Last week, I talked about how the Bruins’ main issue heading into the post-season was staying healthy. And since then, the Bruins have just gotten even more banged up. Key players are falling victim to the Bruins’ injury bug. And now the question is will the team be healthy come round 1 of the playoffs.
Dropping Like Flies
Last week, the Bruins had two big names on their injury list, David Pastrňák and Hampus Lindholm. Now they are joined by Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo. Not exactly music to Bruins fans’ ears. And with these players not on the ice, it really has shown just how much Boston needs them healthy.
Probably the most obvious example that we have of how these injuries affect the team is with Boston’s power play. Without Pastrňák, the Bruins are not scoring on it, simple as that. With Pasta’s shot being so dangerous, the power play always leans towards getting him the puck, which then forces the penalty kills to overplay that option, thus giving other Bruins scoring opportunities. But with Pastrňák, the Bruins’ options are limited and aren’t exactly the best of options.
And on the defensive side, now all of a sudden the gaps that were seemingly solved a few weeks ago are bigger than ever. The Bruins have just been letting opposing teams waltz in and score in their past few games. Everyone knows the old saying “defense wins championships,” and right now, the Bruins’ defense does not look like it can win a championship thanks to these injuries.
Should Bruins Fans Be Worried?
While I just got done doom-posting about the Bruins’ injury bug, I’m still not worried about Boston. Yes, some key players are out, but they aren’t out long term. The Bruins are all but officially locked into the playoffs. And with how strong the east is this year, I would say that it does not matter where Boston finishes because each opponent is honestly just as tough as any other this year.
Bruins coach, Bruce Cassidy, is most likely resting his players for when games truly matter. After all, once the playoffs start, the regular season is pointless. It still is very uncomfortable to watch the Bruins flail without some of their top talents, but I also understand that this is probably for the best.
All that matters is that Boston isn’t flailing in the playoffs. And the best way to manage that is to make sure your team is healthy. It might suck to watch your team lose right now, but it will really be much later. Giving your best players rest is sometimes the right thing to do.
B’s and Pens To Face Off At Fenway
To change the subject to a bit more positive topic, it is now 100% confirmed that the Bruins and Penguins will play in the 2022 Winter Classic. This really came as no surprise though, as the announcement of Fenway being the host again came soon after it was announced that Fenway Sports Group had purchased Pittsburgh’s hockey team. And to make a positive topic a negative one, maybe this Winter Classic will serve as a distraction for when John Henry again refuses to pay his Red Sox stars and lets Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts walk.
Conspiracy theories aside, I am excited for more hockey at Fenway. I feel like the ballpark really exemplifies the idea of the Winter Classic. Which is supposed to be returning hockey to its early roots, and no other stadium reminds us of early North American pro-sports than Fenway Park. All I’m hoping is that the tickets won’t be TOO expensive.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley, the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the B’s. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey for all your NHL needs!
