Boston Bruins Weekly Predictions: Rebound Week
Boston Bruins Need A Rebound Week
It was common knowledge that the California road trip was not going to be easy, but with a trio of losses, the Boston Bruins are now desperate for some points. Things don’t get much easier for the Bruins as they play the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers in back to back games before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs next Saturday. Points are the number one priority as usual, but it is just as important that this team can reestablish their confidence and style of play, especially against potential playoff foes.
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Bruins v Rangers
It is already confirmed that Henrik Lundqvist will start this game and it seems that Tuukka Rask may be doubtful. With back to back games on the horizon, it was easy to assume that Jonas Gustavsson would get one of the two starts. However, it is now in the realm of possibilities that he could play both games. Gustavsson has been decent this season at putting together a strong game when the Bruins have needed it most, regardless of the caliber of team that is against him. The outcome of this game will depend heavily on him and his ability to keep his teammates in the game.
With the Boston Bruins taking a few well deserved days off, they will all have fresh legs and will be more than willing to press the reset button and get back on the score sheet. I see a hungry Bruins team in this game that will take the Rangers all the way to the shootout, but unfortunately lose that part of the game resulting in a 3 to 2 New York victory.
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Bruins v Panthers
Although Boston defeated the Florida Panthers the last time they played each other, it was the Panthers who showed resilience and determination to earn that single point that they should have never had the chance to acquire. It is expected that Boston will come into this game focused on getting that early lead again and this time keeping Florida out of the game.
I believe that even with the Rangers game going into extra time, the Bruins will not be tired and will have plenty of support from all lines. This won’t by any means be an easy game, but I do feel that Boston will play extremely well and simply be too much for the Panthers to handle. I will give Boston a 4 to 2 win on this night.
Bruins v Maple Leafs
This is a game that the Bruins must win. I have said it before, but even more so now, if Boston is to position themselves well enough to make the playoffs, the easy points need to be achieved. Games like this can get away from a playoff team, especially if the non playoff team, in this case the Toronto Maple Leafs, is playing loose, fun, hockey. In order for this game to go smoothly, the Bruins need to dominate every period and keep the momentum on their side at all times. That is easier said than done, but I believe that Claude Julien and the coaching staff will have the players in the right mind set for this game. Look for Rask to return and just be denied the shutout in a 3 to 1 Bruins win.
Next: Bruins Road to the Playoffs
Looking back at the predictions for this week, I have the Boston Bruins gaining 5 of a potential 6 points. That is bold, but it is also necessary and I feel that the sense of urgency that should be in the locker room at this point should translate nicely onto the ice. Last week, a good team in the Bruins got beaten by three other good teams. This week, it will be the other teams saying that they got beaten by a great team.
To make your own predictions for this week, feel free to comment below.