By: Joe Ballway, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

Good as new after an offseason of shoulder surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and equally tedious contract negotiations, Phil Kessel will reportedly take the ice when his miserable Leafs host the Lightning tonight. Needless to say, should the Bruins’ offense continue to flounder against the Wings, Kessel’s performance will be closely monitored by a growing number of concerned Black ‘N’ Gold enthusiasts.

Kessel’s scoring touch has eluded his former teammates thus far, as the Bruins rank just 22nd in the NHL with 31 goals in 13 games. Last season, the Bruins finished second overall in scoring behind a well-balanced, consistent attack. They certainly haven’t been helped by the absences of Marc Savard and Milan Lucic–injuries that appear to finally be catching up to a beleaguered offensive unit. That being said, the upcoming weeks could serve as a strong determinant of just how much Kessel’s services are missed.

Boston’s struggles have been highlighted in the past three games, a span in which the Bruins have gone 1-2 while managing just three goals. They returned to the .500 mark after being shut out 1-0 by the Rangers on Sunday afternoon, continuing their bizarre, frustrating trend of alternating wins and losses each game. They currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-6-1.

Now, for an expanded look at Boston’s offensive woes:

-The Bruins are currently averaging 2.34 goals per game, almost a full goal less than last season’s rate of 3.25 goals per game.

-Patrice Bergeron, Boston’s leading scorer with eight points in 13 games, is on pace to finish the season with 50 points. Last season, six different Bruins topped the 50-point plateau.

-The defensemen have combined for just five goals, three of which belong to Matt Hunwick. Dennis Wideman and Derek Morris have accounted for one apiece, while Zdeno Chara, fourth among NHL defensemen with 19 goals last season, still hasn’t found the back of the net.

-David Krejci has just one goal in 13 games. Michael Ryder has three goals in 13 games. Savard remains tied for first in goals (4) and second in points (7) on the Bruins despite having been placed on injured reserve almost two weeks ago.

-The Bruins have just six goals on 49 power-play attempts. Their 12.2% success rate ranks 29th in the league, sandwiched between offensive juggernauts Nashville and Florida. Other than Savard, Ryder is the only forward with a power play goal this season.

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