NHL Preview: Boston Bruins

It’s not often you can say the Stanley Cup Champions are just as good if not better the year after but this could be the case with the Boston Bruins. Charlie Boccanegra reports.

Boston is an NHL betting co-favorite with the Canucks at +750 to win the 2012 Stanely Cup. It’s hard to repeat but if the Bruins can it places them among the elite of recent years, and mentioned in the same breath as the 90’s Red Wings & Avalanche.

For value I would be more inclined to look at the Bruins finishing OVER the 102.5 season point total. Last year they only had 103 points and I expect them to be a better team during the regular season but run out of the steam come playoff time.

The reason why this team can improve based on last year is the great young nucleus of forwards they have. Krecji, Lucic and Horton are three of the better young forwards in the game. Lucic and Horton play with a tremendous physical style which combines with good skill to make them two of the premiere power forwards in the NHL. Plus, Bergeron is one of the best two way centres in the NHL, an annual Selke Trophy contender who can still get 70+ points.

Boston may not have a bonafide superstar forward that most Cup contending teams possess, but the Bruins do have those four quality forwards and some outstanding young talent in Brad Marchand along with last year’s #2 overall selection Tyler Seguin. Furthermore, last year’s additions of Kelly and Peverly at the trade deadline proved to be great additions. Both play quality defensive hockey and add some offensive scoring touch most third lines do not have.

Defensively the Bruins are anchored by the beast Zdeno Chara. Chara is a big physical presence that not many forwards can beat one on one while chipping offensively at 40+ points every season and anchoring the power play. The Bruins don’t have the deepest blue line in the NHL, but players like Dennis Seidenberg, Andrew Ferrence and Adam McQuaid are still solid stay at home defenders. Johnny Boychuk and newly acquired Joe Corvo may not be as responsible defensively but do provide some much needed offensive upside from the back end.

Nothing needs to be said about goalie Tim Thomas, who was simply remarkable during the post season last year. For the regular season I expect to see him start fewer games this year because Tuukka Rask could be the best backup netminder in the NHL. The Bruins want to showcase Rask’s talent and may trade him and bring another asset into the organization. Look for the Bruins to have one of the best GAA’s in the NHL once again.