In this abridged version of an NHL season a good start is imperative. Points will be at a premium and any losing streak at all could devastate a teams playoff chances. The Bruins have come out of the gate with a solid 2-0-1 start, and have nabbed five out of a possible six points. Maintain that pace all season and the B's should be in good shape. Here are a few points of intrigue after the opening three games.
1) Dougie Hamilton is good
It appears as if Dougie Hamilton can maintain a steady role on the Bruins top six D. In the absence of Dennis Seidenberg, Hamilton has looked more capable of NHL play than Aaron Johnson. Hamilton has shown flashes of future greatness already in just three games. Its a small sample size but hey, who's not excited to watch this kid grow and hopefully become the next great Bruins D-man. He brings youth to an aging Boston defense and has the potential to be an impact player early on in his career.
2) Whats going on with Tyler Seguin....?
If you're like me you expected Tyler Seguin to burst onto the scene this year and really assert himself as that offensive super star the Boston Bruins have lacked since Joe Thornton was traded to the San Jose Sharks back in 2005. Its only been three games, it certainly is not time to panic, however there may be reason for concern. Seguin has looked lost sometimes, both in the offensive and defensive zones. Seguin needs to find what he showed last year, lighting speed and incredible play making ability. If he can get back to that his development to offensive super star will continue.
3) The offense has depth
This years version of the Bruins offense looks similar to the version that won the cup back in 2011. This team looks as if it has the ability to roll four lines on offense. This could be key in this 48 game sprint season. If the B's are able to play four lines somewhat evenly, the chances of staying healthy and as rested as possible are far greater. Should any of the lines emerge as a defensive liability key minutes will be shifted and that added strain could lead to fatigue and injury. The Bruins will be a scary team come playoff time if they arrived healthy and energized.
4) Defensive depth is a different story
With Dennis Seidenberg suffering from injuries already this season, the B's were forced to play Aaron Johnson. Johnson is not a terrible player but he is a drastic downgrade from Seidenberg. If any more injuries were to plague the defense, there could be some serious holes. This also means more minutes for 19 year old rookie Dougie Hamilton. Whether or not Hamilton can handle that or not, is still to be determined. If Seidernberg's injuries turns out to be worse than expected, or another defender falls to injury, serious action could be required. This could force the bruins to be active on the trade front, something that GM Peter Chiarelli has been known to do mid season. While i hate to speculate trade, P.K. Subban remains unsigned in Montreal. Just throwing it out there. I know the thought of P.K. wearing the spoked B on his chest puts some Bruins fans stomachs in knots, however he is an incredibly talented player. Subban and Hamilton could become cornerstones of the Boston defense for years to come. Not to mention the Bruins drafted his brother Malcolm in the first round of last years entry draft. Now what the Bruins would have to give up to acquire P.K. is an entirely different story. Just something to think about.
5) Tuukka Rask looks ready and able to take over the number one goaltender spot for good
It feels like forever now we've been waiting for Tuukka Time between the pipes in Boston. That time appears to have finally occurred. Rask has looked stellar in the seasons first three games and i expect him to continue this play all season. The guy is so passionate, he just refuses to fail. I think were about to see Rask make his name as an elite goaltender in the league this season and maintain that status for years to come. That being said, Tuukka has struggled with fatigue before. In a season of just 48 games Rask needs to stay healthy and energized. If he cannot carry the load his status in Boston becomes very iffy. Not to mention the Bruins playoff chances. Only time will tell whether Rask truly is an elite starting goaltender.
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