Tag Archives: Patrice Bergeron

Patrice Bergeorn

Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron Out With Injury

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The Black and Gold are looking pretty bruised up now with more news coming out about Patrice Bergeron. The center suffered a rib and sternoclavicular injury stemming from a hit he sustained in a recent game against the Dallas Stars on November 16th. He will be out of the lineup at least four weeks and will be re-evaluated at the time. The news couldn’t come at a worse time for the B’s as number 37 joins a growing list of injured players.

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Prior to the formal statement on Bergeron, the Bruins put up a huge effort recently against both Dallas and Arizona with a somewhat fractured team. Coach Bruce Cassidy did what he knows best; rearranged lines and got some good plays out of those players. Without many key players, Boston had to dig deep and called up some fresh-new faces. Defenseman Connor Clifton had it first NHL major fight as he nailed Dallas player Jason Spezza during a scrum. Jakob Zboril also made his NHL debut for the Bruins and landed three hits and a shot on goal.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dHLEqWg6y8&w=560&h=315]

During the Dallas game, Radek Faksa heavily checked Bergeron along the boards where he hit the wall hard with his left shoulder. The hit forced Bergeron off the ice during the second period. He did return,  however, he played gingerly on the ice. As the team headed into Arizona, Bergeron headed back to Boston to be initially evaluated.  As the Bruins continue on without their Captain and Alternate Captain, look for the team to recall more players from Providence.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFHZi404YCg&w=560&h=315]

In case you need to keep count, here’s a list of injured players:

Patrice Bergeron

Brandon Carlo

Zdeno Chara

Charlie McAvoy

Kevan Miller

John Moore

Urho Vaakanainen

The Boston Bruins have recalled Providence forward Colby Cave who had appeared with Boston last season. The Black and Gold will be playing the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow night at the Little Caesars Arena with puck drop at 7:30 pm

 

Follow me on Twitter@ Pastagrl88

 

 

Boston Bruins defeat Toronto Maple Leafs

David Pastrnak Scores Hat Trick; Bruins Defeat Toronto 5-1

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After a disappointing loss to Vancouver this past Thursday night, the Bruins put out all the stops last night at the TD Garden. And once again, the first-line lead the night as both Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak dazzled with goals and assists. The 22-year-old Pastrnak would score his third career hat trick. Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak also had quite the night with a stellar comeback, making an incredible 40 saves. The Bruins would give Toronto their first loss on the road in seven games. Backup goalie Garrett Sparks was in net for the Leafs.

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

(Photo Credits: The Athletic)

GETTING IN THE GROOVE

In the first 15 minutes, the Toronto Maple Leafs came out blazing and put Halak to the test hitting the net with a flurry of pucks. The Leafs kept the B’s at bay, limiting them to only six shots on goal compared to Toronto’s 20 shots. The 33-year-old Halak kept his demeanor and soon enough Boston was able to find its legs.  Patrice Bergeron got the Bruins on board first when he scored off of a tip-in pass by Pastrnak at 16:12. After the first goal, there was no looking back for the B’s.  With the second period underway, the Bruins kept charging forward and David Pastrnak would score his first goal of the night at 5:46 with a Bergeron and Matt Grzelcyk assist. Toronto’s Martin Marincin got a holding penalty in the second that lead to a Boston power play goal: Pastrnak would score off a wrister with both Brad Marchand and Bergeron notching assists. However, the Maple Leafs tried to make a comeback and with a few seconds left to the second period, John Tavares would score the only goal of the night for Toronto.

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

(Photo Credits: WINSLOW TOWNSON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

FINAL BREAKDOWN

Heading into the third, Boston led Toronto 3-1. With about 8:32 left in the third, the Leaf’s Kasperi Kapanen would be in the penalty box, charged with a double minor for high-sticking on Bruins  John Moore. The Maple Leafs were shorthanded for four minutes and Boston took full advantage. In his second hat-trick of the season, David Pastrnak would score another power-play goal with the assist by Marchand and Torey Krug. Within seconds, Boston’s Joakim Nordstrom would score off a wrister making the final score 5-1.  As for Boston, who have been without a few key players, Providence players were called up: Dan Vlader (Goaltender) and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (Center). Karlsson has 11:19 minutes on ice. Pastrnak now leads the league in goals with 15; Bergeron is tied for first in the league and the team with points (24). Halak is second in the league for GAA (Goals Against Average) with a 1.86. He is also third in the league with regards to Save Percentage at .942. Toronto had 41 shots on goal, while the Bruins had 34 shots.

NEXT GAME UP

The Bruins will again be on the ice tonight at the TD Garden as they host the Las Vegas Golden Knights, who are coming off a 5-4 loss against the Montreal Canadiens last night.  For the Knights, tonight will be the last game of a four-game road trip against an Atlantic Divison team. Both Jonathan Marchessault and Max Pacioretty are players to keep an eye on. William Karlsson is also having a good start to the season as he is second behind Marchessault in team points. Vegas is seventh in their division with a 7-9-1 record, while the Bruins are fourth in their division with a 9-5-2 record.

PUCK DROP: TONIGHT at 7:00 pm, TD Garden.

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN

Boston Bruins

Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks

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The Boston Bruins host the Vancouver Canucks tonight at TD Garden with puck drop at 7:00 pm.  The B’s are looking to start a win streak as they’re coming off a 2-1  victory against the Dallas Stars. In a good solid effort, the Bruins held off the Stars that forced an overtime with Brad Marchand scoring the winning goal. Tonight’s game marks the second of four games being played in Boston. The team will be looking to win some points these next few games and bring some good momentum before they begin a long road trip starting next week in Colorado. So far, the Bruins are 3-3-3 on the road and 5-1 at home.

QUICK NOTES

boston bruins vs canucks

(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Vancouver is currently tied for first place in the Pacific Division posting a record of 9-6-1.  19-year-old forward Elias Pettersson leads the team with 16 points and has 10 goals in 10 games.  Center Bo Horvat isn’t far behind with 11 points in 16 games, netting seven goals.  Pettersson has recently been named NHL’s Second Star of the Week as he continues to shine for the Canucks. Vancouver will be looking to recover from a 3-2 loss against the Detroit Red Wings, which snapped their four-game winning streak. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy is hoping for another win as the team lost the first of two meetings against Vancouver.

Cassidy also confirmed that backup goalie Jaroslav Halak will start in net tonight against the Canucks. The Bruins first line continues to dominate as Patrice Bergeron leads the team in points (20), David Pastrnak with 17 points while Brad Marchand has 16 points. Rookie Urho Vaakanainen skated Wednesday as he still recovering from a concussion he sustained a few weeks ago in Ottawa. Cassidy was asked during press about a possible return date for Vaakanainen:

“I don’t have the timeline yet. This is part of his process to get back in the lineup, skating. Hopefully, he’ll join us soon…Friday will be a good measuring stick, if he gets back with us, then he’ll be a lot closer. Just happy he was out there”

In other injury news, Kevin Miller was also skating Wednesday before practice since suffering a hand injury. No current update on defenseman Charlie McAvoy‘s return. For Wednesday practice here were the lines:

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak

Norstrom-Krejci-DeBrusk

Heinen-Backes-Bjork

Wagner-Kuraly-Acciari

Goaltenders:

Jaroslav Halak

Tuukka Rask

 

GAME START: Tonight at 7:00 pm

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN

boston bruins vs canucks

(Photo Credits: Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Boston Bruins defeat Ottawa 4-1

Boston Bruins win 4-1 against Ottawa

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Last night, the Boston Bruins snapped their losing streak ending their road trip with a 4-1 win against the Ottawa Senators. The B’s looked solid all around with amazing saves by defenseman Brandon Carlo, goals from the top lines and a sick dangle from Brad Marchand.  The star shined brightly for David Pastrnak who ended the night with four-points, posting two goals and two assists. The top forward line had a combined eight points in the game. Throw in a good old-fashioned fight, courtesy of Marchand, and you had yourself a hockey game.

Boston Bruins Tuukka Rask

(Photo Credits: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports)

In the first period, Pastrnak had a wrister shot on goal, putting Boston on board at 11:17. Ottawa tied the game in the second when Thomas Chabot scored on a power play at 17:51. Boston would take the lead at 19:09 when David Krejci one-timed a Pastrnak feed on a 5 on 3 power play when Ottawa was called on a “too many men on the ice” penalty. Heading into the third, Patrice Bergeron scored on a tipped shot on a power play mere seconds into the period, making the score 3-1.

The Bruins would extend their lead after a filthy play by Marchand who deked Senators defenseman Dylan DeMelo and backhanded a pass to Pastrnak, who quickly sent the puck by goalie Craig Anderson.

FUN FACTS

Boston Bruins David Pastrnak celebrates with Brad Marchand

(Photo Credits: Associated Press)

David Pastrnak become the sixth player in Bruins history to have 10 goals in October, just shy of Phil Esposito’s record of 13 goals.  He is now tied with Auston Matthews for the most goals in the NHL with 10. Bruins played with great effort throughout the game. Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen sustained a concussion after an unnecessary elbow hit to the head by Senators Mark Borowiecki. According the NHL Department of  Player Safety, there will be a hearing. The Bruins will be looking to call up a defenseman from Providence.

Patrice Bergeron posted a goal and two assists while David Krecji had one goal and one assist in last night’s game. For Ottawa, Thomas Chabot scored the lone goal while goalie Craig Anderson made 28 saves. The loss would snap a three game winning streak for the Senators. Boston had 32 shots on goal while the Senators had 39 shots. Boston goalie Tuukka Rask made 38 saves. Zdeno Chara had a tough night with the officials; he had three penalty calls for cross checking, hooking and a trip. Brandon Carlo made two spectacular saves in net, keeping the Senators from scoring. Brad Marchand threw gloves down against the Senator’s Zack Smith with both men being sent to the penalty box.

 

The Bruins will be traveling back home and will host the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, October 25th with puck drop at 7:00pm

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.

 

 

Bruins versus Edmonton

Boston Bruins Win 4-1 Against Oilers

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Game Two at The Garden

There were hits, glass shattering, and highlight reel goals last night at the Garden as the Boston Bruins hosted the Edmonton Oilers. And that wasn’t even the story of the day leading up to the game. Some fans in Bruins nation scratched their heads as Ryan Donato was listed as a healthy scratch, while newbie (to the team) Joakim Nordstrom was bumped up to the second line. Was the move going to pan out? Safe to say, Coach Bruce Cassidy knows what he’s doing. Like most young players, the shuffling would serve as a good way to re-assess what the team needs for Donato to work on. For the young winger, it would mean a chance to watch the game and gain a better perspective on his own skills.  And having someone fast as Nordstrom would add that important element needed in the Krejci line.

OILERS STRIKE FIRST

In the first opening period at 3:43, McDavid would score putting Edmonton first on the board. The Bruins drew a powerplay that led to a beautiful and nasty Pastrnak goal that tied the game at 1-1. Boston would extend their lead when Brad Marchand netted a wrist shot at 14:37. About 37 seconds later, Nordstrom would score his first goal as a Bruin, cushioning the lead 3-1 by the end of the first.

The second period saw some rough hits courtesy of the Black and Gold. Bruins Defenseman Kevin Miller threw gloves down and fought Oilers left wing Jujhar Khaira. Center Sean Kuraly had a huge hit about 10 minutes into the second, sending Oilers Matt Benning over the boards, shattering the entire glass. Edmonton did try to rally back when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tried to squeak one in at 7:42 but Halak made the save with Zdeno Chara clearing the puck. With 35 seconds left in the third, Patrice Bergeron would score an empty-net goal, making the final score 4-1.

QUICK STATS

Boston Bruins defeat Edmonton Oilers

(Photo Credits: Mary Schwalm / AP )

Bruins Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves while Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot made 28 saves. The power trio of Pastrnak, Marchand, and Bergeron all scored one goal last night along with Joakim Nordstrom. Matt Grzelcyk tallied up two assists for the night. Oilers Conor McDavid scored the only goal of the night for his team. The Bruins had 32 shots on goal while the Oilers had 26 shots. The win over Edmonton extends Boston’s winning streak to three games.

Next Up: The Bruins will host the Detroit Red Wings this Saturday afternoon at the Garden with puck drop at 3:00 pm

 

For more Bruins news, follow me on Twitter @pastagrll88

 

Oilers

Bruins Vs Oilers Preview

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On Thursday night the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers will meet at 7 PM at TD Garden. This is the first matchup between these two teams in the early going of the 2018-2019 season. The Oilers will be looking for their first win of the year while the Bruins are looking to extend their win streak to three. It will be an interesting matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions.

Bruins and Oilers 2017-2018 Season’s So Far

The Bruins will come into this game having won back to back games after being embarrassed on opening night. Their defense has improved over the last two games while their top line has been dominant. In their 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday, the Bruins top line contributed to every goal. The Oilers will have to contain that line which is no easy task. They are a young team and will be looking to rebound following a tough opener.

Oilers

Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Jason Franson

The Oilers first game of the season like the Bruins opener was forgettable. They fell to the Devils 5-3 and struggled in many areas of the game. Conor McDavid was a bright spot as he had an assist on two of Edmonton’s three goals. Former Bruin Milan Lucic will return to the Garden following a strong opener for Edmonton in which he recorded a goal and an assist. The Oilers must limit the Bruins offense which has scored ten goals in their past two games.

Keys To The Game

The Bruins top line early on has proved that it is still one of the best lines in hockey, but they will need help. Of the Bruins 12 goals this season only two have not come from the Bruins first line. The Bruins other lines have looked better of late but they will need to put the puck in the net. The Oilers will be looking to limit Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak and challenge the Bruins other forwards. The Bruins will have to limit McDavid and Lucic who are coming off strong performances against New Jersey.

Oilers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

For Edmonton, the key will be to limit the Bruins top line and challenge the Bruins depth. The Oilers will have to play better defensively and can not allow five goals again. They have had four days to rest meaning they should be at the top of their game. They will be getting reinforcements in the form of one of their top forwards in Ryan Nugent- Hopkins. He was held out of practice Monday after getting banged up against New Jersey but is expected to play.

Goalie Matchup

Jaroslav Halak will get the nod in net making his second start this season. He is coming off an impressive game against Buffalo in which he stopped all 32 shots he faced. In two games this season he has a save percentage of .960 and goals against average of 1.29.

Cam Talbot will get the start for Edmonton looking to bounce back after allowing four goals on 26 shots against New Jersey. He has been successful against the Bruins in his career recording a 5-2 record. In those seven games, he has a save percentage of .922 and goals against average of 2.72.

For more Bruins news, follow @JamieGatlin1217 on twitter

Boston Bruins

Home Opener: Bruins vs Senators

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As Bruce Cassidy stated after the Bruins 6-3 win over the Senators: we are spoiled here in Boston and the Bruins started the day off with an entertaining game against the Ottawa Senators. The atmosphere in the Garden was boisterous amid chants of “Yankees Suck!” and that energy was felt amongst the Bruins.  For one particular player, this win would one for the books as Patrice Bergeron scored his 4th career hat-trick.

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credits: Instagram @nhlbruins

A Hometown Welcome

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credits: NHL Bruins)

As the puck dropped, Bergeron scored 30 seconds in the first period, putting Boston on board 1-0 over the Senators. As the period continued at 17:12 Bergeron netted another goal, making the score 2-0 Bruins. The Senator’s Ryan Dzingel had a busy afternoon and cut the lead 2-1 in the second period. The Bruins answered back when Walpole native Chris Wagner tipped in his first goal as a Bruin, making the score 3-1.  Ottawa, however, didn’t stay quiet for too long as Dzingel once again scored making it 3-2. At the 4:38 mark, Bergeron completed his hat trick in the third period putting the Bruins up 4-2.

The Bruins were called on a penalty that saw John Moore sit in the box. Ottawa at one point had a two-man advantage but ultimately weren’t able to capitalize on their power-play. The Bruins came back as David Pastrnak buried one in net extending the lead 5-2 from a redirect pass by Bergeron. For the Senators, Bobby Ryan scored shortly after Pastrnak making it 5-3. However, with little time left in the third, Pastrnak once again scored albeit an empty-netter making the final score 6-3.

By the Numbers:

Patrice Bergeron came away with three goals and an assist. He recorded his fourth career hat trick. Bergeron also recorded another hat trick against the Senators in 2011.  David Pastrnak posted two goals with two assists. Both Charlie McAvoy and Brad Marchand added points with their three assists.  Goaltender Tuukka Rask made 28 saves. For The Senators, Ryan Dzingel had two goals along with Bobby Ryan-who scored one goal. Goaltender Mike Condon made 24 saves.

The Bruins will stay in town as they host the Edmonton Oilers this coming Thursday with puck drop at 7:00 pm.

 

If you want more Bruins news, give a follow on Twitter @pastagrl88

 

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.