Bruce Cassidy and the Bruins are expected to get some help for Saturday’s rematch with the Panthers, with Craig Smith set to rejoin the Boston lineup after missing the last three games with an undisclosed injury.
The projected jump back into action will come with Smith in his usual spot, too, with the 32-year-old to the right of Taylor Hall and Charlie Coyle on the Black and Gold’s second line.
And Smith’s shoot-first approach is the exact kind of mentality Cassidy believes his lineup needs more of right now.
“[Smith] can really shoot it,” Cassidy said Saturday. “He’s a volume shooter, which right now when the puck’s not going in, is a mentality that helps to generate some offense. At least the puck’s traveling towards the net. Are you going to shoot from everywhere? No, but in general, let’s think if there’s nothing else available, let’s make sure that’s at the top of the list.”
Smitty sighting. 👀 pic.twitter.com/rCqZGn6t9L
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 30, 2021
With Smith expected back, Jack Studnicka will be the likely odd man out in the Boston forward grouping.
The 22-year-old Studnicka recorded one assist, five hits, four shots, and won 11 of his 21 faceoffs while averaging 10:40 per night over his latest three-game sample with the Big B’s.
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Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.