The Boston Bruins, as they do every year, are dedicated to making a real push for the Stanley Cup in 2024-25.
However, the NHL playoff structure (ridiculously) requires the Bruins to first compete in the Atlantic Division before representing the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. That, of course, hasn’t worked out lately, as Boston has repeatedly seen its title hopes dashed early in the playoffs, having failed to reach the conference finals since 2019.
However, after the Bruins spent heavily this summer and added significant depth to their lineup, their opponents see them not only as a threat, but also as the division’s dominant force this season.
As George Richards of Florida Hockey Now writes,
“Boston spent most of last season in first place in the Atlantic before allowing Florida to win the division in the final days to avoid facing Tampa Bay in the first round.” With all of the changes in the division, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bruins took charge early and never looked back.”
The Florida Panthers have been a thorn in the Bruins’ side, sending them packing in each of the last two seasons. However, despite reaching the summit and winning the Stanley Cup, salary cap constraints prompted the Panthers to let go of key pieces of their roster this offseason.
While they kept top contributor Sam Reinhart, Florida was forced to let players like Brandon Montour, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Ryan Lomberg leave.
In contrast, the Bruins were among the most active clubs this summer, spending a franchise-record $92 million in free agency. That reality has only added to the anticipation that the Bruins will finish near the top of the division. At the same time, it indicates that no one is overlooking them.
“By now, Boston Bruins opponents should have learned not to underestimate their survival skills,” argues long-time Detroit Red Wings writer Kevin Allen. “They were projected to take a step back in 2023-24 and finished sixth in the NHL in total points. From their Atlantic rivals’ standpoint, the Bruins remain a danger to win the Atlantic Division and compete for the Stanley Cup. Their tradition is to remain competitive, regardless of their circumstances.
The Boston Bruins have made significant moves to address their roster needs, focusing on both skill and size, which will make them tougher opponents. Key acquisitions like Hampus Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov have bolstered their lineup, enhancing both their defensive capabilities and physical presence on the ice.
However, division rivals like the Buffalo Sabres are banking on the Bruins’ remaining vulnerabilities to potentially hinder their success. Jason Moser of Buffalo Hockey Now points out that while the Bruins’ additions are notable, the decision to break up their goaltending tandem could leave them exposed if their goaltending depth is tested during the season. The Sabres and other rivals hope these weaknesses might be enough to derail the Bruins’ efforts as the season progresses.
Despite the Buffalo Sabres’ prolonged playoff drought and the Montreal Canadiens being in a rebuilding phase, these teams remain significant to the Boston Bruins, just as much as the top contenders in their division.
Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now highlights the enduring nature of the rivalry between the Canadiens and the Bruins. While Montreal is rebuilding and Boston is chasing another championship, the intensity of their matchups remains unaffected by their respective positions in the standings. The discrepancy in talent does not diminish the rivalry; both teams consistently bring maximum effort when facing each other, making every game fiercely competitive. This undying rivalry underscores the deep-rooted competitive spirit that defines their encounters, regardless of their current circumstances.
The Boston Bruins’ rivalries within the Atlantic Division have become increasingly intense in recent years. Their frequent playoff clashes with the Toronto Maple Leafs, classic Original Six battles with the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings, and ongoing competitions with the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have solidified a fierce competitive landscape within the division.
As the new season approaches, many observers consider the Atlantic Division as the Bruins’ to win, which also means it’s theirs to lose. The pressure is on Boston to capitalize on their strengthened roster and assert dominance, while their rivals eagerly watch for any signs of weakness to exploit.
