As the 2018-2019 NHL season comes to its climax, it is no wonder that the Bruins are eyeing the Stanley Cup. But how likely is it that the Bruins will actually win the Cup this year? We asked the hockey pros over at Hockey Homie for their opinion. This is what we found out.
The Bruins Season
Heading toward the playoffs, the Boston Bruins are sitting in second place for the Atlantic Division, just below Tampa Bay Lightning. With 45 wins and 20 losses this season, it might look like the Bruins don’t stand a chance against Lightning, but the numbers can be deceiving. While the Bruins might have gotten off to a slower start this season, they have made up for it recently. They had a 9-game winning streak at the beginning of February and as of now, they are in a 3-game winning streak, having won 7 of their last 10 games. What does this mean? The Bruins are playing to win.
The Players
By acquiring forwards Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johannson, the Bruins boosted their chances of making it all the way to the Stanley Cup, though Johannson is currently out of the game. Meanwhile, left winger Jake DeBrusk started the season off pretty bland and uninspiring. But in the last few games, DeBrusk has turned into a force of nature. He’s helping with power plays, he’s making goals. On a good day, DeBrusk is unstoppable.
Combined with the efforts of team veteran David Krejci, who is also making up for Johannson’s absence, the Bruins have been an unstoppable force for the past couple of months.
The Bookies
As of March 19, 2019, the bookies had placed the Bruins’ chance of winning at 12-1 odds. This puts the Bruins not just in the top 10 teams of the season, but they actually have just reached over into the top five. Other reports have them in the top six while others put them as the number two team. Regardless, the Bruins definitely have a chance to win the whole thing.
What Needs to Happen?
On the surface, it might look like the Bruins will have a tough time winning the Stanley Cup this year, but with the right lineup of events, it is definitely a possibility. First, DeBrusk needs to keep up with his newfound gameplay. With him really getting into the game, the Bruins definitely have a better chance.
The Bruins will also need goalies Tuuka Rask and Jaroslav Halak to bring their A-games as well, ensuring that the opposing team does not make any goals. The win will not come from one position over another, but instead has to come from the entire team working together with the goal of winning. Everyone will need to be feeling their best as a team, but all-in-all they can do it.
Can the Bruins win the Stanley Cup? With hard work, great gameplay, and teamwork, it is absolutely possible.