Boston Bruins: 3 Changes That Could Improve the Team

The Boston Bruins are clearly in a funk right now, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 3-7. They have dropped their past three games—each by one goal—including a home sweep at the hands of the hated Montreal Canadiens.

Now the B's find themselves looking for answers anywhere they can find them.

There is plenty of blame to go around, including why the offense is struggling to score so much; why the defense keeps having mental breakdowns; and why the power play has been terrible since the beginning of last season.

Here are three ways the B's can improve their chances of finally getting something going and showing just why they won the Stanley Cup last year.

This article was first seen on beanheadsports.com.

Reunite the Krejci, Horton and Lucic Line

I realize that this may seem a bit crazy considering how bad Horton has been all year, but if these three are put back on the same line there is no way they continue to be as bad as they have been.

This was the top line last year, as Lucic scored a career-high 30 goals and Krejci lead the team with 62 points. All three have been struggling this year, but when Horton and Lucic are together, they are able to wreak havoc on opposing defensemen with their physicality. Add in David Krejci's passing skills and there's no reason why they can't start producing.

If this happens, expect Tyler Seguin to join Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand on the second line, forming two very good lines that can produce night in and night out.

Call Up Zach Hamill

Zach Hamill has been pretty much the definition of a bust for the Bruins so far. Selected eighth overall in the 2007 Entry Draft, Hamill has yet to see regular playing time with the big club, as he's spent most of his time with the B's AHL affiliate Providence Bruins.

So far this year, he has shown that he may finally be turning the corner and ready to make the jump to the NHL.

After a strong showing in camp, Hamill was cut, but returned to Providence and has been doing very well since. He leads the team with five goals and five assists through eleven games.

Hamill could possibly take the spot of Jordan Caron or Benoit Pouliot, both of whom have not gotten off to very good starts. At the very least, it would be interesting to see if Hamill could bring anything to the table for a couple of games.

Put Tyler Seguin on the Power Play

Much like last year, Tyler Seguin has seen limited ice time on the power play for the Bruins. Why this is is anyone's guess, but this is exactly why B's fans were complaining about Claude Julien last year.

Seguin has easily been the Bruins' best player this year and leads the team with 10 points, including four goals. He also has the most skill, yet Julien still sees no reason to put him out there when the B's have a man advantage. Instead, the same players go out and instead of shooting the puck, they constantly pass it around, looking for the perfect shot.

A kid like Seguin, with breakout speed and the ability to beat defenders one on one, should be out on the power play every time, not sitting on the bench watching. If the B's want any chance at improving their horrid power play, Seguin needs to see more special teams time.

Conclusion

The B's are not in desperation mode just yet—the season is still young—but if they continue to play the way they are, they will be golfing come April 15.

For now they have to start improving in all areas of the ice. They have the talent to start winning, it just depends on if they really want to. I still fully expect them to make the playoffs and shake off this early season rust, starting Tuesday against the visiting Ottawa Senators.