It’s early. Let’s start there. It is very early. We are talking four games in for most teams, give or take, a game or two. For the Boston Bruins, the first four games have had some pretty good early returns. Boston started strong with a win on the road in Washington last Wednesday followed by a winning home opener a night later versus the Chicago Blackhawks. A thrilling OT in fact with Fraser Minton scoring the winner. Saturday saw the Buffalo Sabre’s come to town, and the Bruins again added another W to the win column. Perhaps not the stiffest of competition out of the gate but wins that the Bruins certainly deserved and will gladly take. The only loss was to the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday afternoon. A sluggish start proved too much to overcome for the Bruins having fallen behind 3-0 and 4-1 before the midway point. The takeaway, however, is that these Bruins didn’t just roll over and die. They scratched and clawed their way back and were a Mason Lohrei crossbar-clang away from forcing extra time. A great sign if you’re a Bruins fan as this team is already endearing itself to the faithful. Last season’s team likely would have lost 7-2 in that game.
What’s Working
Sturm. The first-year head coach has his group playing a very high energy, relentless style of hockey. Given the lack of talent both at speed and skill, the coach has demanded an all-round gritty 200-foot game from his players. So far, they have done just that.
Scoring by committee. Don Sweeney said it himself. This team lacks scoring depth, so everyone will have to contribute. Boston has gotten goals from each of its forward lines already, which has enabled David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie to start the season with less pressure to score. How this holds up, of course, will determine a lot.
100% Penalty Kill success rate. The Bruins have not allowed a PP goal in its first 4 games. They boast a 14 for 14 showing in penalty kill opportunities. Special teams proved to be a big issue for the team last year, and early indications are that the PK is finding its new groove.
Jeremy Swayman has started well. Huge for the Bruins and for Swayman himself. Though he has only played two games thus far, his .966 save percentage is a welcome sight. Swayman never saw anywhere near that number last season after missing all of training camp. It’s evident that a full camp this season has the goalie feeling very much like his old self again.
What Needs Work
The powerplay. Again, special teams were a nightmare for the Bruins last season. Any improvement here is welcomed, but after scoring powerplay goals in the first two games, the PP has dried up over the last two. I have faith in Steve Spott. It’s early. Have I mentioned that?
Sleepy starts. The Bruins did not start on time Monday afternoon and ultimately paid for it with a loss. It was the first real blemish for a team that surprised me through the first week of the season.
Penalties. Though not a real issue for the Bruins, they have found themselves on the PK 14 times in 4 games. That perfect kill rate won’t hold forever.
Lindholm’s health. Hampus Lindholm is already injured and has missed the last two games. According to the Bruins, it is not related to last year’s season ending knee injury, and Lindholm is already skating with the team. Bullett dodged but a scare none the less. Boston will need a healthy Hampus Lindholm this season if they plan to stay in the thick of the playoff race.
The Lookahead
The Bruins sit 3-1 on the season and must feel good about their start. A big test awaits however as they set out on their first west coast road trip of the season. On Thursday night, the Bruins are in Las Vegas to tangle with old friend Bruce Cassidy. The Golden Knights are a powerhouse, and the Bruins better be on their toes from the start. Saturday finds them in Colorado for another big game versus the Avs. The trip wraps Sunday as Boston takes on the Mammoth in Utah. Three teams that have three things the Bruins don’t have in spades. Speed, skill, and scoring depth. If the Bruins find a way to snag three points on this trip, it must be considered a success. Three big games in four nights.
Oh, and then they return home to host Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Get the video tribute ready!
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant/Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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