Heading into the 2022-23 season, there were legitimate doubts as to whether or not the Boston Bruins would make the playoffs. After all, they had an aging core and were heading into the year without both Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy who were recovering from surgery. Factor that in with an aging team and there was some serious concern that this team’s window may have closed for good.
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Fast forward to where we are now, and any thoughts of the Bruins’ demise look absolutely foolish. Not only do they sit first in the NHL standings, but they are having one of the greatest regular seasons of all time, having lost just 11 times in regulation over 70 outings. All of a sudden, a team that was being heavily questioned is now the unequivocal Stanley Cup favorite, and there are a number of reasons why they will indeed win their first championship since 2011.
Last Dance With Current Core
Several members of this Bruins’ core in Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have been playing together for a very long time. It appeared to have ended when Krejci chose to return home and play in Czechia for the 2021-22 season, though after some convincing decided to rejoin the Bruins in 2022-23 on a one-year contract. While it can’t be said for sure, many believe that this will be his final season in the NHL, if not as a professional hockey player entirely.
Also on a one-year deal is Bergeron, who was rumored to be heavily considering retirement this past offseason. Perhaps after talking with Krejci, the Bruins’ captain came to realize this could be the final shot with this group, one who in all likelihood deserved more than just one Stanley Cup together.
Though not in the same position as the two mentioned above, Marchand is entering the twilight of his career at 34 years old, and this season may very well represent his last opportunity at a Stanley Cup. You can bet that is plenty of motivation for him, while everyone else on this Bruins roster will have a ton of motivation to win it for these three who have battled so hard since 2011 for another shot at victory. That paired with the overall talent on this roster makes them a downright frightening team for others to match up against.
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