Boston Bruins Weekly Predictions: Nov 30th to Dec 6th
By Jay Peterson
The Boston Bruins are on their longest winning streak of the season right now and look to extend it even more during their trip through western Canada. Starting on Wednesday, playing the Edmonton Oilers, the Bruins will then have back to back games against the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks. It is very possible for Boston to build on their recent success but, if they don’t remain focused on each period at a time, they may find themselves sliding in the standings.
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Bruins v Oilers
Sometimes a long break can hurt a team’s momentum but, most of the time, it is seen as an advantage. The Bruins will have fresh legs when they take on Edmonton and will have a huge opportunity to gain two points. Tuukka Rask will start and will continue his recent strong play in net. The Oilers will eventually solve Rask with one of their young stars netting a pretty goal, but it will be the simple but effective playing style of the Bruins that will prevail. I see Boston taking this game 3 to 1.
Bruins v Flames
You’ve got to believe that there is going to be some additional motivation for the Bruins in these next two games. In their first match against the traded Dougie Hamilton, Boston will look to punish the young defender in his end and expose all of the weaknesses that they know he has. The Flames have not been good this year so all the Bruins need to do is asset their dominance early on and maintain it throughout the game.
Mar 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) reacts after a goal by left wing Loui Eriksson (21) (not pictured) during the third period against the Calgary Flames at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
I believe that Jonas Gustavsson will start this game so that Rask can take on the Vancouver Canucks the night after. I am not sure why, but I feel that if the Bruins lose this game, it will be because of defensive breakdowns and one or two bad goals from the Swedish net minder. Having said that, I do think that the Bruins will lose this game, but it will be a grind until the end with them winning 4 to 2 after an empty net goal.
Bruins v Canucks
Since the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, these games have meant much more than just two points. They have always been entertaining, either during the play or in between. Points are crucial for both teams, who are looking to cement themselves as threats within their respective divisions and conferences.
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If there is a game that Boston will lose, it would be this one. They will not have had much rest after the Calgary game and should, if not too risky, bench a defenseman or two who played against the Flames and put in fresh legs on the back end. Having any kind of extra energy will be extremely helpful in a game like this where every hit, battle and goal will be extra meaningful. I am going to be bold this week and predict a western Canada sweep by the Bruins with Boston defeating Vancouver in overtime, 2 to 1.
I am hoping that these predictions don’t come back to haunt me, but I do seriously believe that Boston can win these next three games. As said by many, they haven’t necessarily been playing their best hockey as of late; they have just been finding a way to win. I feel that, with the confidence of winning five in a row, we will see a full team effort which will translate into a team too tough to handle for these three mediocre teams.
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