Noel Acciari showcases speed in Bruins' 6-3 rout of Senators

Noel Acciari isn’t necessarily a player with whom you would associate the word "speed."

He’s considered more of a body banger, a tough player, if anything. The 208-pound centerman has been playing as a wing this season on the Bruins fourth love, which has allowed him to showcase that speed and offensive talent.

During Monday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, Acciari failed to score on a breakaway, but his effort should nonetheless be appreciated. The Rhode Island native got everyone up on their feet at TD Garden as he bolted down the ice to try and score.

Acciari is great at protecting the puck and working the corners, and is also a terrific penalty killer. He’s a great depth forward who will continue to show off his speed on a line with Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner and/or Joakim Nordstrom.

I think we’ll see more of his speed throughout the season if he remains a fourth-line winger. Wagner and Kuraly will fill out that fourth line with much needed skill and some additional speed, as Kuraly is also pretty fast himself.

This offseason, Acciari must have put in work to up his skating ability. In today’s game, you need to be fast as well as skillful. Now that Acciari has some more speed, he will become vital to the Bruins fourth line.

Although he has yet to record a point this season, he has played an important role in both the Bruins' offense and defense. He could have a big season if he plays like he did on Monday against the Senators.

The young forward recorded ten goals and one assist last season with one goal coming shorthanded.