Hockey is so close we can almost taste it. Early August signals that our beloved fall sports are returning shortly.
College football is this month and NFL Sundays are right around the corner. The good news is that hockey follows suit and all will be right in the world.
Training camp is approaching and it’s never too early to look into things regarding the Boston Bruins, who have a lot to look forward to. There is the return of Matthew Poitras from injury, as well as a position battle for the second-line right-wing position.
All that stuff will sort itself out. As the 2024-25 season approaches, let’s take a look into four bold predictions for the Bruins entering the season.
Elias Lindholm Replicates Career Season from 2021-22
There is a lot to be happy about with the addition of Elias Lindholm to the Bruins. He can immediately slot in as the number-one center and also will be a key component in the faceoff department. Lindholm is a faceoff specialist and can come onto the ice for key draws at important moments of the game. He is no Patrice Bergeron, but that was a guy who excelled in those moments. Also, Lindholm’s ability to succeed in the faceoff circle will help lead to better puck possession for the Bruins. He has the tools to be an effective player and this bold prediction is for him to replicate his career best season in 2021-22 with the Calgary Flames.
Related: How the Bruins Stack Up in the Atlantic Division After Free Agency
Lindholm was a force to be reckoned with and was part of one of the best lines in hockey. He was flanked by star wingers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk and collectively the trio scored 73 goals. Lindholm was a point per game player having 82 points in all 82 games and reaped the benefits of playing with those guys. There is reason to believe he can have this type of season again.
He won’t have two wingers to play with that are elite to that level, but he does have one. David Pastrnak is one of the best wingers in all of hockey and playing with him will have benefits. Only one player has scored more goals than Pastrnak since the 2021-22 season and Pastrnak is coming off two-straight 100 point campaigns. Pastrnak can drive a line and Lindholm has an elite running mate to help increase his production.
There is another element to that season Lindholm will replicate: he will also be a Selke Trophy finalist. During the 2021-22 season, he finished tied for first…
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