With, fifteen games remaining the Bruins are hoping for a deep playoff run. At the trade deadline, the Bruins welcomed Brian Gionta, Nick Holden, Tommy Wingels, and Rick Nash. So far all four have contributed to Bruin victories. Bruins Hope For Deep Playoff Run after A Flurry Of Activity Injury Woes;
The new faces could not have come at a better time as injuries continue to mount for the Bruins. Injuries to Patrice Bergeron, David Backes, Charlie McAvoy, and Brad Marchand have kept the Bruins at bay. Out of the four McAvoy’s is the most serious. Despite injuries, the team has remained competitive trailing Tampa Bay with 98 points So far the moves are making General manager Don Sweeney look brilliant considering he didn’t have to give up that much. This season is a big difference from last year has the Bruins made only one deal at the deadline That player turned out to be Drew Stafford who is no longer with the Bruins.
Solid Goaltending; Aside from getting quality play from the veterans the Rask is having one of his most clubs has gotten excellent goaltending from Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin. Rask is having one of his best years as a Bruin with a 29-11-and a 2.31 Goals against. Backup Anton Khudobin is also contributing with a 15-5 record and a 2.48 Goals against average.
By resting Rask the Bruins have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season. The past two seasons Rask has been a victim of being overused. By the time playoff time comes around Rask has been burned out which results in an early Bruin exit from the playoffs.
Playoff Experience;
With 94 points the Bruins should be in excellent shape for the playoffs. There are however two factors against the Bruins. One is getting to the Washington Capitals. Two is having Tuukka Rask getting some playoff series victories under his belt. Since their last Stanley Cup in 2011 Rask has not won a playoff round. Hopefully, if McAvoy can return healthy, the results may be different this year. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has the Bruins believing in themselves. Since the trade deadline, the team has gone 7-1. If the Bruins expect to get by Washington then it will have to be a total team effort. Playing smart and not getting foolish penalties is just one area it takes to beat the Capitals. The other area is playing good in transition. Beating the Capitals will be no easy task but keeping Rak rested maybe the Bruins best strategy.
