Boston — Justin Brazeau has a preferred location on the ice, but not every player is inclined to establish a business there.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Boston striker doesn’t mind standing directly in front of the net of an adversary. Although it is difficult labor down low close to the crease, Brazeau flourishes there.
“I’ve kind of done that my entire life and career,” Brazeau remarked. “I prefer to go there because that’s where I feel most at ease
On Tuesday night at TD Garden, Boston defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-2, and Brazeau was there, making a difference. While the game was still close, he scored a crucial goal in the second quarter by cleaning up a rebound from in front of him. Later in the third quarter, the 26-year-old capped up Boston’s scoring attempt with another goal from practically close range.
Brazeau, who made his NHL debut a month ago, has been a key contributor as a bottom-six forward since his call up but he hasn’t had the stats to back that up until now. The two goals served as the first multi-point game of his career.
“In training camp, I remember saying to people, he’s like a poor man’s Dave Andreychuk just because he seems to get to every puck below the goal line, he makes subtle, little smart plays and you saw his ability. He has nice touch,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said. “I’m glad he got rewarded because he’s been playing a lot better than what his stats have shown on paper. But we’re really happy with how well he’s playing in all three zones.”
Brazeau is just 13 games into his NHL career, but he already doesn’t look like a newcomer. He’s shown tremendous poise to become a valuable asset.
“Just getting more confidence every game I play,” Brazeau said. “The league almost slows down a little bit when you get that confidence and you can make more plays with pucks.”
It seemed almost impossible that Brazeau would have any sort of role on the Bruins power play when the season started. But that’s where he is now.
Both of Brazeau’s goals came on the second power-play unit with him settling in right in front of Senators netminder Joonas Korpisalo. And Montgomery isn’t surprised to see things turning out this way for Brazeau.
“We thought eventually if situations arose that he might get there because he’s a really good net-front power-play guy down in the American League, and you see why,” Montgomery said. “He screens really well, he deflects pucks and he can make little plays in tight. His hockey sense and his offensive acumen is really good in those areas.”
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