The Bruins Defensive Preview - The Third Line Trio

But wait, you say - defensive tandems play in pairs, not threes!

Well, yes, that is technically correct. However, between Sean Brown's love of mid-season suspensions, and the fact that Scott Balan is no apple-eyed sweet cherub himself, it is projected by the Vegas odds that between the two of them, there will be twenty games lost to suspension (mostly on the part of Sean Brown). When Brown sits, one of these three will move up to the second line, making way for the third guy on the third line. When Balan sits, the other guy will play more. When the team needs a defensive line played that night, the third guy will anchor the fourth line. Heaven forbid all three happen in one game.

Patrick Traverse joined the club via free agency in the offseason. He was among the top defensive defensemen available after the first day frenzy, and was even more complementary to the Bruins roster given his low propensity for taking penalties and all-around toughness.

He has the ability to finish a shot, but is not really noted for his scoring. He will most likely be the third of the trio, based on the others bringing more to the table. However, when he is in, he won't go out and break the table with his play.

Radek Martinek, another of the four free agent defensive signings, will likely be the sixth defenseman. He has as much defensive talent as Traverse, but pairs it with a better shot and better puck control and passing. He, too, was signed on the second day of free agency, and Bruins management was quite happy to get his name on the bottom line. He will take more penalties than Traverse, so the two may swap on nights the team plays eight defensemen, but it will not be a significant amount more.

The top of the trio is youngster Scott Balan, a key piece in the decision to accept the Philadelphia offer on Andrew Raycroft. In fact, he was really the deciding factor. Balan is young and already solid; development will only improve his solid defensive skills. In strictly defensive terms, in fact, he is second only to Meszaros on this club. The only knocks against this stout twenty-five year old his penchant for penalties. It is likely we will be suspended at some point, which will account for additional time for Traverse.

Between the three, they will likely see some second line time, with the bulk in third and fourth lines.

Projections -
Scott Balan - 68 games; 7-12-19
Radek Martinek - 66 games; 5-16-21
Patrick Traverse - 56 games; 4-9-13