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Bruce Cassidy with high praise for Peter Cehlarik

January 18, 2019, 10:36 AM ET [2 Comments]
Anthony Travalgia
Boston Bruins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Following Thursday’s 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, head coach Bruce Cassidy was asked what words he would use to describe how he feels about Peter Cehlarik. Encouraged and excited were some of the options the asking reporter offered up to Cassidy.

Cassidy paused and then smiled before giving his answer.

“Yeah, yeah. Those ‘e’ words. Elated, enthusiastic… yeah, he’s done what we’ve asked and more,” finished Cassidy.

It’s been a small sample size for Cehlarik, who was recalled from Providence and inserted to the lineup prior to Wednesday’s game with the Flyers. In those two games, Cehlarik scored twice in Philadelphia, and then picked up an assist against the Blues Thursday.

As much as his performance in just over 32 minutes of ice time has been impressive, we’ve seen this movie before, especially on the second line.

Throughout the course of the season, guys like Joakim Nordstrom, Danton Heinen and most recently David Backes have been given chances to earn a top-six role alongside David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk.

But all three have done the exact same thing in their attempts. They’ve come in, had a few good offensive games, fizzled out and then vacated the second line, opening the door for the next guy to come in and repeat the same steps.

With his three points in two nights, one would think that Cehlarik is on the same track as the guys before him, but according to Cassidy, there’s been some things that Cehlarik has done that makes him different than the others.

Winning those 50/50 battles? Check

“I just think he’s winning – even the Backes goal. It’s a 50/50 puck against a big body,” said Cassidy. “He gets there first. Ties up, Krech [Krejci] follows, so now you’re winning puck battles. It’s a big part of hockey, to me.”

Getting to the net? Check.

“We’re trying to get them to hang around there [the net] as much as possible. And Peter has that, scored from the top of the crease last [Wednesday] night. Again, in that spot winning pucks, so he’s done a real nice job for us,” added Cassidy.

With 17 games under his belt prior to his most recent promotion, Cehlarik was given chances to show his worth and earn himself an NHL job. Failing to do so forced Cehlarik back to the AHL for more seasoning. Yes, two games are not a whole lot to judge by, but it appears things have finally clicked for the 23-year old.

“It’s two games, so you try to temper it, but I was – my biggest concern with Peter was did he learn what was required to stay in the NHL level when he’s not playing to his strengths: managing pucks, winning pucks, defensively. He’s done, he’s hit all those checklists, and he’s rewarding us offensively. So, real nice to see,” added Cassidy.

One thing the Bruins have done differently with Cehlarik this time around has been putting him on the left wing, allowing him to play on his forehand. With the Bruins having the fortune of being able to easily move DeBrusk between the two wings, Cehlarik has been a natural fit on the left side.

“We’re doing it that way because Peter was on the right the last time through. We thought on his backhand he was making too many plays on his backhand through the neutral zone,” said Cassidy. “That was one of our issues, I guess, with the turnovers. I think on his forehand he’s stronger on it. He’s played mostly left wing down in Providence this year.”

Understanding the coaches thought process when it comes to what side of the wing is his best fit, Cehlarik doesn’t care which side he is on. As long as he is playing, and playing well, the Slovakia native has no issues.

“Well he [Cassidy] put me on the left. I guess it’s easier for me to get to middle ice or make a play on my forehand side. He made it a little bit easier for me, but I can play on my right as well. So, it’s been working,” said Cehlarik. “I think I played most of the season on the left side, so I don’t really prefer any side, so I don’t mind.”

Cehlarik, DeBrusk and Krejci have some familiarity which each other. In his brief stint with the Bruins last season, Cehlarik spent a good chunk of time on a line with Krejci and DeBrusk.

“Yeah, I’ve been feeling good. It’s a lot of fun to play with such great players, fun to play on the puck, and make good plays, and take care of our end as well,” Cehlarik said of playing with Krejci and DeBrusk. “But I think we did that for the most part and bury the chances.”

It’s been a fun 48 hours for Cehlarik, hours that he hopes continue to be fun as the Bruins roll into their final game Saturday before their week long bye week. Cehlarik is doing everything he can to make sure he stays up for good.

“Winning the battles is the first thing you have to do to be able to I guess stay and get the pucks and then try to make a play. So, if you want a puck, you have to win it,” said Cehlarik. “I’m having fun out there. Keeping working out so I can stick around and be an NHL player.”

Like they did with Nordstrom, and Heinen and Backes, the Bruins should ride the Cehlarik wave for as long as they can. And for their sake, hopefully it’s a longer wave than previous ones.
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