BOSTON — The Bruins made a giant splash in free company once they signed Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to long-term offers.
Sadly for the Black and Gold, neither participant has made a constructive affect within the lineup — but.
Bruins normal supervisor Don Sweeney shut down the notion that the pair merely aren’t good suits for the franchise.
“No, I don’t assume there’s a priority they’re not a superb match. They haven’t performed to the extent we anticipated them to,” Sweeney instructed reporters on Wednesday. “However once more … it’s fairly widespread.”
Lindholm himself acknowledged frustration over his begin with the Bruins, with only one five-on-five purpose in 20 video games, and Sweeney stated it began again in coaching camp.
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“In Elias’ case, he missed loads of camp, so he didn’t develop some chemistry with who we envisioned him enjoying, after which they bought off to a tough begin and haven’t,” Sweeney stated. “So, we bounced it round. They discovered slightly bit extra traction by way of the place their positionings are actually in (Pavel) Zacha and (David) Pastrnak enjoying collectively. Brad (Marchand) and Elias, nevertheless it’s not translated to the outcomes we wish.
“So, it must be higher. He’s acknowledged that publically. It must be higher. Is there a transitional part that each one gamers go to return right here? Sure, however that point is over with. Effectively handed, as a matter of truth, particularly for established gamers within the league.”
Zadorov’s affect has been a bit completely different. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound defenseman has league-leading 13 minor penalties and simply 5 assists to start his time with the Bruins.
“Nikita, we wish one other stage from him as nicely. He’s proven pockets of it,” Sweeney stated. “However he bought off to a tricky begin with taking too many penalties and placing himself in that attempting to be an aggressive participant, and produce what the id of what’s been described as, and discover himself within the field.
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“And now hastily, you’re enjoying slightly extra tentatively, and we’d like him to reassert himself. Clearly, with the strain of Hampus (Lindholm) being injured now. The microscope falls there.”
Sweeney has little doubt each gamers can flip it round and assist the Bruins get again on observe as a workforce that’s arduous to play in opposition to.
They must be higher. They’ve admitted that, and they’re going to,” Sweeney stated. “However from a match standpoint. The identification that these have been gamers that may assist us, I’m not second-guessing the place they’re proper now, I’m second-guessing the efficiency of them and our group.”
