Boston Bruins Getting Closer to Camp

The Bruins are getting closer to the opening of training camp and I can tell you that I am excited to see what the season is going to bring for the B's.

A lot has happened this past summer. 

First, let me congratulate Scott Gordon for becoming the head coach for the New York Islanders.  He is a great coach who knows how to get the most out of his young players and will do great on Long Island.  Gordon was a stellar Coach for Providence who prepared his players for the NHL and most importantly was an honest guy when speaking to the Bruins Brass about who they should bring up to the big club.

I am sure everyone is excited to see the core players come back in Chara, Savard, Sturm, Thomas, Lucic, Kreji, Kessel, Axelson and Bergeron.  All eyes I am sure will be Patrice Bergeron and the big comeback!  Hopefully the media types won't blow this out of proportion and keep the focus on the team.

As for the new players who are looking to make the team, Nate Thompson, Martins Karsums, and Blake Wheeler, as well as defensemen Matt Lashoff and Matt Hunwick are exciting players who will push everyone to be at their best or they are going to take a job without any hesitation.  These are good young players who all have skills to be good NHL players.

Then there is the big off season signing of Michael Ryder.  I know he had a bad season last year in Montreal but I think the slate is clean this year and he is going to get back to being the sniper he was pegged to be in the NHL.  We can't overlook the connection and comfort he will have playing for Coach Claude Julien.

All in all, it looks as though the team is ready to go and there will be good competition for spots on the Bruins roster.  The key is to set the team, build a rapport with each other and to play in the system that Claude Julien sets for the team. 

If the Bruins can follow these three keys, they will be a middle of the pack team with the opportunity to at least make it past the first round of the playoffs.

Less than a month before we see the Bruins for the 2008 season!