Haggerty: Bruins Capable Of Rising Up The Standings
BOSTON (CBS) - The All Star break has begun, giving the Bruins a much-needed seven day rest. With the returns of Zdeno Chara and David Krecji, the Bruins have gone 10-2-4 to close out the 1st half of the season, and have bounced their way back to being a possible contender in the Eastern Conference.
98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich discussed the possible future for the Bruins in the second half of the season with CSNNE's Joe Haggerty Thursday morning, and also what the Bruins would possibly need going forward.
Since the return of Krejci and Chara, Haggerty reflected on the difference in play with and without both players. The main question though is even with Chara and Krejci back, do the Bruins stack up well enough with a crowded Eastern Conference?
"I think they stack up okay, and I think they will move up in the 2nd half ... they've stabilized and pushed forward, winning percentage is much higher, they've gained ground on other teams, and have gotten back to where they need to be. I think that is the more real Bruins team," Haggerty said.
Getting to the playoffs is one thing, but the big question that most interests Haggerty is: what damage can they do (if any) in the playoffs? From his perspective, and as he's noted before on the show, "It remains to be seen, and it depends upon what they do at the trade deadline."
The Bruins offense has stepped up in recent games due to the phenomenal play of young prospect David Pastrnak. Pastrnak has contributed to the Bruins offense and will continue to be a dynamic piece going forward. However, Haggerty does not rule out the Bruins possibly making a few moves before the trade deadline occurs.
"They still need a right shot or right wing; I think a veteran guy, even though the urgency has lessened a bit with Pastrnak."
Regarding the best option for the Bruins, Chris Stewart of the Buffalo Sabres may be the best target for the Bruins to trade for, according to Haggerty. Stewart fits the role of "being a player that can be relied on a bit more and play some of those heavier minutes and produce a little more consistently than Pastrnak."
Right winger aside, Haggerty says the Bruins should also look for a defenseman, even if it means for them to trade a player from their nucleus. The key, centerpiece player Haggerty brought up was Loui Erickson.
"The Bruins could do Loui Erickson to the Arizona Coyotes for Keith Yandle, that type of situation." In 46 games, Yandle has compiled up four goals, 26 assists and 30 points. In addition to being a top 4 defenseman, Yandle would bring "a little offense to his game."
Listen below for the full interview:
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