Erik Haula has fond memories here in Las Vegas. The veteran forward was part of the franchise's inaugural season in 2017-18, putting up a career-high 29 goals and 55 points during a magical campaign that concluded in the Stanley Cup Finial.
But the Finland native, who was beset by a major knee injury the following season, has yet to regain that level of offensive output.
"Ever since then, I've been striving to do that. I haven't gotten there," said Haula. "But that year was obviously special and things clicked and the puck was going in."
Lately, however, things have been clicking pretty well for the 30-year-old, who has found a home as the Bruins' second-line center between Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak. Haula, who notched two goals - including the 100th of his career - on Monday night in Los Angeles, is now up to 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) in 51 games this season.
"I think it's just the sign of a good team," said Haula. "We know that we have a lot of good players, a lot of skill and just versatility in our lineup. Sometimes it can take time to find those combinations. I feel like we have found something here right now and we've had some success. It's good to see and I think it's good for individuals as well to get into one line and create that chemistry. It's important. Hopefully we can keep that going, hopefully we can keep having success."
Haula, acknowledging he might not have the puck as much as playmakers like Hall and Pastrnak in his current role, has embraced that his main responsibilities are to remain responsible defensively and act as a facilitator both of the puck and communication.
"Those guys will try to make plays and create," said Haula. "For me, I might not have the puck as much as those guys do, just try to create space, get open when it's there and things will just come to you. That's the thing. When you give those guys time and space and are able to do that, they make good plays. That's the emphasis and what I try to do. I'm not trying to be a puck hog by any means. Just doing my job."
