Record: 23-16-8, 54 pts Conference Rank: 5th Division Rank: 2nd Top Scorer: Patrice Bergeron (11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points) Top Goalie: Tuuka Rask (10 wins, 2.04 GAA) Midseason Grade: B
The Bruins started the season slowly, with injuries to Milan Lucic and some early struggles for Tim Thomas. Leaders in nearly every facet of the game last year, both offensively and defensively, the Bruins have struggled to score at times this season, and are in the bottom five teams in the East in scoring. Their defense is still superb, however, as only New Jersey and Buffalo have allowed fewer goals.
Injuries and the departure of sniper Phil Kessel have definitely hurt the Bruins up front. Marc Savard has played in only 28 games, but he is still averaging close to a point per game. Lucic has played in only 15 games this season, and the bruising forward’s presence has certainly been missed. Bergeron is having a good season, but a broken hand will keep him out until at least the Olympic break.
Defensively, the B’s have a great set of blueliners, headlined by the monstrous Zdeno Chara. Char leads the team in assists with 23, while Derek Morris is very capable in both ends. Thomas has been challenged for the starting job in net, as former Leafs prospect Tuuka Rask has been stellar in the opportunities he’s had to start this year. In 15 games, the youngster has two shutouts and only 5 losses. He certainly looks like he has a bright future.
The Bruins will likely be a middle of the pack playoff team by the time the season ends, but if they don’t start scoring it might be a quick exit for them.