Typing Starting time 2:10pm
So the 2013 season is almost here for the NHL, it might be a strike shortened season, but a season is a season none the less.
Every season sees new faces rise to the occasion and help a team achieve success, people come, people go, the games go on.
When you look back at last season, it was another great season for the Boston Bruins. As defending Stanley Cup Champions, it was their time to shine, there time for all eyes to be on them, there time to be at the top of the league.
Although they lost in the first round of the playoffs, its ok, life goes on, we won the cup, something most players and cities hardly ever see in there time.
So we look at the team as a whole, we had Tim Thomas as our starting Goal Tender, however off the ice problems and politics make him an angry person who does not want to play for us. So a change of plans is to have back up Tuukka Rask as the starter and Anton Khudobin as back up. I personally see Khudobin as the starter for the Bruins by the end of next season. He is young, around 25 or 26, and a solid goal keeper, picking up the unwritten win in last nights Providence Bruins vs Boston Bruins live scrimmage simulated game last night.
So the goalies are looking like Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin.
Defense is solid.
Captain Zdeno Chara. He might be getting old, but he is still an animal and force to be reckoned with on the ice. His height and reach makes up for his slow speed.
Dennis Seidenberg - Strong mind, solid defense, speed and provides a lot of offense when we need it most.
Andrew Ference - Its the end of his contract, but he has stated he wants to stay here in Boston. He is a great asset to the team and knows his role.
Johnny Boychuck - With a name like that, watch out. He hits hard, plays to the whistle, and isn't afraid to make big hits when needed.
Adam McQuid - He is a question mark this season. He has been battling blood clots and hasn't been the same since the hard late hit by Chimera last Spring.
Tory Krug / Doug Hamilton - This spot used to be Joe Corvo's, but he was dumped in the off season for his lackluster game play. Interesting to see how the team goes.
Gone from last season . . .
Joe Corvo . . . - He seemed to half ass the game, passing the puck to players on the other team frequently, no offense push, just a loser all around. Never been a fan.
Offense is loaded with endless amounts of weapons.
Patrice Bergeron - The Alternate Captain and future Captain once Chara retires. Solid offense, not afraid to fight if needed, and does all the right things.
Nathan Horton - Its been a year since he last played a game due to the concussion he suffered in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011. He hasn't been the same player since, but if he is healthy and able to go, he will be the wild card and strong push this team needs to make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals again.
Milan Lucic - Lucic fight crew, need I say more??
Tyler Seguin - This will be his 3rd season, he has a strong future with this team, and this could be a break out year where he establishes himself as a goal leader
Daniel Pallie - Don't let his funny facial expressions fool you, he is an awesome player!!
Shawn Thornton - Legend, A pure fighter, and strong enforcer type player who loves to fight. Takes the fighting burden off of Lucic's shoulders!!
Chris Kelly - He resigned a contract in the off season. He could have went elsewhere, but loves playing in Boston. I'm glad greed didn't get to him.
Greg Campbell - Another great player, he knows how a team works and how team work leads us to victory. He also resigned and has been a huge part of the Bruins success!
Rich Peverly - Solid player, solid mind, knows the game and how to be a quiet dangerous goal scorer.
Brad Marchand - He might look like a rat or a sneak, but he has all the ingredients to live long here in Boston
David Kerjci - Just a perfect player all around. Big on assists, scores goals, 17-18-46 is dangerous!!
Chris Bourque - He has big skates to fill, his dad Ray Bourque is a Boston Bruins legend and his number 77 is retired. Last night Chris has a strong showing and its looking like he will have Caron's spot from last season.
Jordon Caron - Everyone is hard on him saying he is weak, he doesn't fit in, or he doesn't belong here. I'll agree, he does seem like the weakest player on the Bruins offense, but again, he is young, he has plenty of time to grow into being a solid player in time. Providence is where he belongs right now, experience will show him how to return someday.
Gone from Last Season . . .
Benoit Pouliot . . . He did have a few amazing goals, but that was it. He had a funny name, a few good goals during the season, but like other players, he was a one and done "All about me" guy, not a team player.
Thats it, thats the 2013 Boston Bruins and how they look as a team and my own views on each player. Its always a fun season, fun to watch, fun to re-watch, and fun to tumblr too.
It takes one injury to change things around, but this team isn't showing signs of break up or going other places on their own, these players enjoy playing with each other and its looking like its going to be another great 5-7 years for Bruins fans and Boston!!
- lostways27 -