime you get to play with players of their caliber, it’s something special,” Geekie said Tuesday of the lineup promotion.

“Like I’ve said before, I’m just trying to go out there and kind of give [Pastrnak] the puck in the right spots and we all know what he can do with it. Just try to get open, make space for him and create some plays.”

Geekie got a few shifts with Pastrnak and DeBrusk Saturday afternoon against the Arizona Coyotes in the third period. The 25-year-old forward moved over to center after Zacha left the game and Matt Poitras was benched for a majority of the final 20 minutes.

It seems Bruins coach Jim Montgomery liked what he saw in the small sample size enough to stick with it.

“He’s a big horse that can occupy the middle of the ice, drive the net. He wins battles, not only 1-on-1 battles, but he wins battles against two people because of his strength and his tenacity on pucks,” Montgomery said Tuesday of Geekie.

Geekie said he played center most of his life leading up to the end of last season when he was with the Seattle Kraken, and swung back over to the wing once he signed with Boston in July, so the transition is not too abrupt. Coming into training camp, Geekie was poised to fill the third-line center role, however Poitras ultimately earned the job.

Nonetheless, Geekie has been a key depth player for the Bruins, and his versatility has helped him succeed whether it’s as a fourth and second-line winger or down the middle.

“Growing in both positions obviously. It’s a little bit of a different system and then a new position altogether,” Geekie said. “Just trying to go out there when I’m a centerman and be underneath the puck all the time and kind of that safety net for everyone so our guys can make plays.”

Geekie, who has seven points through 20 games, is also getting a look on the first power play unit. During Tuesday’s practice, Geekie filled the bumper role in Zacha's absence on PP1 with Pastrnak, DeBrusk, Kevin Shattenkirk and Brad Marchand.

“I think the big thing on the power play is just possession time,” Geekie said. “Any time I can help out and release the pressure from that middle spot, I’ll do that.”

Boston will face the New Jersey Devils Wednesday night at the Prudential Center where Geekie will get his first full-game twirl as first-line center.

Montgomery has shaken up his lines multiple times this season due to both injuries and need for a spark, and the head coach is paying attention to who is able to rise to the occasion when given a new role.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity that everybody has kind of been given,” Montgomery said. “But you’ve got to seize the opportunity, and that’s what we’re looking [for]. We’re looking for people to seize the opportunities that are presented before them.”