Bruins Forward Makes Admission About Highlight-Reel Pass

The Boston Bruins have one particular line that has been a catalyst from puck drop on Opening Night — the fourth line.

The trio of Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic and Cole Koepke has not only been offensively consistent but also plays responsibly and stays true to the Bruins’ identity.

Beecher provided a highlight-reel pass to Kastelic in the Bruins’ victory over Original Six rival Toronto Maple Leafs, which left fans in awe.

Koepke drove up the ice along with Beecher and Kastelic on a three-on-two. Koepke took the initial shot that Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz turned aside to the corner. Beecher collected the loose puck and fed Kastelic who was planted in front of the net for his third tally of the season.

Beecher’s no-look pass to Kastelic was tape-to-tape, but the second-year forward admitted luck may have had a little bit to do with the success.

“(Koepke) made a nice play coming into the zone, cut the middle,” Beecher told reporters after pregame skate on Tuesday, per team-provided video. “I was just trying to get open for him, maybe get a rebound. (Kastelic) made a great play, just driving to the net, taking the D back.

“I turned to the corner and the puck was laying there. I had known Kasty was on the net, so I figured I’d throw it back there and try and find him. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a little bit of luck involved in it.”

Beecher added it was nice to help the Bruins take a 3-2 lead over the Leafs midway through the second frame, but reiterated he was blind to where Kastelic had landed in front of the crease.

“No, I didn’t see him,” Beecher admitted. “Like I said, he had been driving the net and I had a pretty good idea that he would be there. We kind of gained a good amount of chemistry through the first nine games and I trusted that he would be able to do his job.”

Mission accomplished.

The fourth line has accounted for eight Bruins goals this season through the first nine games.