I’ve been writing here for over 15 years, and somehow this is only my second-ever post about the NHL. Okay then!
There’s no way the Boston Bruins can’t be seen as Stanley Cup contenders for 2023.
The Bruins had a problem to solve going into this 2022-23 season. In order to challenge for a title, they had to score more goals. They have a great defense, but their offense was average to mid-range at best. In order to score more goals, they would need their veteran players -several of whom are slowly on their way out- to produce numbers closer to players in their prime. At the same time, the Bruins needed their younger players to follow the lead of the veterans and produce more. It was a huge ask but it was the only way this team could go for a Cup. Otherwise, this season would surely set the stage for a rebuilding year in 2023 as their senior players, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, retire.
Oh, and they hired a new head coach. So this would take time to figure out, right? Wrong. Everyone who wisely predicted that the Bruins would have a slow start this season while they waited for injured stars to return was mistaken.
What we have right now is a team with a roster that reads like an all star list. They have the best winger in the league in David Pastrňák. And they have one of the best defenders in the league in Charlie McAvoy. Their roster is just full of top guys. And with the exception of two games against the teams from Ottawa, the Bruins have steamrolled just about every opponent. They find ways to score goals, and therefore they find ways to win.
Here they are beating the very good Dallas Stars.
Here they are winning a thriller at Madison Square Garden.
They went to Buffalo this past weekend and got the job done. This was quite a performance. Kincaid made 30 saves. And check out Patrice Burgeron’s kick and juggle of the puck at 07:42.
And then they went back home to beat a younger Vancouver team the next evening.
When they score first they win.
If they fall behind, they usually tie the game, and then usually win.
They are unbeaten at the the TD Garden.
The Boston Bruins are a juggernaut until they stop being one. And simply for that, they are favorites to win the Stanley Cup.