Bruins might be worth future bets this upcoming season

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Hunter Bowman
September 4, 2023 (1:40)

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After bidding farewell to their veteran center duo of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, who both retired, the Boston Bruins have emerged as a major question mark, both on the ice and among NHL bettors, as they gear up for the 2022-23 NHL regular season.

Despite a remarkable performance during the previous regular season, there's a prevailing belief that the Bruins might slide down the ranks as the training camp draws near.

The departure of six-time Selke awardee Bergeron and Krejci, a playoff hero, has left a noticeable void.

Additionally, Taylor Hall was traded, while Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway, Nick Foligno, Tomas Nosek, and Connor Clifton exited in free agency due to salary cap constraints.

However, Jeff Marek, a friend of Boston Hockey Now and an NHL Insider at Sportsnet, shared an insightful perspective during the latest episode of the "32 Thoughts Podcast."

Marek highlighted that the Boston Bruins have consistently exceeded expectations, just as they did in the previous season.

Marek expressed,

«Look, you're not gonna come back as the same team. You lose Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, you're not coming back to being close to the same you were,» Marek told co-host Elliotte Friedman. «I'm just not prepared to write off the Boston Bruins like some people are and say this is awful; if a team like Detroit, Buffalo, or Ottawa are jumping up, that's the team that falls. They always figure it out.»

Marek also said,

«I know it's tough. Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha are your 1-2 centers. And you wonder what happens to other players who played with, most specifically Bergeron, and what happens to their production now that Bergeron and Krejci are gone.» Marek pointed out. «But there's still so much talent there � that blue line, those goalies, David Pastrnak � there's still a ton of talent.»

As Marek noted, there's a noticeable dip in the center position, with Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle taking the 1-2 spots for the Boston Bruins.

Yet, there's an abundance of skill on the wings, featuring David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, and Jake DeBrusk. This dynamic lineup could hold promise for those considering NHL betting opportunities.

According to the DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bruins are currently listed at +1600 odds to secure the Stanley Cup victory.

They're at +850 odds for an Eastern Conference triumph, +1600 for clinching the Presidents' Trophy, and +380 to seize the Atlantic Division title.

These odds present a compelling proposition for a team that, if opponents buy into the hype and heed the noise, could stealthily rise through the ranks, having previously clinched the Presidents' Trophy.

Source: Bostonhockeynow

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Do you think the Boston Bruins can overcome the loss of key players and exceed expectations in the upcoming NHL season?
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