NHL Insider Makes Controversial Comments About The Bruins

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Austin Sabourin
September 22, 2023 (9:56)

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The Bruins are stepping into a new chapter without Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, but that doesn't mean they're down and out, according to one NHL writer.

Brad Marchand was recently named the team's 27th captain, taking the reins after an impressive regular season but a disappointing early exit in the playoffs against the Florida Panthers.

It's only natural for a team that broke records last season to face some regression, but the Bruins are heading into training camp with a fire to show that last season's playoff letdown isn't a true reflection of who they are.

ESPN's Greg Wyshynski shared his "bold predictions" for every NHL team, and he had some optimism for the Bruins. Wyshynski wrote,

"It's a bit surreal that this counts as a bold prediction. The Bruins have had a 16-year run of consistent playoff appearances and success. But with Patrice Bergeron retiring, many jumped off the Bruins' bandwagon."

While the team's forward group may have taken a hit with the departures of Bergeron and Krejci, they still have key players like Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Jake DeBrusk. The real strength, however, lies in their defense, with Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm leading the way in front of a strong goaltending duo of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman.

Wyshynski expressed confidence in coach Jim Montgomery's ability to guide the team back to the postseason, fueled by the desire to prove the doubters wrong after last year's disappointing first-round exit.

This endorsement should be a source of excitement for Bruins fans, especially as they gear up for their first preseason matchup against the New York Rangers at TD Garden.

The betting market seems to agree with Wyshynski's prediction, with the Bruins being favored at -280 to make the playoffs at FanDuel Sportsbook. They also have the second-shortest odds to win the Atlantic Division at +390, trailing behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the Eastern Conference, they have the fifth-shortest odds at +850, putting them behind the Carolina Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

While the betting market might see the Bruins as the fifth-best team in the Eastern Conference, the team itself is focused on what they can control as they strive to secure their seventh Stanley Cup in franchise history.

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