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Some Bruins Thoughts During a Break in the Schedule

By Scott Roche

Jan 21, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21) celebrates with his teammates after scoring on Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) during the third period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21) celebrates with his teammates after scoring on Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) during the third period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders and Jake DeBrusk #74 of the Boston Bruins pursue the puck during the first period at Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders and Jake DeBrusk #74 of the Boston Bruins pursue the puck during the first period at Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Quirky schedule with the Islanders and Rangers

The 2021 NHL season is one that is different from the new divisions with limited travel, to eight games against the same seven teams.

Boston has to have one of the weirdest schedules with the Islanders and Rangers. The Bruins play all four games against both New York teams on the road before either team makes a trip to Boston.

The backend of the Black and Gold’s schedule is going to loaded with home games, which in the big picture may not be bad with the grind of the shortened season and the playoffs beginning shortly after. If the Bruins make them, of course.

Tampa Bay, Montreal, and Toronto rolling early in the season.

Former Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Montreal, and Toronto are at the top of their divisions early in the season.

The Maple Leafs (10-2-1) lead the North Division with 21 points and the Canadiens (8-2-2) are right behind with 18. The Lightning (10-1-1) lead the Central Division with 17 points.

Over the last couple of years, the Bruins and Lightning have been battling for the top spot in the division and they are the last two Presidents’ Trophy winners. Montreal has always been a bitter rival of Boston and the two teams’ games this season would have been the best games in a while between the clubs.

Toronto has been trying to catch the Bruins for years, but when they get the chance to play them in the playoffs, things usually don’t end well for the Maple Leafs. Losing those games with the Leafs on the schedule this season also means former Bruin Joe Thornton does not get a chance to play at the TD Garden. The former overall No. 1 pick in 1997 has been out with a rib injury early this season, but is getting close to a return.

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It would have been a fun year if the Atlantic Division was still intact, but we will have to settle for what we have this season and hope the NHL can return to their divisions and normal schedule for the 2021-22 season.

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