BT's 2008/09 NHL Season Preview: Boston Bruins

But while I'm out here giving props, here's another.  To Bill Simmons and Dave Damesheck—if you're reading this, this is for you:

Milan Lucic is the greatest player and the greatest name in the history of the NHL.

While I may not—or, you know, flat-out don't—agree entirely on both accounts, I have to say that the Bruins have one of the scariest up-and-coming power forwards in the NHL right now. The name "Lucic" helps one to envision a rebirth of the Incredible Hulk with the speaking eloquence of Sylvester Stallone. Although I can't comment on Lucic's dialogue, he lives up to his name size-wise, weighing in at a "hulking'" 6'4" and 200 lbs.

He proved to be a late-bloomer in the WHL, not scoring 30 goals until his final season—but it's hard not to believe that if Lucic can assert himself in the dressing room and on the ice, he'll be a special talent.

Lucic also has the opportunity to combine with two extremely dangerous players in their own rights this season—Patrice Bergeron and Phil Kessel.

We'll start with Bergeron, who—even before training camp was underway—seemed to be the consensus pick for comeback player of the year, after having his season viciously cut short at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Early in the preseason, it's looked like Bergeron is past the concussion problems, and is back to his old playmaking self, combining his shiftiness and playmaking ability into one quality package. He was easily a 70-point player before the injuries, and looks to be eyeing that level once again this season. It's not like I'm the first one to say expect a huge rebound year from him.

To compliment Lucic's "crash and bang" mentality and Bergeron's playmaking and craftiness, Phil Kessel brings a heavy shot to the table. Kessel finished last year playing in all 82 games, and he cashed in on quality scoring chances 19 times, combining that with 18 assists.

Although his point totals are a bit low, Kessel is going to be the goal-scorer on his line, and he could break 30 this year if the stars align (or, if Bergeron doesn't start seeing them).

Patrice Bergeron isn't the only Bruin eyeing a bounce-back season, though. Following a miserable 14-goal season, Michael Ryder saw his ice-time dramatically cut in Montreal.  He was eventually benched, and his walking papers were all but signed by the organization.

Once a prized 30-goal scorer, the wheels just seemed to fall off last season for Ryder. He looks to be more than a one-time wonder though—he has two 30-goal and one 25-goal season to his credit in the NHL and a 34-goal season in the AHL.  The added motivation of playing in the same division as his former team could drive Ryder to once again attain the prowess that once made him so popular.

Then there's Marc Savard, who is one of the quietest, yet most consistent playmakers in the league. If it wasn't for a back injury cutting his time short last season, Savard could have posted his second-straight 70-assist season.  He was one away from making it three straight in 2005-06. 

With the quality of young talent surrounding him, Savard should be even better this season. Although he's no Joe Thornton, he certainly provides the playmaking presence the Bruins needed since trading Mighty Joe Young.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?