A season preview piece a week into the new season? Yeah, why not? Hockey is back and its back until June people. Spoiled we are!
In the case of the 2024-25 Boston Bruins, one can lean on the eternal words of Gord Downie; “So the chemistry’s set”. That needs to be the team’s hope as the Bruins enter the season with big expectations. Not only are they favored to make the playoffs but to challenge for top spot in the Atlantic division. After a 109-point campaign in 2023-24 and a second-place finish in said division, Boston hopes that some substantial offseason acquisitions via Free Agency will get them over the hump. The hump being the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. To this scribe’s eyes anything short of an Eastern Conference Final appearance will be a disappointment for the 100-year-old franchise. That accomplishment would almost certainly mean getting by Florida in round one or two next spring. Let’s take a look at where the Bruins stand in October.
OFFENSE
“Shoot the puck, Pavs!”
The Bruins are not blessed with game breaking offensive players aside from David Pastrnak. That might be why they lean so heavily on their team defense, but we’ll get to that in a bit. Pasta had another spectacular season with his 110 points but after him came Brad Marchand at 67 points. That’s a big drop off between your two top point producers. The Bruins brass is hoping the signing of Elias Lindholm will help with some more point production in the top six. He will be paired with Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha to start. Zacha has an all-world shot that has not been used nearly enough. Maybe he will find his scoring touch now that he’ll be flanking the left side of Boston’s top line. Marchand meanwhile will be skating on line two with last year’s top centreman Charlie Coyle. The hope is that the two veterans will gel with Morgan Geekie who had a modest breakout season after signing out of Seattle last summer. The Bruins third line looks to be a work in progress consisting of reliable (and potential UFA) Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Matthew Poitras (Currently injured) and perhaps the still unsigned Tyler Johnson who remains with the team. The loss of Jake DeBrusk via Free Agency may be what ultimately forces the Bruins to add a top six forward by the NHL trade deadline. Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic and Max Jones bring speed and size to the fourth line. Cole Koepke is also in the mix.
HELLO – Elias Lindholm, Mark Kastelic, Max Jones, Cole Koepke
FAREWELL – Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, James Van Riemsdyk, Jakub Lauko, Pat Maroon
DEFENSE
“Stay out of the box, Z!”
The Bruins already boasted a very good defensive group when the dust settled on last year’s playoff run. So, where does a team with a solid defensive group go from there?
Up. They go up.
In adding 6’6 behemoth Nikita Zadorov that is exactly where they went. Whether “Z” spends time on the top pairing with clear number-one defenseman Charlie McAvoy or with Andrew Peeke on pairing three, he will be counted on for the toughness this team has sorely missed. Not since the days of Zdeno Chara have the Bruins rolled with such an intimidating force on their backend. The only concern I have is his infatuation with the penalty box. Perhaps that is something coach Jim Montgomery can iron out this season. His addition also means that Hampus Lindholm should be given more offensive freedom which bodes well for the team. Rookie Mason Lohrei will add an offensive layer both on the powerplay and at five on five. Lohrei showed great confidence in his offensive game during last season’s playoffs and figures only to grow in his first full NHL season. The dependable Brandon Carlo will again be the team’s best defensive defenseman and will log a lot of time on the penalty kill. Tyler Wootherspoon is man seven.
HELLO – Nikita Zadorov, Mason Lohrei
FAREWELL – Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort, Kevin Shattenkirk
GOALTENDING
“Walk the walk, Sway!”
Have you heard about Jeremy Swayman? Unless you’re on Mars you certainly have. Whether you know of his outstanding playoffs last season, or his not so outstanding contract dispute this summer, Sway has arrived as the Bruins number one goalie. For now, and for the next eight years, he has 66 million reasons to be happy. Gone are the days of the goalie hugging duo in Boston. Hey, it was a nice run for the boys but all things come to an end. Though Swayman has never eclipsed the 44 games played mark his time is officially now. At 25 and without a Vezina winner sharing the load, the Bruins All Star goalie is ready to take center stage. He has the poise, confidence and talent to earn every penny of his newly signed contract. Ultimately however, and as admitted by him, Stanley Cups are the ultimate goal and what he will measure personal success with. The number two man is ex-Senator, King and BlueJacket Joonas Korpisalo. After struggling mightily last season in Ottawa, the Bruins hope their team defense and coaching can help him regain his form. Perhaps he is better suited as a backup. Brandon Bussi tends the Providence goal for now but could see some action on the big club if an injury arises.
HELLO – Joonas Korpisalo
FAREWELL – Linus Ullmark
COACHING
I see an extension in Montgomery’s future. The Bruins have had two very good seasons since he arrived. Longer playoff success is the next and expected step, however.
PREDICTION
The Bruins will win the Atlantic division with great defense, goaltending and timely scoring. I do think they will need to add a top six goal scorer at the deadline to make a deep playoff run. Bruin’s beat the Rangers in the eastern conference final but lose to the Oilers in the Cup final. Let’s see how right, or how wrong, I was by seasons end!
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant / Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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