Pavel Zacha has become a big problem for the Boston Bruins this year
Jim Montgomery is in a frenzy, and like many coaches who have issues with their lineup, has tried to spark chemistry in any way they can.
John Tortorella was famous for this "method" in Columbus, instead of letting players build chemistry, he'd try to unsuccessfully forge new bonds.
He has decided to give Pavel Zacha a 1C, and 1st power-play unit assignment despite the fact that Zacha has been remarkably unremarkable.
Zacha has been at 35% CF which is a miserable statistic for one of your top-line forwards. If you have no idea what "Corsi-For" is here's a definition:
This means, that Montgomery's quality over quantity isn't working, along with the fact that Zacha has been relatively cold lately.
Last season Zacha posted 59 points( 21 G, 38 A), and a +12. This season has been dismal for the sometimes Center, and Left-Winger, in 10 games only scoring 3 points( 1 G, 2 A) and like the rest of the Bruins squad has yet to find a rhythm.
If the Bruins don't have analytics nerds screaming bloody murder at this point, why not?
It may not help long-term but it seems the eye test that Monty may be using isn't so great either.
The Bruin's top wingers this season, no-joke are Mark Kastelic with 6 points( 3 G, 3 A), 8 shots on goal, and 11 blocks. David Pastrnak is first of course, with 8 points( 6 G, 2 ) 42 shots on goal, 4 blocks, and 2 power-play points.
The team needs to find Zacha's best spot because it's not the first line.
I hear the Calgary Flames just sent an NHLer to the AHL, and his agent wasn't happy, maybe he could help the Bruins?
