The Boston Bruins are embarking on their first extended road trip of the season, facing three Western Conference teams starting with the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. Despite a 2-2-0 start, the Bruins have seen their most consistent line emerge early on, featuring Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, and Cole Koepke.
Beecher, already familiar to Bruins fans from last season, provided an energy boost at critical moments and secured his spot in the Opening Night roster for the 2023-24 season. Kastelic quickly won over fans with his physicality and willingness to drop the gloves during the preseason. Meanwhile, Koepke has quietly made a name for himself through the Bruins’ first four games. On NESN’s “The Hockey Hub” podcast, Judd Sirott highlighted Koepke’s rise to becoming an everyday player for the team.
“We didn’t really talk much about Cole Koepke during training camp,” Sirott said. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it a surprise, but Jim Montgomery did mention he had a really strong camp. I don’t think many expected him to be in the lineup for all four games so far, but that’s exactly what’s happened.”
“He can skate. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s not small either. He wins battles, puts himself in good positions, and that’s why he’s been able to stay in the lineup consistently.”
Koepke has tallied four points (one goal, three assists) in the first four games, and his line has combined for 13 points and 12 shots on goal so far this season. Sirott also pointed out that Koepke is adjusting to his role in Boston, after previously playing a top-six position with the University of Minnesota Duluth, where they won a National Championship in 2019.
“He’s got an opportunity to carve out a role for himself,” Sirott continued. “You enter the NHL aspiring to be in the top six, but first, you need to prove yourself in the bottom six. That comes with a lot of responsibility, and so far, Koepke is showing he can handle it.”
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