This time last year, the Boston Bruins were still stinging over the 3-0 series lead against the Philadelphia Flyers in the conference semis that ended up being 4-3 for the Flyers. My, how things change in a year. Stanley Cup Champions for the first time since 1972, the Bruins are now the team with the bullseye on their back. None has a bigger target on them than Zdeno Chara. The guy that makes the defense first mentality of the Bruins work, you know that he will also be a target, given the Max Pacioretty incident. If there's anyone who has the most pressure to succeed this year, it's Tim Thomas. I know what you're saying, and yes, he came away with considerable hardware after last season. However, he is 37 and his backup Tuukka Rask is hungry to reclaim the starting job he lost in the middle of the season, not that either goaltender is up to the task. Looking for the next breakout star? Look at Brad Marchand. I know the trendy pick is Tyler Seguin, and he will be great in time, but no one will have a greater impact on the Bruins than Marchand. His play in the Finals speaks for itself.
Prediction: 3rd in the East
Movie: Army of Darkness
Much like Ash, the Bruins have one heck of a story to tell, and it's just as compelling.
No comments:
Post a Comment