Khan is doing a series on the opposition the Wings will face more frequently with the new alignment.
Boston is the first entry.
http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/07/scouting_the_red_wings_new_eas.html
Boston is the first entry.
http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/07/scouting_the_red_wings_new_eas.html
2013 leaders: goals (Brad Marchand, 18), assists (David Krejci, 23), points (Marchand, 36), plus-minus (Patrice Bergeron, plus-24), penalty minutes (Milan Lucic, 75).
No. 1 goaltender: Tuukka Rask (19-10-5, 2.00 GAA, .929 save percentage, five shutouts).
2013 rankings: goals (13th, 2.65 per game), goals against (third, 2.21), power play (26th, 14.8 percent), penalty killing (fourth, 87.1 percent).
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Bruins' strengths: They have a good mix of skill, size and toughness and can be difficult to play against. At age 36, 6-foot-9 Zdeno Chara remains a dominant anchor on a blue line with a solid top four that includes Dennis Seidenberg, Johnny Boychuk and Dougie Hamilton
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The Bruins are strong up the middle with Patrice Bergeron -- one of the better two-way players in the league -- as well as David Krejci -- their leading playoff scorer -- Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell. Loui Eriksson was a consistent 25-to-30 goal scorer and 70-point producer in Dallas. Jarome Iginla will provide scoring, abrasiveness and leadership. Small but irritating Brad Marchand led the team in goals and points.
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Bruins' weaknesses: Scoring was an issue at times last season, in large part because their power play was among the worst in the league. It would help if Lucic regained his 30-goal, 60-point form of 2010-11. The No. 5 and 6 defense spots are suspect. Backup goalie Chad Johnson has appeared in only 10 games over four seasons.