The JJ Peterka era has officially begun in Boston.
The 26-year-old German winger was brought in to be an offensive difference-maker, and he’s done just that, scoring in each of Boston’s first two games, including the overtime game-winner in Friday night’s 4-3 OT win over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre.
The opening-night score was a highlight-reel play through Rangers defender Braden Schneider’s legs en route to a low-blocker shot, and Peterka went low again with a five-hole bid, finishing off a 2-on-1 with David Pastrnak that highlighted the winger’s game-breaking speed and ability to shoot for strategic spots at top speed.
“It’s almost like he smells blood when there’s [a chance] for a breakaway. I’ve never seen somebody move so fast,” said Hampus Lindholm, who’s been on the other side defending him over the years. “And he knows how to finish it off. He doesn’t make it look easy, but people don’t understand how hard it is to do what he does. We are glad to have him on our side.”
It’s a much different vibe for Peterka in Boston than in Utah, as he endured a down year without the power-play time he’s accustomed to, so that’s been Boston’s gain after sending a couple of first-rounders in a trade for him. The Boston team and Peterka’s potential had many wondering whether he’d top 30 goals for the first time in his NHL career if he found his way into much ice time with the playmaking Pastrnak, and that’s been the case thus far in Boston.
It’s also allowed the Bruins to score seven goals in their first two games, which puts them atop the Atlantic Division offensively while also in the catbird seat in the standings with a perfect record through their first couple of games.
“It’s a privilege being out there in those situations. It’s a lot of fun when the game is on the line,” said Peterka. “I am enjoying every second out there. Great competition and great team spirit out there. I don’t think it was the prettiest game out there, but we found a way to win.”
It was interesting to see forwards shuffled around in the third period of Friday night’s game in Winnipeg with Peterka skating more with Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt in a second line situation, but Sturm went right back to his two difference-making offensive players in overtime, and that led directly to the game-winner highlighting the skill packages of both gifted Bruins forwards.
“He’s been great. Since Day One I feel like [Peterka] always came in with a smile. He loves the city. He loves the group,” said Sturm. “I do believe he loves to play with [David Pastrnak] too so it’s a good combination.
“There’s always a reason why we got him. Not because he’s a German, but because he’s a pretty good hockey player.”
*People can say what they want about hockey fights being unnecessary or being a hockey artifact from a bygone age, but there is little doubt that there are still times when a good tilt can swing the momentum in a game.
That was the case in the first period of Friday night’s Bruins win in Winnipeg as Mark Kastelic
