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Boston Bruins: Top 5 games to get pumped up about in October

By jc

BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Boston Bruins center Karson Kuhlman (83) and Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) celebrate after their sixth goal. The Boston Bruins host the Chicago Blackhawks in their final pre-season NHL hockey game at TD Garden in Boston on Sep. 28, 2019. (Photo by Nic Antaya for The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Boston Bruins center Karson Kuhlman (83) and Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) celebrate after their sixth goal. The Boston Bruins host the Chicago Blackhawks in their final pre-season NHL hockey game at TD Garden in Boston on Sep. 28, 2019. (Photo by Nic Antaya for The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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boston bruins vs tampa bay lightning
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 06: Boston Bruins Center Charlie Coyle (13) tries to get past Tampa Bay Lightning Defenceman Cameron Gaunce (33). During the Boston Bruins game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 06, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

October 17th: versus Tampa Bay Lightning

Boston’s biggest test of the young season happens October 17 against Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay finished first in the Atlantic last season with 128 points, 21 points clear of the Bruins. However, after a record-setting regular season, Tampa bowed out in four games to Columbus.

The Lightning return with a stacked roster that will challenge Boston all season. Nikita Kucherov, fresh off an MVP season, leads the way. Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point join Kucherov up front.

Tampa has depth on the backend as well with Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Mikhail Sergachev. Plus, the Lightning added Kevin Shattenkirk as a low risk, high reward signing.

Boston finished 1-3 Tampa last year. The Boston Bruins struggled to contain the Lightning offense; Tampa scored 15 goals in four games. We’ll see early on if the McAvoy and company can do a better job in front of Tuukka Rask.

If the Bruins want to return to the final, they will need to get past Tampa at some point. October 17 will be the first real measuring stick. Expect the Lightning to play with a chip on their shoulder all season after last year’s debacle.

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