The Boston Bruins had a record-setting season in 2022-23, nevertheless it ended abruptly when the Florida Panthers defeated the Black and Gold within the first spherical of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Following the postseason upset, the Bruins have been the topic of unfavorable expectations coming into the 2023-24 season. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci introduced retirement over the summer time, together with a mass exodus of commerce deadline expertise Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitri Orlov and Garnet Hathaway on account of wage cap restraints.
Common supervisor Don Sweeney labored his magic to construct the roster with gamers like James van Riemsdyk, Morgan Geekie and Kevin Shattenkirk, who complemented the present core of Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Charlie Coyle and Hampus Lindholm.
The Bruins exceeded expectations by clinching a Stanley Cup Playoff berth for the eighth consecutive season. It’s the first of many objectives the B’s set for themselves — incomes one of many 16 playoff spots.
Story continues beneath commercial
“We did an incredible job of carrying out that first purpose,” Marchand instructed reporters on Friday, per team-provided video. “Now, eight video games left, we have to proceed to climb and fine-tune our recreation in order that we’re ready come playoff time.”
Marchand added the gamers ought to be happy with what they completed within the regular-season up to now, however merely making a postseason look won’t be ok for the Bruins captain.
“I believe we must be happy with that first step,” he stated. “We got here collectively rather well. This yr, we battled via a number of adversity, a number of adjustments in our lineup. We’ve to be happy with that reality, however we will’t get complacent.
“That’s not what we got down to do. Begin of the yr, that’s a part of the purpose, it’s not the entire purpose. There’s nonetheless loads we have to accomplish this yr and that’s one step of the best way. So, positively completely happy about it. We received the place we wanted to be and now it’s about getting additional.”
Story continues beneath commercial
Extra Bruins
Despite the fact that their ticket has been punched, Marchand stated the Bruins nonetheless have loads of work to do within the remaining eight regular-season video games.
“(We’ve) a giant job to do earlier than (beginning the playoffs) to type of end out the seeding,” he stated. “It’s an incredible alternative forward of us to arrange for the dance.”
The Bruins’ total file is 42-17-15. With 99 factors, Boston holds a two-point lead over the Panthers within the Atlantic Division as of Friday night time, however the Black and Gold have struggled as of late shedding three of its final 5 video games.
“We thrive once we play a sure approach,” Marchand stated. “And once we get away from that, we’re a group that may be overwhelmed.”
Story continues beneath commercial
Marchand added: “I believe the following eight video games are our largest problem and what we have to fine-tune is be certain that we put that recreation on the ice each single night time. No matter how drained we’re, the journey or who we’re taking part in. It’s about getting ready the identical approach every night time.”
The Bruins proceed their six-game street journey on Saturday night time after they tackle the Washington Capitals. The Capitals maintain the second-wild-card spot within the East, trailing the Philadelphia Flyers by one level within the Metropolitan Division.
Marchand is aware of groups just like the Capitals will carry their finest recreation despite the fact that their playoff place shouldn’t be set. The Bruins captain stated the Bruins must be prepared.
“Come playoff time, you possibly can’t simply flip a swap and also you’d be prepared. There’s a number of groups which are preventing for his or her lives proper now and taking part in rather well,” Marchand stated. “When you don’t have that very same mindset, you’re gonna get caught off guard a few instances. So it’s about ensuring that every day you come ready to play and don’t get complacent.”
Story continues beneath commercial
Puck drop for the Bruins-Capitals contest from Capital One Area is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and also you can watch the sport, following an hour of pregame protection, on NESN.