It remains to be seen if Malcolm Subban will get a game with the Boston Bruins during his emergency recall. Jonas Gustavsson returned to practiced today, a good sign his stay on injured reserve due to an elevated heart rate could be a short one.
But at the very least, Subban’s recall gave reporters a chance to see how things are going for the 22-year-old netminder.
And it sounds like things are going pretty well.
“I feel like I’ve taken a huge step forward in my play from last year,” Subban told CSN New England.
“The style I used to play before was more of an inconsistent style. [Bruins goalie coach Bob Essensa) loved the style that I used to play, but he’s trying to incorporate a lot of techniques in my game that will make me a better goaltender. It’s being a little calmer in the net and letting the puck come to me, and not jumping around as much. It certainly helps a lot more in practice because it’s not as tiring.”
Those remarks are consistent with the development of a lot of young goalies. Less reliance on athleticism, more on technique. According to Bruins coach Claude Julien, Subban has been “really good in Providence” and “a lot more consistent.”
Subban’s only NHL start came last season, and it did not go well. But the 24th overall pick in 2012 remains an important asset for the B’s, either as a future starter in Boston or as a significant trade chip.
