Brewin Flames Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 Bruins season preview: Lindholm, Zadorov expected to fill needed roles Healthy Marchand, growth of Merkulov, Lysell, Lohrei also key for Boston's Cup hopes © Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images ByAmalie Benjamin @AmalieBenjamin NHL.com Staff Writer September 16, 2024 The 2024-25 NHL season starts Oct. 4. With training camps opening soon, NHL.com is taking a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today, the Boston Bruins. Coach: Jim Montgomery (third season) Last season: 47-20-15; second place in Atlantic Division, lost in Eastern Conference Second Round 3 KEYS 1. The new Bergeron The Bruins had considered bringing Elias Lindholm to Boston for two years before they finally got their prize on July 1, signing the 29-year-old to a seven-year contract. He’s looked at as a new version of franchise legend Patrice Bergeron, a defensively responsible top-line center who can play bumper on the power play and lengthen the team’s lineup. And there’s every reason to believe the signing will work out exactly as Bostons anticipates. But Lindholm is coming off a down 2023-24, when he dropped to 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks from 64 points (22 goals, 42 assists) with the Flames in 2022-23 and 82 points (42 points, 40 assists) for Calgary in 2021-22. If Lindholm can bounce back, with some stability and certainty in his new home, it will go a long way for the Bruins. 2. Goalie transition For the past two seasons, Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark have formed one of the NHL’s best goalie tandems. But Ullmark is gone, traded to the Ottawa Senators on June 24, allowing Swayman to assume the mantle of No. 1 goalie (but losing his close friend in the process). Assuming Swayman and Boston work out their contract stalemate, the 25-year-old seems ready after a star turn in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he got 12 straight starts and put up a 2.15 goals-against average and .933 save percentage to help lead the Bruins to Game 6 of the second round against the eventual champion Florida Panthers. During the regular season, Swayman went 25-10-8 with a 2.53 GAA, .916 save percentage and three shutouts in 44 games (43 starts). 3. Marchand's health Captain Brad Marchand made a surprise announcement at the team’s captain’s practice the first week of September: He had undergone three surgeries during the offseason, one on his elbow, for a torn tendon, one on his groin, to address a sports hernia, and one on his abdominal area, also for a sports hernia. Marchand said he was going to use the next two months to ramp up but that he would be surprised if he weren't ready for the start of the season. He didn’t seem overly worried, happy instead that he was able to address injuries that impacted him throughout last season and the playoffs. Marchand continues to be a crucial piece for Boston, especially with a question mark at the other wing on his line, so the speed with which he recuperates and gets ready for the season could be paramount. ROSTER RUNDOWN Making the cut The Bruins have a major void, and they’re hoping an internal candidate can fill it. With Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen each leaving for the Vancouver Canucks, there is no obvious name to plus into the second-line right wing spot. Boston is hoping a prospect like Fabian Lysell or Georgii Merkulov will fit alongside a likely pairing of Marchand and Charlie Coyle. Merkulov went scoreless in a four-game cameo with the Bruins last season, but the 23-year-old had 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) in 67 games with Providence of the American Hockey League. Lysell, 21, had 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) in 56 games with Providence. Most intriguing addition Lindholm was an easy call as a pickup for Boston, which clearly could have used another center last season. More surprising was Nikita Zadorov being added to a team that excelled on the defensive end last season. The Bruins tied for fifth in the NHL with 2.70 goals against per game, but felt they could use some snarl on defense. They got that in Zadorov, a heavy hitter who stands 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds and packs a wallop. “I’ve really enjoyed watching from afar, the player that he is and the career that he’s had,” defenseman Charlie McAvoy said. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to have him here and he makes our 'D' corps really, really whole. We’ve got a little bit of everything.” Zadorov had 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 75 games with the Flames and Canucks last season and added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 playoff games. Biggest potential surprise Goalie Joonas Korpisalo had a bit of a rough season with the Ottawa Senators last year, going 21-26-4 with a 3.27 GAA and .890 save percentage as the starter for a team that underperformed. And there’s no question that Korpisalo is likely to be a downgrade from Ullmark, for whom he was traded. But Korpisalo could be in line for a bounce-back season with Boston, which brings a strong defense to the table and much more support than he had in Ottawa. Plus, the Bruins aren’t relying on Korpisalo to be their starter -- that role goes to Swayman -- which should relieve some pressure. Ready to contribute Mason Lohrei had a bit of a coming-out party in the playoffs last season, wowing fans with his confidence and willingness to try anything. The 6-foot-5, 211-pound puck-moving defenseman comes in with the skills of a forward, having been one for most of his youth, and seems ready to make the jump to full-time NHL player. The 23-year-old played 41 games with Boston last season, with 13 points (four goals, nine assists), but it was his 11 games in the postseason, when he had four points (one goal, three assists) -- including a goal and two assists in six games against an aggressive Panthers forecheck -- that made folks take notice. Fantasy sleeper Korpisalo, G (average draft position: 182.7) – Though Swayman is expected to be the clear starter after Ullmark was traded, Korpisalo could emerge as one of the best backups in the NHL playing for the team with the most wins (112) and points (244) in the standings over the past two seasons combined. Korpisalo is coming off an NHL career high in wins (21) last season in a League career-high 55 games with the Senators. -- Pete Jensen PROJECTED LINEUP Pavel Zacha -- Elias Lindholm -- David Pastrnak Brad Marchand -- Charlie Coyle -- Fabian Lysell Trent Frederic -- Morgan Geekie -- Matthew Poitras Max Jones -- Johnny Beecher -- Justin Brazeau Nikita Zadorov -- Charlie McAvoy Hampus Lindholm -- Brandon Carlo Mason Lohrei -- Andrew Peeke Jeremy Swayman Joonas Korpisalo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBGordie Posted October 8 Share Posted October 8 I hate Montgomery's decision not to start Swayman in game 1 against the evil Panthers. They knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs two years in a row. This was an important game to win. Korpisalo is not up to it. Half a period and the shots on goal are 12-1 and the Panthers are winning 2-0. This game is going to be a bloodbath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewin Flames Posted October 9 Author Share Posted October 9 Game # 1 Bos 4 Fla 6 Bennett scores twice, Panthers open their title defense by getting past rival Bruins 6-4 ByAP Oct 9, 2024, 01:09 am SUNRISE, Fla. -- — Sam Bennett scored twice, Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues each had a goal and an assist, and the Florida Panthers opened defense of their Stanley Cup championship by topping the Boston Bruins 6-4 on Tuesday in the opener for both teams. Euto Luostarinen and Jonah Gadjovich also scored for Florida, while Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots. Florida raised its championship banner before the game. Pavel Zacha, Charlie McAvoy, Trent Frederic and David Pastrnak scored for Boston, which had won five consecutive openers. Florida is 4-1 in its last five openers. Takeaways Bruins: Boston went with Joonas Korpisalo in net instead of newly re-signed Jeremy Swayman, who got his eight-year, $66 million deal done Sunday. Korpisalo made 29 saves. When it was 5-1 midway through the second, Panthers fans serenaded the Bruins with chants of “We want Swayman.” Panthers: Florida dealt with some chippiness against Boston, which was ousted by the Panthers the last two postseasons. Much was directed at Matthew Tkachuk — he and the Bruins have plenty of history — but even officials weren't safe. Boston's Max Jones tried to slash Rodrigues, but hit linesman Devin Berg instead to earn a 2-minute unsportsmanlike penalty. Key moment There were two, with the Panthers scoring two quick goals on two occasions in the opening period. Bennett and Luostarinen scored 64 seconds apart for a 2-0 lead. After Boston scored, Reinhart and Bennett scored exactly 60 seconds apart to make it 4-1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewin Flames Posted October 9 Author Share Posted October 9 8 hours ago, RBGordie said: I hate Montgomery's decision not to start Swayman in game 1 against the evil Panthers. They knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs two years in a row. This was an important game to win. Korpisalo is not up to it. Half a period and the shots on goal are 12-1 and the Panthers are winning 2-0. This game is going to be a bloodbath. Swayman missing all of camp and pre-season, did not deserve the start.... First game, no worries yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewin Flames Posted Friday at 08:33 AM Author Share Posted Friday at 08:33 AM Game # 2 Bos 6 Habs 4 Swayman returns, Kastelic scores twice to lead Bruins to 6-4 win over Montreal BOSTON -- — Jeremy Swayman stopped 21 shots in his first game since signing a new contract, and Mark Kastelic had two goals on Thursday night as the Boston Bruins scored four times in a row to overcome an early deficit and beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-4. Elias Lindholm and Cole Koepke each had a goal and two assists for Boston, which lost 6-4 to the Florida Panthers in its season opener on Tuesday night. Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak also scored to help the Bruins open a 5-2 lead. Brendan Gallagher scored twice for Montreal, the second with four minutes left to make it a one-goal game. Kaiden Guhle had a goal and an assist and Cayden Primeau made 23 saves for the Canadiens, who beat Toronto 1-0 on Wednesday night in Montreal. Takeaways Canadiens: Opening the season with games on back-to-back nights, Montreal didn't have the energy to keep up with Boston. Bruins: After losing their opener in Florida with Joonas Korpisalo in net, a game they trailed 5-1 in the second period, Boston looked more at home with Swayman. The goalie remained unsigned this summer and missed all of training camp before agreeing to an eight-year, $66 million deal on Sunday. Key moment Montreal scored twice in the third period, cutting a three-goal deficit to 5-4 on Gallagher's goal with four minutes left. But Kastelic netted his second of the game just 17 seconds later. Key stat The Bruins outshot Montreal 23-11 in the first two periods but the Canadiens held a 14-6 edge in the third. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBGordie Posted Saturday at 06:40 PM Share Posted Saturday at 06:40 PM On 10/9/2024 at 1:43 AM, Brewin Flames said: Swayman missing all of camp and pre-season, did not deserve the start.... First game, no worries yet. He played plenty with a college team. He could have played. I just feel it was EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to prove they can beat the Panthers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBGordie Posted Saturday at 06:42 PM Share Posted Saturday at 06:42 PM Some things never change I guess. I was hoping the Bruins coach would change his tune about "shot mentality" this season. I guess not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewin Flames Posted Saturday at 09:15 PM Author Share Posted Saturday at 09:15 PM 2 hours ago, RBGordie said: He played plenty with a college team. He could have played. I just feel it was EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to prove they can beat the Panthers. Wrong, did not play game action, he practiced and it was limited... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewin Flames Posted Saturday at 09:17 PM Author Share Posted Saturday at 09:17 PM Game # 3 Bos 2 LA 1 OT Pastrnak scores in overtime as the Bruins beat the Kings 2-1 ByAP Oct 12, 2024, 04:06 pm BOSTON -- — David Pastrnak scored 3:07 into overtime, and the Boston Bruins beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Saturday. It was Pastrnak's third goal in Boston's first three games. He had 47 goals in 82 games for the Bruins last season. Elias Lindholm also scored for Boston, and Jeremy Swayman had 33 saves. It was Los Angeles' first loss of the season. The Kings opened with a 3-1 victory at Buffalo on Thursday. Trevor Moore put LA in front when he scored 5:22 into the second. But Lindholm tied it at 1 with 3:10 left in the period. Darcy Kuemper made 23 stops for the Kings. Takeaways Kings: Anze Kopitar was held off the scoresheet. He scored three times in the third period of the win against the Sabres. Bruins: The Bruins have allowed the first goal in each of their first three games. They are 2-1-0. Key moment Mason Lohrei and Matthew Poitras each got an assist on Pastrnak’s goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewin Flames Posted Monday at 09:05 PM Author Share Posted Monday at 09:05 PM Game # 4 Bos 3 Fla 4 Reinhart and Lundell each score twice and Panthers beat Bruins 4-3 ByAP Oct 14, 2024, 03:50 pm BOSTON -- — Sam Reinhart scored on a power play and added a short-handed goal that gave the Florida Panthers the lead for good in the second period on Monday and the defending Stanley Cup champions beat the Boston Bruins 4-3. Anton Lundell also scored twice and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 25 shots for Florida, which has eliminated Boston from the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Mason Lohrei and Johnny Beecher each had a goal and an assist for the Bruins, and Mark Kastelic had three assists. Jeremy Swyaman, making his third straight start after missing the opener following a contract holdout, made 22 saves in his first loss of the season. Takeaways Florida looked strong, even without captain Aleksandr Barkov, who is week to week with an unspecified injury, and forward Matthew Tkachuk, who missed his second straight game because of an illness. Giveaways cost the Bruins, with Reinhart stealing the puck at the Boston blue line and skating in for a two on one that gave the Panthers a 3-2 lead. Key moment About three minutes after Reinhart’s second goal, Lundell scored his second off another Bruins turnover near the Boston blue line. Gustav Forsling took the puck away from Boston’s Morgan Geekie and shot it ahead to Lundell, who skated in and beat Swayman on the stick side to make it 4-2. Key stat Reinhart's first-period power play goal came off the faceoff that followed Charlie McAvoy's cross-checking penalty, just 6 seconds into the man advantage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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