Tomas Nosek's Playoff Roster Spot Solidified by a Single Skillset
Tomas Nosek isn't the flashiest guy in the NHL but he's been an unsung hero for Boston all season, and his specific skillset could ensure his roster spot in the playoffs.
Hot at the Dot
Nosek is known as a ''defensive specialist'' for the Bruins, and although he's not the best in the league at it, he quietly gets the job done time and time again for Jim Montgomery.
As Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub recently pointed out, the fourth liner's latest game against the Philadelphia Flyers was a direct correlation of what he brings to his team.
Tomas Nosek went 15-for-16 on faceoffs tonight (93.8%). It's the third-best night by any Bruin (min. 15 faceoffs) since the league began tracking faceoffs in 1997-98. Only two better: Patrice Bergeron (17-for-17, Apr. 4, 2017) and Brian Rolston (17-for-18, Apr. 9, 2002).
And as the Bruins bench boss eluded to in early March, Nosek's ability to win faceoffs gives the stars their time to shine. As per Montgomery:
«He's so good at winning draws, so it allows us to hold the Bergeron and (David) Krejci lines for offensive situations, and it allows me to use him in defensive situations.''
Faceoffs, along with plus-minus, are becoming the ''useless'' stats among the hockey world. However, when Nosek is winning nearly 94% of them, it's evident that they can make a difference in a single game.
Despite Patrice Bergeron being the best at taking faceoffs for the Bruins, and some would argue the entire NHL, Nosek has proven his value at the dot as well. Bergeron currently leads the team with a 60.6% success rate on the draw, while Nosek is second at 59.3% (second-best mark of his career).
And that's why Tomas Nosek has earned the job of Boston's fourth line centre for when the postseason rolls around.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11 | 192 ANSWERS Tomas Nosek's Playoff Roster Spot Solidified by a Single Skillset Who will be the odd man out for the playoffs? | ||
| Frederic | 47 | 24.5 % |
| Foligno | 81 | 42.2 % |
| Nosek | 47 | 24.5 % |
| Other? Let us know in the Facebook comments | 17 | 8.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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