The Boston Bruins 2013-14 season starts tonight at the TD Garden

Well, it’s opening night tonight at the TD Garden. The Boston Bruins are hoping to ride the Lightning into the ground in their first game of the 2013-14 season. Things look to be in place for another deep run for the Bruins, and there are things in play that weren’t just nine months ago at the start of the abbreviated 2013 season.

First, Milan Lucic looks bloody dangerous. Last year he got married, had a baby, moved into a house in Boston, and all that extra life pressure definitely cost him a step or two in the short season. While he did make up for it with a vengeance in the playoffs, he felt the frustration of others.

“That was the biggest thing for me — getting the motivation to get back into the gym, so I can have a good and productive year,” said Lucic. “Nobody likes to go through what I went through last year. So I wanted to prepare myself the best way I could so it wouldn’t happen again. Who likes having media, fans, coaches and management – and I’m sure some teammates – be disappointed at you? Nobody likes to disappoint anybody, and that really helped with my motivation as.”

Second, Tuuuuuuuuukkkkkkk is back in the net for the Black and Gold. Tuukka Rask is hungry for a Vezina, and is looking forward to stonewalling Tampa Bay.

The Bruins top two lines each have an ‘A’ in them, and the chemistry between them and newcomers Jarome Iginla and Loui Eriksson looks solid. (congratulations again David Krejci!)  The third line looks pretty bloody good. Carl Soderberg looks as if he will not be able to play tonight (ankle), and long time support piece Jordan Caron will be moving up to help out on the third line. I’m sure Lightning GM Yzerman will have a few thing to say as the Merlot Men take the ice. We’re just as sure if any member of the Lightning would like to disagree with the Bruins Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell (or Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand, Chris Kelly, Zdeno Chara……) will happily take five minutes out of their day to explain it better to them.

As much as I would love to see a 10-0 blowout, we all know that’s highly improbable. I do see the Bruins taking this in a 4-1 decision though. The puck drops at 7:05. You can watch it on NESN, or hear it on 98.5 the Sports Hub. If you don’t live in the area, and still want to hear the Bruins play, and have a smartphone, download the Bruins mobile app, and you’ll get to hear the broadcast through your iPhone, Android, what have you.

Sep 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston Bruins celebrate after defeating the Washington Capitals in overtime at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports