January 14th
Sabres ML (+115), 2 units
Bruins ML (-180), 2 units
I don't like taking big favorites too often for obvious reasons. I am willing to take the Bruins tonight. I hear people disagreeing with Vegas in terms of how good Boston will be this year. I feel like Vegas has this one right. It is true that Boston's depth isn't proven. But I see a lot of things to like about this team. The goaltending will be good again. I know Pastrnak will be out until the beginning of next month, but I think Studnicka will do just fine playing alongside Bergeron and Marchand in the interim. Boston added Craig Smith who gets a lot of pucks on net and should form a nice 1-2 combo with Coyle on the third line. I expect Kase to look much better playing next to Krecji on the second line now that he has had some time to get comfortable in the Bruins system. People's biggest concern other then depth is their D core. Torey Krug was an elite D man on the power play and it will be hard to replicate his production. However, I think Grzelcyk can do some of the same things Krug did. And I expect McAvoy to finally get an opportunity to show off some more of his offensive game and become a bigger contributor in that area. McAvoy is a very good defenseman and will elevate Lauzon similar to how Chara elevated McAvoy in his early days. Carlo has become a shutdown defenseman and will be paired up with Grzelcyk who is taking Krug's spot on the second D pair. And having Kevan Miller back as a physical shutdown D man on the third pair is exactly what the Bruins need since they will be looking to incorporate another young player to his left.
I am not predicting the Bruins to win a Stanley Cup or win the President's trophy. But they did win the President's trophy last year and aren't exactly devoid of talent. They are very well coached and have some guys in that locker room who will be listening to the national media and carrying a chip on their shoulder based on how people are downplaying their overall talent. I won't be doing big write-ups like this about every team. But I have heard a couple national hockey people question how good Boston is and I find some of it to be unfair or without merit. Also, Krecji and Rask are in contract years. The Bruins are going to need good years from those two and I think they will have some extra motivation as upcoming free agents often do in sports. I know Chara is gone. They will miss him killing penalties and providing a physical presence especially early on in the season. With that being said, they have had young left shot defenseman who haven't been able to crack the lineup. At some point, you have to let the kids play and see what you have. Plus the Bruins have really good leadership in the locker room with guys who have been in the organization for a long time. Chara was a great leader, but Bergeron, Marchand and others will step in seamlessly in that role.
I hope that wasn't too much info for anyone who read that lol. I still have to go through the later games tonight, once I do I will post if there is anything else I like. GL!
