Tag Archives: Patrice Bergeron

Torey Krug

Boston Bruins: Torey Krug Injured; Latest Camp Transactions

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EARLY TOUGH BREAKS

Yesterday it was announced that Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will be out following an ankle injury he sustained during the pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Following the game, there was speculation as to whether or not Krug would be ready for the opener on Wednesday. Things didn’t look too good for the 27-year-old as he was seen leaving the arena in a camwalker boot. For Bruins fans, it’s sorta of a déjà vu as Krug also suffered an ankle fracture during the end of the playoff loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. General Manager Don Sweeney also stated that Krug will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

 

Image result for torey krug

(Photo Credits: NBC Sports)

OPENING THE DOOR

Not exactly the best way to start a season, but it’s certainly not the first time this Bruins team has faced injuries early on. Last year, Boston seemed to be hit by one injury after another. As the story goes, many analysts weren’t exactly positive about the team and chalked it up as a rebuilding phase. And if you followed closely last season, the Black and Gold (with all those first-year guys) made the Playoffs. Last year’s team was all about the explosion of youth and the chemistry that the team developed; something that will hopefully carry over to this year’s team. With Krug out for a few weeks and Matt Grzelcyk nursing a lower-body injury, the reality of Urho Vaakanainen making it on the varsity team is no longer a long shot.

“He’s got poise and patience, and he’s a great skater that covers a lot of ice. He’s got to continue to get stronger and understand the physicality that he’s going to face if and when he plays. Has he passed other players? Well, he’s performed better than some other players and those players have had injuries during that time period as well. So the jockeying begins as it does at every position. He’s made the most of the opportunity he’s been given, so good for him.”-GM Don Sweeney

OTHER NOTES

Image result for PETER CEHLARIK

Photo Credits: The Canadian Press

In other Bruins news, GM Don Sweeney also announced yesterday that both forward Peter Cehlarik and center Trent Frederic have been assigned to the Providence Bruins (AHL). Frederic has recently been in the “running” for that third center line spot. Cehlarik, for his part, has been making a push to crack a spot on the Bruins roster. During the preseason, Cehlarik played four games and netted one goal with four assists. As injuries creep up, (which will happen) we may see both Cehlarik and Frederic come up from P-Bruins and fill a slot.

And lastly, Patrice Bergeron looks to be ready for the season opener. The 33-year-old center has missed all preseason and China games to rehab from a groin surgery. Coach Bruce Cassidy offered some good news:

Bergeron

Bergeron Returns To The Ice

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Throughout his career, Patrice Bergeron has been a model of excellence. He is one of the games top centers and is coming off another solid campaign. Unfortunately, Bergeron missed 22 games last season due to injury. For the Bruins, he is vital to their success not only for his offensive contributions but also his work in the defensive zone. Bergeron has yet to appear in a preseason game this year due to his recovery from offseason groin surgery. He has also been dealing with back spasms due to the surgery. There have been encouraging signs of late and there is a chance he could appear in the Bruin’s next preseason game. The hope is that this injury will not affect him in the regular season.

Bergeron Continues Excellence in 2017-2018

Last year, Bergeron missed the first two weeks of the season. The Bruins struggled without their top center and upon his return looked like a different team. In 64 games last year he had 30 goals and 33 assists. It was the fourth time he has scored thirty or more goals in a season. He almost won a record-breaking fifth Selke trophy but finished in third partly due to the fact that he missed 22 games last season. When healthy, he centered one of the deadliest lines in hockey and averaged about a point per game. The fact that he is recovering from another injury is concerning, but last season he showed that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Bergeron

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

This season, the Bruins will again rely on their star center. Marchand and Pastrnak have the ability to carry this team but do not have the two-way impact of Bergeron. Keeping him healthy will be key for the Bruins and their young players. Like last season the Bruins will rely on their youth and are bound to go through growing pains. That is when they will need Bergeron’s leadership and his continued excellence.

Expectations For Bergeron In 2018-2019

Assuming Bergeron stays healthy he should be able to top last year’s numbers. The Bruins top line was hard to stop and the continued improvement of Pastrnak will only give the Bruins center more scoring opportunities. He will never score 100 points or score 50 goals in a season. That is not the player the Bruins need him to be. He has been the heart and soul of the Bruins and the team’s MVP for the past 15 years. In order for the Bruins to be successful they just need him to play the two-way game that has made him one of the best centers in the league. He has had a special run in Boston and this coming season it will only continue.

Boston Bruins: 2018 Season Preview

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Photo courtesy:
Matt Stone

The Boston Bruins season is about to begin, with the team and fans alike expecting a deep run to the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins ended last season with a second-round playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even with the elimination, fans were happy and excited for the road ahead with the promise of the young crop of players who seemed to show promise.

Going into this season depending on Bergeron’s health, the Boston Bruins will still have one of the strongest lines with Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak together. Bruce Cassidy has matched up Danton Heinen with David Krejci during the preseason to hopefully get two strong lines to begin the season. Donato and DeBrusk are still showing they belong; if they can keep up last season’s pace, there will be a good balance of scoring that could make this Bruins team tough to handle offensively.

Defensively, they are still able to depend on Zdeno Chara. Also with players like Grzelcyk, McAvoy, and Krug, they offensively can add some points from the back end. The depth will help them throughout the season when injuries occur with Moore and Miller most likely the other defensemen who will start the season.

Photo courtesy:
Charles Krupa

Important games this season 

Oct. 3 at Washington

The Boston Bruins open the NHL season versus the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. It is also the night they raise their banner.

Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa

The Bruins will be on home ice for the first time in a matinee game on Columbus Day.

Oct. 27 vs. Montreal

This is the first matchup between the two rivals this upcoming season. This is the Red Sox versus Yankees version of the NHL.

Nov. 10 vs. Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired John Tavares and this is the first time the Boston fans see him as a division rival.

Nov. 29 vs. Islanders

Rick Middleton becomes the 12th Boston Bruins player to have his number raised to the rafters on this night.

Jan. 1 at Chicago (Winter Classic – Notre Dame Stadium)

Original Six franchises meet in this year’s 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, the Bruins face the Chicago Blackhawks. This will be the third time the Bruins take part in the outdoor game.

Apr. 6 vs. Tampa Bay 

The B’s last game of the season is versus the Lightning, Tampa knocked them out of the playoffs. This game could also have implications in the standings.

  • Longest road stretch: 5 games – Feb 15 to 23, against the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Golden Knights and Blues.
  • Longest Homestand: 6 games – Feb 26 to Mar 9, against Sharks, Lightning, Devils, Hurricanes, Panthers, and Senators.
  • The All-Star Break is Jan. 25-28, with the game being played on Jan. 27 at SAP Center in San Jose.
  • The Bruins play four matinee games at home this season.

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Donato

Can Ryan Donato Live Up To The Hype

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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.

Donato

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.

Donato

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

Veterans

Keeping Veterans Healthy Will Be Key for Bruins

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The Boston Bruins are coming off one of their most successful regular seasons in recent memory. What made them so good was how well their young players such as Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk performed. Their veteran players also performed well and were mentors to the Bruins younger players. Next season veterans such as Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Zdeno Chara will be counted on again. Keeping them healthy will be key as all three missed  time last season. There are no guarantees over the course of a full season as injuries are part of the game but the Bruins will try their best.

Injured Veterans Last Season

During the 2017-2018 season, Bergeron, Chara, Backes, and Krejci all missed at least nine games. Marchand also missed significant time which was partly due to suspensions. Of that group, Bergeron was the only one to begin the 2017-2018 campaign injured. This season he will start camp healthy which is key at his age. In only 64 regular season games last year he still managed to record 63 points. Before last season he averaged 80 games a year and starting the season healthy should help him return to that number. He is still one of the best centers in the NHL and affects the game in more ways than one when healthy.

Zdeno Chara- Chara is the oldest player on the Bruins roster. Last year he still managed to be the Bruins best defenseman despite his age. The Bruins were able to limit his minutes which kept him fresh. Having Charlie McAvoy as his partner again will also take some pressure off the Bruins captain. Last year he appeared in 73 games his lowest total since the 2014-2015 season. Keeping Chara healthy is not a priority just because of what he does on the ice but also for mentoring the Bruins next wave of talent. He has not only been a mentor for Charlie McAvoy but other Bruins defensemen such as Brandon Carlo and Matt Gryzelcyk. The Bruins will again look to limit their captains minutes when they can as he is not easy to replace.

Veterans

Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Sorvin- US PressWire

Injury Prone

David Backes- Last season Backes appeared in 57 games his lowest total since the 2012-2013 season. Since signing in Boston he has been a disappointment given that he is making 6 million a year. Last season injuries didn’t make things better especially since some were just bad luck. In order for Backes to bounce back, he will have to stay healthy. Before signing in Boston he was averaging 50 points a season. Returning to those numbers would improve the Bruins depth and in particular their third line.

Veterans

Photo Credit: James Guillory- USA Today Sports

David Krejci- Last season Krejci appeared in 64 games and only recorded 44 points. He meshed well with Jake DeBrusk on the Bruins second line. When Krejci is healthy he has the ability to be the Bruins second best center. He is not a thirty goal scorer but has great vision and has had over 40 assists four times in his NHL career. His health was the main reason for his drop off in production. He has been involved heavily in trade rumors this offseason due to his contract.  Keeping him healthy is key for the Bruins second line and like Backes, he will be looking to bounce back this season.

Final Thoughts On The Bruins Veterans

Staying healthy is not easy for any player and in particular veteran players. The Bruins well need their veteran players to build on what they accomplished last season. They affect the game in different ways and have their own unique impact. If they can stay healthy then building off last season’s success should not be difficult for this team.

 

2015 draft

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.

2015 draft

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.

2015 draft

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.

2015 draft

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.

112 points

Can The Bruins Repeat The Scoring Output of Last Season?

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Last season, the Bruins surpassed all expectations by finishing with 112 points. They were led by their youth, which will again be a huge factor next season. Netting 112 points is no easy task and this team will have to come together again to repeat that success.

The 2018-2019 season will see the debut off more highly regarded Bruins prospects. They will have a solid group of veterans to learn from, including Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Torey Krug. The Bruins will be battling with Tampa Bay, an improved Toronto team, and the Florida Panthers who could push for a wild card spot. Repeating last year’s success is not impossible, considering the strength of the Bruins core and how players such as Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen flourished last season.

Bruins Veterans

One reason for the Bruins success last season was their 2011 Stanley Cup core. They showed that they still have at least one more run left in them. Patrice Bergeron continued to be one of the best centers in the league. Zdeno Chara was still the Bruins best defenseman due to the fact the Bruins limited his minutes. The 2017-2018 team also saw the continued improvement of Torey Krug. He had a career high 59 points and improved tremendously on defensive. These veterans were complemented by rookies who have become fan favorites after one season. The Bruins new core was formed in shadows of the last championship core.

112 points

Photo Credit: by Stuart Cahill

Key Pieces Take the Next Step

Last season, DeBrusk and Charlie McAvoy showed why scouts held them in such high regard as prospects. Despite missing 19 regular season games, McAvoy established himself as the most important player on the Bruins’ defense. DeBrusk showed a flare for the dramatic and made the Bruins second line dangerous. Next year, they will only be better, which is bad news for the rest of the league. Heinen also played in his first full NHL season and showed that he could contribute on the second or third line. After years of anticipation, these players lived up to the hype with only more to come.

112 points

Photo Credit: Jimmy Golen, The Associated Press

Advantage Of Youth

Next season, Bruins prospects such as Jakob Forsbacka Karlsoon, Zach Senyshn, and Jakub Zaburil will be looking to make a similar impact. Last year, the Bruins rookies gave the team a jolt of energy that had been missing in recent years. They played with a edge and had a knack for making comebacks when it seemed unlikely. The Bruins will carry that mentality into this upcoming season. There will be growing pains along the way with these young players. But as DeBrusk and McAvoy showed, those growing pains often lead to better results. That is what made the Bruins so good last year.

112 points

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Why The Bruins Can Get 112 Points Again

Repeating last year’s numbers is a lot of pressure to place on any team. This offseason, the Bruins have not made any significant upgrades. Their biggest move was inking defenseman John Moore to a five-year deal. They still have the best line in hockey in Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak. The Bruins young core will only get better with experience. Tampa Bay and Toronto improved in the offseason and will battle the Bruins all season.

The Bruins are returning the majority of last years roster, which knew a thing or two about proving people wrong. Their postseason run came to an abrupt end last season and they will be looking for revenge. Next year, they will again be looking to surpass whatever expectations are placed on them.

For More Bruins News Follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

youth movement

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.

youth movement

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.

youth movement

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.

McAvoy

Making the Case: Charlie McAvoy’s Importance to Boston

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Over the last two years the Bruins have seen the highly anticipated debuts of multiple prospects. Talented forwards such as Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Ryan Doanto made their mark last season. The season before saw the debut one of the most hyped prospects with the Bruins facing injuries in the playoffs. That player is Charlie McAvoy, and he is expected to lead the Bruins’ next core. McAvoy has appeared in 81 NHL games, including the playoffs over the last two seasons. He has already shown that he is one of the best young players in the NHL and the most important player on the Bruins roster.

College Days

The Bruins drafted McAvoy 14th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft out of Boston University. In two seasons as a Terrier he had eight goals and 43 assists. During the 2016 season he became the first BU defenseman to lead the team in points and assists since Matt Gilroy did in 2009. McAvoy was not just impressive on the college level. While playing for team USA, he led all-USA defenseman in points, goals, and assists during the 2014-2015 season. His smooth skating and play making ability were on display which is what makes him unique. Going into the draft he was one of only two U.S. hockey players to receive an A rating.

McAvoy

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

McAvoy Makes His Debut

Charlie McAvoy was the most hyped Bruins prospect in recent memory. He made his NHL debut during the 2016-2017 playoffs as both Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo were injured. In six games he had three assists, including two on the powerplay. The Bruins showed their faith in him by  placing McAvoy on the first powerplay unit. He did not seem overwhelmed by the playoff stage and the expectations surrounding his debut. McAvoy did not look like a rookie but a seasoned player. This created even more excitement for the 2017-2018 season as he was one of the main reasons the Bruins made it such as close series.

McAvoy

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

His First Full Season

In McAvoy’s first full season he had seven goals and 25 assists. On the powerplay McAvoy had two goals and five assists. In 12 playoff games he had five points including his first career playoff goal. McAvoy was paired with Chara on Bruins top defensive unit and they became one of the most formidable pairings in the NHL. McAvoy is the best player on the Bruins roster because of how he affects the ice on both ends. He shows a poise that is rare for someone of his age. He has drawn high praise for his offensive capabilities but showed improvement defensively under Chara’s guidance. No other Bruins defenseman has his ceiling or affects the game in both ends. He will only be better next year and assuming McAvoy stays healthy he should set career highs in goals and assists. With Chara set to retire soon, McAvoy will assume his spot as the Bruins top defenseman and he will be critical to the Bruins success for years to come.

For more Bruins news follow @JamieGatlin1217 on twitter

Bergeron

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.

Bergeron

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.

Bergeron

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.

Bergeron

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.