It was a power move by a player who is becoming a power forward.
“It’s something I’ve needed to work on,’’ Pouliot said of the skills - hard skating, puck protection - required of his current role. “Since I’ve gotten here, I think I’ve gotten a little better at that.
“I’m using my size and my strength down low. I can protect the puck. It’s just a matter of sticking with the play.’’
Pouliot proved in junior that he had the size, speed, and shot to be a top-six skilled forward. Those characteristics prompted the Wild to select Pouliot with the fourth overall pick in 2005, three slots behind Sidney Crosby.
Pouliot showcased those talents last Friday in a head-turning sequence against the Panthers at TD Garden. After the Bruins won a defensive-zone draw, Pouliot raced forward with the puck, going one-on-one against Florida defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. Pouliot dangled around Kulikov, tucked the puck between his legs, then beat goalie Jose Theodore with a backhand swipe.
With the Bruins, his third NHL organization, Pouliot has settled into a third-line role. And not necessarily as a skilled player. The 25-year-old is establishing an identity as a grinder. It is no coincidence that with a more focused sense of self, Pouliot is making his biggest impact as an NHLer.
In 29 games, he has seven goals and three assists while averaging 11:01 of ice time. Once a healthy scratch battling with Jordan Caron for a regular lineup spot, Pouliot has settled in on Kelly’s flank on the No. 3 line. He has even earned shifts on the No. 2 power-play unit of late, serving as a net-front presence.
This current role is not one that Pouliot initially expected upon his introduction to the NHL. But it may be the one that will suit him best for the rest of his career.
