David Pastrňák Is Making It Look Easy

The young Czech right wing is quickly living up to his superstar role

The Bruins knew Toronto would come out swinging after suffering a 5-1 loss last Thursday night at the Garden. As the story goes for this Boston team, the Bruins do not give up, nor will they let how they ended their regular season dictate their gameplay against a tough Maple Leafs team. The playoffs is a whole new beast and, so far, the Black and Gold have come out in full force with a quick 2-0 lead in the series. The Leafs had the Bruins’ number all season but now find themselves playing catch up. The Bruins haven’t played perfect, and there are still a few things that need to be tightened up. But boy are they having fun. And no one is having more fun than the ever-smiling David Pastrňák.

A BARGAIN FOR A HOT SUPERSTAR

Last summer there was some panic among Bruins fans as preseason was about to start with no new contract securing the 21-year-old Pastrňák. With the Bruins shaky history of letting talent go, some were calling for Sweeney and Cam Neely to move with more urgency in signing Pastrňák. But Don Sweeney wasn’t too fazed and didn’t have a timetable. A little back and forth and Sweeney finally was able to sign the young Czech to a $40 million dollar contract for six years. After a breakout year last season, “Pasta” would only get better. So far the young Czech has not disappointed. The good part? He will be a Bruin during his developing career. What he’s getting in comparison to someone like Connor McDavid (who signed a ridiculous $100 million extension and isn’t even in the playoffs this year), you’ve got to hand it to Sweeney. He did good in securing the young superstar.

A FORMIDABLE LINE

Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrňák. One of NHL’s most destructive lines. As one reporter had to remind Toronto’s Auston Matthews, that line alone has garnered 20 points in just two games. During the regular season, all three players lead the team in goals, assist and points, making them, as NBC’s Sports Boston Bruins Insider Joe Haggerty calls them, “The Perfection Line.” And for Pastrňák, Saturday’s game was nothing short of historic and record-breaking.

BY THE NUMBERS

At just age 21 years old, Pastrňák has become the youngest NHL player in history to record six points in a playoff game, surpassing Wayne Gretzky. He is the first Bruin since Phil Esposito to have three goals and six points in a playoff game. He also garnered his first playoff career hat trick along with getting nine points total so far in the playoffs. Let’s not forget that Pastrňák is still developing as a player and still feels like he’s learning a lot from his linemates. Patrice Bergeron had this to say:

“That’s what amazes me with him. There’s a lot of skilled players who are skilled when they have the puck, but when they don’t have it, they don’t necessarily want it as much as this guy”

LOOKING AHEAD

The Leafs are frustrated and as we head into Game 3 in Toronto, the Bruins will need to continue to overwhelm their opponent while exploiting their lack of defense. Speed is Toronto’s forte and if Boston can shut that down, this series will quickly be lost. Even though Boston is leading the series, it’s still too early to count out the Leafs. It’s a battle between two young teams that are technically still developing. Does Toronto still have that passion to make a comeback? After all, this is hockey and anything can happen. The hockey Gods show no mercy. But for those wearing the spoked B, rest assured our guys are hungry and they want the cup. For Pastrňák, I have a sneaky suspicion that he’s just getting started.

All Photos courtesy of NHL Bruins Website

Follow Liz Rizzo on twitter @pastagrl88

The History Of The Boston Red Sox: Jersey Number 1-3

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In a new series by Boston Sports Extra, we decided to take a look back at the historic players to dawn our jersey numbers. Let’s witness history!

Number 1

Bobby Doerr: Until recently, Bobby was the oldest living member of the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. He played second base for the Red Sox from 1937-1951. He once lead the American league with consecutive chances without an error (414) in 1948. Throughout his career, he hit a .288 average with 233 career home runs, 2,042 hits, and 1,247 career runs batted in. He currently has his number retired at Fenway Park.

Number 2

Jerry Remy: The “rem-dog” played for his hometown Red Sox from 1978-1984. As a member of the Red Sox he hit a .285 average with 802 hits, two home runs, and 211 runs batted in. While his career stats weren’t as eye popping as they could be, he has been a color commentator for the Boston Red Sox since 1988. He has been in the homes of millions with NESN, and receives so much support with his off and on battle with cancer. Glad to have you back, Jerry!

Xander Bogaerts: The current shortstop since the 2013 playoffs, Xander has had an up and down career. The 25 year old is entering his fifth season. He sports a career .284 average with 53 homers, 292 runs batted in, and 698 hits to go along with 41 career stolen bases. While he is still on the disabled list for the time being, he has shown signs of his best offensive season yet. He should rejoin the team during their west coast trip. They play Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday.

Number 3

Jimmie Foxx: He dawned the uniform number 3 from 1936-1942. He put together twelve 30 home run seasons, and 13 consecutive 100 RBI seasons. As a member of the Red Sox he hit .320 for average, with 222 home runs, 788 runs batted in and 1051 hits. He was one of the most dominant hitters of his generation.

Jody Reed: The second baseman played second base and shortstop for the Red Sox from 1987-1993. In that time, he hit .280 for average, 17 home runs, and 227 RBI.

While some of the players on the list will be Hall of Famers, some will be barely relevant guys. All players matter. Their stats may be incumbent, but they did make an impact during their respected seasons. Join us next time, as we look at numbers 4-6 on our list!

The History of the New England Patriots by Jersey Number #33-#34

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NUMBER THIRTY-THREE

There were a lot of cool offensive players through the years to don the #33 for your New England Patriots. Let’s start, though, with our only featured defensive player with that number, Fred Bruney, who played all the way back from 1960-62. He made the All-Star team in both ’61 and ’62 mostly due to his kickoff and punt return prowess. Bruney was around the game for decades, even filling in as a head coach for a week with the 1985 Eagles.

Reggie Rucker is our only #33 that played wide receiver for New England. In his rookie season with the Cowboys, he played in their Super Bowl V loss to the Colts. After being dropped by the Cowboys and the Giants, New England grabbed him late in 1971. He had three pretty good seasons as a Patriots starter before leaving on disgruntled terms with Coach Fairbanks. He had his best seasons with the Browns, including their dramatic 1980 season under Sam Rutigliano. Rucker retired after the 1981 season and became a longtime broadcaster with the Indians’ radio network among other commentating jobs.

Running Backs

Now, let’s talk about four popular running backs from team history, starting with Tony Collins. Collins had a terrific campaign in 1983 running for over 1,000 yards averaging 4.8 per carry and 10 touchdowns. After New England drafted Craig James, Collins lost his RB1 status, but the Pats benefited all around by splitting carries between the two halfbacks and fullback Mosi Tatupu. Collins’s career ended in a disappointing way, as he was suspended for the 1988 due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Sam Gash is another guy I wrote about when I did the history of the Buffalo Bills by jersey number to also appear in this series. Gash played his first six seasons in New England and was a fine contributor to the 1996 AFC Championship. He was a prototype Bill Parcells guy as he dished out a tremendous amount of punishment on his opponents from the fullback position. And I ask you this: Is there anything more gorgeous than seeing a fullback plow over a linebacker or safety!? Gash was the best.

The Best 33 of Pats History

Kevin Faulk was the longest tenured #33 in Patriots history, playing parts of 12 seasons mostly alongside Tom Brady. Faulk was a receiving option out of the backfield. He was incredibly dependable and clutch. His 20 catches in three playoff games for the 2007 Patriots was probably his most productive stat line over his long career, as his stats simply don’t jump off the page. His two-pointer in Super Bowl XXVIII against Carolina was a very important play as well. Faulk was just a Bill Belichick-guy who did his job when called upon. In 2016, he was rightfully put in the Patriots team Hall of Fame.

NUMBER THIRTY-FOUR

Chuck Shonta was the first player to wear #34 for the Pats doing so for Boston from 1960-67. Shonta wasn’t a great interceptor, but he played his position tough and was even selected as an all-star in 1966 after picking off only one pass on the season. He was selected as a member of the Patriots 1960’s All-Decade team.

Ron Sellers played briefly with the Pats before having an exciting season in 1972 for Dallas. In 1969 as a rookie with Boston, Sellers made it to the All-Star game. He never was able to recreate that magic with the Pats and was let go after 1971.

Prentice McCray was the next player to wear #34 for a substantial amount of time. He played defensive back with the Pats throughout the mid to late 1970’s. He had a dynamite 1976 campaign with 182 interception yards and two scores.

34s of the 2000’s

Tebucky Jones was a defensive back for the Patriots from 1998-2002. He’s best known for his role with the 2001 World Champions and almost scored on the play that would’ve clinched the ball game well ahead of Adam Vinatieri’s last second field goal. In the Super Bowl, in the fourth quarter with the St. Louis Rams in desperation mode down 17-3, Kurt Warner scrambled to his right. He couldn’t have run slower if he had bowling balls in his sneakers. Warner lost the ball and Jones took it to the house. Unfortunately, Willie McGinest was called for a holding penalty when he molested Marshall Faulk out of the backfield. Jones had one other huge play in his Patriots career when he picked off Kordell Stewart in the 2001 AFC Championship game.

Getty

Finally, let’s talk about a guy who had so much potential but always seemed to get injured, Sammy Morris. He was off to superb start with the dynamic 2007 team before he hurt his chest. In 2008, he probably could’ve rushed for 1,000 yards had he not missed action. Morris was able to get into all 16 games for the 2010 Pats, but only on special teams as Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead had over 300 combined carries.

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

Is Rick Porcello Back?

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It seems as though a spring of Derek Lowe whispering sweet nothings has done Rick Porcello a whole lot of good this season so far.

Last Season

Flashing back to 2017 is a tough ride for Porcello, as he had almost as many losses as he did wins from his 2016 CY Young season. Rick came in with a cool 11-17, and it was clear nothing much was working in his favor. The Red Sox, although a contending team, did not provide Porcello his usual run support, which in turn lead to a collapse in performance on the mound. By the time that the bats ended up pulling through, it was clear that Porcello was a ghost of his consistent self the year before. Porcello by the end of the year was locating that devastating sinker straight down the pipe, and ended the season with an ERA of 4.65 and leading the league in home runs with 38. Needless to say, a couple got away from the big man. This year could be different though.

What Has Changed

You did good, @RickPorcello. pic.twitter.com/b2L6V02Xbc

— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 13, 2018

Here we are in 2018, and the Rick Porcello you knew last year is a ghost. Why do I say that? Although Porcello (3-0) is never going to be that lights-out pitcher at the top of your order, having him third in the rotation is comforting. Porcello has seemed to relocate his sinker back to where it belongs, in those tight corners of the zone the ump loves to give you. Although not all of those sinkers having been painting the corners, when Porcello misses his spots it seems as though he’s getting the outs he needs in the field. What is crucial to Porcello’s arsenal is something that he has no control over. In 2016 the Red Sox had a team that could put runs on the board, and it seems to be happening this year whenever Porcello straps in.

Red Sox Run Support

While on the mound this season the Red Sox have been able to provide 19 runs in three games. In the last 34 starts that Porcello has had with 3+ runs of breathing room, he has gone 29-0. With a bolstered lineup, it seems as if the Red Sox may be able to provide Porcello with support a majority of the time he’s on the bump. Is it smart to rely on the Red Sox to put up 3+ runs every single game Porcello starts after the drought of last season? No, probably not. But it does appear that this 2018 Red Sox lineup has production throughout. The games that a major bat isn’t producing, the lower part of the order is picking up that slack.

For example, in Porcello’s Yankees home start, Sandy Leon started a second inning flurry of four runs. This early game production is something that Porcello will need to be a sustainable asset for Boston. It is clear that the Red Sox hitters who will be relied on for production later in the year aren’t fully here yet. But I doubt Benintendi will bat .231 all season. We didn’t pay J.D Martinez what we did in confidence that .227 was his ceiling. April baseball is deceiving.

Conclusion

So instead of grinding your teeth a bit when you see that Rick Porcello is starting like you did last year, I think it’s time to have confidence in the former Cy Young winner. So is Porcello back? With 162 games on the docket, this season is a long and winding road to make assumptions. But Porcello has two seasons in Boston with 180+ strikeouts. The only difference between the two seasons is the support he was getting in 2017 v. 2016. So my answer is simple. IF the Red Sox provide Rick Porcello 3+ run support by the third inning each game he goes out, he will end the season with 20 wins.

David Price Doesn’t like to Pitch in the Cold

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David Price Needs to Grow up

Via NBC Sports

The cold weather around Boston last week wasn’t good. However, when you play a professional sport, making millions of dollars, you might want to suck it up and just pitch. David Price, once again, has his excuses with why he left the game on Wednesday night because of numbness in his hands. Price’s hands were told cold and he couldn’t pitch. The night before, David, it was also cold, I didn’t see Chris Sale complaining. He’s not a baby like Price is.

It may be cold for Stanton, but at least he doesn’t sit. We’ve seen this before with Price all of last season. Him complaining and not liking it here. Price also isn’t setting a good example for the younger players. Do you think Mookie Betts would sit a game because it’s too cold to play baseball? I don’t think so. The Yankees aren’t even good right now. Price could’ve pitched on Wednesday and they would’ve swept the Yankees instead of taking two out of three.

David Price Making Excuses

AP Photo/Aaron Josefczyk

This is what Price said after his start: “My hand never really warmed up, My arm felt fine. My arm felt really good. I had no clue where [the ball] was going.” Clearly, someone who doesn’t want to pitch in cold weather. I don’t see another player on that team saying something like that. “My hands weren’t warm enough to go out and play.” It’s always something with David Price. As soon as he gets to some real competition his hands are too cold. Price won’t start against Baltimore. He’ll make his next appearance against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.

David Price’s Next Start Will Be in Warm California

I’m sure it will be nice and warm so Price can feel his hands in Anaheim. David, you’re making $31 million dollars. Grow up! In October it will be cold too. What’s he going to say then? I know for one thing- Chris Sale or Pedro Martinez would never do what Price did on Wednesday night.

Getting Caught up with the Revs

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It’s Time to Bring the Revolution to New England’s Attention

The New England Revolution are off to a great start in their 2018 season. Last year the Revs were a heavily criticized team, from the front office to the players, and mostly to the coach. Jay Heaps had been in charge for six years. But after two years in a row of the Revs not making the playoffs, the team decided to part ways. Revs fans were dying to know who the next coach would be, and got their answer in early November, when the team announced the hiring of Brad Freidel.

At the beginning stages, Revs fans were unimpressed that the club hired another coach with no MLS coaching experience. Throughout the offseason and preseason, however, people slowly started changing their attitude. For starters, Freidel used his links through Tottenham, the club he played most of his professional career at, to hire fitness coach Anton McElhone. A big problem for the Revs last year was injuries. They lost Kelyn Rowe, Juan Agudelo, Chris Tierney, Daigo Kobayashi, Krisztián Németh, and Xavier Kouassi for an extended period of time. Brad Freidel insured fans that he would be given the resources to succeed by Robert Kraft. He proved it by signing Gabriel Somi, Wilfried Zahibo, Luis Caicedo, Jalil Anibaba, and the man quickly becoming a new fan favorite, Cristian Penilla.

USA TODAY Sports

Revs off to a Steady Start Under Freidel

So far, we are six weeks into the Brad Freidel era, and the Revs have an impressive 3-1-1 record. This includes their first road win on American soil in over two years after beating Houston. Two major things Freidel stressed the team needed to do better on was defending. The Revs allowed more goals than any other team last year. Freidel also is emphasizing winning games on the road, as the Revs only won one road game last year. The one road game they did manage to win was the last game of the season against Montreal. Both teams were out of the playoffs contention at that point.

Freidel came into this club and almost instantly made a difference. Players say he works them harder than they’ve ever worked before. They also say he has added a real sense of professionalism into the team. After a shaky start defensively, the Revs are starting to get into a groove, having not allowed a goal the last two games. A big talking point is the way Freidel uses his guys in game. The last two games the Revs have left over $2,000,000 in salaries on the bench. That is a lot of money for MLS. Freidel has given this team a lot a depth, something the Revs have really lacked the last few seasons.

The Lee Nguyen Standoff

While on the topic of salaries, it’s important to note Lee Nguyen requested a trade because he didn’t think the $500,000 salary he was earning was enough for him. After the club refused to trade him, he didn’t show up for preseason training, eventually showing up three weeks late.

Because of this, he hasn’t played a single minute or even been included on the bench yet. While coach Freidel has said it is because of better options skill-wise, it’s tough to believe him. Lee has scored 11 goals and recorded 15 assists. For him to drop to the level of one of the best, to not good enough to make the bench is a very controversial statement. Lee has fans split with what the Revs should do with him. Some want him gone, traded, and some want him to play. If you ask Revs fans, three out of four times you’ll get a different answer regarding his fate.

Despite Lee arguably being the team’s best player last year not playing, the Revs have been doing just fine without him. A lot of players have really stepped up this year. Diego Fagundez has stepped in taking over the number 10 position, replacing Lee. Penilla so far doesn’t seem to be able to be stopped. He’s fast, dynamic, and great a scoring and assisting.

Matt Turner Takes Over

The most shocking part of the Revs season came when Matt Turner was announced to be the Opening Day starting goalie, after being the team’s third string goalie for the last two years. Turner started off with a 2-0 defeat against the Philadelphia Union, but has since stood on his head. He made Revs fans fall in love after saving a penalty kick, preserving the Revs 1-0 lead against the Colorado Rapids. Turner has gotten two consecutive shutouts going into Saturday’s game against FC Dallas, a team the Revs lost their last six games against. Hopefully, the Revs will be able to re-write history as they play at Gillette Stadium, a place they have turned into a fortress as of late. They finished last year with a team record-setting 12 wins at home as they went 12-2-3.

Nazem Kadri Gets a Well-Earned Three Game Suspension

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You just can’t do what Nazem Kadri did on Thursday night. Call it charging, boarding, hitting to the head- it doesn’t matter. You just can’t do that. Hockey has an honest and blue collared identity, but that’s gutless.

AN EFFECTIVE AGITATOR

Kadri is always ready to mix things up. He’s like Brad Marchand in the sense that he’s most effective while playing with an edge, but this is too much. Viciously boarding somebody on their knees directly from behind? There’s just no respect there. You could argue that Wingels gets his elbow up on Marner just before the hit, but it seems clean.

He’s an energy guy and the spark-plug of the Maple Leafs. It makes sense that he’d want to get physical and set the tone for a comeback, but that’s not the way to do it. Being an agitator is a huge part of Kadri’s game, so he should know this better than anyone.

NO EXCUSES

It almost seems like he just gets too amped up and forgets where his boundaries are. Games are more physical during the playoffs but this is inexcusable. The hit is exactly what the Department of Player Safety is trying to eradicate. It’s ultimately up to the players to prevent these hits, and hopefully most are more respectful than Kadri.

We’re learning more about concussions every day. Direct hits to the head have the potential to effect somebody’s whole life. We’ve seen it right here in Boston with Marc Savard. Kadri knows this, but it doesn’t stop him from making a bee-line for Wingels’ head. The hit reads “charging” in the box score, but it could be labeled as a few things.

A SPOT IN THE PRESS BOX

This is embarrassing for Nazem Kadri. He severely crosses the line and now the Leafs are going to pay for his mistake. George Parros needed to make a statement. The Department of Player Safety won’t tolerate hits like this just because it’s the postseason, and he gets what he deserves with a three game suspension.

Bruins Take Game One

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Bruins Heading Into Game One

Last night the Bruins began their playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Black and Gold did not finish the regular season strong. However, they did not let that affect them, as they won Game One 5-1. The Bruins got goals from five different players and capitalized on their power play opportunities. The Bruins played with grit and toughness in their playoff opener. This lead to an impressive win in front of their home crowd.

Capitalizing on the Power Play

Of the five goals the Bruins scored, three of them came on the power play. The Bruins have one of the most dangerous power play units the NHL. Marchand, Pastrnak, and Bergeron showed why last night. In the first period Torey Krug found Marchand cutting to the net. Krug hit Marchand in stride and he lifted a backhander over the Maple Leafs goalie as if they had done it one hundred times before. The Bruins second power play unit was also impressive as they recorded two goals. Scoring on the power play will be key for this team as it has hard to stop, especially with Rick Nash returning to the lineup.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Tuukka Rask

Last night the Bruins number one goaltender had a very good game. Of the 27 shots he faced he saved 26. That comes out to a save percentage of .963 %. This is a big postseason for Rask, and he couldn’t have done much better last night. He made key saves and tough ones in front of the net with multiple Maple Leafs picking at the puck. That is the goalie Rask will need to be for this team to make a deep run. Last night he eased any concerns that he could still be that goalie in the playoffs.

AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Style of Play

Last night the Bruins saw the return of Sean Kuraly to the fourth line. He showed what the Bruins had been missing during his injury. In the third period he scored an incredible goal, which personified the grit and effort that made the Bruins fourth line loved during the regular season. During the third period, while in mid-air Kuraly swatted in a rebound of a shot by Pastrnak. Kuraly did not give up on the play and scored an incredibly difficult goal. This is the type of play the Bruins pride themselves on and how they will need to play to advance.

AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Final Thoughts

This series is far from over. Game One was as good of a start as this team could have asked for. Game Two is tomorrow night at 8 PM. Don’t expect this team to let up; their playoff run is just getting started.

Dez Bryant to the Patriots?

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Dez Bryant in a Patriots Uniform?

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) talks with receiver Dez Bryant (88) before an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Sunday, November 15, 2015. The Buccaneers defeated the Cowboys, 10-6. (James D. Smith via AP)Dez Bryant is about to be released by the Dallas Cowboys. With Brandin Cooks gone and the lack of a deep threat, should the Patriots try to sign Dez Bryant? Overall, Dez Bryant has scored 73 touchdowns in his career. Bryant could be the missing piece the Patriots need to fill the whole of Brandin Cooks. New England comes into this season without Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks. Cooks wasn’t really productive when he was here, but the hole Danny Amendola is leaving is big. Especially in the playoffs. Jordan Matthews has some big shoes to fill to replace Danny Amendola.

Dez Bryant Has Similarities to Randy Moss

Via Caleb RandallDez Bryant is your Randy Moss type of receiver regarding his personality. Randy Moss, though, was much worse in Oakland than Bryant is with the Cowboys. Bryant can really have the chance to win in New England and be productive in the Patriot offense. It will be a big loss for Dallas, but he deserves a chance at being on a winning team. Dallas is good; they just seem to be missing pieces like leadership.

As for the Patriots, Julian Edelman is coming back from an ACL injury. Rob Gronkowski has a hard time staying on the field. As for Jordan Matthews, he played in ten games last season and had one touchdown. Bryant played in 16 games last season and scored six touchdowns. If Edelman, Gronkowski, or Matthews gets hurt, at least Brady will have someone decent to throw too.

Today Bryant will meet with Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones to discuss his future with the Cowboys. Let’s see how this plays out. If he gets released, the Patriots should be all in on him. Who knows, he could be a legit player for the Patriots for a few years beyond this one too.

Toronto Will Be No Easy Task

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We’re finally here. The season began with plenty of doubt, but the Bruins are second in the Atlantic and have started their first round match up against Toronto. They shattered expectations throughout the regular season, but right now is all that matters. The Maple Leafs are the task at hand, and the Bruins need to defeat them before they look any further. The Bruins easily took Game 1, blowing out Toronto 5-1. But last night’s showing should not teeter your expectations of this series.

Toronto is a young, energetic team that has quite a bit of offensive prowess. Even with Auston Matthews spending 20 games on the IR, the Leafs still managed to finish third league-wide in goals-for. This speaks volumes to their depth up front. 20 year-old forward Mitch Marner leads the team in scoring with 69 points. Matthews isn’t far behind at 63, and William Nylander has also made his mark by putting up 61 of his own. Nazem Kadri got off to a slow start, but picked it up during the second half. He’s not a huge offensive threat, but look for him and Marchand to be taking jabs at each other every chance they get. That’ll be a whole game on its own. Also, look out for Patrick Marleau. He put up mediocre numbers, but he’s a veteran presence with 120 career playoff points.

Toronto’s defense is less of a concern. They were 12th in goals-against with 230, but their defensive core is weak. They have a few solid guys like Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly, but the others are shaky. Luckily for the Leafs, Frederick Andersen has had a career year in net. This has kept their semi-reliable defense from getting more exposed. Andersen set a career high with 38 wins while posting a .918 save percentage. Curtis McElhinney has also been a reliable back-up. In 18 games played he put up a miniscule 2.15 GAA to go with a .934 save percentage.

WEARING THEM OUT

Make no mistake about it- this will not be an easy first round. This Toronto team is fast, skilled, and determined. They have an excess of young talent but they could be too young for their own good. Their three leading scorers are ages 20, 20, and 21. The team relies on these players but they may not be able to handle playoff hockey. There’s a sharp uptake in physicality during the postseason and the Bruins can play this game better than anyone.

As long as they can limit the production from Matthews, Nylander, and Marner, the B’s should be able to take the series.

Cover image courtesy of NHL.com.