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Boston Bruins: 5 bold predictions for the 2021 season

By Jack Long |
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 09: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a save against David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in an Eastern Conference Round Robin game during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 09, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 09: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a save against David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in an Eastern Conference Round Robin game during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 09, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
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Aug 29, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Barclay Goodrow (19) and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) skate during game four of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Barclay Goodrow (19) and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) skate during game four of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2021 NHL season is sure to be an interesting one. Here are some bold predictions for what is to come for the Boston Bruins.

It’s finally here. NHL, and more specifically. Boston Bruins‘ hockey is back! It is sure to be a season like no other with many unanswered questions, but no one is complaining.

The Bruins are in a weird period of their organization’s history and this roster is going into a “prove em” season. What should we expect from this Bruins team and the organization as a whole?

5. David Pastrnak will lead the Boston Bruins in scoring this season.

The Boston Bruins are lucky enough to have several candidates that could be considered favourites for this title.

David Pastrnak is unfortunately starting the 2021 season on the injured reserve and will not join the Bruins for their opening road trip. Bruins fans shouldn’t expect the team to rush their superstar winger back. Pastrnak has returned to the ice and is already ahead of schedule, but an early February timeline still seems likely.

Even though David Pastrnak will be playing catch up in a Boston Bruins point race — he should still be the early favourite to end on top. Pastrnak’s production has consistently climbed year after year and a healthy and fresh 2021 Pasta should be no different.

Related Story. Boston Bruins: What to expect from David Pastrnak in 2021. light

4. Boston Bruins stud defenceman Charlie McAvoy will cement himself as a Top-10 defenceman in the NHL.

The NHL Network listed Charlie McAvoy as their No. 9 defenceman in their annual #NHLTopPlayers list. Nonethless, McAvoy continues to not garner the full respect of NHL circles.

McAvoy tied his career-high in points and led the Boston Bruins in ice time in 2020. He also led the Bruins in blocked shots and ranked third in hits.

McAvoy will be called on this season more than ever with the losses of Torey Krug and captain Zdeno Chara.

Aug 13, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) blocks the shot of Carolina Hurricanes left wing Warren Foegele (13) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) blocks the shot of Carolina Hurricanes left wing Warren Foegele (13) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Boston Bruins losing scenario – One of Tuukka Rask or David Krejci is traded.

The Eastern Division is insanely stacked. The Boston Bruins are coming into this season with debatably one of the thinnest rosters they’ve had in years. A lack of secondary scoring and defensive depth threatens as two potential pitfalls for this Bruins team.

There are several impending UFAs that could be on the trade block if the Eastern Division becomes too much to handle for the Boston Bruins. Specifically, there are two big names that could bring in serious returns if Don Sweeney and the Bruins front office turn towards the future.

Tuukka Rask is always an interesting debate for the Boston Bruins faithful. Love him or hate him, he’s one of the best in the league at his job and that is keeping the puck out of the net. I expect a massive haul if the Vezina winner is to be traded to a goaltender-needy team.

Boston Bruins: Trading Tuukka Rask could be a good move. light. Related Story

David Krejci is another interesting case. The veteran center has yet to fall off and would be an inciting depth center for a competitive team looking to make a deep run.

2. Boston Bruins winning scenario – Don Sweeney goes all in.

Don Sweeney has yet to make a big swing to put the Boston Bruins over the top in a potential cup run. Sweeney has made some nice depth deals and prioritizes term. This year though he has to see 2021 as a potential ‘Last Dance‘ for this Bruins team.

Could Boston Bruins fans cries for a competent second line RW for David Krejci finally come to fruition? Kyle Palmieri has been on the Bruins radar for a while and should be available from a New jersey Devils team that doesn’t look ready to compete anytime soon.

Defensive depth is another area the Boston Bruins should look to improve, especially on the left side. Alec Martinez or Alexander Edler could be great options to take some of the pressure off the young guys.

May 16, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes players congratulate Boston Bruins players in the handshake line after their game in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. The Bruins won the game 4-0, and clinched the eastern conference championship 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes players congratulate Boston Bruins players in the handshake line after their game in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. The Bruins won the game 4-0, and clinched the eastern conference championship 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Boston Bruins will make the playoffs – but not by much.

The Boston Bruins will not have an easy road to the playoffs in this condensed 56-game season. Thankfully for the Bruins, all you need to make the playoffs is finish in the top four of the Eastern Division. In the East, of all divisions, that is easier said than done.

The Bruins will be tested immediately and may struggle out of the gate with injuries, young players, and new line combinations being a prominent storyline going into the season.

Must Read. Boston Bruins: The 5 most likely NHL awards a Bruin could win in 2020-21. light

The Boston Bruins should be a 3 or 4 seed going into the playoffs with juggernauts like the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins locked and loaded heading into the campaign. Even sneaky teams like the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres are threats to sneak into a 4 slot.

The Bruins have the talent to be a 1 or 2 seed heading into the postseason, but a lot of thing would have to go right for the club.

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Let’s do that Boston Bruins hockey!

For now, let’s just be fired up that the game we love is back. The Bruins remain a powerhouse team with the Stanley Cup in our sights and nothing is better than knowing you have a chance to lift Lord Stanley when all is said and done.

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