Flavin Media

As the Bruins continue to struggle with consistency in their game philosophies, they could also use help with the talent on their forward lines—and the third line is an unignorable factor. There are two key thoughts Sacco and Sweeney should consider…

1. Bring Poitras back up to the NHL for domino effect: Although his stature and weight will always be a concern, Matt Poitras has produced strong numbers in Providence since being sent down—and stat production is exactly what this roster needs. He should be called up to play on the second line with Zacha and Pastrnak, allowing Geekie to move down and play in his more realistic role as a third- or fourth-line winger.
2. Package Frederic for a much agile player for the third line: With Geekie and Brazeau remaining on the third line, you absolutely can’t have just another guy to complete it. We all know Frederic is probably playing his way out anyway, so package him with a lesser player or a pick and get someone who maybe doesn’t have the highest talent but can at least drive the line with agility.

You need stat production, and your third line doesn’t create enough of a ticking clock for opposing defensemen—so address both issues before the season goes down the drain. Every other line provides some level of assurance you can rely on, but this third line has been filled with either overperforming fourth-line players or those finishing late on puck races.