The 2007-2008 version of the Boston Bruins was to say the least, engaging. After a hard fought series with the Canadiens of the Eastern Conference, Boston has a reason to watch and pay attention to the Bruins.
I have the utmost respect for the Bruins as an organization. Over several years, I have notice that they have tried to fill their voids through free agency and trades and not as much through the draft. It seems their way of thinking has changed as well as their progress. I really like where this team is headed.
After losing their number one player, Patrice Bergeron to injury last year, the Bruins showed that they were a more dimensional team than expected.
There defence is formidable with "Mount" Chara leading the way, their goal tending is a AA system with both goalies of starting quality.Tim Thomas, I think, will end up as the number one.
The ranks in forwards is where there is reason to be of some concern. After Marc Savard, there are some question marks. I really liked the way Phil Kessel played in the Montreal series, he showed some grit.
Chuck Kobasew has a lot of promise. Signing Micheal Ryder and a healthy Patrice Bergeron can make things look good for this coming season. Glen Murray is clearly on the back nine of his hockey career, but still has good size and veteran leadership and some offensive upside.
I pick the Bruins to be a solid contender this year and could be the dark horse out of the East. If anything, last year was a good reminder that your team can face a little adversity and show they don't have to miss a beat.
Rob Jones
3 comments Last one added 12 months ago — Leave a Comment
jack Lynch 12 months ago
Rob what is your address, I would like to send you some money so you can buy a clue. The Bruins were a boring defense first trap style team. The forwards were/are a bunch of perimeter players that didn’t /don’t have the intestinal fortitude to go to the net.
Any good organization in today’s NHL will have to build a strong foundation through the draft. Look at Detroit a team that develops stars from late round draft picks. Other than (soon to be traded ?) Kessel the Bruins don’t even have a single player on their roster they drafted in the first round.
If anyone can come back from the major injury it’s Bergeron. Other than that the Bruins have few bright spots and a bunch of prospects that always seem to fall short.
Your assessment of the goaltending is laughable. Although I like Tim Thomas who has his share of detractors, he always gets the job done in my book. Manny on the other hand is a different story. I don’t have any faith in a guy his age that hasn’t played in a year and a half.
Lets face it going into free agency the Bruins were a mediocre capped out team. Ryder?????????????? I don’t think so. The Bruins are hardly a team to get excited about!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Steve Solito 12 months ago
I beg to differ. I see a lot of bright spots. Obviously we don't know if every young player will pan out, but there is definetly something to be excited about. We shouldn't be expecting a cup this season, so the Bruins are right where they need to be I think. They have a solid top two lines with Kessel, Bergeron, Kobasew, Sturm, Savard, and Ryder in no particular order, and they have decent veterans that fit the third and fourth line roles well like Thornton, Schaeffer, and Axelsson. After these nine guys the Bruins have some young talent to be excited about. Kreijci, Lucic, Nokelainen, and Sobotka have great potential. This doesn't guarantee that they will be great players, but it is definetly something to be excited about. 10 of the Bruins current forwards are under 30 years old. We know the defense will be fine this year and the offense can only get better. I think the Bruins are just missing one piece. That would obviously be a proven goal scorer. The Bruins are a solid team now, but adding a scorer (which they had plenty of before Mike O'Connell went nuts) may put them over the top. I'm always rooting for a Stanley Cup, but I'm certainly not expecting it like I expect championships out of the other three Boston teams. I am looking forward to another exciting playoff push again next year, though.
Edit Comment Cancel
Shawn Owens 12 months ago
Good article Rob. You are and the Bruins are going in the right direction. First time in a long time.
Jack,
Boring defense or not it worked for them and they made the playoffs. Devils won championships with that defense. And yes the Bruins forwards didn't go to the net for the first 3/4 of the season. They did however get to the net the last 1/4 of the seaon and into the playoffs.
Building a strong foundation through the draft. Please take a look at the development camp that is currently going on. That is why the Bruins are in transition. We are litered with young talent. The future is bright for the Bruins.
That is the way the Bruins are heading. Into the future. They are building a strong foundation with a lot of young guys, who by the way performed in the playoffs at a high level for their fist go in the tournament.
Stick with them, they are heading in the right direction.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.