Nordstrom grew up playing center and remained there during his early years with the Chicago Blackhawks organization, and that experience has made coach Bruce Cassidy confident in the Swede's ability to play a solid 200-foot game.
"He's gonna stick in the middle, I liked him there," said Cassidy. "He played there years ago in Chicago's organization. Wagner obviously played center, so they can toggle in zone if we need a right-hand draw or if Nordy wants to switch him - we've given them the green light to do that. Probably will see a little bit of Wags down low as well."
For Nordstrom, the biggest adjustment from wing back to center has come in the defensive zone.
"You've got a little bit more responsibility down low around the net. I think that's the biggest," said Nordstrom. "I think last game as the game went on I felt more and more comfortable, and towards the end I didn't even think about it."
Nordstrom has been a dependable and versatile asset for Cassidy, bringing speed and strength on the puck. With his goal in Vancouver on Saturday night, the 6-foot-1, 194-pound left shot is also one of two players (Jake DeBrusk is the other) outside of Boston's top line to have multiple goals (two) this season.
"I guess we're real encouraged with how strong he is on puck battles," said Cassidy. "I didn't see as much of that in China [during preseason]; he got concussed there, so you're always worried it's gonna go the other way. But for him he's been very hard every time in there and every aspect of the game.
"I think he's had as many chances as anybody. One went in the other night. He's worked hard to get his minutes and we're real pleased with his game. Hopefully it can get him going."
