The Winter Classic loss to the Montreal Canadiens was possibly the worst game the Boston Bruins have played this season. It will be the main priority of this Bruins team to put their most recent losses behind them and start the new year on a high note.
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Boston will have a chance to get on a roll right away if they are able to defeat the Washington Capitals who are arguably the best team in the NHL right now. After that, the Bruins play back to back games against the New Jersey Devils and then the Ottawa Senators. With both goalies likely getting some playing time and some players returning back to the lineup, look for the Boston Bruins to generate a new stride in the coming week.
Bruins v Capitals
No one on the Bruins team should be feeling very good about themselves, but there is no time to sulk. The Bruins have a huge chance to regain some confidence by going against the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals. If the Bruins could pull off a win against a team like this, it puts them back in the points race and back in talks of them being a serious contender this year.
Having said that, I do not think that the Bruins will show up to this game. I’m not saying that they will play as bad as they did against Montreal, but I don’t see how they could turn their game around that fast, especially when the Capitals will be coming out with such a tough team. Look for Tuukka Rask to have another busy and highlight filled night, but also prepare yourself for a 4 to 1 Capitals win.
Bruins v Devils
After their game against Washington, Boston does not play until Friday. This will give the Bruins time to regroup and refuel. Jonas Gustavsson should get the start in net for this game so that Rask can take on the Atlantic Division’s Ottawa Senators. The Devils are a decent team this year, but I see the Bruins finally getting off their heels and back in control of their destiny on this night. This game will be close, with Gustavsson letting in one bad goal, but Boston will prevail with a score of 3 to 2.
Puck Prose
Bruins v Ottawa
With Brad Marchand making his return from his suspension against the team that he last played against before he was suspended, things could get interesting. Marchand returning will definitely give the team some much needed energy and depth, but it may also dictate how the Senators will approach the game.
After finishing the year 2015 with a highly entertaining home and home series, the two teams are back at it in what should be a game that means more than just two points. The Bruins may be tired after dealing with the Devils the day before, but this will be a game in which they will grind it out with the opposition and find a way to win. Although I would love to see another high scoring victory, I will say that this one ends in a shootout with the Bruins winning 2 to 1.
The Winter Classic was a nightmare to say the least, but one that the Boston Bruins will never be able to wake up from. It has become an eternal part of history and that will always sting. However, every game is a part of this franchise’s history and, if they want to regain a bit of the pride they lost on January 1st, they will need to get back on track in these upcoming games.
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