The lineup is so many levels of win.. I would go out there and say its better than '11.
Plus, if people are getting their panties in a bunch about what looks like a Kelly demotion... that line of Kelly, Campbell, and Paille would likely get more ice time than the Horton line.
Plus, it saves Seguin, Bergeron, and Marchand from top checking roles.
I think it's better than in 2011 too MW.
Not only is it deeper, but if everyone is healthy that lineup is easily one of the most deepest teams in the NHL. The key for me is all on Rask this year going into the playoffs. If he can get going and bring the consistency that he is capable of bringing, it will be tough for teams to beat the Bruins with their depth this year.
If we see Chara being dominant again and Rask playing to the elite level he is capable of playing, I think the B's have without a doubt the best chance than any other team to bring the cup back. That third line is pretty damn good, could be a second line on some teams, same could be same for that fourth line, that could also be considered a third line for most teams.
This team has it all, as long as they wake up and play to the capability that they are able to play at, we're gonna be in for a long ride. So many variables though.
How will Lucic play, will he return to the Looch we saw 3-4 years ago in the playoffs or continue to slump? Marchand also needs to step it up in the playoffs this year, I think that whole line will step it up though as long as Bergeron is healthy.
How big of an impact will Soderberg have this year?
Will Chara and the D shore up the breakdowns in their own zone/ neutral zone turnovers? This has been an ongoing problem for us this whole year, the D looks dumbfounded and it ends up biting us in the ass most of the time. We have to play our solid and consistent D against teams like Pittsburgh and Montreal for us to have the best chance this year.
Going back to what I said earlier, Rask is the key this year. He has the capability of playing at an elite level, we have all seen it through the years. Now, can he step it up and be a difference maker in more than 1 playoff series this year? Who knows..?