Parker Wotherspoon making the most of his opportunities with the Bruins
During the first half of the season, the Boston Bruins were one of the best team in the NHL. That was due to their mix of veterans and young players. One pleasant surprise has been Parker Wotherspoon, who is carving out a role on the Bruins blue line.
In 20 games, the 26-year-old has landed 34 hits and blocked 40 shots. Wotherspoon has also recorded six takeaways and has been a reliable piece when injuries arise. While his number doesn't jump off the page, the Surrey native has been productive on the penalty kill and made the most of his opportunities.
His play has not gone unnoticed by Bruins' head coach, Jim Montgomery, who praised Wotherspoon's performance in mid-January.
“I think we see a player that has the confidence to know that he can play well and help us night in and night out,” Montgomery told reporters. “And the physicality that he brings, the consistency of it, is something that we need back there, and he’s given that to us. So he’s a very, very welcome addition, and he’s earned the right to be here.”
Although the 2015 draftee hasn’t been a point machine, he has chipped in offensively. After only recording one point in 12 games for the Bruins during the 2022-2023 campaign, he has three this season. Wotherspoon has also landed 14 shots on net. Whenever he steps on the ice, good things seem to happen.
Due to his play, Wotherspoon is averaging 17:20 of total ice time. In his last five games, he has played around 25 shifts a night, making it hard for Montgomery to take him out of the lineup. In that span, the Bruins went 5-0.
In a season in which the Bruins have shattered expectations, Wotherspoon has shown that he belongs in the NHL. He still has room to grow and should only improve with more playing time.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr