Boston Bruins: Win against Sens further proof of Cup credentials

It may not seem like much, but the manner in which the Boston Bruins managed to win in Ottawa is a clear sign of Stanley Cup credentials.

While it’s still very early days this season, we are after all only two months in, the Boston Bruins continue to sit atop the Atlantic Division standings. On the surface, a win against the Senators, who were predicted to be basement dwellers, means nothing more than another two points.

However, it’s the fact the Boston Bruins arrived on a high, having thrashed the Habs 8-1 in Montreal the night before, yet still managed to get up and fight until the end to grind out this win, that impresses. It certainly seemed they were carrying a bit of a performance hangover with them.

First up, the Bruins plain and simple looked somewhat off the pace. Of course, this was their second game in two nights, but you still need to be up to NHL speed. We looked a little slower than that.

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Secondly, we allowed far too many shots through on Tuukka Rask. He stood up and did his job admirably thankfully, but the lack of shooting, even in the previous night’s 8-1 win is a little disconcerting.

Anyhow, I hear you asking, how does a win against the lowly Senators equate in any way with being a Stanley Cup contender?

Well, it’s the fact that as we head towards the cold of winter, the team managed to claw back a result from the edge of a defeat, not only that, they managed to do so while being out-shot and at times, out-played.

It’s that sort of lucky edge that makes teams contenders. Just look at last season’s play-off run; there were elements of luck throughout.

What’s even more impressive and truly makes the Boston Bruins stand out as contenders is that we’ve barely iced a full-strength side all season. This game was no exception with first line center, Patrice Bergeron missing, among others. To be able to steal results when your top line center is out is a definite sign of a contender.

The Boston Bruins went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last year, and there’s nothing to say they can’t repeat that feat this year. Grinding out results even when we’re missing countless guys through injury is going to continue to be vital.

Remaining atop the Atlantic Division too; that’ll prove highly useful – we can’t expect such an easy route to the Final two years straight. Given our first round match-up was arguably the most challenging until the Final, it’s definitely best we shoot for first!

All in all, managing a win on a cold November evening in Ottawa in the second half of a back-to-back means a lot more than just two points.