The Hockey News Big Show - Jeremy Swayman Contract

After a tough opening-night loss to the Florida Panthers, the Boston Bruins responded perfectly against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night (Oct. 10). They defeated their longtime rivals by a 6-4 final score and simply played a far better game.

The Bruins' top guns undoubtedly showed up, as Elias Lindholm, David Pastrnak, Nikita Zadorov, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Brad Marchand all had at least one point. However, the Bruins' new fourth line of Cole Koepke, Mark Kastelic, and Johnny Beecher all contributed significantly for the B's as well.

Koepke, who was not expected by many to make the NHL roster, put together a career game, scoring the game-winning goal and adding two assists. After a performance like this, the 6-foot-1 winger should continue to get chances in the lineup. The potential for him to be a big surprise this season is there.

Koepke was not the only Bruins fourth-liner with a multi-point game, as Kastelic had two goals on the night. The gritty forward showed off his great shot with his first goal, beating Habs goalie Cayden Primeau bar down. His second goal also proved to be important, as it gave the Bruins a 6-4 lead with four minutes left in the third.

As for Beecher, he is the lone Bruin from this line who did not score a goal against the Canadiens. He did, however, record the primary assist on Koepke's game-winner.

This trio of Koepke, Kastelic, and Beecher already looks like a home run. All three players are hard-working, gritty forwards and provide exactly what NHL teams want from their fourth lines. Because of this, don't be surprised if we continue to see head coach Jim Montgomery use this line in more games.

Bruins Find Perfect Trio In New Line