The Boston Bruins are once again sitting comfortably atop the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference in the NHL. With star players like David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand leading the way, outstanding goaltending, and solid special teams, the Bruins seem to be in a familiar position. However, the question remains: can they go further than last year and overcome their eternal-long fatalism?
Last season, the Bruins had a record points-haul but fell short in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Florida Panthers. The difference between their expected goal count and the number of goals they actually scored raised doubts about their true potential. Was it a sign that the Bruins weren’t as strong as they appeared, or were they simply outplayed by a better Panthers team?
This year, the Bruins face the challenge of convincing fans and observers that they can go beyond being an upset in the playoffs. The goaltending tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark has yet to prove itself in the postseason, and their defensive numbers have dipped compared to last year. The Bruins’ biggest concern, however, lies in their center position.
With the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, the Bruins are left with a group of third and fourth-line centers attempting to fill the void. Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha, while useful players, don’t have the same impact as top-tier centers. Coyle’s metrics show that he’s been outperformed by linemate Brad Marchand, and Zacha hasn’t been able to make a significant impact despite playing alongside David Pastrnak.
To address this issue, the Bruins may look to make a move before the trade deadline. One possibility is acquiring Elias Lindholm, a pending free agent from the Calgary Flames. Lindholm’s shooting ability and ability to produce off cycles and forechecks could be a good fit alongside Marchand. However, Lindholm will likely be in high demand, and the price to acquire him may be steep.
Another intriguing option to consider is Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. While the Ducks aren’t actively shopping Zegras, there are rumors that they may be open to trading him. The Bruins, who have limited draft picks in the next few years, may need to part ways with some prospects to secure a deal. Zegras may not fit the traditional “Bruins-type” player, but his potential and skill could make a significant impact with the right coaching.
Ultimately, the Bruins are at a crossroads. With veteran players like Marchand reaching the later stages of their careers, the team needs to make a decision about their immediate future. Whether they choose to focus on the present or plan for the future, addressing their current center situation is crucial for their success.
As the Bruins navigate through the rest of the season and approach the playoffs, the eternal-long fatalism vs. determinism debate will continue. Can the Bruins break the cycle and prove that they are more than just a first-round upset? Only time will tell, but their current center situation certainly raises some concerns.
