Tag Archives: David Pastrnak

Can Ryan Donato Live Up To The Hype

Last year, Ryan Donato got his first taste of NHL action. He was impressive, which has only raised the expectations for the rookie this coming season. He is seen as a key part of the Bruins’ future. For a young player with his expectations, fans will have to be patient. Regardless of his talent, Donato will still experience growing pains next season. How he is able to respond to the NHL grind will reveal the player he will become. He has the talent and it could be a special season for the Harvard Product.

Brief Debut

Last season, Donato appeared in 12 regular season games. In those 12 games he had five goals and four assists. He was impressive on the power play, recording four points on the man advantage. He showed his terrific vision and good scoring touch. In the playoffs he did not make much of an impact and only appeared in four games. He did not look overmatched by the rise in expectations and seemed ready for the NHL grind. This season will be a true test to see how far he has come. It will only get harder for the Harvard product before it gets easier.

Photo Credit: Sporting News

Expectations For Donato This Season

Donato is projected to have a similar season as Jake DeBrusk’s rookie campaign. If he ends up on the second line with DeBrusk and Krejci, then a 20 goal season is very plausible. He will have many opportunities even if he does not end up on the second line, especially on the man advantage. The Bruins had a very good power play last season and adding Donato to the mix will only improve it. Unlike DeBrusk, Donato already has some NHL experience. That will only play to his advantage as he experiences the full grind of an NHL season. A disappointing playoff run has only left him more motivated for this season.

Photo Credit: Nesn.Com

Can Ryan Donato Fulfill The Hype

In 12 games Donato showed that he was no fluke. He showed that he could succeed in the NHL. Like last year, the Bruins youth will be key and Donato will be the most hyped Bruins prospect this season. He has the skills and will become a key piece on this team for years to come. His growth will be a storyline to watch this season and Bruins fans should be excited to see just how good this kid becomes.

Follow Me On Twitter: @JamieGatlin1217

Looking Back at the Bruins 2015 Draft

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In the 2015 NHL draft the Boston Bruins had three picks in the first round .They held the rights to the 13th,14th, and 15th overall picks. With those three picks they selected Jakob Zboril, Jake DeBrusk, and Zach Senyshyn. DeBrusk, made his NHL debut last year and is the currently the only one of the three to have made it to the NHL. The other two are close and could contribute to the Bruins soon. They still need more time in Providence but will be given plenty of opportunities. With the NHL season approaching each will play a different role this season as they look to fulfill their draft day expectations of being a 1st round selection.

2015 Draft Picks Review

DeBrusk had an impressive rookie campaign last season. He appeared in 70 games scoring 16 goals while adding 27 assists. He was a force to be reckoned with on the powerplay where he had nine points including two goals. In the playoffs he elevated his game and was not fazed by the increased pressure. In 12 postseason games DeBrusk had 6 six goals tying him for most on the team with Bergeron and Pastrnak. With the season on the line in game 7 against Toronto he had a game to remember. DeBrusk scored the Bruins’ first goal and netted the game winner. The former first round pick was not just a fan favorite because of his performance but because of the passion he showed on the ice. It was a very promising beginning to what could be a special career.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jakub Zboril

With the 13th pick in the 2015 draft the Bruins took defenseman Jakob Zboril. Unlike Debrusk, Zboril’s career has not gotten off to an easy start. At his first training camp he seemed lost and was still battling a knee injury. After a rocky start Zboril has begun to show the tools that made him a first round pick. Zboril does not have the offensive ceiling of Charlie McAvoy or Torey Krug. That being said he does possess good skating skills and is not afraid to sacrifice his body. He is also excellent on the powerplay. Despite his progress it is unlikely he will make the team out of camp as the Bruins already have eight defenseman under contract. Early on it seemed like Zboril may turn into a bust but he has silenced that notion. With Chara likely retiring sooner rather than later the Bruins will need a top defenseman alongside McAvoy and the Bruins are hoping it’s Zboril.

Photo Credit: Dobber Prospects

Zach Senyshyn

The Bruins took Senyshyn 15th overall with their final pick in the first round. In Senyshyn’s two years with the Sault Marie Greyhounds he had back to back 65 point seasons. In his first year in Providence last season he had only 26 points. He is known for his speed and scoring touch but was streaky last season in Providence. Even when he struggled he did not let that detract from the other areas of his game. There is a significant amount of pressure on Senyshyn as he is the centerpiece of the Dougie Hamilton trade. Like Zboril he will need another year in Providence before he is ready. Senyshyn is still adjusting to the pro game and will need to be less streaky. The talent is there and he could be a fixture on the Bruins top lines for years to come.

Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper- USA Today Sports

Judging The Bruins’ 2015 Draft

With Zboril and Senyshyn likely to start this season in Providence it is still too early to judge them. DeBrusk was the exception and showed that he has the potential necessary to make a major impact moving forward. If Zboril and Senyshyn can live up to the expectations of being a first round pick then Sweeney will look like a genius. Watching these two develop this season will be a storyline to keep an eye on. They both could very well be centerpieces of the roster for years to come.

Bruins Youth Movement Key To The Future

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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 sleeper playoff team. The Bruins still have the one of the best young cores in the NHL, ready to lead them again next season.

Stanley Cup Core

The Bruins Stanley Cup core from 2011 still remains. They are not in their primes but have meshed perfectly with the Bruins young players. The Bruins top line of Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Patrice Bergeron is one of the best lines in hockey. Bergeron battled injuries last season, but he is still one of the best centers in the league. Zdeno Chara is not the player he once was but he is the perfect mentor for young players, such as Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy. David Krejci battled injuries last year, but played well with Jake DeBrusk when healthy. What made the Bruins so good last season was how the veterans and young players came together.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Bruins Youth Movement

The 2018-2019 season could see the debuts of more Bruins top prospects. That list includes Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Jakub Zboril, and Zach Senyshyn. All three players are on the Bruins roster and will be looking to make their case in camp. The Bruins will have Trent Frederic, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jack Studnicka, and Jeremy Lauzon in Providence. They still need more experience, but could be contributors at the NHL level in the near future.

The Bruins are not only set for years to come due to their depth in Providence. They have David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand under club control for the next five years on team friendly deals as well. They re-signed center Sean Kuraly this offseason to a three year deal worth $1.2 million per year. It will be hard for the Bruins to re-sign everyone especially starting next offseason. Both McAvoy and Brandon Carlo will be free agents. The McAvoy deal will be more expensive than Carlo, as no one else on the Bruins roster affects the game like McAvoy does. Danton Heinen and Ryan Donato who will also be restricted free agents at the end of next season.

Photo Credit: Amalie Benjamin NHL.com

Salary Cap

Donato and Heinen will not be as expensive to resign as McAvoy. Donato will most likely receive a “prove it” deal, similar to that of Matt Grzelcyk, as he will only have one full season of NHL experience. Jake DeBrusk won’t be a free agent until the 2020-2021 offseason, but he is already key to this team.

The Bruins will have to be creative to keep their young core together. Although it will not be easy, the Bruins have the advantage. Not every prospect will pan out and some could be used as trade chips. Don Sweeney has the one problem every GM only dreams of.

Anders Bjork Looking To Make His Mark

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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. It will not be easy, but if Bjork can play to his potential, the Bruins will find a spot for him.

Expectations For Anders Bjork

When the Bruins first drafted Bjork in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, he drew comparisons to David Pastrnak. He can play both ways and lrelies on his speed, much like Pastrnak. While at Notre Dame, he improved his game every year to become an elite scorer by his junior season. His creativity, strength, and agility is what makes him so hard to defend. In his junior season, he broke out with 21 goals and 31 assists, including five powerplay goals. When the Bruins drafted the Notre Dame product, he was seen as possible second line winger. After an impressive developmental camp, the Bruins slotted him on the second line.

Photo Credit: Winslow Townson/ AP Photo

Bjork Makes His NHL Debut

The Notre Dame product got off to a hot start in his first NHL season. Bjork began the 2017-2018 season on the Bruins second line with David Krejci and David Pastrnak. In his first 11 game, the former fifth round pick had seven points. He also saw time on the powerplay as he notched two points on the man advantage through the first six games. Bjork then began to struggle; through all of December, he recorded only three points on two goals. Due to the slump, the Bruins sent him back to Providence to regroup. The move appeared to be beneficial; in nine games, he amassed four points. The Notre Dame product returned to the Bruins on January 25th, but his stay was brief.

Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty- USA TODAY Sports

Season Ending Injury

Upon his return, Bjork would only appear in two games before surgery ended his season. Going into next year, the will be more motivated than ever. He will also see competition in the form of other Bruins prospects (eg, Zach Senyshyn) who are close to being NHL ready. Bjork still could make an impact in Boston as she showed flashes of his scoring ability last season. Health and consistency will be key for the former fifth pick as he looks to establish himself after a rookie season to forget.

Follow Jamie Gatlin On Twitter @JamieGatlin1217

Making The Case: Bergeron Line The Best In Hockey

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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 only one to play in all 82 games, but when this trio was full healthy they were special. The line appeared in 51 regular season games together scoring 27 goals. They were even more impressive defensively as the trio allowed only 16 goals. Even with Marchand and Bergeron missing 32 games combined, they still had the 14th most goals as a line. The trio didn’t allow an even strength goal until January. What makes that streak more impressive is that they played over 220 minutes together without allowing a goal.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Playoff Dominance

In the playoffs this line did not slow down. In Boston’s five postseason wins, they scored 12 goals while combining for 41 points. For the Lighting to slow them down, the Bruins forced Tampa to play out of their comfort zone. That was not an easy task because of this line’s skills.

Pastrnak is a gifted goal scorer and becoming one of the most creative passers in the league. Marchand continues to improve his all around game and has a talent for getting in peoples’ heads. That leaves Bergeron, who may be arguably the best two way center in the league. They are so dangerous because they can each hurt opponents in different ways.

Photo Credit: Associated Press/ Winslow Townson

Their Competition

The Bruins top line will have competition next season. With the addition of Tavares, the already dangerous top line of Toronto becomes better. The Avalanche also have a impressive first line, with young star Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen, who had 84 points in his sophomore season. The Golden Knights top trio that included William Karlsson and Reilly Smith will be out to prove last year was no fluke. They were tied for the most goals at even strength. The Bruins top line gets the edge because of what they did in limited time.

Photo Credit: Joe McDonald

Final Thoughts

Next season, the expectations will be even higher. The Bruins will be carried by their top line which will begin the season healthy. Last year, they showed that their chemistry is something truely special. What makes them even scarier is that Pastrnak is only 22 years old and still getting better. If they can remain healthy, then the best line in hockey will undoubtedly reside in Boston.

Bruins Players Shine Overseas at the 2018 IIHF

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HEADING TO THE WORLDS

As the annual break up day came to a close, a quick decision was made by some of the Bruins players to opt to continue to play overseas. Czech mates David Pastrnak and David Krejci continued on and represent their home country of the Czech Republic; a few days later Charlie McAvoy flew over to Copenhagen, Denmark to represent the USA in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). They say no rest for the weary, and not even jet lag would keep both Krejci and Pastrnak from dazzling at a recent game against Russia. Charlie McAvoy represented the USA in a stellar performance , garnering two goals and two assists in his first game playing against Korea.

“It was a long day, got here a couple hours ago,” McAvoy said. “We have such a good team. It was a great opportunity for me to go out there and just feel the puck and get ready for the rest of tournament.”

KEEPING THEIR LEGS MOVING

Yesterday’s game against France saw Pastrnak scoring two quick goals as the Czech Republic defeated France 6-0. Along with Dmitrij Jaskin, both Davids are seeing success playing on the same line; Krejci has thus far recorded a point in every game in the Worlds.

#FRAvsCVZE A face-off in front of @hockey_FRA's net bests Quemener and Pastrknak has @narodnitym's first goal of the game! #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/y8IPLjgHaq

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 13, 2018

NO MATCH FOR THEIR OPPONENTS

Meanwhile, as the Czech Republic continues to seek their first gold since 2010, Team USA routed Norway yesterday in a 9-3 defeat. Once again, Charlie McAvoy, (whose knee seems to be getting better) got a goal and an assist. The United States are now in first for Group B with 16 points, three more than Finland, while the Czech republic is third in their group behind team Russia.

Team USA will have a tough opponent on Tuesday as they face Finland. The Czechs will face Austria on Monday. As the trio of Bruins players continue to find success overseas, fans will look to see that success translate back home in Boston when the new season starts. Check out the highlights of Team USA vs Team Norway:

David Pastrňák Is Making It Look Easy

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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

David Pastrňák- Playing with Flash and Grit

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Young, talented, and fast, the 21-year-old right winger is making some important plays as the Bruins look to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The story has been writing itself for this year’s Boston Bruins. From a rocky start to becoming a dangerous team to play against, there’s no question that this team is special. From the explosion of youth to the “never give up” attitude this team has developed, there’s one particular line that’s leading the team. Prior to losing Patrice Bergeron, the first line consisted of Bergeron, Brad Marchand and a young Czech player named David Pastrňák. As Bergeron sits out while healing from a fractured foot, Marchand and Pastrňák have pushed more aggressively towards the net and are scoring goals. And even though he’s not new to the league, Pastrňák is right behind Marchand in goals, assists, and points. Did I mention he’s only 21 years old?

A QUICK CZECH

Credit: Adam Richins

From the 2014 draft class, David Pastrňák has proven to be one of the best NHL caliber players the Bruins have drafted. A quick look at his stats this season puts him at 70 points through 71 games, (42 in assists and 28 goals), making him almost a point-a-game player. The young winger also leads the 2014 draft with 87 goals ahead of the Oiler’s Leon Draisatl, who signed an expensive contract at eight years for $68 million. But just because you sign a hot rookie to an insane contract doesn’t guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The Oilers are struggling this season; the same can’t be said of the Boston Bruins.

PUTTING SOME SAUCE ON IT

Last year, fans got to see the young Czech enjoy his breakout career and under new coach Bruce Cassidy, things only started to flourish. As the Bruins were gearing up for the 2017-2018 season, Sweeney and Co. had yet to sign the young winger. Let’s just say, it was a bit tough to read reports that “Pasta” was still in Europe. And the rumors of playing in the KHL? Personally, that was a terrible threat with no credible backing. With training coming up, getting the news that Pastrňák was finally on his way to Boston made fans collectively breathe a sigh of relief.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

THE RIGHT CHANGE

By mid November, Cassidy had made a few changes and moved Pastrňák to play on the first line (a move that’s proving to be working for the Bruins). And while Pastrňák doesn’t score goals every night, (not many players can) he’s there assisting his linemates, Brad Marchand and Riley Nash. After a brief benching earlier this season, Pastrňák didn’t sulk; he came out ready to get back into the game. And with any young player, there’s always a period where you either get stuck in a sophomore slump or you take the advice from some tough love only to come out with a bang. The motivation hasn’t stopped there for Pastrňák.

A STAR THAT WON’T BURN OUT

As the Bruins continue to play with half their roster, it’s time for the entire roster to step up. And for Pastrňák, nothing could be sweeter than netting your first career hat trick. In a recent game against the Hurricanes, the Bruins were down a 4-1 deficit when the Black and Gold scored five unanswered goals in the 3rd. The young Czech player found the puck in the back of the net three times, lifting the B’s over Carolina for a stunning comeback win.

“We looked kind of tired and no energy, and then we get a couple of goals and all of a sudden everybody is flying. Everything clicks for us. I guess we all wished we knew how to turn it to click. I said I think a big part is we are a good team and we have a lot of good players.”

GROWING UP

At just 21 years old, Pastrňák now has the most game-winning goals in franchise history for a player prior to reaching their 22nd birthday. Not quite a veteran and no rookie by any means, Pastrňák has matured quickly and proven to be an incredibly valuable player for the Boston Bruins. And it shows he cares not only for the team but for the game. Earlier in the game against Carolina, a turn over by Pastrňák led to the ‘Canes to score their fourth goal. But as the story goes, you can’t count this team out and it was Pastrňák’s time for some late redemption. Cassidy had this to say:

“That’s a sign of maturity that he cares… He figures he let the team down. He has to go now do something to pick them up again and he certainly did that. Good for him. We need it. Let’s face it, your top guys have to be your top guys.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dynamic is one of many words used to describe one of the Bruins most likable player. With seven of the team’s top hitting players out with injuries, it’s players like David Pastrňák that you count on while playing clutch. With his skilled shot on net and speed, the young Czech will continue to grind out goals, set up important plays and most importantly, continue to smile. And for fans, it seems the right winger is right at home in Boston.

“…This is where I started playing my NHL hockey and I want to spend as much time here as I could. I wish for my whole NHL career.”

Keep smiling David, ’cause we are.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

What’s Different About the Bruins?

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The Bruins have finished the last three seasons with nearly identical numbers, finishing with 96, 93, and 95 points. We were treated to a brief playoff appearance last season, but they certainly weren’t ready to make the jump into the upper tier of the league. Luckily for B’s fans, this year is different. Currently sitting comfortably with the second spot in the Atlantic and on pace for 113 points, this poses one question: what’s making a difference?

Goaltending

For starters, the Bruins have two goalies who have put up solid numbers. Rask got off to a slow start, posting an October save percentage of just .896. This lead to some early season controversy regarding the starting position, seeing as Khudobin came out of the gate hot. But around early December, Rask’s play transformed into what we’re used to seeing out of him. With Khudobin also continuing his stellar season, the Bruins have consequently climbed the standings going 15-2-4 since December 1st. As of today, Rask has started thirty games to Khudobin’s seventeen, emphasizing the faith that the coaching staff has behind both of them. And seeing as both goalies currently boast a season save percentage north of 92% and a GAA below 2.4, it comes as no surprise to see both of them getting their minutes.

The Young Guys

In addition to the dynamic duo between the pipes, the Bruins have also enjoyed plenty of production from players who can’t even drink yet. Rookie standout Charlie McAvoy is leading the way, even drawing some Calder Trophy attention. It’s unlikely that he’ll bring home the honor being a defenseman, but his 25 points through forty-five games to go with his +18 rating is exactly what the Bruins needed. Playing mostly on the top pair, McAvoy has also been given the credit of rejuvenating the play of Zdeno Chara. The two have worked well together all season, and Chara is proving that he still has something left in the tank. Rookies Danton Heinen (10-21-31), Jake DeBrusk (10-14-24), and Matt Grzelyck (1-5-6, +13) have also risen to the occasion this season. Each are proving that they are both hungry and capable of establishing themselves as NHL players.

Goalscoring

The B’s have also managed to combine their trademark “hard-nosed” style of play with a sufficient amount of skill. Between the years of 2010-2016, they failed to have a single seventy-point player. The team simply lacked that “big name scorer” that every team needs for both the fans and the results. But we can now see that Brad Marchand is ready to wear that label.

His increase in production really began in the inaugural World Cup of Hockey. Even while putting up eight points in just six games during Canada’s gold medal run, Marchand is best remembered for his tournament winning goal with just 43.1 seconds remaining to beat Team Europe. From there he took off and established himself as one of the premier forwards in the NHL. He went on to finish the season with 85 points, good for sixth in the league in scoring. This surpassed his previous season high by 24 points and is the most by any Bruin since Marc Savard in 2009 (88). Carrying his play into this season Marchand has been helped out by line mates David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. With 44 points through 45 games for Pastrnak and 39 in 40 for Bergeron, all three players on the Bruins top line are on pace for career high point totals.

Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak (88) celebrates with teammates Patrice Bergeron (37), Brad Marchand (63) and Torey Krug after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 in Montreal. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)

The Man Behind the Curtain

And lastly- Bruce Cassidy. The Bruins were lucky to have Claude Julien but after ten years it was time for a new voice. Luckily for the B’s, that voice was already in the organization. Having coached in Providence since 2008, Cassidy was already familiar with several players and the Bruins systems. One of these players is Torey Krug, who recalls that “everything was quick, on the go. He doesn’t like to spend time explaining drills or being at the board at practice. It’s go, go, go”. Krug went on to mention that this becomes a habit and translates into games. With nearly half the season remaining, it will be interesting to see if Cassidy and the Bruins can keep up this unexpected pace. But with the way things are looking right now, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic.

Featured image courtesy of www.stanleycupofchowder.com

Bruins Youth Will Soon Deliver Championship to Boston

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Youth Movement Key to Championship

Like all of the Boston sports teams the Bruins have many young exciting players. After years of talk of what these players were doing in Providence they are finally getting a shot. The Bruins’ youth includes Charlie McAvoy, who has drawn comparisons to Bobby Orr, Jake Debrusk, who could be a thirty-goal scorer, and Danton Heinen, who is putting up the quietest breakout rookie season in the league. The Bruins have also received contributions from rookies Matt Gryelzk and Anders Bjork. After a slow start the Bruins have won thirteen of their last seventeen games. This has shown the potential this team has as these young players mature.

Photo Credit: Boston Bruins

Veterans Mixing with the Kids

The Bruins not only have many talented rookies but a core of talented veterans as well. They have two of the most talented goal scorers in the league in Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak under control for the next five years. Patrice Bergeron continues to be one of the best two-way forwards in the league and he is under control for the next five years. The mix of these veterans and rookies has made this team harder to play. They are grinding out games like they did 2011 when they won a championship. The reason why the Bruins will be good for the foreseeable future is because of this mix of players under club control for a long time.

Photo Credit: Matt West

The General Manager

The Bruins named Don Sweeney General Manager in 2015. Since then he’s shown two skills critical to sustained success for the franchise. He’s been able to sign key players to team friendly long-term deals and he’s done very well developing players. He has not made many successful trades, but he hasn’t sacrificed the future of the franchise just to make a deal. Every year Sweeney has been the General Manger he’s improved which is critical going forward.

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara

Prediction

The Bruins may not win a championship this year but they will make a deep postseason run. That experience will be critical for the young players and will make them better going forward. It will also make these players hungrier next year and Lord Stanley will return to Boston in the next three years giving the Bruins two championships this decade.