Rupp: Boston Bruins Coyle ‘Slotted Appropriately At 3C’ |BHN+

BOSTON – One of the biggest questions facing the Boston Bruins this season is how exactly things are going to involve at the second line center spot.

With David Krejci off in the Czech Republic dominating to the tune of 12 goals and 23 points in 22 games, things have been left to Charlie Coyle bringing his speed/power game to the second line this season. It’s been up and down this season for Coyle, who has five goals and nine points in 15 games along with a minus-3 rating but hasn’t truly developed chemistry with Taylor Hall while normal right wing Craig Smith has struggled with injuries.

Young center prospect Jack Studnicka has had a couple looks at the No. 2 center spot after an impressive training camp but wasn’t able to seize an NHL gig after struggling during his brief look in Boston. With Smith and Nick Foligno just now returned to full health a month into the season, it may be another few weeks before Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy really begins tweaking the forward line combinations.

But one of Charlie Coyle’s former Minnesota Wild teammates, NHL Network analyst and Stanley Cup champ Mike Rupp, believes that the Boston Bruins would be best served if they can find a way to slot Coyle back into the No. 3 center position he manned for the last couple of seasons.