The Boston Bruins have been the most successful team in the entire league, leading the entire National Hockey League in points, wins, and many other positive categories. Today we will relive five predictions made by @BruinsFan35 on the official Cap Friendly Forum!
1. The Bruins will have 3 Point-Per-Game players
Is this really a bold claim when you have the "Perfection Line" and the "Czech Line"? The Bruins have showcased one of the most lethal offences in the entire National Hockey League, but what has been most impressive has been the depth scoring throughout the lineup. Boston is getting offence everywhere in the lineup, with 12 players recording 20 or more points this season. Three point-per-game players is not a stretch at all for a talented Bruins team, as the team already has two well above the rate.
David Pastrnak has been one of the most reliable goal scorers in the entire league, putting his name in the conversation for the Maurice Richard and Hart Trophies. Alongside, mainly David Krejci and Pavel Zacha, Pastrnak's production has been the result of tremendous chemistry. Pastrnak leads the way for the Bruins with 71 points in 50 games this season.
Additionally, ever since coming back from a lengthy, yet timely injury, veteran Brad Marchand has ignited the spark for his Boston team. Marchand is a clear leader, guiding and influencing every action on and off the ice. The Bruins' assistant captain is back to his normal antics of being a top point scorer in the entire league. The Halifax native plays a complete game and currently sits in second on the team with 46 points in 42 games.
And finally, we have David Krejci, who would likely be the only other player with a shot at scoring a point-per-game this season. After returning from his native land of the Czech Republic, Krejci has been truly compatible between his fellow countrymen David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. So far this season, the trio has combined for a total of 155 points, including 59 goals. Krejci has never been a point-per-game player in his career, although he currently has 41 points in 45 games this year. Could an increased role alongside David Pastrnak push Krejci an extra step?
2. One of Lysell, McLaughlin, or Studnicka will earn full-time spot by mid season in the Top-Nine
Well, to start, Jack Studnicka is no longer a Boston Bruin. Studnicka was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for sending Michael DiPietro and Jonathan Myrenberg to the Bruins. Additionally, Studnicka has yet to earn a full-time spot on the struggling Vancouver Canucks. The former second-round pick has played in 31 NHL games this season.
Yes, Fabian Lysell is without a doubt the most talented prospect within the Bruins system. But it is also safe to say that the Swede is simply not NHL-ready. The Bruins' first-round pick looked abysmal playing for Team Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Juniors. Lysell was held without a point in seven games while picking up 29 penalty minutes and an ejection during the bronze medal game. Lysell has spent the rest of his season playing for Providence in the AHL, where it is likely he will complete a full season before being assessed during training camp this summer.
Marc McLaughlin, similar to Lysell, has spent the total of his season playing for Providence in the AHL. McLaughlin is a fascinating prospect within the Bruins system, as he was undrafted but signed to an NHL contract after the conclusion of his senior year at Boston College. This season has simply been a developmental year for the winger, giving him lots of ice time and confidence at the pro level. McLaughlin has seen call-ups to the NHL stage, playing in a career 13 games.
3. Ullmark will become the starter by the Trade Deadline
There is no doubt at the moment that Linus Ullmark IS the starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins. Ullmark has held the reigns, so far this season playing in 32 games, compared to just 21 for Swayman. The former free agent acquisition has exploded for a career year with the B's, thus notching his first-career selection to an NHL All-Star Game. Ullmark currently leads the NHL in many goaltending statistics including goals-against-average and save percentage.
4. Krejci, in his return season, will hit at least 60 points and 20 goals (over 82 games)
Twenty goals may be a stretch for the 36-year-old centre, although there is no doubt that he will break or at least hit the 60-point mark this season. Throughout his career, it has been plain and simple that David Krejci is a playmaker. Krejci possesses tremendous vision and hockey smarts, making simple plays that lead to success for his teammates. It is also worth mentioning that Krejci is a very unselfish player; he has a pass-first mentality, especially when playing alongside gifted goal scorer David Pastrnak. Krejci has already scored 41 points this season.
5. The Bruins will be at least the #2 seed in the Atlantic Division AND will win at least ONE playoff series.
Is there really anything else to say?? The Bruins currently have a marginal lead sitting in first-place in the entire NHL. Will they win a playoff series? Well, time will only tell!
