Mavrik Bourque was a dangerous player in the AHL last season. I remember reading articles saying that AHL head coaches in their division were tired of Logan Stankoven and Bourque destroying their teams. I think that’s a pretty big compliment. The fact that the coaches wanted both players out of the league shows that they are on the right track for a long NHL career. It will be interesting to see how he fares in his first NHL season with the Stars this year.
There’s a strong chance he’ll be in the opening night lineup along with Jamie Benn and Stankoven. Both players will be teaching Bourque the fundamentals of the NHL game every night. Even though he won the AHL MVP award last season, fans don’t know which version of Bourque they’ll see on opening night. Will the Stars get the dominant AHL MVP or the version that was quiet at times?
Due to injuries and playoff involvement, Mavrik Bourque got some time in the NHL. He suited up for Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. However, Bourque didn’t get enough ice time to show what he can do for the Stars night in and night out. Based on the highlights I saw last year during his time in Cedar Park, he should have no problem becoming a threat on the ice on a daily basis.
Bourque’s strength is his speed and ability to get the puck on goal quickly. I remember him dominating a game by scoring four goals, including the game-winning goal in overtime. That’s the kind of potential Bourque brings to the Stars roster. If DeBoer believes he’s ready for the NHL level, the overtime will have an impact on the team next season. He could average two goals and two assists per game, like he did against the Manitoba Moose in the Calder Cup playoffs.
I believe Mavrik Bourque is ready for the tougher competition at the NHL level. He may need some time to adjust his game to the tougher competition. Stars fans will have to be patient with him as he begins the season in Nashville. Bourque and Stankoven can score goals every night if they stay true to their game. The Stars could have three-goal opportunities next season with young talent, with teams having to decide which young player to defend. The future of hockey in the state of Texas looks bright.
