Why the Boston Bruins Could Be in Trouble Come Playoff Time

The Boston Bruins have one of the NHL’s best records at 18-3 and are second overall in points with the New Jersey Devils at 38 points. Things are going well for the Bruins, however, could they be in trouble come playoff time?

The Boston Bruins have had a history of making the playoffs, having 75 postseason appearances with six Stanley Cup championships. Aside from losing the 2018-19 Stanley Cup finals, they have yet to go any farther than the second round since the 2019-20 season.

They also made a second-round exit in the 2017-18 season, the season before their Stanley Cup appearance

This season, while they have been successful as a team, the schedule has been far from difficult. They have played nine teams that did not qualify for the postseason during the 2021-22 season.

The Boston Bruins do have wins against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the New York Rangers, amongst other teams.

The Boston Bruins have yet to face adversity this season.

No serious injuries, no top-six forwards injuries, and the Bruins do not have a lengthy losing streak either.

The Boston Bruins have the pedigree to finish first overall and win the Presidents’ Trophy, something they have done three times as a franchise in the past (1989-90, 2013-14, and 2019-20). With those Presidents’ Trophies, though, they have made the Stanley Cup finals just once and lost in the second round twice.

Boston has had a history of being successful in the regular season. When it comes to the postseason, bad luck seems to follow them. That could change this season as the Boston Bruins look hungrier than ever to prove they belong in the finals once again.

However, another factor that could result in the Boston Bruins having an early playoff exit could be the goaltending. While spectacular this season, both goaltenders have had issues in the postseason.

Jeremy Swayman has played in six career playoff games, going 3-3 with 2.67 goals against average and a .906 save percentage.

This season’s Vezina Trophy candidate, Linus Ullmark, has two career playoff games, resulting in a 0-2 record, with 4.16 goals against average and a .860 save percentage.

Lastly, Patrice Bergeron is 37, David Krejci is 36, and Anton Stralman is 36. The Boston Bruins may not have the energy and legs once the playoffs come to have another run.

With that said, the Bruins may not have many more opportunities with the current core. If the Boston Bruins do end up winning the Presidents’ Trophy, it could be an interesting postseason based on the above information.