Cassidy praises Bruins rookie, then scratches him from the roster

PUBLICATION

Dave
March 12, 2022 (1:14 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The defenseman suited up in Boston's last two games and scored a beautiful power play goal on Thursday.

Regardless of his strong showing last game however, Jack Ahcan won't be playing with the B's in tonight's matchup against the Arizona Coyotes.

The Bruins will instead be turning back to veteran blueliner Matthew Grzelcyk to slot in on the second pair alongside Brandon Carlo. Grzelcyk missed the last two games; first due to an upper-body injury, and then because of an illness.

Ahcan did well filling in for the Bruins. The d-man got to showcase his elite-level edgework and his strong puck skills over the last two games, even seeing some time on the man advantage.

Despite his strong showing, Cassidy still opted to turn back to Grzelcyk against the Yotes.

"Well it's tough when a guy scores a goal and you take him out [of the lineup]", said Cassidy. "But I think from where we are as a group of six back there, Forbort and Clifton have been really good on our third pair. So, to bump someone, I'm not sure they deserve that."

The coach went on to say that he believes Ahcan has yet to reach his ceiling, and that he sees the potential in him to become the type of player that Grzelcyk has become, and that Torey Krug was before him.

Cassidy also added that he hopes young Ahcan gains confidence from his experience with the big club so that he can have a head-start next time he's called upon.

MUST READ