Boston Bruins Resetting Expectations & Defining Success
- Thread starter smithformeragent
- Start date
- Nov 2, 2012
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This is such a loaded question because of the use of the word " successful"
any year should be judge by one standard - did the Bs win a Cup...anything else is less than " successful" ..and yes that means the Bs history is replete with non - successful seasons ...but the Cup is the standard I use
that said- an acceptable outcome would be if the Bs won a round ...after last year's all-in push and the off season predictions of fighting for a playoff wild card this team is currently exceeding all objective expectations....winning a round would make this a season that exceeded expectations
any year should be judge by one standard - did the Bs win a Cup...anything else is less than " successful" ..and yes that means the Bs history is replete with non - successful seasons ...but the Cup is the standard I use
that said- an acceptable outcome would be if the Bs won a round ...after last year's all-in push and the off season predictions of fighting for a playoff wild card this team is currently exceeding all objective expectations....winning a round would make this a season that exceeded expectations
BruinDust
Registered User
- Aug 2, 2005
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Win two rounds. It's a flawed team but if they can somehow survive the buzz-saw that is Rounds 1 and 2 maybe they can capitalize on the pace slowing down in the 3rd round and beyond. But at the same time, if this team can make the 3rd round then anything after that is gravy because it's a team with some significant holes and I'm not hopeful it can be fixed by the deadline. Really if they can win 2 rounds that should give them something positive to build on there would be no shame in this particular team losing to a strong contender in the East finals.
I think seeing how weak a lot of the east is, not winning at least one round would be a disappointment to me. Whether they end up finishing 1st or 2nd in the division, they should beat any of the team they could potentially play. Especially if they go out and make some additions to sure up the depth.
TCB
Registered User
Considering everything I’ll take at least a round win. I had very low expectations going into this season.
smithformeragent
Moderator
smithformeragent
Moderator
Win a round and I’m happy. I was figuring this was going to be a wild card bridge year anyway so they’ve exceeded my expectations so far
Absurdity
light switch connoisseur
- Jul 6, 2012
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I'm going to say to get the younger guys on the roster some playoff experience which means bringing up players like Beecher, Lysell, and Lohrei. It's important because these players could be main-stays on the roster next season, so it would be good to get their feet wet this year.
Healthy Wrap
Registered User
I voted “Win a playoff round”
I don’t think this team is as good as its early regular season successes would suggest. But I also don’t think this recent skid is some indication that they’re going to get embarrassed in the first round or miss the postseason entirely.
If they can get solid goaltending, I see no reason why they can’t win at least one round, which would be nice to see considering they haven’t done that since 2021.
Given where they’re currently at in the standings, merely making the playoffs can’t be considered a success. I think it’s a given that they’ll get in, barring some sort of epic collapse. At the same time, there are too many holes on this roster to expect a deep run.
I don’t think this team is as good as its early regular season successes would suggest. But I also don’t think this recent skid is some indication that they’re going to get embarrassed in the first round or miss the postseason entirely.
If they can get solid goaltending, I see no reason why they can’t win at least one round, which would be nice to see considering they haven’t done that since 2021.
Given where they’re currently at in the standings, merely making the playoffs can’t be considered a success. I think it’s a given that they’ll get in, barring some sort of epic collapse. At the same time, there are too many holes on this roster to expect a deep run.
Regardless of how this season has gone and will end, it was always a Cap reset year. The B's are somehow making it interesting with less high end talent than some of their direct competition. Between off loading expiring contracts, trading redundant pieces, and 26M+ in cap room, they should be able to add 2 great pieces and still infuse the team with youth.
JMHO
JMHO
I will admit, I would rather watch Lohrei out there making some plays and making rookie mistakes over watching the current version of Gryz who is just a shadow of the player he was in the past. Might as well give Lysell a look, I'm not convinced he can stick, but let's see
Going into the season that was a retool year I was hoping we could see if:
They could make the playoffs as more than obvious first round fodder. Check. They might get knocked out, but they will be a favorite going in.
See if Pasta could do it alone. Check.
If the goalies were not a fluke. Check.
See if Zacha could be a top six C. Check minus. Yes, but not resounding.
Break some kids into the lineup. Check minus. Poitras was a pleasant surprise and drives a lot of success here, Merkulov and Lysell have done well in the A, but not getting worked at the NHL level. Lorhei, Beecher have gotten their feet wet but have not broken in. Lauko has broken in, but has been disappointing in production unless he was pulled up to the third line. Would like to see more on this front.
They could make the playoffs as more than obvious first round fodder. Check. They might get knocked out, but they will be a favorite going in.
See if Pasta could do it alone. Check.
If the goalies were not a fluke. Check.
See if Zacha could be a top six C. Check minus. Yes, but not resounding.
Break some kids into the lineup. Check minus. Poitras was a pleasant surprise and drives a lot of success here, Merkulov and Lysell have done well in the A, but not getting worked at the NHL level. Lorhei, Beecher have gotten their feet wet but have not broken in. Lauko has broken in, but has been disappointing in production unless he was pulled up to the third line. Would like to see more on this front.
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goldnblack
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- Jun 24, 2020
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zaYG
Nerevarine
I chose make the ECF, but I really mean beat any team in the playoffs that isn’t the Panthers.
They’ve already exceeded expectations but the east is weak and they should be capable of beating any team that isn’t Florida (capable, not guaranteed). They’ll get shelled by the Panthers undoubtedly and I don’t have my hopes up for beating them or some of the teams in the west in a series so anything more would be a huge surprise.
They’ve already exceeded expectations but the east is weak and they should be capable of beating any team that isn’t Florida (capable, not guaranteed). They’ll get shelled by the Panthers undoubtedly and I don’t have my hopes up for beating them or some of the teams in the west in a series so anything more would be a huge surprise.
Jorah Marshmont
Long may he reign
- May 10, 2012
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It was a re-tool year in August, it’s still a re-tool year now. Give Detroit the lowest possible first you can and make the playoffs without giving up assets for rentals. Winning a round would be extra
McGarnagle
Yes.
- Aug 5, 2017
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Going into the year, considering all the losses they had to the roster and the cap situation and lack of prospects, I thought we'd be a 3/4 seed, win a round at best
That's kind of what they're staring at now, but after the start they had and leading the league from October to February, the word "successful" is not what I'm feeling from the last few weeks. At this point, win a couple rounds and go to the ECF against a team like the Rangers, I'd take. If they continue their slide and lose to Toronto in a quiet 5, it's absolutely a failed season.
The reason I was low on the team coming into the year was obviously the lack of depth at center and bottom 6, but the reason we're in the skid we are isn't the Steens and Boqvists and Wotherspoons. We've lost about 12 OT games with Pasta, Marchand, and McAvoy on the ice. They had a full 2 minute 4-on-3 with those guys and sat around scratching their nuts, and LA scores immediately after the penalty. We're being let down from the top more than the bottom,and that's unacceptable to me and why I wouldn't consider anything a success if they're going to keep playing like this.
That's kind of what they're staring at now, but after the start they had and leading the league from October to February, the word "successful" is not what I'm feeling from the last few weeks. At this point, win a couple rounds and go to the ECF against a team like the Rangers, I'd take. If they continue their slide and lose to Toronto in a quiet 5, it's absolutely a failed season.
The reason I was low on the team coming into the year was obviously the lack of depth at center and bottom 6, but the reason we're in the skid we are isn't the Steens and Boqvists and Wotherspoons. We've lost about 12 OT games with Pasta, Marchand, and McAvoy on the ice. They had a full 2 minute 4-on-3 with those guys and sat around scratching their nuts, and LA scores immediately after the penalty. We're being let down from the top more than the bottom,and that's unacceptable to me and why I wouldn't consider anything a success if they're going to keep playing like this.
Fenian24
Registered User
- Jun 14, 2010
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The goal at the start of every season should be to win the cup unless you are in full rebuild mode to win in a few years. They opted to not rebuild just be mediocre.
BruinDust
Registered User
- Aug 2, 2005
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Is this year's team better or worse than 2018?
Because I didn't take any real satisfaction by winning a round and losing to TB in Round 2 that year. I felt they could of at least gotten to the Final 4.
Because I didn't take any real satisfaction by winning a round and losing to TB in Round 2 that year. I felt they could of at least gotten to the Final 4.
22Brad Park
Registered User
22Brad Park
Registered User
Well they had cap issues with a huge hole at centre.Teams are not lining up to hand you top 6 centres as you well know. They tried to get Lindholm but wanted an extension which is smart but that never worked out.They are close to top of standings for yrs so it's hard to find it in draft .You strike gold sometimes but not this time.Anyhow they have holes for sure and we will just have to hope they can fix them as we move forward.
TP70BruinsCup
Let’s Go Bruins👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I voted win the Cup. That has to be the expectation as I’m sure in the end it is for everyone here. That being said and with this team I’d be over the moon if they get to the conference finals. However unless there are major moves, they will be hard pressed to win a round. Hope I’m wrong but the lack of toughness (which is absolutely pathetic we continue year after year to talk about this!)….and more scoring (just like the lack of toughness….again!!!) will make it tough to advance again this year. Florida is the benchmark in the east IMO.
UncleRico
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- May 8, 2017
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Conference finals appearance.
This is year 9 of Sweeney’s tenure. Not sure how many more years of first or second round losses he can withstand and still be GM. Couple more years and he will be the 2nd longest tenured bruins GM without a cup.
They scapegoated Cassidy and it blew up in their faces. They need post season results.
This is year 9 of Sweeney’s tenure. Not sure how many more years of first or second round losses he can withstand and still be GM. Couple more years and he will be the 2nd longest tenured bruins GM without a cup.
They scapegoated Cassidy and it blew up in their faces. They need post season results.
