Boston Bruins: Despite brutal loss, Bruins might be best in league

In calculating predictions for the 2018-19 NHL season, a few surprises popped up. One of the bigger ones was just how dominant the Boston Bruins look.

Some surprises revealed themselves during prediction-calculating earlier this month. For example, the Chicago Blackhawks would have had a much better chance of making the playoffs if not for the Hossa trade. However, another surprise is how well-balanced the Boston Bruins are.

Overshadowed by the temporary flashes of brilliance from the Tampa Bay Lightning and other teams, the Bruins were often relegated to the third-most important team in the Atlantic.

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Even when the Bruins eclipsed the Leafs, they remained the little brother to Tampa. They would only go on to meet these negative expectations in the playoffs, as the Toronto series went to seven games and they got eliminated by the hands of the Lightning.

Through extensive research and data analysis, it’s clear what potential the Bruins possess. Even after a worst-case scenario on Opening Night, which saw them lose to the Washington Capitals 7-0.

What’s so great about the Bruins?

Everyone not from Boston takes a pleasure in hating the Bruins. Even if your team is in the West, odds are, someone on that team has injured one of your players. This physical ability may contribute to what is the best team in the league.

In the formula I used for these predictions, two of the most important factors are Corsi and goal differential. The Bruins boasted two of the best in the league. In fact, they were second in either stat.

Some teams who sport high goal differentials often have the best of something, whether that be offense or defense. The Maple Leafs, for example, had a fantastic offense, a good goaltender, but a lacking defense.

Tampa’s in a similar situation. Their offense is very talented, but they allowed a shocking 236 goals last season. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky is underrated, but he’s probably not one of the best in the league.

Meanwhile, the Bruins have consistent talent on every end. Brad Marchand, who’s the NHL’s ticking time bomb of controversy, scored 85 points last season. David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron and Marchand lead a fantastic offensive group.

Torey Krug is a fantastic offensive defenseman. Zdeno Chara is still at it, even at 40 years of age. Charlie McAvoy looks great. Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Miller are talented. Tuukka Rask, although not who he once was, is still a steady presence in net.

Although the Lightning are widely regarded as the better team, Corsi suggests otherwise. Their goal differential was +4 higher than Boston’s, but their defense is far inferior.

Additionally, there is a huge difference between the Lightning and the Bruins as far as Corsi. The Lightning are respectable, at seventh in the NHL. However, the Bruins finished in second. 53.3% and 51.5% are only 1.8% apart, but this plays out over the course of a season.

If the Bruins continue to put on a Corsi show, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be among the league’s favorites. At the very least, it must be acknowledged that they are among the Atlantic Division favorites.

Now, the Lightning and Leafs are still in the running. It could go anyway, due to unaccounted for injuries, breakouts or even bounces. However, the Bruins are favorites for the division, and the gap is significant. The Lightning and Maple Leafs simply lack a match to the Bruins’ defense.

The advanced stats and goal differential totals bare it out. The Boston Bruins are to be taken seriously. Don’t let last season’s second-round exit fool you, this team means business.