Lohrei’s emergence as a consistent playoff defenseman is crucial for the Bruins

The most encouraging development for the Boston Bruins in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs thus far has been the superb play of Jeremy Swayman, who appears to be a franchise goaltender.

No. 2 on the list of positives is Mason Lohrei’s emergence as a dependable defenseman on the sport’s grandest stage.

The rookie defenseman made his playoff debut in Game 3 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lorhei had a difficult opening game, taking two penalties and struggling to adjust to the increased physicality and intensity of the postseason.

Lohrei not only recovered swiftly in Game 4 of that series, but he has continued to develop with each subsequent battle. His best playoff performance came Monday night in Game 1 of the Bruins’ second-round series against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena. The Bruins easily won 5-1, with Lohrei playing a key role.

Lohrei earned the Bruins their first lead since Game 4 of the Leafs series, firing a crisp shot over Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky’s right shoulder at 16:17 in the second period. He primarily played forward until the age of 16, when he shifted to defense, as seen by this goal. You don’t see many defensemen with that type of shot.

On this play, David Pastrnak was open at the top of the crease, and Lohrei would have been justified in passing. Pastrnak, after all, is one of the league’s top offensive players. But Lohrei had the foresight to recognize that Bobrovsky needed to account for Pastrnak’s presence in that area, giving the rookie defenseman an opportunity to take his spot up high.

“(Parker Wotherspoon) made a great play at the blue line and got the puck down to me,” Lohrei told reporters following the game, according to the NESN broadcast. “I had some space, got my head up, and Pastrnak appeared at the back door. I think that caused the goaltender to drop a little, so I took that space up top.”

Lohrei was also involved in the buildup to the Bruins’ fourth goal, scored by rookie forward Justin Brazeau. He was able to move the ball out of the defensive zone and up the ice despite the Panthers’ forecheck. Brazeau ultimately got the puck, went into the attacking zone with pace, and beat Bobrovsky with a nice move to extend Boston’s advantage to three goals.

In 16:05 of ice time, Lohrei scored one goal, assisted one, took two shots (four attempts), blocked two shots, and had four hits. He is the first rookie defenseman to score a game-winning goal in the playoffs since Colorado Avalanche player Cale Makar in 2020. Lohrei is also the fourth rookie defenseman in Bruins playoff history to score the game-winning goal, behind Mike Milbury (1977), Bruce Shoebottom (1988), and Connor Clifton (2019).

The Bruins chose Lohrei in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He joined the Bruins’ roster after a strong training camp in the fall, and he played 41 games for Boston during the regular season (21 for the AHL’s Providence Bruins).

The fact that Lohrei can make such an impact in the playoffs so early in his career is a huge lift for the Bruins’ blue line.

His puck-handling ability, effortless skating, hockey IQ, and overall offensive aptitude (both as a scorer and playmaker) make him an important member of this group. Since joining the Bruins in Toronto, he has been one of their most dangerous puck players. There is certainly space for improvement in his defensive game, but he isn’t a tremendous liability in that regard, and he’s learning how to use his stature (6-foot-5, 211 pounds) to his advantage at that end of the rink.

The Bruins can choose from more seasoned players on the blue line. Matt Grzelcyk and Kevin Shattenkirk were healthy scratches in Game 1. Together, these two veterans have participated in 157 postseason games. However, given how well Lohrei is currently playing, it’s difficult to imagine many scenarios in which he would be removed from the starting lineup.

Few rookies can be thrust into the playoffs and continuously outperform themselves game after game. Lohrei has a very promising future. He has the potential to be a top-four defenceman in the NHL for many years. However, the Bruins do not need to wait for the finished product. Lohrei is making a huge effect right now.

“He’s got so much confidence and so much skill,” Brazeau remarked after the game when questioned about Lohrei on the NESN broadcast. “Every night, he believes he belongs, and he longs for the opportunity to be present in important occasions. He’s a wonderful player and a great kid, so I’m thrilled for him.”