The question facing the Boston Bruins coming into this season was how to replace centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Both franchise legends retired over the offseason after last season’s disappointing first-round exit to the Florida Panthers. Surprisingly, Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha stepped up their games and filled in admirably. The Boston Bruins are only behind the Rangers in the President’s Trophy race. This makes them a top-two team in the league each of the past two seasons.
So why do so many want to write them off for this season’s playoffs?
Are The Boston Bruins Good Enough
Last year, the Boston Bruins set regular-season records, having the greatest regular season of all time. They lost twelve games all year. The Bruins won their last eight games and 15 of their last 16. Looking back, it’s clear they weren’t tested hard down the stretch.
This season is completely different. Of their last 12 games, 11 are against teams currently in a playoff position or fighting tooth and nail for one. The Bruins have a four-game win streak, including three wins against playoff teams. They are definitely playing like they are ready for the playoffs right now.
Who Steps Up For Boston Bruins
Linus Ullmark has led the Boston Bruins, posting a goals-against average of around 1.50 and a save percentage of around .950 since the NHL trade deadline. This stretch has brought his season numbers right in line with Jeremy Swayman. Head Coach Jim Montgomery has made it known that he plans to use both goaltenders during their playoff run. Collectively they could play at a level that could see them share the Conn Smythe trophy, but sharing the hardware is highly unlikely. Splitting play in goal will definitely make David Pastrnak the favorite for the Conn Smythe on this Bruins roster. Brad Marchand is another name that should see a lot of consideration. So, who on the Boston Bruins could be an unexpected candidate?
Pavel Zacha and Jake DeBrusk both stepped up last season, posting 6 points over the seven-game series against the Florida Panthers. Both will likely be playing top-six forward roles again, and Zacha has established chemistry with David Pastrnak over the past season. Along the blue line, Charlie McAvoy has the best chance, as he averages just over 25 minutes per game in the playoffs. The Boston Bruins would love it if their 26-year-old defenseman could bring home extra hardware.
Path To Stanley Cup For Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins currently trail the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference by three points. Both teams have four games remaining. Both end their seasons against the Ottawa Senators and face three potential playoff teams beforehand. It is unlikely the Bruins catch the Rangers. This means the Bruins will face off in round one against the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Lightning and Maple Leafs are fighting for the third spot in the Atlantic Division and the first Wild Card position. Tampa Bay arguably has the lighter schedule the rest of the way but trails the Leafs by four points. This race will likely come down to when they play against each other in the final game of the regular season. Regardless of their first-round opponent, the question for the Boston Bruins is: can this year’s team do what last season’s couldn’t?
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Follow Chris on X (Twitter) @cnosek6342, where he also covers the NHL and Boston Bruins. You can find his podcasts, “Puck Off” and “What’s Bruin,” on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere else you listen to your favorite podcast shows.
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