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New Faces Dominate 2021 Bruins Roster

The NHL season is around the corner, new faces dominate the 2021 Bruins roster. Familiar faces Tuukka Rask and David Krejci will not be on it. Krejci opted to move back to his native Czechoslovakia. while Tuukka Rask awaits surgery on his hip. With the additional cap space, Boston has revamped its roster. In this post, will review three reasons why the Bruins are still contenders in the NHL East.

Much Needed Size Added

The Bruins used their cap money to get bigger. They also added Nick Foligno, LW, and Erik Haula Size and physicality have lacked the past two seasons. The team was pushed around by the St Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup finals. Meanwhile Tampa bay just seems to have their number in the postseason.

For the first time in fifteen years, the Bruins need to fill the second _line center position. Top candidates are Charlie Coyle and Jack Studnicka. Studnicka struggled last year and bounced between Boston and Providence. Rookie Cameron Hughes signed a two_way contract and could be a longshot. acquired Thomas Nosek brings size and muscle. But he projects to be a fourth_ line center.

Newly signed Thomas Nosek brings size and muscle. Nosek appeared in38 games for Las Vegas last season scoring 8 goals and 18 assists. The obvious candidate is Charlie Coyle. Inconsistency hurt him last season. Coyle doesn’t come close to the skill set that Krejci has. His strong points are his puck control, which will help Taylor Hall and Craig Smith.

Defense Revamped

The Bruins have one of the game’s top young defensemen in Charlie McAvoy. In six seasons, McAvoy has appeared in 235 games, scoring 24 goals and 98 assists and a plus _minus of 22. He averages 22 minutes per game and continues to be the heart and soul of the blue line. The organization has the task of getting a long_ term deal done for the young superstar.

Boston came to terms with Brandon Carlo and free agent Derek Forbort. Veteran Kevan Miller has retired, leaving openings for Jakub Zboril, and Urho Vakananien. The team also resigned Mike Reilly. Fan_ favorite Matt Grzelcyk continues to get better. The club lost highly regarded prospect Jeremy Lauzon to Seattle in expansion.

Goaltending Changes

General Manager Don Sweeney replaced Rask with LinusUllmark from Buffalo. Ullmark is young and has lots of upsides Rookie Jeremy Swayman will see most of the action. Swayman won over the confidence of the fans with his athletic style.

Conclusion

With, all the offseason transactions, the team still has one of the best rosters in the NHL. The question is, can this new group get by Tampa Bay if it gets that far? Only time will tell.

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Marcus Smart Will Be Staying In Boston

Marcus Smart will be staying in Boston. The NBA free_agency is off and running. The Celtics have been one of the league’s busier teams. Veteran, Tristan Thompson, and Kemba Walker will be changing uniforms. The Celtics and Al Horford have reunited. In this post, I will review three reasons why Marcus Smart isn’t going anywhere this offseason.

Tough/Scrappy Defender

‘Marcus Smart is one of the game’s toughest defenders. His tough scrappy, style makes him special. When he is on the floor opposing teams know they’re in for a long night. Criticized for his emotions and short fuse Smart has also cost the Celtics critical games. But overall he’s the game’s best and they have no one else to replace him.

Since being draftec1st by the Celtics in 2014, Smart has improved significantly each year. Last season the team finished a disappointing eighth seed and first_round exit. With new faces, Smart will have to step up in 2021/22.

Offensive Game Improving

In the last three seasons, Smart’s offensive game has been improving. His outside shooting has been the most significant improvement. Taking more shots Smart is getting more confident each. game. His three_point shooting has also improved significantly.

If improvements continue the rewards will be beneficial. The more he connects in the postseason, the better the team’s results. Shooting threes is the key to playoff success in the NBA.

Needs To Control Emotions

During the season Smart receives heavy criticism from fans due to his emotions. If the Celtics want to win crucial games this is an area that needs to be addressed. Playing intelligently is important for him and the team. Within time and patients, he will get better.

Conclusion

With GM Brad Stevens wheeling and dealing, Marcus Smart is still valuable to the organization. Many fans would like to see him traded. With Kris Dunn acquired in trade, Smart would provide depth. Resigning Evan Fournier is vital for a winning season. Do not expect the number one pick Juhann Begarin of France for a couple of years.