Author: @JamieGatlin1217

Can The Bruins Repeat The Scoring Output of Last Season?

Last season, the Bruins surpassed all expectations by finishing with 112 points. They were led by their youth, which will again be a huge factor next season. Netting 112 points is no easy task and this team will have to come together again to repeat that success. The 2018-2019 season will see the debut off more highly regarded Bruins prospects. They will have a solid group of veterans to learn from, including Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Torey Krug. The Bruins will be battling with Tampa Bay, an improved Toronto team, and the Florida Panthers who could push for...

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Bruins Youth Movement Key To The Future

Last season, the Boston Bruins were lead by their youth movement. Next season will be no different as the Bruins system is stacked for years to come. Last season saw the debuts of Ryan Donato, Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Matt Gryzelcyk. All four players showed that they could play at the NHL level, which is partly why the Bruins have not been active on the trade front this offseason. Returning to the playoffs next year will be no easy task. The Maple Leafs have improved, Tampa Bay is still very good, and the Florida Panthers could be a...

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Bruins Fourth Line: A Memorable Run

Last season, the Bruins had one of the best fourth lines in recent memory. The trio of Sean Kuraly, Tim Schaller, and Noel Acciari drew comparisons to the Bruins 2011 fourth line. That trio of Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell, and Shawn Thornton was key in the Bruins championship run. Last season didn’t end in a Stanley Cup for the Bruins, but the fourth line was valuable in many ways. Schaller signed with Vancouver in free agency, but Kuraly and Acciari will look to make the same impact next season. Comparisons to The Merlot Line The line’s value was not...

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Making the Case: Charlie McAvoy’s Importance to Boston

Over the last two years the Bruins have seen the highly anticipated debuts of multiple prospects. Talented forwards such as Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Ryan Doanto made their mark last season. The season before saw the debut one of the most hyped prospects with the Bruins facing injuries in the playoffs. That player is Charlie McAvoy, and he is expected to lead the Bruins’ next core. McAvoy has appeared in 81 NHL games, including the playoffs over the last two seasons. He has already shown that he is one of the best young players in the NHL and...

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Anders Bjork Looking To Make His Mark

The Boston Bruins had high expectations for Anders Bjork heading into last season. The former fifth round pick appeared in only 30 games and recorded 12 points. On February 20th, the Bruins rookie underwent left shoulder shoulder, which ended his season. Bjork was forced to a watch as the Bruins made the playoffs and fellow rookies Danton Heinen and Jake DeBrusk had breakout seasons. Next season, Bjork will be highly motivated as he looks to make his mark. When healthy, he spent time on the Bruins top two lines, which speaks to how much the organization believed in him....

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Making The Case: Bergeron Line The Best In Hockey

Last season, the Bruins top line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak was one of the best lines in hockey. As the season progressed the Bruins trio became more dominate. If they can all remain healthy next season then they will be the best line in hockey. What makes this line so special is how they are dominant offensively and in their own zone. In the playoffs, they did not slow down and proved to be a matchup nightmare. Where The Bergeron Line Ranks Last season Marchand missed 14 games and Bergeron missed 18. Pastrnak was the...

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Bruins 2018-2019 Goalie Outlook ( JamieGatlin1217)

With the signing of Jaroslav Halak, the Bruins goalie situation is set for next season. Barring any unforeseen injury, Halak will be the Bruins backup goalie. The Bruins also have prospects, Zane Mcintrye and Dan Vladar, waiting in the wings. Rask will be 31 when next season starts and entering his 11th season in the NHL, all with the Bruins. He and Halak will be key for the Bruins next season as they will be looking to make a deep postseason run. What To Expect from New Bruins Goalie Jaroslav Halak Last season Halak did not have the best...

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What Panarin Can Bring to Boston (@JamieGatlin1217)

This offseason the Boston Bruins have been involved in many rumors, and one name they are linked to is Artemi Panarin. The Blue Jackets left winger is in the final year of his deal and has not committed to re-signing with Columbus. He can give the Bruins a major boost offensively, as his lowest point total in his first three seasons is 74. He is also only 26, meaning the Bruins would be adding a young impactful forward. Acquiring him would not be cheap, but he would make the Bruins a more dangerous team. Panarin’s Rookie Season Panarin was...

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Making The Case: Heinen, Prospects On The Trade Block

The Bruins may have missed out on the John Tavares sweepstakes, but they boast one of the deepest rosters in the NHL. In recent years, highly rated prospects such as Ryan Donato, Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, and others have made their NHL debuts in Boston. As the Bruins roster for next season takes shape, many Bruins prospects will be looking to make their mark. There is not enough space for all of them, leaving Don Sweeney in a tough spot that many general managers wouldn’t mind being in. As the offseason progress, Sweeney may use some of these prospects...

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Bruins Extend Sean Kuraly

So far this offseason the Bruins have lost three key players from last years team. Those players are Riley Nash, Tim Schaller, and Anton Khudobin. Yesterday the Bruins were able to resign one of their key pieces on the fourth line. The Bruins and Sean Kuraly agreed on a three year extension worth 1.25 million annually. Kuraly showed his value last year in his first full NHL season. He is not a thirty goal scorer but his gritty play makes him invaluable to the Bruins on the bottom lines. How The Bruins Got Kuraly The Bruins acquired Kuraly in...

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Where the Bruins Stand After Free Agency

The Boston Bruins were very active at the beginning of free agency this past Sunday. They signed four players to NHL contracts as some fan favorites departed for other teams. Their additions included Jaroslav Halak, John Moore, Chris Wagner, and Joakim Nordstrom. The Bruins were able to fill most of their holes, but missed out on prized free agent John Tavares as he choose to sign with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL offseason is young and the Bruins roster will undergo more changes before the season begins. Will They Trade a Defenseman? With the addition of John...

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Making The Case: Jake DeBrusk To Lead Bruins In Points This Season

Jake DeBrusk showed that he was a star in the making during his rookie season. As the season progressed, his game evolved and his impact was felt almost every night. He proved to mesh well with David Krejci and was not afraid of sacrificing his body. In the playoffs, the former first round pick brought his game to the next level. Next season, the expectations will be higher for the second line winger. DeBrusk has the talent to be an elite scorer and will lead the Bruins in points next season. You heard it here first. Offensive ability In...

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What to Expect from Ryan Donato in Year Two

Toward the end of the 2017-2018 season, Bruins prized prospect Ryan Donato fulfilled his dream. The highly regarded Harvard product made his NHL debut last season for the Bruins, appearing in twelve games. In those twelve games he showed all the skills that have NHL scouts high on the Massachusetts native. Next season will be a big test for the young center as he will experience the grind of a full NHL season. If Donato can continue to play like he did during his first NHL stint, then next year could be a big season for the Harvard product. The...

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What J.G. Pageau Would Bring to Boston

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs over the NHL offseason is in full swing for all NHL teams. The Bruins show up in many trade rumors as the NHL draft is only two days away. Most of the talk has centered around them improving their defense or moving veteran pieces such as David Backes and David Krejci. General Manager Don Sweeney has no first round pick and it there are rumors that he is trying to acquire one. One name connected to the Bruins is Senators center J. G. Pageau. Who Is J.G. Pageau? Pageau had a productive 2017- 2018 season in...

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Brandon Carlo Primed to Rebound

For two straight seasons the Boston Bruins have made the playoffs. Unfortunately, top-four defenseman Brandon Carlo was injured during both of those appearances. Carlo appeared in 82 games during the 2016-2017 season before a concussion ended his season. This past season he appeared in 76 games before fracturing his ankle. After a solid rookie campaign, Carlo struggled at times throughout the 2017- 2018 season. Before his injury it seemed that he was turning it around as the Bruins made their playoff push. Brandon Carlo’s Rookie Season In Brandon Carlo’s rookie season he was usually paired with Zdeno Chara. The...

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Brandon Workman’s Resurgence

Brandon Workman has not had an easy major league career since making his MLB debut during the 2013 season. After a solid rookie campaign it seemed as if he had a secured spot in the Red Sox rotation. His second season did not go as well. In fifteen starts he had one win and ten losses. The Sox as a team struggled in 2014 and sent Workman down to get a look at their other prospects. He did not return to the majors until last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Last year, the right-hander proved to be...

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“A Rookie Season to Remember” By Jake DeBrusk

In his rookie season Jake DeBrusk showed the skills that made him a first round pick. DeBrusk had a very good regular season but broke out in the playoffs. For the Bruins he was tied for the most playoff goals with six along with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. Going into next season the expectations will be higher for the former fourteenth overall pick. In the postseason he showed he could elevate his game at the highest level. His sophomore campaign has the chance to be even better. The Impact Of Jake DeBrusk Coming into the 2017-2018 season the...

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Danton Heinen’s Breakout Season

The 2017-2018 season ended in disappointing fashion for the Boston Bruins. They surprised many finishing second in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Tampa Bay. The talented young nucleus of the Bruins including players such as Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, and Danton Heinen carried the team. Next season the Bruins will expect more from these young players who are expected to form the next Bruins core. Danton Heinen’s First Full season When the 2017-2018 season campaign began Heinen was not on many people’s radars but that will not be the case going into next season. The...

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Red Sox Make a Statement in Houston

With a 9-3 victory over the Houston Astros, the Red Sox earned a split in their series against one of the best teams in baseball. This series was big for the Sox and they made a statement. Coming into the series the Red Sox had the best record in baseball. The Red Sox have received criticism for not having a difficult schedule compared to other teams. The Astros represented the perfect challenge; they have a potent lineup and the best rotation in baseball, including Justin Verlander, who is having a Cy Young year. The first two games went to...

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The Rise of Hector Velazquez

Last year Hector Velazquez made his MLB debut and went 3-1 in eight appearances as a starter and reliever. The Red Sox signed Velazquez after his 2016 breakout season in the Mexican League. Over the last two seasons he has provided the Sox with rotation depth. On May 18th of last season, he made his first MLB start and gave up six runs against Oakland. Since then he has been one of the best Red Sox pitchers whenever called upon. This season has been no different. Injuries Test Red Sox Early The Red Sox were tested early this year...

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Bobby Poyner’s Unwavering Perseverance

Bobby Poyner has been lights-out for the Red Sox bullpen this season. His performance has made some wonder how he flew under the radar for so long. The Red Sox drafted Poyner in the 14th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He is a fearless lefty that has the ability to get batters out from both sides of the plate. His numbers in the minors have been impressive. If he can keep up his early season performance then by the end of the season he could be a Cinderella story of the 2018 season. Bobby Poyner in the Minors In...

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Andrew Benintendi: Man on Fire

The Red Sox three starting outfielders have very different starts to the 2018 season. Mookie Betts has been perhaps the best player in baseball while Jackie Bradley has been a liability with the bat. However Andrew Benintendi, who has one of the highest ceilings of the Red Sox young core, has started to come into his own. The former Arkansas Razorback started the season struggling. But over the last twenty-three games he has hit his stride giving the Red Sox a lethal one-two punch at the top of the lineup. Benintendi was expected to take on a big role...

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Why Re-signing Khudobin Is Key

The Bruins will have many tough decisions this offseason. A few players entering free agency are Riley Nash, Rick Nash, Anton Khudobin, and Tim Schaller. Of all these players, the most valuable is Khudobin. Before last season the Bruins struggled to find a good goalie to back up Rask. This cost them late in the season as they tried to make the postseason. After struggling in 2016-2017, Khudobin had a bounce back year. He proved this past season why resigning him will be key for the Bruins. Khudobin by the Numbers This past season Khudobin statistically had his best season...

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Joe Kelly Becoming A Key Bullpen Piece

When the Red Sox acquired Joe Kelly at the 2014 trade deadline they envisioned him becoming a rotation fixture. Four years later Kelly has turned into a key bullpen piece. As a starter he has never been able to pitch deep into games forcing the Sox to move him into the bullpen. In Kelly’s first season as a reliever he recorded a 2.79 ERA. Through eighteen appearances this year Kelly as been even better in a Red Sox Bullpen that has struggled at times. Moving Joe Kelly Into The Bullpen Kelly has always been known for his fastball that...

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Why Mitch Moreland Is Key For Boston

The Red Sox resigned Mitch Moreland to a two year deal in the offseason. It was not seen as a major addition. Through twenty six games, Moreland is hitting .325 along with six home runs. Along with Hanley Ramirez the two have formed an impressive platoon at first base with both getting bats as the DH as well. Moreland again is proving why he is a key player for this Red Sox team. Mitch Moreland’s First Season In Boston Last season Moreland got off to an impressive start at the plate. He hit a career high thirty four doubles...

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