Tag Archives: Patrice Bergeron

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Game Preview: Bruins vs Rangers

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It’s been a busy few games for the Boston Bruins as they clinched a Playoff berth, Captain Zdeno Chara scored his 200th career NHL goal. and Patrice Bergeron set a new career high when he tallied his 75th point of the season during  their 5-4 loss against Tampa Bay. Despite the recent loss where the Bruins blew a 2 goal lead, the boys will be looking to get back into gear as they fight for home ice advantage in the first round of the Playoffs.

SOME UPDATES

It was announced that Torey Krug and Marcus Johansson will be returning tonight as the Boston Bruins face the New York Rangers on home ice. Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Miller are “probable for the weekend.” Defenseman John Moore is week-to-week with an upper body injury. Moore left the Tampa Bay game and was seen wearing an arm sling.  Expect Jaroslav Halak (20-10-4) in net tonight. He comes into tonight’s game with a 2.31 goals against average, and a .924 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs New York rangers
(Photo Credits: Get More Sports)

The Bruins are 10-5 in their last 15 games. Brad Marchand still leads the team with 94 points, and in goals (34). He also leads the team in assists with 60 (so far). David Pastrnak is now second to Marchand in goals with 33.  The top BMP line have netted over 30 goals each. The team is now five points ahead of Toronto with a 46-21-9 record.

Here were this morning’s rushes:

THE BLUESHIRTS ARE COMING!

The Rangers are coming off a 5-2 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will be looking to complete their sweep of the Bruins. Boston has not lost on home ice since January 31st and if they beat the Rangers tonight, it would be their 12th straight victory at home.

Ranger’s Mika Zibanejad has 10 points in is last 12 games versus the B’s. The blueshirts are 9-1 in their last 10 games against the Bruins.  Expect Henrik Lundqvist  in net, who has won all three games (so far) this season when facing Boston. He has an 18-20-10 record wit a 2.99 goals against average with a .909 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
(Photo Credits; Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

QUICK STATS

Zibanejad leads the team in points (68), goals (28) and in assists (40). Chris Kreider is not too far off with 26 goals and 49 assists . Both Kreider and Marc Staal are considered day-to day as they recover from lower-body injuries. The Rangers are currently out of the Playoff picture as they are seventh in the Metro Division with a 29-33-13 record.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop at 7:30 PM-TD Garden/Boston

WHERE TO WATCH: NBCSN

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Bruins vs Caps

Game Preview: Bruins vs Caps

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As the Hockey Gods continue to smile down upon the boys in Black and Gold, tonight’s match-up against the Washington Capital in Boston will prove to be a mighty test. Ovechkin and crew have managed to defeat Bergeron and Co. 13 straight times. Could tonight mark the end of the Bruins drought against Washington? For the surging Boston team, who are coming off a five game winning streak, things are heading in the right direction.

“The easiest way to beat a team you haven’t is to defend really well, keep the puck out of your net…”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy announced yesterday that goaltender Jaroslav Halak will get the start in net despite the recent hot play by Tuukka Rask. Halak had recently helped the Bruins break ANOTHER losing game streak against the Anaheim Ducks (nine to be specific). The Bruins won that game 3-1, and the thinking process is that once again Halak, who has certainly earned his stripes this season, will lead the charge against the Capitals.

Bruins vs Caps
(Photo Credits: (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

GAME NOTES: BOSTON

The Bruins have now outscored their opponents 19-9 and have a healthy record of 25-14-4 and are 4-0 at home. The Washington Capitals, who are defending Stanley Cup Champions, have a record of 26-12-4 and currently sit at the 1st spot position in the Metro Division; Boston is in 3rd in the Atlantic, still two points behind Toronto.  Captain Alex Ovechkin leads the Caps in points with 47 and leads the league with 30 goals. David Pastrnak still leads the Bruins with 52 points, with Brad Marchand second at 47 points.

Boston is looking to win their sixth consecutive game tonight and is this close to being completely healthy. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy recently skated and looks to be making a return soon after finishing treatment for a foot infection, while Joakim Nordstrom is still out with fractured fibula.

QUICK STATS

The power trio of Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak has a combined to score 55 goals in 43 games. The Bruins power play is 3rd in the league at 28.5%, while the Capitals are in 10th in the league at 21.5%. Boston is 11th in the league for the power-kill at 81.1%, with Washington sitting a little lower in 22nd place at 78.0%

GAME NOTES: WASHINGTON

Tonight’s game marks the beginning of a four-game road trip for the Caps. They started the New Year with two losses, however recovered fairly quickly to win two straight. In their recent win against the Philadelphia Flyers, forward Jakub Vrana had a three-point game with two goals and one assist; a first for his NHL career. Goaltender Phoenix Copley made 37 saves for a career-high 10th win. The team leads the NHL in goals (61) and have defeated their Eastern Conference opponents 15 out of the their last 16 games played. Washington also has a 20-plus goal differential in the second period; a record that is second to Tampa Bay.

Bruins vs Caps
(Photo Credits: Patrick Smith/Getty Images )

Look for goaltender Braden Holtby to get the start tonight. In 29 games played, he has a .910 save percentage with a 2.89 GAA. Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak currently has a .929 save percentage with a 2.36 GAA in 23 games; he is third in the league for save percentage.

WHEN: Tonight at TD Garden with puck drop at 7:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: ESPN +, NESN, NBCSWA

Boston Bruins

Game Preview: Bruins vs Buffalo

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The Boston Bruins are looking to extend their winning streak as they host the Buffalo Sabres tonight at TD Garden. This will be their fourth match-up this season. Coming off a win against the Calgary Flames, the B’s will see the return of winger David Backes, who is coming off a three-game suspension. He will be slotted on the right wing with Jake Debrusk and David Krejci. This morning the B’s had optional skate at the Warrior Ice Arena. Coach Bruce Cassidy also announced that both Colby Cave and Steven Kampfer will be scratches for tonight’s game.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres Preview
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

GETTING THERE

The season is now half-way through as the Bruins continue to play with positive momentum. After a temendous win at the Winter Classic, the B’s are looking and feeling good. Amidst the multiple injuries they’ve dealt with early in the first half of the season, the boys in Black and Gold have managed to hold a strong position in the Playoff’s scene. The Bruins are now four points behind Toronto as they are tied with the Sabres for 3rd in the Atlantic Division. At this point, it’s safe to say that Boston are on pace for 100 points or more by the end of 2019.

GAME NOTES: BRUINS

With the addition of Backes in the line-up, the Bruins roster once again will be shifting as Joakim Nordstom is nursing a fractured fibula. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is currently out and has only managed to play in 17 games this season, although frustrations should start to melt away as it seems he’ll be back sooner rather than later.

Well, I feel good about it, to be honest with you. I mean, right now we’re halfway through the year (Game 41) and we’re at 50 points. We’d like to think we’ll get better, simply because a lot of the guys that were out that are key contributors are now healthy and the only one left is Charlie.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

The Bruins are fourth in the league for the power play percentage at 27.8 They currently have a 23-14-4 record while Buffalo has a 22-13-6 record in a tight race for that third position as both teams have 50 points. The last time these two teams met, the Bruins rallied back to win 3-2 as Sean Kuraly netted the overtime goal.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

GAMES NOTES: SABRES

The Sabre’s Jack Eichel will be missing from the lineup for the second straight game due to an upper-body injury. He suffered the set-back during a recent game against the New York Islanders in which the Sabres fell 3-1. He leads Buffalo with 49 points in 40 games so far. Left-winger Jeff Skinner is second to Eichel with 41 points in 41 games and leads the team with 28 goals. Goaltender Linus Ullmark will get the start tonight in net for the Sabres. He currently has a 2.73 goals against average with a .922 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

QUICK STATS

Bruins All-Star David Pastrnak has a three point game streak with 22 points in his last 14 games. He also has 52 points in 41 games and leads the team in points and goals. Brad Marchand is second with 44 points with Patrice Bergeron at 35 points. David Krejci isn’t far behind with 33 points total. Pastrnak is tied in fourth place in the league for goals at 25, and leads with 12 powerplay goals. Tuukka Rask will be in net for the Bruins tonight while looking to continue an upward trend in his play. He currently has a 2.63 goals against average with a .914 save percentage.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop @ 7:00pm

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, ESPN+, MSG-B

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Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs Calgary Flames

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Boston Bruins
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YEAR

The Boston Bruins return home after starting the New Year with a win over the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 at the NHL Winter Classic. Tonight the B’s host the Calgary Flames, who are playing the back to back games after winning 5-3 over the Detroit Red Wings. The Flames have now moved to first in the Western Conference, while the Bruins have moved into 3rd position in the Atlantic Division. Calgary’s recent record has been 3-0-1 in the past few games, and 10-3 in the past 16 games.  With the win over the ‘Hawks, Boston has now won their second straight game and fifth in their past seven games.

BRUINS UPDATES

Boston Bruins Nordstrom
(photo credit: NHL.com)

Earlier today, the Bruins announced that forward Joakim Nordstrom sustained a non-displaced fibula fracture and will remain out of the lineup until further evaluation in three weeks. Nordstom’s injury occurred during the Winter Classic. The Swedish native has played 39 games for the Black and Gold, posting five goals with two assists while being slotted up between the first few lines. Right-winger David Pastrnak, who was recently named to the NHL All-Star team, leads the team with 24 goals with 26 assists for 50 points so far this season. He is currently tied for fourth in the league for goals and tied for first in powerplay goals. Brad Marchand leads the team in assists (26) and is tied in second with Patrice Bergeron with 13 goals.

Coach Bruce Cassidy issued an update on Charlie McAvoy with a possible return on Tuesday or Thursday. David Krejci and wife Naomi welcomed a baby boy this morning; he will be in the lineup tonight. This morning’s rushes for the Bruins:

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak

Donato-Krejci-DeBrusk

Kualy-Acciari-Wagner

Heninen-Cave-JFK

Chara-Carlo

Grzelcyk-Miller

Krug-Moore

Halak

Rask

Possible start in net: Halak, although at the timing of this writing, no official announcement from the Bruins Camp.

CALGARY NOTES

Boston Bruins face Calgary Flames
(Photo Credits: NHL.com)

Calgary Flames forward Johhny “Hockey” Gaudreau has accumulated eight points in his past two games with three goals and five assists. He has 14 points in his past six games. He is tied with Center Sean Monahan for goals at 22. Gaudreau has 59 points, with Monahan not far behind with 50 points this season. He is now fifth in the league behind Connor Mcdavid and Nikita Kucherov. Gaudreau also has the most point by a Calgary Flame player in team history over the first half year. That feat tied the franchise record set by forward Bob MacMillam (then-called Atlanta Flames) in the 1978-79 season.

Projected lineup for Calgary

Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm

Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik

Bennett-Jankowski-Neal

Dube-Ryan-Hathaway

Giodano-Brodie

Hanifin-Hamonic

Kylington-Andersson

Smith

Gillers

WHEN TO WATCH:  TD Garden, tonight with puck drop 7:00 pm

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, ESPN+

NEXT GAME:  Boston vs. Buffalo

Boston Bruins

Bergeron Returns in Dramatic Fashion; Bruins defeat Preds 5-2

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MISTER 300

It was an afternoon to remember, as Bruins fans received an early Christmas present when Coach Bruce Cassidy announced Patrice Bergeron would return to the lineup.  Number 37 had been out since November 16th after sustaining a rib and sternoclavicular injury in a game against Dallas.  Without missing a beat, in typical Bruins fashion, Bergeron reminded fans and the NHL exactly why he is one of the greatest premier two-way forwards as he notched his 300th NHL goal.  He is now 17 games away from reaching his 1,000th game played.  Bergeron is now the sixth player in Bruins history to score 300 goals.  He joins an elite group alongside Cam Neely, Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton, Phil Esposito, and Johnny Bucyk.

GAME PREVIEW

In the first period, Bergeron got the Bruins on board 1-0 when he scored at 15:10 from a Charlie McAvoy pass.  The Bruins would score another goal in the second making it 2-0, only to have it overturned when Nashville challenged for goaltender interference.  The Predators would even the score when Ryan Johansen netted a goal off a one-timer pass from Craig Smith.  However, Bergeron would bring Boston up by one when he scored his second goal of the game (and one that would be his 300th career goal).  Nashville would come back when Kyle Turris scored with a wrist shot, making it 2-2.

Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron)

(Photo Credits: Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)

LOSING THE EDGE

With a frustrated Preds team looking to make a comeback, a penalty was given to Ryan Hartman when he tripped David Pastrnak.  Bruins’ Brad Marchand took advantage, and netted a power play goal with an assist by Bergeron, making the score 3-2.  Any hopes for the Predators were quickly squashed as Pastrnak scored on a one-timer pass from Marchand for a 4-2 lead; Bergeron was also credited with an assist for the Pastrnak goal.  Adding the final nail in the coffin, Sean Kuraly potted an empty-net goal in the last few moments in the third, making the final score 5-2.

With the win, the Boston Bruins are now one point away from taking the third spot in the Atlantic Division.  Nashville has now lost four in a row, as well as losing 10 straight road games.  They are also missing some key players in their lineup, such as P.K Subban and Viktor Arvidsson.  Bruins’ Marchand and Pastrnak had two goals and two assists.  Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 28 saves and is third in the league for goals against average at 2.19; he’s tied for first in the league with save percentage (.930) alongside Tampa Bay’s goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.  He’s also tied in second in the league for shutout wins.  The Bruins have now won three in a row, and six of their last eight games.  Boston is hoping to extend their winning streak as they travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow afternoon.

NEXT GAME: Sunday, December 23rd with puck drop at  5:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN

 

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.

Bruins going Gold for Notre Dame

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The Bruins showed off versions of their Winter Classic practice jersey, and fans of Notre Dame will be proud.

The team will be wearing both a white and gold versions of their Winter Classic practice jersey when they prepare for this season’s outdoor game.

Returning Players

Hopefull, both Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron will be healthy enough to participate in the team’s third Winter Classic.

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS 

Bruins comeback

Bruins Comeback From 2-0 Defecit To Stun Arizona

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With the injury to Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have been without one of their deadliest weapons.  Tuesday night that did not matter as the Bruins new top line was magical.  After a sloppy first period, the Bruins found themselves in a 2-0 hole.  Things looked grim as the B’s had yet to come back from a two-goal deficit this season.  With their backs against the wall, this team that has already dealt with tremendous adversity, came roaring back.

The Bruins first goal came courtesy of Danton Heinen.  He buried a beautiful backhanded feed by JFK in front of the net.  Heinen’s goal ignited a Bruins comeback that Arizona could not stop.  The Bruins then took control due to their newly formed first line.  The trio of David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak accounted for the Bruins next three goals as the Bruins took a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

Top Line Leads Bruins Comeback

Over the past few games, Bruce Cassidy has placed David Krejci on the first line.  Against Arizona, Krejci was in vintage form as the Bruins top line looked unstoppable.  They single handily took control of the game as Marchand tallied two goals, and Pastrnak got his 21st of the season.  The trio played as if they had been together all season.  At a time where the Bruins need everyone at their best, Krejci, Marchand, and Pastrnak carried the team.

After a crazy second period, both teams remained scoreless in the third period.  The Bruins, while sloppy at times with the puck, did enough to hold off Arizona.  It was not the Bruins prettiest game but they battled adversity and found a way to win.  They also avoided any injuries after a scary sequence in the first period.  David Backes took a skate to the face but returned at the start of the second period and finished the game.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

After four days off the Bruins will return to the ice on Friday night for a tilt against Pittsburgh.  They will look to increase their win streak to four and continue to rise in the standings.

For more Bruins news Follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

David Backes

David Backes Stepping Up When Needed Most

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The David Backes era has not gone as many expected in Boston. Backes has provided veteran leadership during his Bruins tenure but failed to live up to his contract. Earlier this season, as the Bruins offense struggled, Backes did as well. Through the Bruins first seventeen games, the veteran winger registered just one point. Lately, his play has improved. In the Bruins last four games, he has two goals. Despite his struggles, Backes can still contribute to this team and has started to round into form.

David Backes Improving After Slow Start

This season the veteran winger has been a staple on the Bruins third and fourth line. That is not what the Bruins envisioned when they signed him three years ago, however, that is where he has been the most productive. His improved play is due to the fact that he has been more aggressive. Over the Bruins last five games, he has fourteen shots on net. That, however, is not the only reason for the veterans recent offensive contributions.

During his tenure in Boston, Backes has battled injuries and this year has been no different. He dealt with a concussion earlier this season that sidelined him for the second half of October. Because of the injury, Backes played with a more passive approach. Keeping him healthy will be key as the Bruins have already had many players miss significant time. Even when healthy this season Backes play has been affected by the younger Bruins trying to find their way.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Inside Hockey

Changing Style

Backes began the season on skating on a line with Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen. Due to their struggles defensively Backes put more emphasis on his defense. This was reflected in his statistics as he failed to register a point through the Bruins first eleven games. The choice to hang back made him appear tentative and prevented him from battling in front of the net. His recent aggressive play is starting to yield results and has earned him time on the powerplay. On the man advantage, he is helping the Bruins win faceoffs and keep the puck in the offensive zone. He will never match Bergeron’s production. However he has made the Bruins powerplay productive without one of its best weapons.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Claus Anderson/ Getty Images

Through the Bruins first, twenty-six-game Backes has not been an offensive force. With injuries mounting, the Bruins need veteran leadership more than ever. Backes has answered the challenge and is stepping up when his team needs him the most.

Follow Me On Twitter @JamieGatlin1217

 

Bruins second line

Bruins Second Line Catching Fire

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So far this season the Bruins have been decimated by injuries. As a result, their lineups have been in constant flux. Matters only got worse last week when Patrice Bergeron was ruled out for at least the next month. Despite the injuries, head coach, Bruce Cassidy has not had to worry about Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci who are playing their best hockey of the season. With the injury list growing the Bruins second line has carried this team when needed most.

Coming into the season, expectations were high for David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. With Krejci’s vision and DeBrusks scoring touch, the two were expected to form a formidable second line. After struggling early on they are starting to meet expectations. In the Bruins, last five games DeBrusk has three goals. After scoring only three goals in October, he has seven this month including two multi-goal games. Even when DeBrusk isn’t scoring he has been more aggressive offensively and created scoring chances.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Bruins Second Line Stepping Up When Needed Most

Additionally, DeBrusk’s improved play is partly due to Krejci who is having a bounce-back year. Through 24 games, the veteran center has 17 assists after recording just 27 last season while battling injuries. He has been particularly good of late recording ten assists in the Bruins last eleven games. The Bruins center is on pace for sixty plus points for the first time since 2015-2016. Against Toronto, the Bruins second line was shutout however they still were aggressive offensively.

DeBrusk had a career-high seven shots on net and had the third most ice time on the Bruins. Danton Heinen and Krejci also saw considerable ice time finishing with the fourth and fifth most. They almost tied the game in the third period, however, a post denied Danton Heinen of his third goal this season. Although they were unable to capitalize they created scoring chances that in most nights would have resulted in goals.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Expectations Going Forward

Having a productive second line will be key to the Bruins success. It will make them a deeper team and put less pressure on their top line. With Krejci and DeBrusk at their best, they have not just been productive but dominant at times. The Bruins have shown that they can be a very good team in spite of their injuries. That is in large part due to Krejci and DeBrusk who have played their best hockey as injuries mount around them. Depth was what made this team success last season and it has again lead to their improved play.

Follow me on Twitter @JamieGatlin1217