After offseason that almost saw David Krejci replaced, Bruins now thankful he's still here

It's no secret that over the past few years, David Krejci has taken a substantial amount of flack in Boston. It's all been centered around mediocrity. His numbers haven't ever been bad, but they haven't been up to the standard his $7.25 million cap hit sets. 

But this season, this postseason, and especially in the Bruins' Game 6 win, he's lived up to that precedent. 

On Monday night, Krejci channeled his inner 2011 and 2013 self and potted what proved to the winning goal to help send the Bruins to the Eastern Conference Finals. The slapshot from the top of the faceoff circle beat Sergei Bobrovsky clean on his blocker-side. 

--GOAL!--David Krejci gets the #NHLBruins on the board first! #NHLBruins 1#CBJ 0 pic.twitter.com/y4b7Bwm9ug

It was a reminder of what makes Krejci so successful -- in the biggest moments, he's not the flashiest guy, but he still finds a way to come through. 

"I think it's his composure," said Bruce Cassidy of why Krejci finds success in the postseason. "Guys are playing at a higher pace out there, there's more physicality. There's noise all night. He's got that ability to block that stuff out -- it's one of his unique gifts. He can slow the game down." 

In Game 6, his Corsi-for percentage was a 60.71 percent during five-on-five play -- good for second-highest on the team. He also assisted on David Backes' goal to make it 3-0. 

Another assist for Krejci on Backes tuck. It will be @NHLCanes vs @NHLBruins in the Eastern Conference Final. Bruins home ice. pic.twitter.com/usQ0oS4RVG

It feels like forever ago that Krejci was the ringleader on offense for the Bruins' two most dominant playoff runs of the past 20 years. In 2011, his 12 goals and 23 points both were top marks in the NHL, helping lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup win. In 2013, his 17 helpers and 26 points again ranked number one. His nine goals had him tied for second. 

Since then, Krejci's fallen off a bit. The point production took a hit in 2016-17 (54) and 2017-18 (44). Patrice Bergeron became head honcho at center and this past offseason, the Bruins went all-in on John Tavares -- a move that would've either moved Krejci down to the third line or -- more likely -- to a new team. 

"It's a little different," said Krejci when asked about how he keeps his composure now to earlier in his career. "The game has changed a bit. This time I don't care about myself. I just want to go out there and help the team in whatever way to help the team get a win. That is pretty much what every single guy wants to do here. 

"We don't need any heros here. We just want to do it as a team." 

This year has seen Krejci redeem himself as the hero. He tied a career-high in points with 73. His big goal in Game 5 gave the B's the early lead and a boost of confidence after struggling to break Bobrovsky. As a whole, he ranks third in points on the Bruins in these playoffs. 

"At this time of the year, it's even that much more important to stay within yourself, stay composed, make the plays that are in front of you," said Cassidy of Krejci. "He's just real good at it. It's his gift to be able to do that. Even at a higher pace it's that much more value to be able to execute and settle pucks down, make your plays and that's his gift." 

Another gift: the Bruins losing out on the Tavares sweepstakes and having to keep Krejci on the second line. 

It's paying off. And it's also why they won Monday night. 

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