Third and Fourth Line Previews

Third Line: When you look at the Boston Bruins third line you can see the depth that has been key to their recent success. After the acquisition of Recchi last year at the league trade deadline, Bergeron and Recchi clicked right away. Patrice really enjoyed playing with Recchi because the 2-time Stanley Cup winner always knows where to be.

Chuck Kobasew LW – The six year veteran out of Boston College was sidelined with a broken leg during the middle of last season but looked rejuvenated returning to the lineup after fully healing. With Berg & Recchi, Chuckie played more confident and physical.

Patrice Bergeron C – Patrice Bergeron returned last season after not being able to finish the 2007-2008 season. Bergeron was violently hit from behind in a game against Philadelphia early in the season and could not physically make it back to the ice. While some expected the worst, Bergeron seemed to be in stride last season. Patrice serves as a huge leader on the team and has great expectation for the team and himself. Watch for him to have a breakout season.

Mark Recchi RW – The 41-year old forward is coming back for a final year in the NHL. Recchi teamed up with the Bruins to win one more cup last season, but the dream came to an end after that devastating series loss to Carolina. Recchi (10-6-16) in 18 games played for the Bruins was a big part of Boston winning the Eastern Conference towards the last stretch of the season. Recchi was deadly in front of the net last year tipping in multiple goals. Expect him to post up in front of the goalie all season.

FOURTH LINE: Teams around the league day in and day out are going to be abused by this big bad Boston fourth line. New addition Steve Begin fills in for Stephen Yelle’s center position

Shawn Thornton LW– the bash-brother of Milan Lucic, Shawn Thornton looks to have another great season with the Boston Bruins. Shawn scored a career high 6 goals last season with notable netters against MON, WAS, and CAR. Thornton is the definition of a 4^th line enforcer. Look for him and Begin to cause some ruckus this season

Steve Begin C– With 9 seasons under his belt, Steve Begin is one of the biggest grinders in the game. Not big in the sense of size but how he plays. Begin will put himself in any position to win the game. Being a fourth line presence Begin is going to shut you down with any type of force. He’ll bump you, hack you, shadow you, hit you, and will virtually do anything.

Byron Bitz RW – Byron Bitz was called up for a collective 35 games last season from the Baby B’s in Providence. The 6’5 215 lb winger showed great promise, so the organization signed him to an extended contract.

Check out the first line and second line previews.