Specific Stat Shows That Jakub Lauko is Worthy of Playoff Spot
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
April 4, 2023 (0:46)
Jakub Lauko has capitalized on his limited chances with the Bruins this season, and one specific statistic demonstrates why the rookie deserves a spot on Boston's playoff roster.
As reported by Conor Ryan from Boston.com, Lauko has only accumulated over 10 minutes of ice time in six out of the 19 games he has played in this season.
Lauko's game-changing ability isn't always reflected on the scoresheet, but rather in his gritty style of play. This was clearly demonstrated in his recent spirited bout with Billy Sweezey of the Blue Jackets:
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At the time of Lauko's fight, the Bruins were trailing 1-0 against the struggling Columbus team, but within five minutes, the game was tied. Boston eventually won the game in overtime with a goal from David Pastrnak.
While he didn't "draw" a penalty in this instance, Lauko has excelled at putting his team on the power play. Despite Boston's difficulties in capitalizing on these opportunities, Ryan highlighted just how adept Lauko is at drawing penalties:
''In just 161:31 of 5v5 reps, Lauko has drawn 11 penalties this season. That's the same number of 5v5 penalties drawn as Patrice Bergeron, and two more than David Krejci — who has logged over 766 additional minutes at 5v5 action.
In total, Lauko is averaging 4.09 penalties drawn per 60 minutes of 5v5 play. Of the 726 NHL skaters who have been on the ice for at least 150 minutes of 5v5 TOI this season, Lauko's 4.09 rate ranks first overall.''
The 23-year-old has also contributed significantly on offense, but as he discussed with Ryan, he understands the challenge of breaking into a solid Bruins' lineup. Nevertheless, he firmly believes he possesses the necessary skills and is confident that his style of play can benefit his team during the postseason..
''I know how the lineup is looking here when Hallsy and Fliggy are gonna be back. It's gonna be hard to crack the lineup. But these games, I'm [trying] to show everyone that if something happens or the coaches are gonna make a different decision, I'm ready.''
''They can rely on me, that I can repeat that play for the playoffs. I can play that kind of hockey. I can be like a Boston Bruin for the playoffs.''
In 21 games this season, the Czech has recorded 4 goals, 2 assists, 17 shots, and 38 hits, while averaging only 8:53 of ice time per game.
As Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno are anticipated to return for round one, Lauko will probably be competing with Tomas Nosek, Garnet Hathaway, Trent Frederic, and A.J. Greer for a position on the fourth line..
Previously on Bruins Latest
| POLL |
4 AVRIL | 122 ANSWERS Specific Stat Shows That Jakub Lauko is Worthy of Playoff Spot Does Jakub Lauko deserve a playoff spot with the Bruins? |
| Yes | 58 | 47.5 % |
| No | 17 | 13.9 % |
| Yes, but he won't have one | 47 | 38.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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