The Boston Bruins have run the Atlantic Division over the last decade, but the NHL’s reported division realignment could put the Bruins in a much tougher pool for 2021.
The National Hockey League’s Atlantic Division is probably one of the most lopsided in the league. At the top, you have juggernauts like the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. Then on the bottom of not just the division but the league, you have rebuilding/just bad teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators. But recent reports out of NHL circles say things could be changing drastically for this upcoming season.
From today's column on ESPN+, this is what I'm hearing for potential divisions for the NHL 2020-21 season: https://t.co/RCLTYW6NZ2 pic.twitter.com/9dEuj1TUCx
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) November 19, 2020
This new East Division is a much tougher task for the Boston Bruins. The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres were the only teams that held losing records at the end on the shortened 2019-20 NHL season. Both teams are going to be more competitive this season with Buffalo bringing in Taylor Hall and a young New Jersey team gaining more experience while bringing in three first rounders in the 2020 draft.
The Boston Bruins aren’t going to be at full strength to start the season either with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak set to miss one and two months respectively (in the event of the January 1st start). Bad year for key players to miss significant time.
Ranking the toughest competition this division holds for the Boston Bruins.
7. New Jersey Devils
A young roster who still haven’t really put it together. Solid young forwards, but defence and goaltending remain question marks.
6. Buffalo Sabres
One of the most inconsistent teams in the league. Love starting seasons strong then tailing off mid-season. Lethal top-six forwards and Rasmus Dahlin is one of the next great defenceman in the league. Goaltending remains a huge question mark.
5. New York Islanders
Kings of the one-goal win games. This team just grinds and Barry Trotz puts a major priority on the defensive side of the puck. Great forwards and Semyon Varlamov has been really solid for the Islanders. Lost some key pieces on the defensive end with Devon Toews and Johnny Boychuk.
4. New York Rangers
Quickest and most efficient rebuild in NHL history. This team is loaded with skill on offence and defence. Two young stud goaltenders. Watch out for the Rangers.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Probably the most talented young core in the league (sorry Leafs fans). Petr Mrazek and James Reimer get it done between the pipes.
2. Philadelphia Flyers
A team that really found its stride toward the end of the shortened season and surprised many in the Bubble. Carter Hart is looking like the next Carey Price.
1. Washington Capitals
Still one of the juggernauts of the East. Thirty-five-year-old Alex Ovechkin remains one of the most dangerous snipers in the league. Ilya Samsonov is a young goaltending stud with “The King” Henrik Lundqvist a great backup.
The Boston Bruins will certainly have their work cut out for them if this division realignment comes to fruition. The good news, the Bruins remain one of the deepest rosters in the league and are almost certainly not done adding to their team this offseason.