Christian Renzi
Last night there was a murder in New York City. The Bruins absolutely embarrassed the New York Rangers with a 6-1 win. The funny part is that the one goal the Rangers scored was the first goal of the game and it actually seemed like the Bruins were struggling a little bit out of the gate. Now I can see that they were just toying with the Rangers. They let them get their hopes up in the first few minutes before utterly stomping them into the ice. King Henrik Lundqvist was yanked from the game, something that has become a pattern in recent weeks. This win puts the Bruins one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the league with a game in hand. In other words the Bruins are rolling.
Does anyone remember November of 2017? It was three months ago. It was the month that most of the Boston media declared this Bruins team dead. Multiple hot takes were thrown around saying their season was over, that they were toast, and done forever. They said Rask wasn't an elite goalie and they should trade him for some real talent. I want to go on record right now saying that I've had Rask's back all season and boy was I right again!
Get this. Rask is 19-0-2 in his last 21 games. The guy has not lost a game in regulation since November 26, the same month that all of Boston sports media declared the season dead. Turns out Tuukka is really good and all these armchair GMs who were yelling for him to be traded are actually really stupid.
So, what the hell is happening in Boston? Well, to start they're getting production from all four lines. Tim Schaller, ever heard of him? Neither had I before this season started. Last night he had an absolutely filthy goal against an atrocious Ranger defense. Danton Heinen is having an incredible rookie season for the Bs and don't even get me started on Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy is a legitimate Calder candidate and has helped to rejuvenate a Boston defense that has struggled the past few seasons.
Now let's talk about the best line in hockey. Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak. All of them have over 20 goals this season and pretty much never give up a goal when playing five on five. Bergeron might be having the best season of his career and I think is guaranteed to win a historic fourth Selke award as the best defensive forward in the league. In other words the Bruins are really really good right now.
Is this team a legitimate Stanley Cup Contender? I think so. If they play Washington at all in the playoffs though I don't feel too confident about their chances. Washington has owned the Bruins for the last five years. I honestly feel like they could take any other team, even Tampa. They're legit and the rest of the league should be afraid.
I can't finish this article without mentioning our glorious head coach, Bruce Cassidy. If Vegas didn't exist this year I think he would be a lock for coach of the year. When the Bruins fired Julien last year I have to admit I was against the move. I've never been so happy to be proven wrong. He's made this team younger, faster and so much more fun to watch. Hold on to you hats because it's going to be an exciting finish to the year.
So go get that cup Bruins. We need to make up for the devastating Patriots loss.
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