The Providence Bruins are coming off a pair of opening weekend losses. On paper, the team stacks up nicely. However, it is their on-ice performance that speaks for itself.
Brandon Bussi is a Show Stopper
In two games, Brandon Bussi stopped 60 of the 65 shots faced. His 40-save performance against the Hartford Wolf Pack was quite the way to start the season. However, the Wolf Pack would ultimately come out on top in a shootout win. He stopped 20 of 25 shots in their loss to the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Bussi looks to continue this dominance as they face off against the Bridgeport Islanders on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:00 P.M.
There is No Absence of Talent
The Providence Bruins roster is filled out from head to toe. Looking at this roster, players like Luke Toporowski, Fabian Lysell and John Farinacci can elevate the offense.
Toporowski proved himself with 15 goals and Lysell with 14. Both of them are key pieces to this Providence Bruins roster. It is all about integrating new players and adjusting to the losses of those like Jack Achan and Vinni Lettieri.
Fairnacci had 15 goals in 30 games at Harvard University. Elite Prospects projects him to reach 36 goals and 36 assists this season. It is his first season playing professional hockey and it’s important to remember that a smooth transition is highly unlikely with any athlete. Patience is key.
Bolstering the Blue Line
All eyes are on blueliner Mason Lohrei as he transitions into the AHL. Lohrei had a phenomenal training camp with the Boston Bruins but playing in Providence is crucial for his development. Allowing him to play top minutes on a consistent basis will prevent regression.
The defenseman was the top defenseman at Ohio State. There were several occasions where he was playing 30 minutes a night. His stamina and puck carrying skills make him a standout defenseman and will be of great use to the Providence Bruins.
Proven Players
A handful of the roster has seen time in the NHL. Two standouts are forward Oskar Steen and defenseman Jakub Zboril.
Both have seen significant stints in the big leagues.
Zboril has played 76 games over the last 4 years. He has answered the call each time he’s been asked. Right now, there is a bit of a log jam at defense in the Bruins organization. Depending on the nature of the call, it looks like Zboril or Lohrei will be the ones receiving the call up.
Steen is an interesting case. He has been fighting for a spot with the big club for years. He brings tenacity, grit and force to the game. While he may not have had the opportunity to rack up a number of goals in 26 games, his presence would definitely be felt on any NHL roster. For now, the P Bruins are very lucky to have him in their lineup night after night.
Plenty of room to grow
The AHL is a crucial step in the development of many players. Every player on the roster is working to be the best they can be. There is a lot of hockey left to be played and you will see a difference between now and game 72.
The Providence Bruins take on the Bridgeport Islanders at home on Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 pm. You can watch the game on watchtheahl.com
