3 reasons why the Boston Bruins are poised to make the 2023-24 playoffs
The upcoming Boston Bruins lineup hitting the ice this October will present a notable transformation from the squad that skated off after Game 7 in April.
The absence of Patrice Bergeron casts a heavy shadow, and the probability of David Krejci's retirement further fuels concerns entering the 2023-24 season.
However, an utter collapse seems distant on the horizon. Despite the central position's uncertainties, the Bruins possess the potential to secure a playoff berth. Do they stand as formidable contenders?
That's a mystery for now, though few anticipated their success last year, and yet their impressive 2022-23 campaign unfolded. Regardless, amidst the team's uncertainties, they appear poised to make a substantial presence in the 2024 playoffs due to a multitude of factors.
Between the Pipes: Ullmark and Swayman
Even amid buzz surrounding a potential Linus Ullmark trade during the draft and early free agency, Ullmark's tenure in black and gold seems set for the time being.
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Fresh from clinching the 2023 Vezina Trophy, his standout performance positions him as a crucial asset to maintain the Bruins' competitiveness in the upcoming season. As any avid hockey fan knows, stellar goaltending can wield significant influence, particularly in tight matchups.
Jeremy Swayman, recently inked to a new one-year deal, showcases formidable goaltending talent and is the presumed future netminder. His commendable NHL debut, including a stellar 2022-23 season somewhat overshadowed by Ullmark's standout year, features a 24-6-4 record, a 2.27 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage across 33 starts.
With Ullmark and Swayman sharing goaltending duties, they stand poised to steal crucial victories throughout the season. By maintaining low scores, they'll consistently keep games fiercely competitive. Of course, goaltenders can't work miracles, but they enjoy decent support in front of them.
David Pastrnak's reputation as an NHL elite talent remains undisputed. The 27-year-old arrives fresh from a 100-point season, poised to embark on the initial year of an eight-year, $90 million contract.
While much of his career featured partnering with Bergeron and Brad Marchand, his prowess extends to producing impressive results with alternative linemates. A prime example lies in the 2021-22 season, during which Pastrnak netted 40 goals while paired with Erik Haula and Taylor Hall.
Last season, he notched an impressive 113 points in 82 games while sharing the ice with Krejci and Pavel Zacha.
In 2023-24, it wouldn't be surprising to witness Pastrnak collaborating with Zacha, given their successful chemistry last season. Adjusting post-Krejci may pose an initial challenge, but prolific scorers find ways to light the lamp, and Pastrnak is certainly among the elite.
While hockey is undeniably a collective effort, certain players possess the ability to pivot a team toward playoff success. Pastrnak undeniably falls into that category.
The Bruins' dominance over the past decade, largely driven by the likes of Bergeron, Krejci, Marchand, Zdeno Chara, and Tuukka Rask, has transitioned (albeit with a few more solid years from Marchand) to a new era.
The Bruins' future lies within their current roster, with burgeoning talents already impressing on the ice. With Pastrnak and Zacha forming the offensive core, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm holding the defensive fort, and Swayman guarding the goal, a robust foundation is in place for further team development.
Furthermore, Jake DeBrusk boasts another year on his contract, potentially securing an extension, while prospects Mason Lohrei and Fabian Lysell vie for roster slots this season. Brandon Carlo, committed for four more seasons, continues to excel as a reliable stay-at-home defenseman.
The Bruins stand poised to return to the playoffs, bolstered by a potent and competitive roster. Does their emerging core warrant additional building? Absolutely, but the team's strength is not as fragile as it may seem. Although center drafting struggles have emerged, the presence of Zacha and Charlie Coyle remains reassuring.
And if necessary, GM Don Sweeney possesses the capacity to orchestrate a compelling trade package for a center near the trade deadline. Looking beyond this season, prospects like Matthew Poitras and Dans Locmelis from the 2022 draft class could potentially make their mark in the coming years.
