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If you’re an average sports fan, the NHL glides under your radar. With the recent success of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots, it is easy to forget about the Bruins. However, with the Sox unable to repeat their October magic and the Pats without their star quarterback, it is time to focus on a young, rejuvenated Bruins squad. At press time they sat in first place in the Northeast Division, despite a tough shootout loss to the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers Saturday. The Bruins have looked solid defensively thus far, anchored by goalie Tim Thomas who has a 1.76 goals against average in 11 games. His stellar play has certainly been a focal point of their early season success, but if not for key offensive contributions it could be a different story.
When Marc Savard came to Boston in the fall of 2006, the B’s knew they were getting a top-notch playmaker to replace the departed Joe Thornton. They also knew he would need scorers around him to allow for maximum production. Although Marco Sturm has been more than capable the past year and a half, the emergence of young stars Phil Kessel – seven goals – and Blake Wheeler – six goals – has given the Bruins some much needed punch. The main issue with the 2007-08 Bruins was they couldn’t score, and now, with the young talent and additions of Michael Ryder and Patrice Bergeron, the team is once again a force to be reckoned with. Even though Ryder and Bergeron have gotten off to somewhat slow starts, they have picked up youngsters David Krejci and Milan Lucic.
There is no denying the passion Boston plays with. They are a scrappy bunch who aren’t afraid to get physical and muck it up, as evidenced by their fight-filled episode with the Dallas Stars two weekends ago. Captain Zdeno Chara has filled in as a defensive stalwart and a leader of the hitting barrage. His leadership has been embraced by the team as a whole, who have grown considerably since their seven game playoff exit last April. Although last season ended in disappointment, the 2008-09 Bruins look like they have something to prove and if given the chance, watch out. The “Hub of Hockey” is back and eager for their turn to ride the duck boats.
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