David Krejci Discusses Playoff Success Secret, Phase 4 Readiness

Boston Bruins center David Krejci has always turned it up a notch when the games get more important. Krejci was an absolute force in the 2011 and 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the Bruins to a Championship and Finals berth. Krejci was strong a year ago as well, scoring 16 points (4 g, 12 a) in 24 playoff games as the Bruins again advanced to the Final.

Always a strong player no matter the time of year, Krejci has just been better when the chips are down in the spring. Why is that? BHN’s Jimmy Murphy asked the veteran on Friday.

“It’s two different seasons I feel like, regular season and playoffs,” Krejci responded. “It’s totally something different. In the regular season you try to make it into the playoff. In the playoffs the goal is obviously, it’s right there. You only have 16 teams and every single round it gets better, you’re getting closer. Every game matters, it’s just more exciting.”

It isn’t just the high-level of hockey that gets Krejci going. Like everyone, he’s in a better frame of mind when the sun is shining.

“Also, playing when its 80 outside. 70, 80, you know, you wake up its sunny, right away you’re in a good mood, that helps as well.”

These playoffs will not be like the playoffs of years past. The Bruins won’t play at home, rather in a bubble in Toronto. There won’t be any fans, and there are 24 teams instead of 16. Still, David Krejci believes it will be business as usual when the puck drops.

“Obviously when we found out training camp was going to happen then look like we were going to make this hockey thing happen, then you kind of prepare yourself,” Krejci told Murphy. “To be in good shape for training camp and have some good practices, good scrimmages. I guess once you get to Toronto it’s going to kick up even more. Being around the guys at the hotel and in the bubble, I think that’s going to be the point when you’re going to be like, ‘alright, we’re here,’ it’s time to turn the switch on and focus on hockey and playoffs.”