That the Bruins are challenged offensively is obvious by now. Their 2.60 goals per game average is ranked 28th in the league.

One potential remedy coach Joe Sacco has been implementing is bumping up Charlie Coyle to the second line with Brad Marchand and Elias Lindholm. Since first being put together in the comeback win in Calgary, that unit has looked good.

But the B’s can really only load up in the top six if they can cobble together an effective third line. That unit of Trent Frederic centering Justin Brazeau and Oliver Wahlstrom got a lukewarm review from Sacco after the B’s 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. That didn’t change much upon review. They were outshot 3-0 and spent a lot of time in their zone, though Wahlstrom did draw the penalty led that led to Morgan Geekie’s game-winning goal.

But going into Monday’s tough matchup against the league-best Washington Capitals, Sacco was willing to give it more time to jell.

“We’d like to give it another look. I liked Charlie Coyle up there with Lindy and March,” said Sacco after the B’s morning skate at the Garden.

“That was their first time together, too, right, so they need to find a little bit of footing, find their identity with Braz being a big body getting to the net front. We’ve got (Wahlstrom), who can shoot and Freddy in the middle. It’s going to be a little bit of work in progress.”

For the line to work, it’s got to find it’s grind game, said Frederic.

“I think we’re going to be successful playing low. We were kind of chasing the puck last game. I don’t know how much we gave up defensively, but we didn’t have the puck much, so hopefully if we get control of it and play low, I think we’re going to be good,” said Frederic.

“I thought our first game in Edmonton was pretty good. Last game we were chasing a little bit so maybe if we get a little more physical and get more sticks on pucks. But the first game I thought was really good.”

Frederic has had his most success with the B’s as a wing and he can play both sides. But he was developed as a center and he has had a modicum of success there, most notably in a few playoff games last spring.

“Nothing really changes other than taking more faceoffs. I’ve got to be better at that. But other than that nothing really changes. You just play low if you’re the first guy back,” said Frederic, who won 1-of-4 draws on Saturday and is at 43.5% for the season.

While it looks like it will take some time for the line to work, Frederic knows that it would be a boost overall if it does.

“I think it will help the team,” said Frederic. “Any time you can have a third line that’s effective, it’s hard for (the opposition), it changes their matchups and all that stuff within the game.”…

The turnaround for Morgan Geekie this season has been dramatic. He struggled so much earlier in the year that he was healthy scratched four times.

But playing with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha, Geekie is hitting his stride. He has three goals in his last four games, including the GWG bomb from the high slot against Buffalo.

“It helps when you have the same linemates,” said Sacco. “They’re not the same all the time, but there has been some consistency with his line. He knows his role on that line and he’s doing it well, too. He’s getting to the front of the net, which is important for that line. They need a net front presence. He’s doing that. He does have the ability to score and add to the offense on that line. He’s playing with two pretty good players as well, which helps. But good on him for finding out what he needs to do to stay on that line. That’s very important for us.”…

The Capitals made a surprising run to the playoffs last year but, under second-year coach Spencer Carbery, they taken off. They came into Monday’s game second in scoring with a 3.76 goals per game average and fourth in goals against average (2.58). Their .727 points percentage was the best in the NHL.

“They’re connected all over the ice from what I see,” said Sacco. “They play straight, pretty direct hockey for the most part. They don’t take it back, they play north, they drive the net well offensively. They seem to be playing with a lot of confidence, and rightfully so. They’re playing well this year. They have some jump in their game now because of their record and because of the way they’re playing. They’re well—coached and they’re executing at a high level right now.”…

Marc McLaughlin and Parker Wotherspoon were the scratches.