David Krejci Ignites Bruins Powerplay In Round One

The Boston Bruins began their stint in the Toronto bubble 0-for-13 on the powerplay. The ended the First Round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs 5-for-28 overall with a 17.9% conversion rate. They are 5-for-15 since the power outage to start the playoffs. A big reason for the turnaround? Veteran center David Krejci and his move to the top powerplay unit.

The dynamic Czech center has given the Bruins new life on the powerplay.

“Well he’s playing really well, really motivated, making good plays,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said Wednesday. “I mean we had a pretty good power play as it is the other way, but this is a way to get Krech more involved.”

David Krejci wasn’t quick to take credit for the powerplay’s turnaround. Instead, the veteran credited the team for an all-around better performance in the First Round.

“I think the team after the round robin, I think we turned the page and we just play our game,” Krejci said. “We had that great game plan, we knew exactly what to do, how to beat these guys. We stuck with it. And all four lines, they chipped in. Every game was a different line. That’s what you need in the playoffs. Every game, somebody else steps up. That was huge.”

David Pastrnak was a little more complimentary towards his fellow Czech when asked about his impact on the powerplay.

“Obviously, we all love playoff Krech. He’s unbelievable,” Pastrnak said. “So much experience and his hockey patience is incredible. The power play is just, I can’t even tell how good of a player he is. He always seems like he makes a great play. Just when you think he’s going to lose it, he always finds a way to recover and make a great play. Great power play. We scored some big goals and obviously Krech was a big key on the power play.”