Even with the way the Bruins season tragically ended last season with a Yankee style collapse, I am still so excited for this year to get under way. I really think they are in line for a great season, and there are lots of reasons for that...
The Bruins were the worst offensive team in the NHL last season, posting just 2.39 goals per game, and although you have to be a little concerned with Savard missing at least the beginning of season there are plenty of reason to think they will be much better. David Krejci is another year older and this is the time he needs to breakout. He wasn't very good until he finally started to click later in the season. If he is able to become more consistent he should be the Bruins top point guy again.
Bruins also acquired a solid NHL winger in Nathan Horton. Horton came to Boston along with forward Gregory Campbell in the deal that sent defenseman Dennis Wideman to Florida and he has recorded at least 20 goals in five straight seasons. Considering he did all that on a terrible Panthers team, I have reason to believe he could be a 35+ goals guy now that he can play with centers like Krejci, Bergeron, and Savard (when he is back). Remember this kid is only 25 years old, so he is just entering the prime of his career.
On top of that there is the addition of Tyler Seguin (the 2nd overall pick in the draft). We are not sure if he is going to be a wing or center this year, but he should add a spark to this offense. I know he is young, so I am keeping my expectations in check, but I do think he will be between 40-50 points this season.
Plus, the Bruins had a bunch of underachievers last year and I think a lot of them should bounce back.
Milan Lucic:
Last season: 50 GP, 9 G, 11 A, 20 P (Should be flirting with 20 goals)
David Krejci
Last season: 79 GP, 17 G, 35 A, 52 P (20+ goals and 50+ assists is what his talent would suggest)
Blake Wheeler:
Last season: 82 GP, 18 G, 20 A, 38 P (20+ goals should be easy for this, but he is a dink, so who knows)
If those guys stepup, and Horton adds his 30+ goals, and Seguin is at least solid the Bruins should be a hell of a lot better offensively.
The defense will be solid once again. I have heard a lot of people say they are going to have to trade for another defenseman, but I think they are somewhat underrating this unit. Zdeno Chara is a stud, and Dennis Seidenberg is also very good. The rest of the group (Johnny Boychuk, Andrew Ference, Mark Stuart and Matt Hunwick ) I am fine with. Boston finished second in the NHL with just 2.33 goals surrendered per game, and I expect them to be in the top 5 again this season.
I will admit I am a little nervous about Tukka Rask. I have just seen it so many times that a goalie breaks out and then falls back to earth the next year. The good news is that even if this does happen, we have a guy named Tim Thomas backing him up and he is pretty damn good. Either way, I don't expect goaltending to be a weakness.
I really believe if the Bruins can stay healthy they can challenge for a Cup, and now it's time for my bold predictions...
Predictions:
- Hotron will have over 35 goals this year.
- Tim Thomas will be the starting goalie going into the playoffs.
- Tyler Seguin will have over 40 points this season.
- Ryder will be off the team by December.
- David Krejci will have more then 60 points this year.
- Bruins will be no worse then the 4 seed going into the playoffs.
- Bruins will win the Northeast Division.
First game is Saturday at 12pm ET (they are in Prague, CZ) on VERSUS(HD), TSN(HD). NESN(HD).
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