Reichel performed 10 video games for the Bruins after being (*4*) on the commerce deadline, accumulating a objective and 3 factors. In 198 profession video games, he has 23 targets and 62 factors.
The 23-year-old additionally labored on Boston’s second power-play unit.
The seventeenth total choose in 2020 by the Blackhawks, Reichel can flash elite pace and puck-handling expertise, however an absence of consistency has prevented him from securing a everlasting NHL job.
Sturm selected Reichel over Mikey Eyssimont and Alex Steeves, who every had stints at left wing on the road with middle Fraser Minten and proper winger Marat Khusnutdinov.
“Lukas has something we don’t really have. That’s high-end skill and speed [and] that’s what we’re hoping from him,” stated Sturm. “He has to dig deep. He has to compete. But those are things you can’t teach and we’re hoping for him to get more on the forecheck and get some pucks back and that’s why we feel good about him — and also on the power play.”
Reichel final suited up April 12 when the Bruins beat the Blue Jackets in Columbus, Ohio, an evening after they clinched their playoff berth.
He’s trying ahead to the playoff alternative.
“Just try to bring some energy, bring my speed,” he stated. “Just try to bring my game and try to go to the net, try to score some greasy goals or create chances and create momentum.”
Reichel’s pace may very well be key in counterattacking Buffalo’s rush sport. The Bruins successfully used excessive flips out of the defensive finish to create breakaway probabilities, significantly in Game 2.
“I think you saw it with [Viktor Arvidsson] had probably like a breakaway every game,” stated Reichel. “And then that’s playing good defensively and then you try to create rushes off the turnovers from there.”
Reichel stated working laborious in apply with the opposite wholesome scratches is how he stays sport prepared.
“If you don’t play, you’ve got to be mentally ready to play the next game or even in practice. You try to work hard so you stay in shape for the next one,” he stated. “And that’s what I feel like we all did, Steever, Mikey, and [defenseman Henri Jokiharju], I think we battled hard if we didn’t play and try to stay ready.”
Sturm was adamant that Hagens hasn’t been shelved for the remainder of the playoffs. He skated on a line with Eyssimont and Steeves and rotated in on the second power-play unit with Reichel.
“Listen, James didn’t do anything wrong. Nothing. This kid is 19 years old, don’t forget. I started as a scratch in my first career playoff. Maybe that’s in my mind, too,” stated Sturm. “He did more than I even thought, coming in. Tremendous job. Tremendous player. We’re going to have a great player.”
Growing pains are a part of the method.
“It’s a tough league. Going into the last stretch and playing in the playoffs, consistency is a big thing. It’s hard,” stated Sturm. “Again, we take a breather and we’re going to use him again in the near future. But I thought it was the right thing to do to take a breath, not just for him but also from you guys [in the the media]. I think it’s better for the kid and for us as a team. But I want to make sure [everyone knows] this kid didn’t do anything wrong. I’m very happy with where he’s at.”
Sturm didn’t absolutely decide to the Harris change, saying there have been some blue liners banged up, however everybody practiced absolutely through the 30-minute session, so it appears seemingly the Haverhill native shall be good to go.
Similar to Reichel, Harris pointed to his previous few video games he received in as key to his preparation and confidence. The sport in Columbus had a playoff-like really feel because the Blue Jackets had been battling for a postseason invite that finally didn’t come.
“I thought it was really good, especially that game in Columbus where we won and we had a lot of our guys out and took a lot of confidence personally from that, but also as a team, right?,” stated Harris, who paired with Lindholm on April 4 against the Lightning. “When you have your big boys out of the lineup, other guys need to step up and it’s great to be out there, right? That’s why I play is to play in games and be in moments like this. So definitely took a lot of confidence from [those games].”
Jim McBride will be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him @globejimmcbride.
