Merkulov has 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in just 31 games, good for fourth place in the AHL.
The Bruins’ triumph over the Sabres on the road on Wednesday night was somewhat of an exception.
Yes, Boston ended its four-game losing streak thanks to another strong performance in goal from Jeremy Swayman (25 saves on 26 shots) and excellent special teams play (6-for-6 on the penalty kill, three power-play goals).
However, the Bruins’ 4-1 victory at KeyBank Center marked the first time in a long time that Boston managed to escape a tense third period, as a much-needed offensive burst gave Jim Montgomery’s team the breathing room they needed.
The Bruins have only scored more than three goals in a game on Wednesday, which is just the 12th time all season. More than 42% of their 33 games played so far this season have been decided by a single goal.
Most nights, a tandem of Swayman and Linus Ullmark will be able to keep this squad competitive. However, Boston’s goalie regularly faces a lot of pressure; he needs more offensive punch up front if the team is to lessen that burden.
Furthermore, the Bruins might be better off searching down on the farm for a much-needed spark, even though the majority of the conversation around Boston’s lack of real offensive production either centers around in-house solutions like a midseason trade or a Jake DeBrusk heater.
Because Providence forward Georgii Merkulov is putting up a strong fight for the coveted first summons along I-95 with every week that goes by in the AHL levels.
After spending his freshman year at Ohio State, the 23-year-old Merkulov was signed by Boston to an entry-level contract in 2022. Since moving to Providence, he has continued to improve his skills in the professional ranks.
The Russian-born forward’s attacking zone inventiveness determines how valuable he is. In his second full season with the P-Bruins, Merkulov has filled the stat sheet with a shot that is ready for the pros and a great deal of confidence around high-danger ice.
With 30 points (four goals and sixteen assists) in just 31 games this season, Merkulov is presently fourth in the AHL in terms of scoring. Since just before Thanksgiving, he has been on a scorching run, scoring 20 points in his previous 14 games.
Merkulov’s defensive prowess and his willingness to persevere when his seemingly straight path to Boston ultimately veers off course have proven to be the main obstacles in his quest for a seat on an NHL squad.
In a previous statement this fall, Mougenel stated of Merkulov, “We were questioning his ability to buy in at first and I think everybody had those questions.” “They can clearly see his talent, but is he prepared to put in the work? His willingness was much appreciated by us. One thing we advocate is playing in the defensive zone.
This season, Mougenel and Boston’s top brass have praised Merkulov for his dedication to a 200-foot game. And the defensive zone’s gains have paid off on the opposite end of the ice sheet.
Montgomery described Merkulov’s progress as “the most promising things we’re hearing, which are how quickly he’s closing in the D zone and how his 200-foot game has really upticked.” And it’s hardly shocking that he leads the league in scoring and that his 200-foot game is improving. For example, of the seven odd-man rushes we had yesterday, five were the result of excellent defense. Effective defense makes an attack possible.
Given that Matt Poitras will probably be playing for Canada in the 2023 World Juniors for at least another week, Merkulov would be worth a brief trip up with Boston in an attempt to provide some scoring to the middle-six grouping.
Merkulov may not have much left to show against AHL opponents based on his recent achievements.
Regarding the timing for calling up players, Montgomery stated, “I think it’s just when opportunity creates itself.” “Injuries happen sometimes, but other times it’s just your play, and the team isn’t performing well. When guys have the chance to get called up varies depending on the situation.