The Boston Bruins had an impressive regular season in 2022-23, setting records for most wins and points in NHL history. However, their playoff run ended in disappointment with a first-round exit and significant changes to their roster in the offseason. So, what can we expect from the Bruins in the upcoming 2023-24 season as they look to rebound?
Despite their regular season success, the Bruins were defeated by the Florida Panthers in a decisive Game 7 after being up 3-1 in the series. It’s not uncommon for Presidents’ Trophy winners (awarded to the team with the best regular-season record) to fall short in the playoffs. Since the 2004-05 lockout, five teams have suffered early playoff exits after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.
However, there is reason for optimism for the Bruins. Three of the last six Presidents’ Trophy winners before them bounced back the following season to win the Stanley Cup.
- In 2016-17, the Washington Capitals lost in the second round to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but in 2018, they won their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.
- In 2018-19, the Tampa Bay Lightning were swept in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they rebounded in the following season and won back-to-back Stanley Cups.
- In 2020-21, the Colorado Avalanche lost in the second round, but in 2022, they won the Stanley Cup.
However, the Bruins face a significant challenge. They will have to adjust to the retirement of Patrice Bergeron, who has been a key player and team captain for nearly 20 years. Bergeron’s leadership and elite play will be missed, as he contributed 27 goals and 58 points in his final season and won his sixth Selke Trophy.
In addition to Bergeron, the Bruins also underwent other roster changes in the offseason. They lost several key players, including David Krejci, Taylor Hall, and Tyler Bertuzzi, while adding Kevin Shattenkirk, Milan Lucic, and James van Riemsdyk, among others.
The roster turnover has left the Bruins with a weaker overall team on paper. Aging veterans like Shattenkirk, Lucic, and van Riemsdyk may not provide the same level of performance as in previous seasons. Furthermore, due to bonuses earned by Bergeron and Krejci last season, the team has limited salary cap space to make further adjustments this season.
Looking at their division, the Atlantic Division, the Bruins will face strong competition from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers. Additionally, the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Ottawa Senators may also pose challenges on their path to the playoffs.
However, the Bruins still have star players like David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand leading the way. Pastrnak scored 61 goals last season, and Marchand will step up as the new team captain. Alongside skilled winger Jake DeBrusk, they can elevate the team’s offensive capabilities. Although the offense may not be as potent as before, the Bruins’ defense remains solid with players like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm leading the blue line. Goaltenders Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, ranked among the top 10 in their position, provide a strong tandem in net.
Despite Bergeron’s retirement and the changes in their lineup, the Bruins are still expected to be a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. They may not dominate their opponents like before, but their ability to keep the puck out of their own net and their strong goaltending will give them a chance to win games.
Overall, while the Bruins face challenges and adjustments, they can still be a formidable presence in the East as they aim to rebound from last season’s playoff disappointment.
