Connor Clifton is playing the best hockey of his career
Over the last few years, Connor Clifton has become a well-known name to Bruins fans. While he can be a human wrecking ball, the Quinnipiac product has struggled to stick in the lineup at times. However, with the first month of the 2022-2023 season in the books, Clifton has been a different player.
Through 13 games, Clifton already has five points while landing 25 shots on net. In the offensive zone, he is creating opportunities for his linemates and only needs five more assists to match his career high. However, there are other ways he is making an impact.
In 283 minutes of total ice time, Clifton has already landed 40 hits and blocked 22 shots. On Monday night against the Blues, he had arguably one of the best games of his career. He was the only Bruins defenseman other than Hampus Lindholm to play more than 25 minutes. When Clifton was on the ice, St. Louis could not find the back of the net.
With veterans such as Derek Forbort and Charlie McAvoy out of the lineup, Clifton is stepping up when needed the most. He has been crucial to the Bruins success as they have gotten off to an 11-2-0 start. His play this season has stood out to his coach Jim Montgomery.
Earlier this month, when asked about Clifton's play, Montgomery told reporters, "You take his physicality, plus the fact he's moving pucks so well right now, it's hard to even think of him out of our lineup."
While the former fifth-round pick has had to take on a new role, he has risen to the challenge. He looks much more comfortable offensively and is not making costly mistakes. If the season were to end today, he would be a candidate for the 7th player of the year award.
The Bruins will have a few tough decisions in the coming weeks as they return to full health. However, with minutes at a premium, Clifton is showing why he shouldn't be the odd man out.
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