Boston Bruins: Why Bruins Can Be Repeat Stanley Cup Champs

Despite their slow start to the 2011-12 regular season, the Boston Bruins remain one of the deepest and most talented teams in the NHL.

They held on to the players that were instrumental to their playoff success last year while getting rid of those who failed to step their games up a notch when it mattered most (we're looking at you, Tomas Kaberle). 

The Bruins have outstanding depth at every position and have gained invaluable experience from their Stanley Cup run. Considering that they're icing an almost identical lineup to the one they iced during last season's playoffs and that these players have improved and grown more comfortable with their roles on the team, Boston's Cup hangover is sure to come to an end soon.

Here's why the Bruins have a legitimate shot at repeating this year. 

Emergence of Tyler Seguin Makes Offense Even More Lethal

After putting up just 22 points in 74 games as a rookie last season, Tyler Seguin currently leads the Boston Bruins in both goals (11) and points (20).

He's already beginning to prove his worth as a former second overall pick and is quickly living up to the hype that surrounded him during his career in juniors.

The 19-year-old phenom is breaking out in a big way this season and, assuming he can keep it up (which looks likely), will be an integral part of Boston's success this year. He provides yet another scoring presence to an offense already riddled with high-end talent.  

Zdeno Chara Remains Among the League's Elite Defensemen

Every hockey fan and their neighbor knows that Zdeno Chara is one of the top rearguards in the NHL. He's rock solid in his own zone and provides scoring from the back end as the Boston Bruins' power play quarterback. 

The hulking defenseman is coming off back-to-back 44-point campaigns and currently has a goal and 11 assists for 12 points in 15 games this season. 

Chara is now 34 years old and may not have many elite years left. But, for now, he is still one of the best two-way defensemen in the game and is a key piece of the Bruins' core. 

Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask Provide Elite Goaltending Tandem

The very definition of a late bloomer, Tim Thomas didn't earn a full-time starting gig in the NHL until the 2006-07 season, at which point he was 32 years old. He began to be considered one of the league's top netminders almost immediately, posting highly impressive numbers each season since.

Thomas was dominant during the playoffs last year and is off to a strong start this season, with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage to go along with one shutout.

He's backed up by 24-year-old Tuukka Rask, who has been very impressive in the 84 career games he has played with the Boston Bruins. Rask has played five games so far this season, posting a 2.63 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.

Having two consistent and highly talented goalies gives the Bruins a great deal of flexibility and allows them to feel comfortable regardless of who's in net.  

Three Capable Scoring Lines

The Boston Bruins' top three lines each contain at least one legitimate scoring threat, while also consisting of defensively responsible players.

This gives the Bruins the freedom to rotate through their top nine regardless of the scenario, as each unit is capable of providing offense while also shutting down the opposition. So, if the first line isn't clicking and can't get the puck on net, they can comfortably send out the second or third line to get the job done without worrying too much about matchups. 

Eight of Boston's forward have at least eight points so far this season, and five of them have 11 or more points through just 15 games. This goes to show how deep and versatile the Bruins offense is, and it will pay dividends when the playoffs commence in the spring.  

Sam Kelly is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @samkelly10.