Speculation: As the dust settles all the 'experts' in Canada agree on one thing - The best team in the NHL got better....

[Fenway]

The Bruins have not been the clear Cup favorite in 51 years (1971-1972) - contenders yes but not the team to beat.

Consider that on Friday night Dave Goucher was gushing about Vegas being the first team in the West to hit 80 points.

Winning the Presidents' Trophy guarantees NOTHING when the playoffs begin except if you don't lose a playoff game at home you win the Cup.

Watching the Toronto Sports Network on Friday I found it curious that they were saying the 2023 Maple Leafs could be the 2004 Red Sox and that thought scared me. IF the Leafs finally advance to Round 2 the monkey is off their backs but they also then have to then play the Bruins who they have not beaten in the playoffs since 1959.

That 1959 Game 7 loss to Toronto at Boston Garden would be the last playoff game the Bruins would play for 9 years and it also made the team change their gold home sweaters to black because of TV.



There is no denying the fact that 2023 is the Bruins Cup Window. THIS IS IT!!!!!!

Year	Winner	Points	Margin	Win #	Playoff Result
1985–86	Edmonton Oilers	119	9	1	Lost Division Finals (CGY)
1986–87	Edmonton Oilers	106	6	2	Won Stanley Cup
1987–88	Calgary Flames	105	2	1	Lost Division Finals (EDM)
1988–89	Calgary Flames	117	2	2	Won Stanley Cup
1989–90	Boston Bruins	101	2	1	Lost Stanley Cup Finals (EDM)
1990–91	Chicago Blackhawks	106	1	1	Lost Division Semifinals (MNS)
1991–92	New York Rangers	105	7	1	Lost Division Finals (PIT)
1992–93	Pittsburgh Penguins	119	10	1	Lost Division Finals (NYI)
1993–94	New York Rangers	112	6	2	Won Stanley Cup
1994–95	Detroit Red Wings	70	5	1	Lost Stanley Cup Finals (NJD)
1995–96	Detroit Red Wings	131	27	2	Lost Conference Finals (COL)
1996–97	Colorado Avalanche	107	3	1	Lost Conference Finals (DET)
1997–98	Dallas Stars	109	2	1	Lost Conference Finals (DET)
1998–99	Dallas Stars	114	9	2	Won Stanley Cup
1999–2000	St. Louis Blues	114	6	1	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (SJS)
2000–01	Colorado Avalanche	118	7	2	Won Stanley Cup
2001–02	Detroit Red Wings	116	15	3	Won Stanley Cup
2002–03	Ottawa Senators	113	2	1	Lost Conference Finals (NJD)
2003–04	Detroit Red Wings	109	3	4	Lost Conference Semifinals (CGY)
2004–05	The Presidents' Trophy was not awarded due to the lockout that canceled the entire season.
2005–06	Detroit Red Wings	124	11	5	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (EDM)
2006–07	Buffalo Sabres	113	0 (3 wins)	1	Lost Conference Finals (OTT)
2007–08	Detroit Red Wings	115	7	6	Won Stanley Cup
2008–09	San Jose Sharks	117	1	1	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (ANA)
2009–10	Washington Capitals	121	8	1	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (MTL)
2010–11	Vancouver Canucks	117	10	1	Lost Stanley Cup Finals (BOS)
2011–12	Vancouver Canucks	111	2	2	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (LAK)
2012–13	Chicago Blackhawks	77[	5	2	Won Stanley Cup
2013–14	Boston Bruins	117	1	2	Lost Second Round (MTL)
2014–15	New York Rangers	113	3	3	Lost Conference Finals (TBL)
2015–16	Washington Capitals	120	11	2	Lost Second Round (PIT)
2016–17	Washington Capitals	118	7	3	Lost Second Round (PIT)
2017–18	Nashville Predators	117	3	1	Lost Second Round (WPG)
2018–19	Tampa Bay Lightning	128	21	1	Lost First Round (CBJ)
2019–20	Boston Bruins	100	6	3	Lost Second Round (TBL)
2020–21	Colorado Avalanche	82	0 (5 regulation wins)	3	Lost Second Round (VGK)
2021–22	Florida Panthers	122	3	1	Lost Second Round (TBL)

Click to read more...

 

[caz16]

I am excited but I temper it because I know injuries can make such a massive difference. The Bruins are deeper than I can recall right now, with a goalie tandem that is best in the league.

As far as the Leafs go, will they finally win a round? I am still not convinced and hope like hell they don't, so maybe I can't be objective. I always remember the old adage of be careful what you wish for though.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

When I start to worry about the Leafs gaining momentum after winning a playoff series, what helps me is thinking about how they’re going to try to play Luke Schenn as a top 4 defenseman. That usually does the trick.

 

[Aeroforce]

I'm definitely tempering my excitement during this unbelievable regular season. I recall the 2019 Bolts, the Pats unbeaten season, the recent Dodgers and Yankees, etc.

The only goal differential I care about is that against Carolina, Tampa, Toronto.

The last two meetings the Leafs went toe-to-toe with the Bruins; but goaltending let them down, both Murray and Samsonov. That will be their biggest question mark against Tampa and also Boston, if it comes to that.

I also think with their cap, contracts, and all the futures they've dealt, winning one round isn't going to make a successful season in Toronto.

 

[bme44]

I'm definitely tempering my excitement during this unbelievable regular season. I recall the 2019 Bolts, the Pats unbeaten season, the recent Dodgers and Yankees, etc.

The only goal differential I care about is that against Carolina, Tampa, Toronto.

The last two meetings the Leafs went toe-to-toe with the Bruins; but goaltending let them down, both Murray and Samsonov. That will be their biggest question mark against Tampa and also Boston, if it comes to that.

I also think with their cap, contracts, and all the futures they've dealt, winning one round isn't going to make a successful season in Toronto.

A bit of topic ,but wining one round might keep Dubas employed. The more games the Leafs play the better for revenue. So win the first round and than be defeated by our Bruins in the second round works well with me.

 

[caz16]

A bit of topic ,but wining one round might keep Dubas employed. The more games the Leafs play the better for revenue. So win the first round and than be defeated by our Bruins in the second round works well with me.

Well that would be delicious.

 

[Terrier]

 

[sooshii]

Taking it one game at a time.
So happy to be in Boston this week!

 

[DominicT]

I'm not sure how you can say the "experts" in Canada @Fenway .

I don't believe I've given my opinion yet.

 

[smithformeragent]

The 2004 Red Sox were stacked.

Fwiw, they 2003 Red Sox were stacked as well. But they won’t put and got Schilling after getting walked off in ‘03 by Aaron Boone. I nearly put the remote through the TV.

Toronto Tampa is going to be a blood bath. Tampa is still Tampa until someone knocks them out in the East.

I was waiting at Target for a pick up yesterday listening to NHL Network Radio.

They believe any of the 6 non-Wild Card teams in the East could emerge, but said Boston is clearly the best.

In the West, they said there is only one team that can match up against the East and possibly win the Cup; Colorado. They said MAYBE Edmonton if they get the goaltending. They’re not buying on Vegas or Dallas.

I’ve never seen a Bruins team go on a run like this, but I HAVE seen them finish as the 1 seed only to lay an egg in Round 1 in 04 against Montreal.

We know that Joe Thornton was playing hurt that series. Patrice Bergeron was a rookie that season.

We also know that Bergeron has a history of getting banged up in the playoffs as of late. And he’s no spring chicken.

They were also up 3-0 against the Flyers in 2010 before Krejci went down. We know that that ended.

The one thing I worry about is an injury to Bergeron or Krejci.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Captain obvious says its a new season when the playoffs start. Anything and anyone can win a series in the east.

That being said, I love the adds. Exactly what I hope for to give us the best chance possible.

 

[BlackFrancis]

Simply need to look at our lads from 2011. That first round against the Habs was a disaster from go, getting the legs knocked out two straight at home to start the series. Three OT games, including the deciding game. The team was like a wild animal, caged and throwing itself against the bars. One little thing goes wrong and 2011 is yet another first round exit.

There's also the example of Rask demoralizing teams like the Penguins and the Canes. Goalies that are in the process of going nuts build their own cages - with bars made of chloroform.

They'll need good coaching to avoid all the potential failures we've all seen time and again, usually at the hands of the toilet seats. The past week had a couple eyebrow raisers, but Montgomery has been more than solid. They'll need that PP fixed in the next five weeks.

But this is the NHL playoffs. 18 skaters a side. Two goalies. Four stripes. Imperfect surface. Replays outsourced to Toronto. It's the sport where you can get beat by a middle aged zamboni driver. Weird shit happens all the time.

This is the best, most complete Bruins team I've seen, and I've seen my share over the years. Win or lose, and that's always a possibility with the NHL, this has been a ridiculously fun season of hockey so far.

 

[Thirty Seven]

I'm just here for the ride. So far it has been an enjoyable one and I'm happy with the additions made. This season has been entertaining and thats all I can ask for at this point.

 

[smithformeragent]

If it’s Tampa in Round 2, prepare for a rock fight.

 

[BMC]

Everybody has to be careful not to look too far ahead. Right now I just want to finish the regular season without any more injuries. If I had my way they'd forfeit the remaining games, they're meaningless now and let the team heal up for the playoffs.

 

[NeelyDan]

Everybody has to be careful not to look too far ahead. Right now I just want to finish the regular season without any more injuries. If I had my way they'd forfeit the remaining games, they're meaningless now and let the team heal up for the playoffs.

this, and I'll add - please please do NOT spend time thinking about who we'd face in rounds beyond the first - it's a horrifically bad thing to do, and every team in the east is capable of winning hockey games. Nobody can be underestimated.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

this, and I'll add - please please do NOT spend time thinking about who we'd face in rounds beyond the first - it's a horrifically bad thing to do, and every team in the east is capable of winning hockey games. Nobody can be underestimated.

I actually do think about it. A lot. I’ll even watch the other series and evaluate who I want to play. Because my thoughts have absolutely zero to do with the outcome or how the Bruins play.

 

[Babajingo]

The Bruins have not been the clear Cup favorite in 51 years (1971-1972) - contenders yes but not the team to beat.

Consider that on Friday night Dave Goucher was gushing about Vegas being the first team in the West to hit 80 points.

Winning the Presidents' Trophy guarantees NOTHING when the playoffs begin except if you don't lose a playoff game at home you win the Cup.

Watching the Toronto Sports Network on Friday I found it curious that they were saying the 2023 Maple Leafs could be the 2004 Red Sox and that thought scared me. IF the Leafs finally advance to Round 2 the monkey is off their backs but they also then have to then play the Bruins who they have not beaten in the playoffs since 1959.

That 1959 Game 7 loss to Toronto at Boston Garden would be the last playoff game the Bruins would play for 9 years and it also made the team change their gold home sweaters to black because of TV.



There is no denying the fact that 2023 is the Bruins Cup Window. THIS IS IT!!!!!!

Year	Winner	Points	Margin	Win #	Playoff Result
1985–86	Edmonton Oilers	119	9	1	Lost Division Finals (CGY)
1986–87	Edmonton Oilers	106	6	2	Won Stanley Cup
1987–88	Calgary Flames	105	2	1	Lost Division Finals (EDM)
1988–89	Calgary Flames	117	2	2	Won Stanley Cup
1989–90	Boston Bruins	101	2	1	Lost Stanley Cup Finals (EDM)
1990–91	Chicago Blackhawks	106	1	1	Lost Division Semifinals (MNS)
1991–92	New York Rangers	105	7	1	Lost Division Finals (PIT)
1992–93	Pittsburgh Penguins	119	10	1	Lost Division Finals (NYI)
1993–94	New York Rangers	112	6	2	Won Stanley Cup
1994–95	Detroit Red Wings	70	5	1	Lost Stanley Cup Finals (NJD)
1995–96	Detroit Red Wings	131	27	2	Lost Conference Finals (COL)
1996–97	Colorado Avalanche	107	3	1	Lost Conference Finals (DET)
1997–98	Dallas Stars	109	2	1	Lost Conference Finals (DET)
1998–99	Dallas Stars	114	9	2	Won Stanley Cup
1999–2000	St. Louis Blues	114	6	1	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (SJS)
2000–01	Colorado Avalanche	118	7	2	Won Stanley Cup
2001–02	Detroit Red Wings	116	15	3	Won Stanley Cup
2002–03	Ottawa Senators	113	2	1	Lost Conference Finals (NJD)
2003–04	Detroit Red Wings	109	3	4	Lost Conference Semifinals (CGY)
2004–05	The Presidents' Trophy was not awarded due to the lockout that canceled the entire season.
2005–06	Detroit Red Wings	124	11	5	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (EDM)
2006–07	Buffalo Sabres	113	0 (3 wins)	1	Lost Conference Finals (OTT)
2007–08	Detroit Red Wings	115	7	6	Won Stanley Cup
2008–09	San Jose Sharks	117	1	1	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (ANA)
2009–10	Washington Capitals	121	8	1	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (MTL)
2010–11	Vancouver Canucks	117	10	1	Lost Stanley Cup Finals (BOS)
2011–12	Vancouver Canucks	111	2	2	Lost Conference Quarterfinals (LAK)
2012–13	Chicago Blackhawks	77[	5	2	Won Stanley Cup
2013–14	Boston Bruins	117	1	2	Lost Second Round (MTL)
2014–15	New York Rangers	113	3	3	Lost Conference Finals (TBL)
2015–16	Washington Capitals	120	11	2	Lost Second Round (PIT)
2016–17	Washington Capitals	118	7	3	Lost Second Round (PIT)
2017–18	Nashville Predators	117	3	1	Lost Second Round (WPG)
2018–19	Tampa Bay Lightning	128	21	1	Lost First Round (CBJ)
2019–20	Boston Bruins	100	6	3	Lost Second Round (TBL)
2020–21	Colorado Avalanche	82	0 (5 regulation wins)	3	Lost Second Round (VGK)
2021–22	Florida Panthers	122	3	1	Lost Second Round (TBL)

I miss the Garden. Great place to watch a game (minus a few seats)

 

[Fenway]

If I am reading our HF Bruins community correctly we are all astonished by what the 2022-2023 Bruins have accomplished so far.

We have no clue on who the B's will meet in Round 1 but Ottawa concerns me......

 

[DominicT]

I was told all last offseason this team would finish 4th in their division and to watch out for Ottawa and Detroit because they were coming up fast, not just by experts but fans as well.

19 points up on 2nd place
24 points up on 3rd place
35 points up on 4th, 5th and 6th place

I've always said, predictions are for the weather reporters. Hockey is played on the ice not paper.

Been around far too long and seen too many things to say anything will happen for sure in this great game.

 

[quietbruinfan]

I have seen, much and in this loaded eastern conference do not "underestimate" anyone as NeelyDan says. Ottawa concerns me too. They are faster and more physical than us. Still, we should beat them in a long series. The four other contenders I see are Toronto, Carolina Devils and Rangers. All are excellent teams that present a speed -if not a skill-problem. Toronto, New York and Carolina all have ridiculous home ice advantages. Read into that what you want. Rooting for Tampa in round one let me tell you. Nj is interesting definitely good, fast and well coached their goaltending and to a degree their d is a question. They are flying under the radar tough and if they get through the Rangers, which I doubt, they will be dangerous.

 

[SPLBRUIN]

I have seen, much and in this loaded eastern conference do not "underestimate" anyone as NeelyDan says. Ottawa concerns me too. They are faster and more physical than us. Still, we should beat them in a long series. The four other contenders I see are Toronto, Carolina Devils and Rangers. All are excellent teams that present a speed -if not a skill-problem. Toronto, New York and Carolina all have ridiculous home ice advantages. Read into that what you want. Rooting for Tampa in round one let me tell you. Nj is interesting definitely good, fast and well coached their goaltending and to a degree their d is a question. They are flying under the radar tough and if they get through the Rangers, which I doubt, they will be dangerous.

With our recent additions the Sens are not more physical then us, furthermore their D is on the soft side. If we play them they will be fortunate to win even one game as the Bruins will actually be as motivated as they are unlike the regular season games. I still maintain that the only team in the East who concerns me a bit is Carolina and I still think we beat them in 6. Only injuries are going to derail this team.