(Photo Credit: John Russell - Getty Images)
The Big Bad Bruins.
An epitaph representing the franchises' identity for over a half-century.
Spanning the days of Bobby Orr, Terry O'Reilly, Cam Neely, Zdeno Chara, and others - Boston's style of play has been one of skill, toughness, and physical-imposition.
Gradually, however, the NHL has changed - and the Bruins along with it.
The league is younger, faster, and more skilled than ever before.
Initially, in the wake of this evolution, many GMs placed an increased emphasis on talent, and speed when constructing rosters - less on size and physicality.
Don Sweeney, among them.
It's not that Boston didn't value the blue-collar aspect of the game - it just wasn't at the forefront of their roster priorities.
But now, that's changed.
Despite much regular-season success, the Bruins have failed to advance past the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since their Finals run in 2019.
That year, marked the beginning of a six-year trend, that would see Boston's season end at the hands of a bigger, tougher, and more physical opponent.
2019 - St. Louis Blues (SCF)
2020- Tampa Bay Lightning (ECSF)
2021- New York Islanders (ECSF)
2022- Carolina Hurricanes (ECQF)
2023- Florida Panthers (ECQF)
2024- Florida Panthers (ECSF)
Now, to be totally fair - the Bruins, additionally, possessed less talent than their opponent in 2020, and 2024.
But, still, the fact remains - they lacked the size, and physicality required to win the war of attrition.
Well, at least they did.
That was until this offseason.
The Bruins, finally, acted upon a learned lesson - Regardless of how much skill and speed they possess, it won't translate into championship success without an abundance of toughness to match.
Boston realized, it's not simply good enough to not be pushed around - they have to do the pushing.
Following a handful of offseason additions, some of them key, the Bruins now enter the 2024-2025 season as the heaviest team in the NHL.
Now, no, size and toughness weren't exactly the reasons for acquiring Elias Lindholm to be their No. 1 center.
But beyond his addition, those traits were most certainly sought after by the front office.
Let's take a closer look at Boston's SIZABLE additions.
Nikita Zadorov (LD), 6'6", 248 lbs
Mark Kastelic (C), 6'4", 226 lbs
Max Jones (LW), 6'3", 216 lbs
Riley Tufte (LW), 6'6", 230 lbs
Add to these newcomers, players who will be spending their 1st full season in Boston.
Mason Lohrei (LD), 6'5", 211 lbs
Justin Brazeau (RW), 6'5", 220 lbs
Andrew Peeke (RD), 6'3", 214 lbs
All of these skaters will join up with a Bruins' core that has already established a physical presence of their own with individuals like Charlie McAvoy, and Trent Frederic leading the way.
Charlie McAvoy (RD), 6'1", 209 lbs
Trent Frederic (C/LW), 6'3", 220 lbs
So, now, this begs the question.
Will the Big Bad Bruins return in 2024-2025?
It remains to be seen, and yes, the league has changed - but one thing is for sure.
Boston enters next season as big, and bad as any team.
Can’t wait for next season!!!