Here's why the Bruins sending down this surging forward makes sense.
The Boston Bruins announced on Feb. 9 that Matthew Poitras was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Given how well the 20-year-old forward has been playing for Boston, some were confused at first glance.
However, the decision to send down Poitras is entirely understandable and the correct one from the Original Six.
Boston won't play another game until Feb. 22 against the Anaheim Ducks due to the 4 Nations Face-Off break. That would have been a long time off for a developing young forward, so this assignment to the AHL will allow Poitras to continue to get into game action. Given how well he has been playing, letting Poitras continue to play is easily the right decision.
Once the break is over for Boston, we should expect to see Poitras right back on the NHL roster. He has been one of the Bruins' top forwards as of late, as evidenced by his four assists over his last four games.
It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact Poitras makes down in Providence during his likely short-term demotion. In 23 games this season with the AHL club, he has eight goals, 20 points, and a plus-4 rating.
