Mason Lohrei was put on the second power play unit during Tuesday’s practice in place of Kevin Shattenkirk.
With two NHL playoff games under his belt, Mason Lohrei has tacked on a new responsibility: quarterbacking the Boston Bruins’ second power play unit.
The rookie defenseman practiced at the point on the second unit during Tuesday’s skate ahead of Game 5 at TD Garden. Lohrei filled the spot Kevin Shattenkirk had occupied for the first four games of the series alongside Pavel Zacha, Danton Heinen, James van Riemsdyk and David Pastrnak.
“Excited to be out there with those guys,” Lohrei said Tuesday. “Just try to move the puck around and get pucks to the net.”
Lohrei was called up from AHL Providence on April 23 after Andrew Peeke went down with an upper-body injury in Game 2. Lohrei made his playoff debut in Game 3 in Toronto, and has skated on the first pair with Charlie McAvoy.
Lohrei’s offensive prowess is a trademark to his game, and something he utilized in Game 4 while setting up van Riemsdyk for his first goal since February. The 23 year old forced an offensive-zone turnover along the boards and chipped the puck up to van Riemsdyk in the slot to secure his first career playoff point with the assist. Now, Lohrei will see if he can translate his playmaking abilities to the man advantage.
“It’s a big part of my game, trying to jump in on the offense. The power play has kind of been something that I’ve done in high school, junior, college and in the American League,” Lohrei said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be on the power play a little bit up here…just want to go out there and help contribute.”
On his specific unit, the obvious play is to look for Pastrnak who led the Bruins with 12 power play goals in the regular season, but has yet to register one in the first round. While Pastrnak is undoubtedly a scoring weapon, Lohrei doesn’t want to defer to him every time. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery agrees – if there’s an open shot for Lohrei, he should take it.
“I’ve watched him all year, it’s pretty special. Pretty cool to go from watching him growing up doing what he does, and then having a front-row seat to it,” Lohrei said of Pastrnak.
“He makes a lot of plays, too. Any time he’s open and you can get the puck to him, I think that’s the right play. Obviously you don’t want to pass up a grade-A. If I have a grade-A in the middle, I’m going to shoot it.”
The Bruins’ power play has been a key piece to their success against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’ve scored six goals on the man advantage through four games – Jake DeBrusk has three, Brad Marchand has two and Morgan Geekie has one.
Up 3-1 in the series, Boston has an opportunity to clinch its spot in the second round Tuesday at TD Garden. While Lohrei already played in two playoff games, both of them were on the road. Home ice in the postseason is another first he’ll get to check off the rookie list come 7 p.m. puck drop.
“It’s a different atmosphere in the Garden, and I’m just pumped to get out there,” Lohrei said.
Lohrei’s father and little sister were in attendance for Game 4 in Toronto. They won’t be in attendance on Tuesday, but Lohrei’s playoff showing thus far has been a point of pride for the family.
“It’s pretty cool,” Lohrei said. “They’re all telling me how their friends and their coworkers are always like ‘I watched the game last night!’ It’s a special time. Stanley Cup playoffs, it’s something you dream about.”