Outright favorite for the Cup? Surely not. I don't know the actual odds, but Tampa and Washington have to be preferred with us in 3rd. Every team has weaknesses and uncertainties, and of course the NHL postseason is the toughest and most unpredictable there is, but I feel like the Bruins have 4 big question marks, regardless of what happens before the deadline:
- Fatigue. The biggest issue. The team has battled for energy since late November, and while the break helped, the group is understandably still feeling the effects of a very long 2019 postseason, and when they're flat, they're really flat, as just seen in Vancouver. Do the Bs really have it in them to last until June again and maintain the rage for over 2 months of intense hockey?
- Secondary scoring. Self-explanatory. Trades may help somewhat, but we'll have to wait and see.
- Age. Having 4 guys 30+ (ex. goalies) who are not just making up the numbers but absolutely integral to the Bruins' strength and chances, 2 of whom have known injury susceptibilities, carries some level of risk. Not a massive issue, but relevant.
- Chara. Related to the above. We have great defensive depth, but a soon-to-be 43 year-old still feels integral to the abilities of our back 6. He's remarkable and resilient and he's more likely than not to be just fine, but it's still something of a potential liability to have him on the top pair, both in terms of fitness and his ability to keep up during another stanza of playoff-level hockey.
You can raise question marks for the Bolts and Caps too, but I don't think they carry quite the same level of concern, and, with rosters otherwise at least the equal of ours, I think that gives them a right to slight favoritism over Boston.
I reckon we're a real chance. A genuine contender with a very strong, well-built lineup. With a little luck and a few things falling into place and going the Bs way absolutely they can make good on last year's disappointment. But I don't see us as favorites, as much as that word means anything in the modern NHL.
Edit: just thought of size, strength and 'fight' as another definite question mark. Do the Bruins have enough of these to take it up to the likes of Washington over the course of a series with reffing that is likely to let a lot more go than during the regular season?