Former Bruins Anders Bjork III

[sarge88]

I’m far from the biggest Bjork fan, and I’m glad they won today.

But if Bjork gets scratched, how does Kuraly stay in the lineup?

 

[TwineTickler]

I’m far from the biggest Bjork fan, and I’m glad they won today.

But if Bjork gets scratched, how does Kuraly stay in the lineup?

Yea in order of guys deserving a seat prior to tonight I would have gone Wags/Kuraly/Debrusk/Bjork.... think Bjork got a bit of a raw deal personally.

 

[Over the volcano]

I’m far from the biggest Bjork fan, and I’m glad they won today.

But if Bjork gets scratched, how does Kuraly stay in the lineup?

By winning face offs and killing penalties, if Bjork did both as well as Kuraly he probably wouldn’t get scratched

 

[Ratty]

By winning face offs and killing penalties, if Bjork did both as well as Kuraly he probably wouldn’t get scratched

As a winger he rarely gets to face off. Although he's not scoring, Andy has been a stalwart on defense. I believe Bruce is sending a message to shoot more often.

 

[sarge88]

By winning face offs and killing penalties, if Bjork did both as well as Kuraly he probably wouldn’t get scratched

What if he turns the puck over or makes the wrong decision with the puck as much as Kuraly?

Can he stay in the lineup then?

 

[ChuckSurette]

What if he turns the puck over or makes the wrong decision with the puck as much as Kuraly?

Can he stay in the lineup then?

That made me laugh

 

[ON3M4N]

By winning face offs and killing penalties, if Bjork did both as well as Kuraly he probably wouldn’t get scratched

I'd say he's been equally good killing penalties. Bjork's PK per 60 numbers are right there (slightly better) compared to Kuraly.

 

[Dr Hook]

Man, Bjork stunk up MSG tonight. Should have benched him for the always effective Karson Kuhlman

 

[Over the volcano]

As a winger he rarely gets to face off. Although he's not scoring, Andy has been a stalwart on defense. I believe Bruce is sending a message to shoot more often.

If that’s the case then message received - he had as many shots today as he’s had in his last three games combined.

 

[DominicT]

At this point, 12 shots on goal on 31 shot attempts in 21 games just doesn't cut it.

Before we blame the scrubs he plays with:

Kuraly 40 shots on 59 attempts in 20 games
Wagner 27 shots on 41 attempts in 21 games

At some point you gotta put the puck on the net before you can put it in the net.

 

[Montecristo]

In the games ive watched bjork has looked pretty good

 

[ChuckSurette]

In the games ive watched bjork has looked pretty good

Team is controlling the puck with him on the ice. He passes too much, but things are moving the right way when he's out there.

 

[bruins4thecup65]

Anders Bjork determined to prove his value in his fourth season - The Boston Globe

If Anders Bjork has learned anything from his first three years in the NHL, it’s that every year is a clean slate.

“I’ve learned that you got to prove yourself each year,” Bjork said. “And that’s something that I’ve tried to make a habit of mine is proving myself. You have a lot to prove every single year. And that’s what the best players do.”

loving Bjork a lot. He’s done everything he’s asked and played on every line without missing a beat.


Bjork is coming off the most productive season of his career. Last year, he finished with nine goals and 19 points in 58 games. Shoulder surgeries derailed each of his first two years, but he’s coming into the season healthy with the hopes of taking the next step toward becoming a complete player. He’s increased his weight to about 195 pounds, 10 pounds heavier than his weight coming into the league. That added bulk will be useful.


I’ve kind of steadily increased these couple of years, trying to you know, gain good strength and strength that can be used on the ice,” he said. “I think being a physical player is important. I think I like both speed and some skill, but only physicality will help enhance that. So that’s something that I’ve tried to develop and something that I’m going to keep focusing on moving forward.”

For Wednesday’s practice, Bjork skated with the fourth line alongside Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner. Kuraly said the line is at its best when it plays to Bjork’s strengths.

“Anders is a player that brings skill and speed,” Kuraly said. “We think we can use him really well on getting down ice on the forecheck. When we’re playing our best on the line that I’ve been on is when is we’re skating and everything kind of comes from that.

“So what we’ve been talking about, [between] the three of us and who’s ever been there, it’s been let’s just skate. Let’s get up ice. And Anders does a great job of that. And hopefully, you know, we’ll get in the pocket in some good areas, and you can use his talent to finish some plays.”

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said that even though he’s starting on the fourth line, Bjork will have chances to move up.

 

[ChuckSurette]

https://thehockeywriters.com/panthers-5-trade-deadline-targets-2021/

Anders Bjork

This is someone I think will be very overlooked in the trade market, but Anders Bjork would be a valuable top-nine forward addition for many teams in the NHL, the Panthers included.
For starters, Bjork is still just 24 years old and has another three or four years to grow his game. He has already discovered the defensive part of his game and can play on a forward line as a shutdown guy against the opposition’s top scorers, but he lacks the offensive production.
Bjork has been limited to just one goal and three points through 19 games this season but has maintained a 1.00 GAR due to his defensive game. He ranks seventh in xG% and eighth in expected goals against per 60 (xGA/60) amongst Boston Bruins players, meaning that he allows the eighth least amount of quality scoring chances, or “expected goals” in the league.

Anders Bjork, Boston Bruins (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
I honestly think that putting Bjork on a line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anthony Duclair has lots of potential, as it would help boost his offensive production while also helping the other two with their defensive game.
He’s a guy who the Seattle Kraken could target heavily at this year’s expansion draft, and with him gaining attraction on the market, it may be interesting for the Bruins to see what they can gauge for him.

 

[Kegs]

By winning face offs and killing penalties, if Bjork did both as well as Kuraly he probably wouldn’t get scratched

Bjork is absolutely crushing the pk. He has passed kuraly to me.

 

[missingchicklet]

At this point, 12 shots on goal on 31 shot attempts in 21 games just doesn't cut it.

Before we blame the scrubs he plays with:

Kuraly 40 shots on 59 attempts in 20 games
Wagner 27 shots on 41 attempts in 21 games

At some point you gotta put the puck on the net before you can put it in the net.

Good point. Back in January I made a post pointing out that he only averaged, up to that point, 1 shot on goal per game during his career. At that time his career shooting pct was 12.2%. Not too shabby. As you mention, he is averaging well less than 1 sog this season. That is simply unacceptable for a guy with a career shooting pct. around 12. Sure, his shooting pct will go down more than likely when he is less selective with his shots, but he still needs to be finding ways to put more shots on goal. I have no idea what Cassidy does or doesn't tell the players, but if I were him I would definitely be letting Bjork know that he absolutely has to shoot more. His game has evolved in many areas, which is awesome to see, but he is not doing enough in terms of points production. The talent is there.

 

[CDJ]

Needs to be more aggressive with the puck on his stick but I love his compete level

 

[JOKER 192]

Waiting for Bjork to score is like waiting for Miller to stay healthy. It's a wonderful concept in theory but in real life it just doesn't happen .

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

You know what? I think I’ve just stopped caring.

 

[Kalus]

$1.6M for 2 seasons following this one for a guy who, at the very least, can be a good PKer and 4th line energy guy, I hope they keep him. I still think there is some offensive upside in there to boot.

I feel like he grew his "B game" (as Cassidy would call it) for this season, so there is a chance he can grow his A game too.

 

[JCRO]

Very solid game for him last night. All over the puck, creating turnovers. Bjork-Coyle-Kuhlman were buzzing. Also seemed to bring Coyle out of his shell a bit.

Hoping Kuhlman isn’t out long, I’d like to see more of them together.

I agree with the notion they might be playing a bit higher in the lineup than they should be but if it’s working it’s working, right?

 

[Blowfish]

Very solid game for him last night. All over the puck, creating turnovers. Bjork-Coyle-Kuhlman were buzzing. Also seemed to bring Coyle out of his shell a bit.

Hoping Kuhlman isn’t out long, I’d like to see more of them together.

I agree with the notion they might be playing a bit higher in the lineup than they should be but if it’s working it’s working, right?

Good post...Kuhlman and Bjork have both been playing well recent games and agree brought the best out of Coyle. Thinking Senny can replace Kuhlman for a bit (should Kuhlman be out for a bit).

 

[Greek_physique]

I personally like that they got creative and put Bjork | Coyle | Pasta together...we finally saw what speed could do with the puck.

 

[Riley 88]

I will eat some crow here. If this kid can get his confidence. Because, thats what he lacks. If he can get that, he may be a breakout player. It is hard for offensive players to break into the NHL on our team. Because we preach D first and thats not what they are used to,

This kid could be explosive. Something i never thought i would say about him. I do still worry he skates with his head down a lot...I remember him getting hit coming across the blue line....
I want to see him more. He may be coming just in time. Last night he was a force.

 

[smack66]

I thought he played well last night. hope to see more of this from him