SUNRISE, FL.Zach Hamill has won a spot in Boston until further notice, but that doesnt mean hes captured a spot in the Bruins starting lineup for the foreseeable future. That much was clear when Hamilla natural center and right wingwas shifted to healthy scratch status two games ago when Brad Marchand was suspended, and Jordan Caron was plugged into the third line left wing spot vacated by the promotion of Benoit Pouliot.
So Hamill sat for two games watching from the press box with the consolation prize that he wasnt being sent back to Providence. Now with Rich Peverley attending to personal matters back in Boston for the next two road games in Florida against the Panthers and Lightning, Hamill will get a shot playing in his vacated right wing spot.
I just take it all in stride and work hard in practice so Im ready when Im called upon, said Hamill, who has two assists and a plus-6 in 10 games this season. Watching the last few games helped a lot. Its a different view and you see a different side of the game. I have heard some guys say that it will benefit me and that you see the game a litter better. It opens your eyes a bit. The game happens so much faster on the ice, but you take what youve seen up there and add it to what the guys are saying to you. Guys play their positions so well up here and you dont have eyes in the back of your head. Both guys I play with are in the right place at the right time, so its a help.
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Hamill said hes among the many players that do benefit from watching a few games uphigh above the rink, but hes looking forward to jumping back into the fray Monday night at BankAtlantic Center. The Bruins believed it was stretching him thin to plug the former Bs prospect over on his off side at the left wing, but fitting Hamill into Peverleys spot on the right side should be a comfortable role.
Hamill is simply hoping to show the playmaking and hockey IQ that impressed the Bruins during the month of December, and helped him win himself an NHL spot for the first time. Since hes been with the club for more than 10 games and 30 days, the Bruins would need to send him through waivers if they were to demote him back to the AHL this season. Theres a sense among the organization that the former first round pick wouldnt clear through waivers without getting claimed by one of the other 29 teams, so hes likely in Boston for the remainder of the year. Its up to Hamill to prove he belongs over the next few months when chances likes this one arise.
Claude Julien said there were multiple factors in the decision-making process when it came to going with Hamill or Caron prior to Peverleys absence.
One is smaller and really skilled; the other guy Caron is bigger, said Julien. One Hamill is a center and more of right wing while the other is a little more of a left wing. Chris Kelly is a better centerman than a winger. Thats not to say he cant play wing, but in that situation wed rather see him at center. Caron is also more comfortable at left wing rather than Hamill right now.
Hamill carved out a niche for himself the last time he was filling in for an injured Peverley, so both player and team are hoping Lightning will strike again in Florida this week.