Boston Bruins rookie Matthew Poitras faced a challenging two-game stint, being a healthy scratch for Thursday’s loss to the Buffalo Sabres and experiencing reduced playing time in Saturday’s 5-3 victory against the Arizona Coyotes at TD Garden.
In the latter game, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery made a strategic decision to keep Poitras off the ice for the entire third period, despite the game’s uncertain outcome. The 19-year-old forward had only 11 shifts during the game, the second-fewest on the team after Pavel Zacha, who logged eight shifts due to an early exit with an upper-body injury.
Montgomery clarified his decision, citing the importance of game management as an area where Poitras needs improvement. Emphasizing the team’s obligation to win, Montgomery explained, “We are paid to win hockey games, and I’m going to go with the guys that I think are going to win us hockey games.”
While Poitras contributed with an assist on a crucial Danton Heinen goal in the second period, Montgomery opted to rely on Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic at center during the final frame to protect the lead. Coyle played 20:17 of ice time, the second-highest among Bruins forwards, while Frederic received 15:13 of ice time.
Montgomery acknowledged Poitras’s effort but highlighted the demanding nature of the center position, opting to use Frederic extensively due to the team’s strategic anticipation of spending significant time defending in the third period.
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