We have heard the name Ryan Spooner for quite some time in Boston over the last few years. He had been up and down with the big club a handful of times last season, but due to numerous injuries, Spooner has found a home with the Bruins playing above Claude Julien’s expectations. And that is another reason why he should stay with the Black and Gold even when Loui Eriksson, Chris Kelly and Shawn Thornton return.

Julien has been very pleased with Spooner using his speed to create offense for the team, but knows he has a lot to learn as a young player.

“Yeah, I mean that’s what he’s known for,” Julien said after Thursday’s overtime win over the Nashville Predators. “We analyze the game a little bit more than that-when you look at that first goal and that’s where you have to understand that he still has a lot to learn. We’re not going to crucify him for doing something like that, but the thing is he’s got to keep working on his game because at this level every goal means a lot. But, his speed and his skill level and we’ve got him on the power play.

“You know, he’s a good playmaker and that’s why he’s still here and why we like him.”

Although Spooner hasn’t tallied a goal in 14 games thus far, he has contributed with nine assists on the year including five helpers in his last five games. His beautiful pass to Johnny Boychuk to tie the game at 1-1 Thursday night gave Bruins’ fans a glimpse of what Spooner is capable of.

One can tell that the 21-year old is playing with more confidence and Spooner admitted that his confidence is growing now after getting a few games under his belt.

“Yeah, first couple of games I was here I was kind of just not really making anything happen, but I feel I like I’ve kind of went like this a little bit, kind of up and down and I think if I can maintain creating chances and using my speed I think I’ll be fine,” Spooner said.

“He’s gotten better like you said,” teammate Milan Lucic said about Spooner. “I think his confidence has gotten better, making good plays and obviously great play there on Johnny’s (Boychuk) goal. He’s definitely stepped up at times to get us some big goals.”

Spooner has been more than a capable fill-in for the B’s with the number of injuries the team had, but he has been playing great hockey creating chances for his teammates every single night with his speed.

Ryan Spooner needs to remain with the Black and Gold. His skill, speed and youthfulness give the Bruins another dimension.