Remember 2008 - 2009 season? The one where the Bruins finished at the top of the Eastern conference? That year the Bruins had great line combination's, and I think this is what led to their success. The first line put Marc Savard at center, with Milan Lucic and Phil Kessel at wing. This line combination worked handsomely. Why? Every man had a role. Lucic's job was to open up space using physical play. Because Lucic did this Savard had time and space to move the puck to Kessel. If Kessel had a wide open shot because of a good pass from Savard, then he had a good chance at scoring. In my personal opinion Milan Lucic is the best player in the league at opening up the ice and making room with his physical play. Savard is arguably the best set up man in the NHL and even thought the Bruins no longer have the services of Phil Kessel, they do have a natural goal scorer in Nathan Horton. Horton could easily take Kessel's spot on the first line and if he does then he the chance to possibly have a 40 goal season. So the game plan for the front line is fairly simple.
Lucic - Knock the opposing player off the puck (and take the puck to the net)
Savard - Pick up the puck and pass it to Horton (or take it to the net)
Horton - Take pass from Savard and get the puck on net (or follow the play to the net and look for a rebound)
A lot of people say that Lucic wasn't worth the big contract that the Bruins signed him, but dis agree, just because he has an uncanny ability to open up space on the ice.
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