One Stat Proves Why Jakub Lauko Deserves a Playoff Spot on the Bruins

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Dorin Canaday
April 4, 2023 (0:38)

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Jakub Lauko has made the most of his limited opportunities with the Bruins this season and one specific stat proves why the rookie deserves a playoff spot on Boston.

According to Conor Ryan of Boston.com, he's only totalled more than 10 minutes of ice time in six of the 19 games he's appeared in this season.

What He Brings to the Table

Lauko's ability to change the game doesn't necessarily occur on the scoresheet, but in the way he plays the game in a hard-nosed way. Never more evident than his recent spirited bought against Billy Sweezey of the Blue Jackets:

David Pastrnak goal.'>

Although he didn't ''draw'' a penalty on this play, he's been the best in the NHL at getting his team on the power play. Despite Boston's struggles with the man advantage, Ryan pointed out just how good Lauko is at drawing penalties:

''In just 161:31 of 5v5 reps, Lauko has drawn 11 penalties this season. That's the same number of 5v5 penalties drawn as Patrice Bergeron, and two more than David Krejci � who has logged over 766 additional minutes at 5v5 action.

In total, Lauko is averaging 4.09 penalties drawn per 60 minutes of 5v5 play. Of the 726 NHL skaters who have been on the ice for at least 150 minutes of 5v5 TOI this season, Lauko's 4.09 rate ranks first overall.''

The 23-year-old has helped out at a good pace offensively, as well, but as he shared with Ryan, he knows the difficulty of cracking a strong Bruins' lineup. However, he was very adamant that he has what it takes, and knows his style of play can help his team in the postseason.

''I know how the lineup is looking here when Hallsy and Fliggy are gonna be back. It's gonna be hard to crack the lineup. But these games, I'm [trying] to show everyone that if something happens or the coaches are gonna make a different decision, I'm ready.''

''They can rely on me, that I can repeat that play for the playoffs. I can play that kind of hockey. I can be like a Boston Bruin for the playoffs.''

In 21 games this season, the Czech native has registered 4 goals, 2 assists, 17 shots and 38 hits, all while averaging just 8:53 of ice time per game.

With Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno expected back for game one of the playoffs, Lauko will most likely be up against Tomas Nosek, Garnet Hathaway, Trent Frederic and A.J. Greer for a spot on the fourth line.