Bruins are among the winners at the trade deadline

Recchi will give the Bruins another offensive threat in the playoffs

The Bruins came into the day tied with the San Jose Sharks for the highest point total in the NHL with 93. On Wednesday, they took two steps towards solidifying that team for what they hope will be a long playoff run.

In two separate deals, the Bruins acquired forward Mark Recchi from Tampa Bay and defenseman Steve Montador from Anaheim.

The Bruins were able to pick up both of these players without giving up anyone on their NHL roster. They sent former first round pick Petteri Nokelainen to Anaheim for Montador and shipped forward Martins Karsums and defenseman Matt Lashoff to Tampa Bay for Recchi and a second round draft pick in 2010.

Montador will help solidify the team’s defense, which is especially crucial during the playoffs. The 29-year-old can also contribute on the offensive end. In 65 games this season Montador has 20 points, a solid total for a defenseman, and also has the ability to play forward if necessary, as he did last week against the Bruins.

Although Montador is a good pickup and will almost certainly improve the team, the biggest move the Bruins made was acquiring Recchi.

Recchi brings 20 years of experience, two Stanley Cups, and 535 goals to the Bruins. So far this season he has been a strong offensive player with 13 goals and 32 assists.

Recchi will undoubtedly help the Bruins during the playoffs, where they have struggled to score goals at times in recent years. The team will be relying on him to become that much needed left handed shot that can make a strong contribution to the team’s power play, which is already among the leagues best, ranking fourth at 23.2 percent.

In addition to the potential to put the puck in the net, Recchi also brings years of playoff experience, which most of the Bruins lack. Recchi has played for two Stanley Cup Champions, most recently the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, and knows exactly what it takes to get the job done.

In what could be his final year, Recchi will be looking to make one last run at the cup. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.

The Bruins were in first place before these moves were made, and have clearly improved by adding these two pieces without taking anyone from their roster. They look like the team to beat in the East.
 

Washington Capitals Examiner Michael Hoffman has been following the moves around the league all day long. For more on the deadline deals visit his page.