Tag Archives: Charlie McAvoy

Ty Anderson talked to Marina Molnar about the Bruins off-season needs

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Ty Anderson covers all things Boston Bruins for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Marina Molnar follows the Bruins for Barstool Sports. Earlier this week, Anderson was the first guess on Molnar’s podcast, Marina’s Morning Skate. They had an interesting conversation about the Bruins’ off-season goals.

The show started with both recapping how they still feel frustrated and disappointed with the Bruins Game 7 loss. Then Molnar transitioned to the contract negotiations of Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy. 

Anderson and Molnar both believe the Bruins and McAvoy should agree to a bridge deal. Molnar mentioned that since McAvoy has had injury problems in his young career, the Bruins do not want to give him a long term extension just yet. 

“And if I were his camp, I would say, ‘do a bridge deal dude,’” Anderson said. “Because look at the Bruins cap structure, right. In the next two years, you have a lot of money opening up there between Backes, Krejci and Rask.” Anderson added that McAvoy could sign a 2-3 year deal at $5.5-6.5 Million a year. McAvoy could see a substantial salary increase if he reaches his potential. 

Molnar also brought up how many Bruins, Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak to name a few, took more team friendly contracts. “Do you really want to be that guy walking into that locker room, at 22, being the highest paid?” Molnar asked. “I wouldn’t.” 

Anderson added the Bruins have been great at finding players to take less money to build a competitive team. “They’ve gotten guys to take less,” Anderson said. “And McAvoy is not going to be the exception there.”

The conversation then shifted to the other young, talented defenseman Brandon Carlo. Anderson asked how the Bruins would value a player like Carlo. “He’s not an offensive guy, he generates almost nothing offensively,” Anderson said. “But he’s a great skater. He’s a great shutdown guy. He’s been huge on their PK over the last three seasons. And I thought he was great in the playoffs for them too.” Anderson said he thinks he is worth just under $4 Million due to his lack of offensive skill. 

Molnar was curious which player would sign first, McAvoy or Carlo. “Him and McAvoy are key cogs,” Molnar added. “They’re so young, they’re going to be key cogs for a long time.” Anderson and Molnar both think Carlo should make just less than $4 Million. However, Anderson and Molnar agreed he played well during his first postseason last spring.

Molnar pointed out that the Bruins have approximately $8.1 Million remaining in salary cap space. In order to sign both players, the Bruins need to shed some salary. 

“I think the Backes contract is the one you have to move,” Anderson said. Anderson would move a first round pick with Backes to help get this core another banner. “I don’t want to trade a good player, like Torey Krug or David Krejci, to keep a bad player in David Backes.” 

Molnar brought up that when McAvoy and Carlo sign, the Bruins will have nine defensemen. “I think a Johnny Moore or a Kevan Miller is probably more likely to be sent out with their low salaries.” 

Anderson and Molnar also got into potential line combinations and bounced around with Twitter questions. This was an insightful look into the Bruins off-season and plans heading into training camp. If you want to learn about Ty Anderon’s journey to 98.5, I wrote a profile on him last spring. 

This will be a two part article where I will dive into what this podcast might mean regarding 98.5 and Barstool’s relationship currently and going forward.

Photo courtesy of Ty Anderson’s twitter account.

Story by Chad Jones

Follow Chad on Twitter @shutupchadjones

Why the Danton Heinen signing is great for the Boston Bruins

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On Monday the Boston Bruins announced the signing of forward Danton Heinen to a two year 2.8 million dollar deal. Despite the rather confusing outrage from the Bruins fanbase, the signing came rather cheap. Lets take a look at the a few of the important details before we make permanent judgements on the deal.

Short track record

Despite already having two full years of NHL experience, Danton Heinen is only 24 years old. He’s shown signs of being a very good, playmaking goal scorer. Some of his talent is raw and untouched, but he’s by no means a virgin on the highlight reel. When Danton Heinen is on the ice, good things happen.

One issue that comes with being young and versatile on a team like this Boston Bruins team, run by Bruce Cassidy, is that its hard to find fulltime line mates. If Heinen can get a full season as a member of the Boston Bruins second line I think his numbers will jump drastically. Heinen’s best season came one season ago in the 2017-2018 campaign. Danton played 77 games and accounted for 47 points, 16 goals and 31 assists. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, its shows that he’s more than a one trick pony.

One more thing to take note is that 12 of those points came on the power play. While its easy to say that its always easier to score on the power play, having an impact on the power play for a team who depends on it as much as this Boston Bruins team is certainly a way top get you to stick around for a while.

How does the deal compare to the rest?

If you compare the money of Danton Heinen’s contract to the other contracts that are similar, there is absolutely nothing to worry about with this deal. All but two players with a contact that is comparable are older than Heinen, and all but two are within 10 points of Heinen’s deal. Heinen also has the highest plus minus rating of all comparable deals. That stat goes right back to my point that good things happen when he’s on the ice.

Stability for top lines

I mentioned here that the Bruins have a bit of a depth issue on the wings. Heinen provides two more years of top nine forward stability for a team that desperately needs it. Whether he’s on the top line with Bergy or on the second line with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci, Heinen will play an important role. Signing Danton Hienen gives the Bruins a little bit of breathing room at the wing position.

Turning heads

With Marcus Johannson signing with the Sabres and Noel Acciari signing with the Panthers, signing Danton Heinen checks number three off the free agent to do list for the Bruins. Numbers one and two still remain unsigned. Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo have yet to sign, and the issue is cap room. After Heinen’s signing the Bruins now have about $8 Million to spend between the two. All heads will turn to Don Sweeney and the Bruins front office now. A trade or two might be the only option to bring both Carlo and McAvoy back. Don Sweeney is on the clock.

What Will the Bruins Do with McAvoy and Carlo

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On Tuesday night the Boston Bruins announced they signed restricted free agent Danton Heinen to a two-year deal with a $2.8 million cap hit. The NHL salary cap for the 2019-2020 season is $81.5 million, and the Bruins have about $8 million available. Now that Heinen is signed, what will be done with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo? McAvoy played 54 regular season games with 7 goals and 21 assists, totaling 28 points. In the post season he played 23 games with 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points. Carlo played 72 regular season games, tallying 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points. In the postseason he played 24 games with 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points total.

Photo by Winslow Townson

Navigating the Cap

Last season Brandon Carlo was not as productive in points as Charlie McAvoy, but they’re both effective on the ice and bring speed and physicality to the team. Both are also now restricted free agents who want (and deserve) bigger contracts. With so little cap space, however, this will be a difficult task. The Bruins have a few options to explore, the most likely will be to trade players who are older and less productive. Defenseman John Moore, 28, is a likely candidate with a cap hit of $2.75. After 61 games played in the regular season, Moore got only 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points. He played 10 postseason games and went pointless. Likewise, injury-prone defenseman Kevan Miller, 31, has a cap hit of $2.5 million and missed much of last season and the entirety of the postseason.

Trading Backes

David Backes is the subject of much discussion in this regard. He’s 35 with an annual cap hit of $6 million. He’s not as productive as he once was, and was a healthy scratch during stretches both in the regular and postseason. Trading Backes would free up a lot of space to sign McAvoy and Carlo, but can the Bruins find a team willing to take on those cap hits? There are teams out there with a large enough gap. Teams like Colorado, Winnipeg, and Ottawa all have over $20 million available, and could be good trade targets.

Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images

Bridge Contracts

Another option would be bridge contracts. While McAvoy and Carlo likely want larger, long-term contracts, they could be signed to short term contracts with the understanding that they’ll be revisited in a couple of years, once contracts expire for players such as Backes, David Krejci, and Tuukka Rask.

McAvoy is the Priority

One more potential solution, though not necessarily the most desirable, would be to only sign one of the two. If that’s the case, it has to be Charlie McAvoy. His production, ice time, and style of play makes him an obvious franchise player. You can count on the fact that the Bruins will sign McAvoy no matter what.

Photo by Brian Babineau

Boston Bruins offseason outlook part two; Free agents and more

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After falling one game short of winning the Stanley Cup, the Boston Bruins can set themselves up for another run with some good additions.

As the team looks to win now, the future starts with the draft

The first round of the NHL draft is Friday night. The Bruins hold the 30th pick in this year’s draft. Now that the league has announced the salary cap will be $81.5 or $82.0 Million, however, it is more likely that we see a trade. A trade involving the Bruins first round pick Friday night could be one way for the team to clear some cap space. Assuming that the Bruins keep the pick, there are a lot of options on the board for them. Looking at the Bruins minor league system, there aren’t really any glaring holes that need to be addressed. The Bruins goalie depth is good enough for them to stay away from a goalie in the first round, and maybe in the 2019 draft as a whole. Given the young D core that the Bruins have assembled, I think we see Boston take a forward.

Whos caught the eye?

Forwards John Beecher, Bobby Brink, and Michal Teply are some realistic names for the Bruins to possibly take at 30. A play maker (Teply), a shooter (Brink), and a banger (Beecher). All three are well rounded, but the mentioned skills are the ones that stick out. All three players would certainly impact the Boston Bruins one day.

Money talks

As mentioned in my first offseason outlook article, the Boston Bruins have a good amount of money to spend on their own free agents before they look elsewhere. With key players like Carlo and McAvoy to bring back, the amount of money that the Bruins can shell out during free agency is limited. Marcus Johansson is a name that will be swirling around the Bruins until he is signed. Johansson will likely hit the free agent market and test the waters, as he should after a good year. Free agency will be very interesting for the Bruins. Their biggest need is a top six forward. The amount of money that the Bruins will be able to give a player capable of fitting a top six role might not be enough to seal the deal. Johannson is likely the most suitable player for the Bruins to target and ultimately bring back.

Outside help?

Another very interesting name that could be tied to the Bruins is former Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry. After being bought out by the Ducks, Perry is now a free agent. Perry, a right wing, would fit well in the Bruins lineup, as well as the Bruins style of play. Perry is 6’3 and plays more of a power forward roll. Will he fit with the playmaking skills of David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk? I would certainly love to find out. Milan Lucic is another name that a lot of Bruins fans keep bringing up. Lucic was a crowd favorite who also played a top six power forward roll. Still under contract with Edmonton, it would take a buyout for the chance to come back to Boston. Similar to the Bruins situation with David Backes, it just doesn’t make much sense for the Oilers to buy him out.

Let the dominos fall

The NHL draft and free agency are both things that involve young players and money. Two things that the Boston Bruins have, kind of. With players lingering on the edge of the NHL, the Bruins have enough talent to ship out along side an undesirable contract like David Backes. The Bruins also have enough talent to go get a proven veteran on draft night in a trade that could involve the Bruins 30th overall pick. Don Sweeney and the rest of the Bruins front office will be VERY busy over the weekend.

Boston Bruins

GAME 2-STANLEY CUP FINALS| Boston Bruins vs St. Louis Blues

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After a wild comeback that included a very angry Torey Krug, the Boston Bruins took Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals and defeated the St. Louis Blues 3-2.  Despite the slow start that saw the Bruins looking a bit rusty after an 11-day layoff, they quickly found their legs and dominated the rest of the game. Tonight, Boston will be looking to keep the momentum going as they face a St. Louis team who will no doubt come out looking to take at least one game at the TD Garden.

Boston Bruins
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

EVERY LINE COUNTS

Monday night’s game saw great plays from all lines, with contributions from the back end to the first line.  With the Bruins down 2-0, both defensemen Connor Clifton and Charlie McAvoy got Boston on board, tying up the game. Blue-liner Sean Kuraly once again notched the winning goal that moved the Bruins ahead of the Blues. Brad Marchand placed the final nail on the coffin when he scored an empty netter, making the final score 4-2.

PUSHBACK

Expect continued strong shifts from all Bruins lines tonight, and a more ready Blues team, who undoubtedly will make adjustments to their game. Boston held practice yesterday and will hold an optional pregame skate this morning. For St. Louis, Jordan Binnington will most likely get the start in net. The rookie goaltender made 34 saves, and understandably looked less than happy with the goals that squeaked by him. Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask made 18 saves, and now has .940 save percentage in the post season, with a 1.85 goals against average.

Boston Bruins
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Players to watch: Brayden Schen and Vladimir Tarasenko.  Blues Coach Craig Berube stated Robert Thomas will sit out for tonight’s game. Thomas was famously hit by Torey Krug in a shot heard around the hockey world. St. Louis has been in this position before when they faced the San Jose Sharks, dropping Game One to battle back to win the Western Conference. The Bruins will continue to play a fast and more physical game as they look to once again get through the Blues big defense.

LOOKING AHEAD

“We knew what our best game looks like and we’re confident we can win. We know the first one wasn’t what we wanted and we’re going to respond and tie the series up. That’s our plan and we’re just going to keep taking it one day at a time.”

Blues Forward Ryan O’Reilly

“We weren’t too happy with the way the game was going….weren’t playing our game and I think after the second goal, our guys, that kind of woke us up. We needed something good to happen and it did.”

Bruins Coach Bruce Cassidy

WHEN TO WATCH:  Tonight with puck drop just after 8:00 pm, TD Garden, Boston

WHERE TO WATCH: NBCSN

Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

mid season

State Of The Bruins At Mid Season

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So far this season has been up and down for the Bruins. They have battled a tremendous amount of adversity and most recently lost Tuukka Rask to a concussion. Despite the injuries, they would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. With the first half of the season over, the Bruins are in a good position as they make their playoff push. They still have to improve offensively, but there were many positives to take from the first half.

Due to numerous injuries, the Bruins depth has been tested. As a result, their young players have been forced to replace key pieces such as Charlie McAvoy. One player in particular who has stepped up is Matt Grzyelcyk. The BU product has excelled in multiple roles for the Bruins, and already tied a career-high with 12 assists. In a blueline that has dealt with numerous injuries, he has only missed three games. Grzelcyk, however, is not the only defenseman that has shined.

Mid season
Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Youth And Veterans Stepping Up

Just like last season, the Bruins have relied on their youth. So far this season both Connor Clifton and Jeremy Lauzon have made their NHL debuts. They both played significant minutes during their brief call-ups and surpassed all expectations. The young defenseman showed that they could handle a top-six role in the NHL. With the trade deadline looming they could be interesting trade chips or key pieces to the Bruins future.

While the Bruins young players have excelled, so have the veterans. David Krejci has appeared to have found the fountain of youth. In 49 games he already has 40 points, after recording just 44 last season. He is on pace to surpass forty assists for the first time since 2015-2016. He has carried this team at times when scoring has been scarce. Despite Krejci’s efforts, and the Bruins top lines’ dominance, the Bruins offensive struggles must be addressed in the second half.

This season the Bruins scoring issues can be linked to multiple sophomore slumps. After recording 47 points last season Danton Heinen, has only 13 in the first half. Anders Bjork was supposed to be a key contributor and now is out for the rest of the season. As a result, the Bruins have had to rely on players such as Colby Cave who failed to spark the offense. They do however have many options in the trade market.

Due to their offensive struggles, the Bruins have been popular in the rumor mill. Some players they have been linked to are Wayne Simmonds, Charlie Coyle, and Brayden Schenn. If the Bruins are to make a deep playoff run, improving the offense will be key. They already have a deep defensive core and a rising superstar in David Pastrnak. Their goalie tandem has also been better than many expected.

With one half in the books, the Bruins have reasons to be hopeful in the second half. If they can improve the offense, then this team could be dangerous in the playoffs. They have the depth to make a move, and their scouts have been busy. They will look to start the second half in dominant style next Tuesday against Winnipeg.

Cassidy

Cassidy Deserving Of Jack Adams Consideration

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Last season Bruce Cassidy was nearly named the best coach in the NHL.  He took over a Bruins team that was dead in the water in early February of 2017, and lead them to a playoff appearance.  He followed that up with a 100 point season and a second-round playoff appearance in his first full season at the helm.  This season, Cassidy’s skills have been tested as this team has yet to form an identity.  The Bruins have struggled to receive secondary scoring, but are still in a wildcard spot.  Cassidy has done well keeping this team competitive in the face of tremendous adversity.

They have already lost Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and Charlie McAvoy for long stretches this season. Despite all the injuries, the Bruins are still on their way to a third consecutive playoff appearance.  It has been a season full of ups and downs, but this team has still found ways to win.  Under Cassidy, the Bruins young players have stepped up when needed most.

Cassidy

Photo Credit: John Tlumacki/ Globe Staff

Cassidy’s Impact On The Youth

This season the Bruins have already seen the NHL debuts of Connor Clifton, Jeremy Lauzon, and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson.  They have all given the Bruins solid minutes over the last month, as injuries pile up. Cassidy has kept things simple and not placed high expectations on his rookies.  He has put them in positions to succeed and rewarded their hard work.  His coaching style has positively affected the Bruins younger players, and their goaltenders as well.

With the addition of Jaroslav Halak, the Bruins have one of the best goalie tandems in the NHL.  Halak has thrived in his first season in Boston, after struggling last season with the Islanders.  He had the worst defensive group in front of him in New York, which has not been the case in Boston.  Cassidy’s system suits Halak, as it keeps everything in front of the goaltender.  What was seen as a low-risk signing has turned into one of this team’s best free-agent pickups.

Cassidy

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Under Cassidy, Tuukka Rask has played his best hockey in recent years.  Last season the Bruins goaltender finished with a .917 save percentage, which was skewed due to a rough first month of the season.  That has been the same case this season, as Rask has recovered from a slow start to be considerably better over the last month.  Cassidy’s system puts his goaltenders in the best positions to succeed, and as a result they have thrived.

Can Cassidy Repeat Last Seasons Success

In what has been a season full of highs and lows, the Bruins have been dominant of late.  In their last two games, they have outscored their opponents 7-1.  That is particularly impressive, considering both Montreal and Anaheim would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.  With Bergeron set to return within the next week, the team will only get better.  Despite all the challenges the team has faced, they are well on their way to another playoff appearance.  There is still a lot of hockey to be played, but Cassidy has again shown why he is one of the best in the league, as he has kept an injury-riddled roster in the playoff mix.

Boston Bruins Celebrate an 8-2 win over Detroit October 13, 2018

Boston Bruins Throttle Red Wings 8-2

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The Boston Bruins were feeling good this Saturday afternoon as they won in great fashion, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 8-2.

A few of the Bruins players hit some personal career milestones. Superstar David Pastrnak had his second career-hat trick and scored his 100th career goal. David Krecji hit his 400th career assist. Both Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand tallied assists for the night, showcasing the great chemistry that the power-trio first line has.

Other lines also produced for Boston as both Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy and Anders Bjork potted goals each. A few bright spots for Detroit were goals netted by Filip Hronek and Dylan Larkin.

BREAKDOWN

In a lackluster fist period, the Bruins woke up towards the end of the first as David Pastrnak scored at 19:09, putting Boston on the board, 1-0. In the second period, Charlie McAvoy snipped a goal right off a Bergeron face-off win at 4:44. Jake Debrusk deked to slide one past Detroit’s goalie Jonathan Bernier, making the score 3-0. With four minutes left in the second, McAvoy drew a high-sticking penalty that sent Detroit’s Christoffer Ehn to the box. The power play led to Pastrnak’s second goal of the afternoon.

Bruins celebrate after left wing David Pastrnak scores his third goal during the third period of the Wings' 8-2 loss on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston.

(Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford USA TODAY sports)

With the third period underway, Detroit  scored just 21 seconds in with a power play goal by Filip Hronek. Boston answered back with a two-on-one push by Brad Marchand that had David Pastrnak score his second hat-trick of his career. Detroit’s Dylan Larkin scored a short-handed goal at 8:23 in the period, making the score 5-2.

Anders Bjork scored unassisted at 10:12, making the score 6-2. Jake DeBrusk scored off a Brandon Carlo deflection as David Krejci recorded his 400th assist of his career. With 48 seconds left in the third, Sean Kuraly found the pass from Kevan Miller and scored, ending the game with a final Score of 8-2.

Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo and Red Wings center Christoffer Ehn play for the puck during the first period on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston.

(Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford USA TODAY sports)

QUICK NOTES

Tuukka Rask made 32 saves while Jonathan Bernier made 31 saves (with 39 shots on goal)

On scoring his 100th goal:

“I don’t really think about [my success],” Pastrnak said. “I just go out there and play hockey … and enjoy every moment on the ice.”

Pastrnak joins a small group of Bruins who have made that mark the fastest, doing so in 259 games. Barry Pederson reached it in 187 games, while Dit Clapper did it in 247. Both Patrice Bergeron (3) and Brad Marchand (2) came away with a few assists in the game. Both players lead Boston in points (so far).

This games marks Boston’s fourth win in a row, while Detroit loses their fifth in a row. Wednesday we’ll see the start of a four game road trip in Canada where they will play the Calgary Flames.

 

 

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara

Boston Bruins vs Sabres: Redemption in Buffalo

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Boston Bruins forwards Brad Marchand (63) and David Pastrnak (88) celebrate a goal during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in Buffalo N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Photo Credits: AP

Last night the Boston Bruins beat the Sabres 4-0 after having a disastrous showing the night before against the Washington Capitals. The black and gold brought more physicality, won more puck battles and had a good amount of zone time down in Buffalo’s end. The season opener saw the Bruins play with a lack of effort, but thanks to the core group of veterans, they were able to bounce back the next night.

Captain Zdeno Chara put the Bruins up on the board in the first at 6:33, making it 1-0. Taking a pass from winger Brad Marchand, Chara was able to capitalize and finish the quick sequence. David Pastrnak drew a slash penalty that gave the Bruins the power play leading to a Ryan Donato goal, making it 2-0 in the first period.

WON PUCK BATTLES

With the start of the second period, the Bruins kept pushing forward as Buffalo tried to play catch up, putting up some minutes down Boston end. The second period also saw Sean Kuraly skating up the ice with a potential breakaway goal that was stopped in net. Charlie McAvoy blocked a hard shot forcing him off the ice for a few moments. David Pastrnak netted his first goal of the season late in the second, while Marchand and Krecji picked up the winning assists.

FINAL MINUTES

With about five minutes left in the third, the Sabres pulled goalie Carter Hutton, giving them an extra man advantage. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the Bruins would put the nail in the coffin as Patrice Bergeron scored an empty net goal making the final score 4-0. Bruins newly acquired back-up goalie Jaroslav Halak continued to play solid with a calm demeanor in net, making 32 saves in his first shutout of the season. Brad Marchand ended the night tallying up four assists.

Coach Bruce Cassidy did not have the team skate Thursday morning, instead they underwent a film session to discuss what needs to be fixed prior to the game against Buffalo. He put a specific emphasis on the need to put more effort on ice.

“It was big. We talked about it and obviously that’s our job to lead this team. Another home opener and we knew that we had to be playing way harder than we did (on Wednesday night)-Zdeno Chara

Bruins forward Brad Marchand after the game:

“We had a pretty good game. We didn’t have a great third but Jaro did a great job shutting the door.But it’s great to get a good win after a night like (Wednesday) night, on a back-to-back with the travels. It was good, but we still have a lot to work on and improve upon. We’ll take the positives from this and keep working.”

The Bruins will play the Ottawa Senator in Boston for their season opener this Monday @ 1:00pm

 

Follow me on Twitter@ pastagrl88

Bruins

Bruins Opening Night Preview

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The day that hockey fans have been waiting for all offseason is here. A summer of anticipation is over and the start of the NHL season is only hours away. The Bruins will open their season in Washington against the Capitals tonight at 7:30 and watch them raise their championship banner. This will only motivate a young Bruins team with championship aspirations. It will not be easy as their division only got stronger with Toronto’s addition of John Tavares. The Bruins still have enough talent, and like last year will be looking to surpass expectations.

Last year, the Bruins finished second in the Eastern Conference after a magical regular season. They will again be bolstered by one of the best lines hockey and a young core that is just beginning to emerge. Jake DeBrusk and Charlie McAvoy showed last season that they can be above average players for years to come. This season they will be joined by highly touted rookie Ryan Donato and Anders Bjork who battled injuries last season. How well these young players perform will dictate how far this team goes. They will be looking to build on last season and for this group a playoff appearance will not be enough.

The Bruins Roster

Last season the Bruins Stanley Cup core from 2011 showed that they still have a lot left in the tank. Patrice Bergeron will again center the Bruins’ top line which will only be better this season. Marchand continued to dominate and, when healthy, averaged more than a point per game. They meshed quickly with the Bruins’ young forwards, which was a pleasant surprise. They were carried by their youth and this season will be no different. Their rookies had the most goals in the NHL last season, scoring over fifty. Ryan Donato contributed to that, and will be looking to build on his brief NHL debut. He will be joined by Urho Vaakanien, who will get opportunities with the injury to Torey Krug. They will be looking to make the same type of impact that Charlie McAvoy and DeBrusk did last season.

Bruins

Photo Credit: Eric Bolte- USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, the Bruins have a solid defensive unit in front of starter Tuukka Rask. Chara will again anchor the group alongside McAvoy who already is one of the NHL’s top defenseman. The only new addition to this group is John Moore, whom the Bruins signed to a five-year deal in free agency. Last year this group struggled at times, but will improve this season as McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk get more experience. They will also see the return of Brandon Carlo, who missed the playoffs last year due to injury. This group has the potential to be one of the best defensive groups in the NHL, and tonight will be their first major test.

Bruins

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

Final Thoughts

The Bruins will again be a playoff team this season. Despite their youth, they have one of the deepest roster in the NHL. Their mix of veterans and youth should only continue to improve even with new faces added to the mix. Starting off against the defending champs will be a good test for this team. It will give the Bruins a chance to see how well their new line combinations work together. They will be looking to end a 12 game losing streak against the Capitals that has spanned four seasons.