There’s more scoring punch to be had from the Bruins’ defensemen. Coach Bruce Cassidy is sure of it. Now he wants to see it.
“Yes, we can . . . and we [have] the need,’’ Cassidy said prior to his charges losing to the Rangers, 3-2, in overtime late Saturday afternoon at TD Garden. “It is easier said than done.’’
All of the Boston blue liners were blanked in Thursday’s 5-3 loss to the Capitals, but Cassidy felt he saw encouraging signs. His back line shooters were in the right place, but couldn’t convert chances into numbers on the scoresheet.
“I thought we were in good spots,’’ said Cassidy, a once-promising puck-lugger and shooter himself. “[Zdeno Chara] joined the rush in the second period and the puck just hopped on him — he was point blank. Brandon [Carlo] jumped up the ice, but just couldn’t handle a pass from [Brad Marchand]. It hopped on him. A faceoff play, [Matt] Grzelcyk got one, but . . . ’’
Torey Krug and rookie Charlie McAvoy lead the Boston defensemen with four goals each, followed by Chara (three) and Grzelcyk (one). That’s a total of 12 goals back there in 30 games. Not bad. But of the 16 teams holding a playoff berth through Friday night, the Bruins had the fewest goals scored (85) overall, and one-third of the goal scoring has come from only two forwards, David Pastrnak (15) and Marchand (13).
“We’re at the point now that I think our D are making good decisions when they join [the offense],’’ offered Cassidy. “Now it’s a matter of executing the final step, getting the shot on net and scoring.
“I think earlier this year we weren’t there in the attack. We’ve emphasized that more. Forwards are looking for the D, that’s part of it well — we’ve worked more of that into practice. We’re healthier. Now it’s a matter of finishing those plays. I think they’re certainly capable of it.’’
Spooner in the mix
As expected, Ryan Spooner moved back into the lineup, leaving Anders Bjork in the press box, the first healthy scratch for the rookie right winger.
“It worked for Jake, I think, just taking a deep breath and watching from up top,’’ said Cassidy, noting how a night off in November helped Jake DeBrusk kick start his game. “You can see the game at slower pace up there, how much room you have, and sometimes it’s a matter of, ‘I don’t want to be up here again, so I am going to fix whatever I need to fix the next time I am in there,’ and off we go.’’
Cassidy hinted heavily Friday that he would scratch Bjork, the former Notre Dame standout, noting that the rookie had to be harder on pucks and contest better in one-on-one battles.
“My consistency, you can’t lose battles in this league,’’ said Bjork, who was benched halfway through Thursday’s game. “So my consistency, especially with my effort . . . every shift, every faceoff, every little play counts.’’
Spooner, plagued by a nagging groin injury, suited up for only the 11th time this season. He began the afternoon on Bjork’s right wing, opposite DeBrusk, on a line centered by David Krejci.
Spooner played 20 shifts for 17:20 of ice time. He seemingly scored at 15:31 of the first period, but it was called back because the Bruins were offsides. Spooner did not take another shot for the day.
Shattenkirk worth it
Ex-Boston University back liner Kevin Shattenkirk, who struck it rich as an unrestricted free agent last July, is the Blueshirts’ top point producer on the back line (5-17—22). Half of those points (2-9—11) have been delivered on the power play — like Saturday’s winner.
Shattenkirk left BU after three years in 2010 to turn pro with Colorado. He was dealt from St. Louis to Washington late last season, the Capitals hoping his pop could help them finally make it to the Cup Final. But they flamed out again in Round 2 and Shattenkirk hit the open market, where the Rangers ponied up $26.6 million over four seasons to bring him to Broadway.
Word out on Acciari
Noel Acciari, who started his season throwing everyone out of the bar, has dialed back considerably on his hitting game.
The ex-Providence standout rolled up 22 hits in his first four games, including 10 smacks vs. the Ducks on Nov. 15, but has given out only 25 more hits over his last 27 games.
Some of the dropoff, in Cassidy’s opinion, could be that opposing defensemen and forwards are aware of his reputation, and are conscious of not getting in his path.
“People are aware he’s coming now,’’ said the coach. “Before he snuck up on some people and now the word’s out that he drives through his checks. So people know when he’s on the ice.’’
His hitting, noted Cassidy, is a key component to the fourth line, which includes left wing Tim Schaller and center Sean Kuraly.
Father’s day
Kevan Miller’s wife, Haley, gave birth to a daughter (Remi) late Tuesday night, which kept the defenseman out of the lineup Wednesday night in Detroit. “Took a little longer than we expected,’’ said the proud dad. “But we’re happy that everyone is happy and healthy. Haley and Remi are expected to leave the hospital Sunday.’’ . . . Patrice Bergeron ripped off 15 shots, nine of them landing on net. Patrice the Thief also won 20 of his 28 faceoffs. . . Kuraly, the fourth-line center, won 7 of 8 drops, a big improvement for the rookie . . . Pastrnak picked up an assist and now has an 11-game point-scoring streak (5-8—13) . . . Marchand’s goal improved his scoring streak to 5-7—12 in eight games.
Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at kevin.dupont@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeKPD.
