Boston Bruins: 3 Things That Need to Happen to Live up to Potential
Through their first nine games, the Boston Bruins have a respectable 4-3-2 record. However, with the type of roster they have, they should be able to produce much better results, if only these three things happen.
The Boston Bruins have been a team that goes back and forth for a while. That is to say, at times they play great hockey and then manage to be kept off the map. This is how it’s been for the past few seasons. However, they should realize that with the talent they possess, they have the ability to do far greater than they’ve recently been able to.
Last season, the Bruins were able to only get to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before being eliminated by the Ottawa Senators. This season, they have a chance to go further if they learn how to play to their strengths early enough in the season.
Here are three things that need to happen for them to live up to their potential.
1. Make Use of the Young Talent
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Part of playing to your strengths is knowing where they lie, and the Bruins most definitely can rest assured that their young talent is up to the task of making them look good.
Key players such as 21-year-old wingers David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk are at the forefront of the Bruins’ offense. Pastrnak isn’t afraid to hit anyone, and that style of play fits in perfectly with the Bruins’ rather physical system. On the other hand, DeBrusk is considered a natural goal scorer and therefore plays with a little more finesse.
Having a good combination of the two is what keeps this team nicely balanced. They should always keep their game diverse by having both elements, and if they do, they’ll be a threat to any opponent.
2. New Coaching is Key
Every organization knows that bringing in a new head coach means big changes are happening. For the Bruins, that meant making them play a new style of hockey entirely.
Under former coach Claude Julien, the team was admittedly slower. However, this was because his system was defense-first. While that in and of itself is not a bad system, making what could be a fast team look slow is never a good idea.
With new head coach Bruce Cassidy, the Bruins look sharper. Their play seems up-tempo, and it appears that they are a step ahead nearly every game.
What the team will need to do now is make sure to stick with their new ways. That includes having their players do as the coach instructs at all times. After all, one of the most important parts of the game is being on the same page all season long.
3. Keeping the Defense Consistent
It’s not that the Boston Bruins have poor defense, only inconsistent defense. Allowing 42 shots on goal one night and then only 24 the next can only mean one thing. It implies that some nights the defense is prepared to put their all out there and block everything that comes their way. And other nights…not so much.
With solid goaltender Tuukka Rask in net, the team should not have to worry. However, if their defense can’t help him out, there is definitely a reason for concern.
The best way to keep a team’s defense consistent is by making sure they don’t run out of energy halfway through the game. This is a Bruins team that has a lot of spunk to them, and keeping up the pace will help them be their best.
Overall, the Bruins can go further than they probably know or expect if they simply realize their potential. As for now, they’ll take it one game at a time and, hopefully for them, keep in mind these three things.