Paddington
Registered User
Does a 48-50 game schedule help or hinder the Bruins' chances of winning the Stanley Cup?
Here are some factors that I have been bouncing around in my head. Since most of my friends are Leafs fans, I'd like to get a Bruin-centric opinion.
Is the Bruins physical style better suited for an abbreviated season? On the surface I thought this was a no-brained. Of course it is. But, less games means each game is that much more intense. Will they wear out come playoff time with the raised intensity in the regular season? Personally, I think they should be ok because they roll 4 lines more than most teams.
Then, you have Tuukka Rask. The knock that many have on him is his durability. IF there is a legitimate reason for concern we shouldn't have to worry this season right? Well, take into account that he has played in Europe so that has to be taken into consideration. Should we be concerned about his durability or is that just an unfounded stigma?
Dougie Hamilton had an extra 4-5 months to work on his game in Niagara so that should be a plus but how will he react to a completely different pace in such a short time? Because he has played so much will he still hit the dreaded rookie wall? I don't think he will just because I don't think he'll play enough to wear down.
Most of Boston's key players played in Europe during the lockout so would we even consider this a shortened season for them? If not, does this raise concern that they may be more worn down than other teams come playoff time? Admittedly, I don't know how many players from other teams went over.
Like I said, I've been wrestling with some of these questions today and I'd love to hear your opinions.
Cheers.
Here are some factors that I have been bouncing around in my head. Since most of my friends are Leafs fans, I'd like to get a Bruin-centric opinion.
Is the Bruins physical style better suited for an abbreviated season? On the surface I thought this was a no-brained. Of course it is. But, less games means each game is that much more intense. Will they wear out come playoff time with the raised intensity in the regular season? Personally, I think they should be ok because they roll 4 lines more than most teams.
Then, you have Tuukka Rask. The knock that many have on him is his durability. IF there is a legitimate reason for concern we shouldn't have to worry this season right? Well, take into account that he has played in Europe so that has to be taken into consideration. Should we be concerned about his durability or is that just an unfounded stigma?
Dougie Hamilton had an extra 4-5 months to work on his game in Niagara so that should be a plus but how will he react to a completely different pace in such a short time? Because he has played so much will he still hit the dreaded rookie wall? I don't think he will just because I don't think he'll play enough to wear down.
Most of Boston's key players played in Europe during the lockout so would we even consider this a shortened season for them? If not, does this raise concern that they may be more worn down than other teams come playoff time? Admittedly, I don't know how many players from other teams went over.
Like I said, I've been wrestling with some of these questions today and I'd love to hear your opinions.
Cheers.