2022-2023 Boston Bruins Season

[Phantom255x]

The 2 Florida teams (Miami Heat and Florida Panthers) took down the #1 seeds in the NBA and NHL first round. That's crazy.

But yeah, even after sleeping through it, I can't feel any optimism about anything from the Bruins. All that effort and success, gone to waste in just two weeks. No silver linings at all. At this point I don't even care what they do with the roster. I'd be fine if Bergeron and Krejci officially called it a career and we sort of decide to rebuild with a newer, younger core. This one's over.

[kraidstar]

In general the Bruins were awful in their own end. The goalie and defensemen are the easiest targets for criticism. McAvoy looked like ge was playing for Florida half the time, and Ullmark was a sieve.

With that being said, our forwards and centers are equally to blame. The downside to having a bunch of all-star lines is that these guys get used to skating downhill and racking up oodles of goals.

They forget what it's like to be challenged, to get jammed by the forecheck and stonewalled at the blue line. These guys weren't used to adversity and physical play, and they couldn't practice fundamentals under pressure.

They're not dirt dogs who love to grind and scrap. For all his pretty plays,  Pastranak is a detriment to the team on 50% of the playing surface. Bergeron disappears, and has led this team to far too many disappointing results. Same with Marchand. Where is the defensive fire when we need it? Hall is either a highlight reel or a lowlight reel. Just too many guys who disappear when things get tight.

We need scrappers. We need 2-way players that are worth rooting for. We need an owner who will hire personnel who understand winning titles.

Thank You for the analysis.

So are you saying that the Bruins were essentially a paper tiger ?
Or did the regular season become a victory parade on cruise control due to their talent and when they had to put their game on the line under pressure again then, 1) they weren't used to having to work hard and fight for games and 2) they played nervous the entire series trying to match all the expectations ? Never saw a good team give the puck away like they did this series..

Then again, how do we explain the meltdown after taking games 3 & 4 on the road ?
The coaches didn't stay with the guys who won those two games and tried to force injured players back too soon ?

Pretty much.


I think regular season hockey spoiled them. It was like one big all-star game for the Bruins.

They were shell-shocked when the energy and physicality ramped up. Suddenly the pretty, perfect offense became impossible, the Panthers were out for blood, and the Bruins panicked and shriveled.

Their own talent came back to bite them. Not enough of those "little brother" dirt dogs who have had to fight for every inch their whole life and don't get spooked when they're backed into a corner.

And I think the overall meltdown happened because they're not used to having opponents fight back.

The NHL really needs to do something to make the regular season relevant. It hurts the sport in so many ways. People gripe about the NBA, but I'd argue hockey is far worse.

Edit: we also just need players who can handle pressure in their own zone.  We have too many offensive oriented guys who don't take care of the fundamentals at that end.

[Kuberski33]

I watched the NESN broadcast. At some point they went to the rink side guy (I think it was Andrew Raycroft) and he gushed about what a great game McAvoy was having. And I'm like what game are you actually watching?

[Kuberski33]

In general the Bruins were awful in their own end. The goalie and defensemen are the easiest targets for criticism. McAvoy looked like ge was playing for Florida half the time, and Ullmark was a sieve.

With that being said, our forwards and centers are equally to blame. The downside to having a bunch of all-star lines is that these guys get used to skating downhill and racking up oodles of goals.

They forget what it's like to be challenged, to get jammed by the forecheck and stonewalled at the blue line. These guys weren't used to adversity and physical play, and they couldn't practice fundamentals under pressure.

They're not dirt dogs who love to grind and scrap. For all his pretty plays,  Pastranak is a detriment to the team on 50% of the playing surface. Bergeron disappears, and has led this team to far too many disappointing results. Same with Marchand. Where is the defensive fire when we need it? Hall is either a highlight reel or a lowlight reel. Just too many guys who disappear when things get tight.

We need scrappers. We need 2-way players that are worth rooting for. We need an owner who will hire personnel who understand winning titles.

Thank You for the analysis.

So are you saying that the Bruins were essentially a paper tiger ?
Or did the regular season become a victory parade on cruise control due to their talent and when they had to put their game on the line under pressure again then, 1) they weren't used to having to work hard and fight for games and 2) they played nervous the entire series trying to match all the expectations ? Never saw a good team give the puck away like they did this series..

Then again, how do we explain the meltdown after taking games 3 & 4 on the road ?
The coaches didn't stay with the guys who won those two games and tried to force injured players back too soon ?

Pretty much.


I think regular season hockey spoiled them. It was like one big all-star game for the Bruins.

They were shell-shocked when the energy and physicality ramped up. Suddenly the pretty, perfect offense became impossible, the Panthers were out for blood, and the Bruins panicked and shriveled.

Their own talent came back to bite them. Not enough of those "little brother" dirt dogs who have had to fight for every inch their whole life and don't get spooked when they're backed into a corner.

And I think the overall meltdown happened because they're not used to having opponents fight back.

The NHL really needs to do something to make the regular season relevant. It hurts the sport in so many ways. People gripe about the NBA, but I'd argue hockey is far worse.

I'll push back on a couple of points. Unlike the NBA, qualifying for the playoffs in the NHL is no given, so the regular season does have meaning. That said, getting too excited by racking up the most points - even more than the best Bobby Orr era teams - was something that too many of us got wrapped up in.  I know I watched more hockey this season than in recent memory for that reason.

That said, I thought the forwards for the most part were pretty good in this series. They scored enough goals. The problem was that their defense couldn't work the puck out of their end - and as mentioned Ullmark turned into a pumpkin.  Didn't help that his coach put him out there every game where he had platooned with Swayman all season.

So if you want to list the biggest chokers - I'll say in order - defense (what the heck happened to Lindholm?), Ullmark and Montgomery.

[kraidstar]

I watched the NESN broadcast. At some point they went to the rink side guy (I think it was Andrew Raycroft) and he gushed about what a great game McAvoy was having. And I'm like what game are you actually watching?

 He had way too many gaffes in this series to be considered anything but awful.  It doesn't matter if you're great 80% of the time on defense in hockey. What matters is that 20% where you're making boneheaded plays and handing the other team goals.  He had zero discipline in the series.

[kraidstar]

In general the Bruins were awful in their own end. The goalie and defensemen are the easiest targets for criticism. McAvoy looked like ge was playing for Florida half the time, and Ullmark was a sieve.

With that being said, our forwards and centers are equally to blame. The downside to having a bunch of all-star lines is that these guys get used to skating downhill and racking up oodles of goals.

They forget what it's like to be challenged, to get jammed by the forecheck and stonewalled at the blue line. These guys weren't used to adversity and physical play, and they couldn't practice fundamentals under pressure.

They're not dirt dogs who love to grind and scrap. For all his pretty plays,  Pastranak is a detriment to the team on 50% of the playing surface. Bergeron disappears, and has led this team to far too many disappointing results. Same with Marchand. Where is the defensive fire when we need it? Hall is either a highlight reel or a lowlight reel. Just too many guys who disappear when things get tight.

We need scrappers. We need 2-way players that are worth rooting for. We need an owner who will hire personnel who understand winning titles.

Thank You for the analysis.

So are you saying that the Bruins were essentially a paper tiger ?
Or did the regular season become a victory parade on cruise control due to their talent and when they had to put their game on the line under pressure again then, 1) they weren't used to having to work hard and fight for games and 2) they played nervous the entire series trying to match all the expectations ? Never saw a good team give the puck away like they did this series..

Then again, how do we explain the meltdown after taking games 3 & 4 on the road ?
The coaches didn't stay with the guys who won those two games and tried to force injured players back too soon ?

Pretty much.


I think regular season hockey spoiled them. It was like one big all-star game for the Bruins.

They were shell-shocked when the energy and physicality ramped up. Suddenly the pretty, perfect offense became impossible, the Panthers were out for blood, and the Bruins panicked and shriveled.

Their own talent came back to bite them. Not enough of those "little brother" dirt dogs who have had to fight for every inch their whole life and don't get spooked when they're backed into a corner.

And I think the overall meltdown happened because they're not used to having opponents fight back.

The NHL really needs to do something to make the regular season relevant. It hurts the sport in so many ways. People gripe about the NBA, but I'd argue hockey is far worse.

I'll push back on a couple of points. Unlike the NBA, qualifying for the playoffs in the NHL is no given, so the regular season does have meaning. That said, getting too excited by racking up the most points - even more than the best Bobby Orr era teams - was something that too many of us got wrapped up in.  I know I watched more hockey this season than in recent memory for that reason.

That said, I thought the forwards for the most part were pretty good in this series. They scored enough goals. The problem was that their defense couldn't work the puck out of their end - and as mentioned Ullmark turned into a pumpkin.  Didn't help that his coach put him out there every game where he had platooned with Swayman all season.

So if you want to list the biggest chokers - I'll say in order - defense (what the heck happened to Lindholm?), Ullmark and Montgomery.

 The forwards and centers are part of the defense too. They all deserve blame.

[kraidstar]

Anyway you slice it, they choked away three chances to eliminate a team.  Florida played with great confidence and effort, but the B’s blew 3rd period leads and/or opportunities to put this thing away in 3 straight games.  That’s a big choke. And this team /nucleus has shown a propensity for doing just that in very painful ways over the years.

Thank you Tim Thomas.

That Thomas team also had Chara, Lucic, prime Bergeron. Guys who loved to mix it up. Ullmark's failures were huge,  but the guys in front of him didn't make it easy either.  It seems to me that since the NHL has moved to a faster and more offensive oriented game, the bruins have forgotten about that old school toughness that is essential in the playoffs.

[Kuberski33]

The Orlov, Hathaway and Bertuzzi acquisitions were supposed to address their toughness issues. Despite all the problems they had, even average goaltending wins them Game 6. Ullmark also sucked in Game 2. 3 of the goals he let in were soft. You can't win in the playoffs with crappy goaltending. On the other hand good goaltending makes up for a lot of problems.

[celticinorlando]

My dislike for the Bruins runs high being a Tampa fan but this Boston team faced its first adversity in the playoffs and did not know how to respond to it.

It is not very different than what Tampa experienced in 2019. Dominate the regular season and then fall on your face in the playoffs. I am still shocked they gave up three straight to this Panthers team, which really isn't very good.

[Vermont Green]

I will be clear that this outcome is a major disappointment.  That is clear, no debate on that.

I just heard that Bergeron had a herniated disc that he played with.  It was clear he was not himself.  Krejci missed games and came back less that 100%.  That right there, essentially down your two top centers, that is a big issue for any team.

And people seem to still be saying that FL is not a good team.  I am not so sure about that.  They looked like a really good team to me in this series.  They had the best regular season record last season.  I am curious to see how they do against Toronto in the next round.  Based on what I saw, I expect FL to blow through Toronto.  I guess we'll see.

[Neurotic Guy]

I am so grateful that some how my mind turned off to hockey many years ago -- as it did to baseball.   I understand my baseball turn-off - it's just so tedious (maybe the pitch clock will help, but I'm long past being able to be pulled back). But hockey... not sure why I abandoned it as I was huge into the Esposito, Orr Bruins back in the day.  When Espo left, that was it for me.  No interest since.   

But my condolences to Bruins fans for the loss yesterday.  We've all experienced it - whether 2010 or '85/'87 Celtics or ... Or Pats in 2007 or 2011.  Red Sox fans obviously also had their share!   Tough to sleep after a loss like that especially given their season. 

But...  Hopefully Celtics tonight can breathe new life and motivation into your day!

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I am so grateful that some how my mind turned off to hockey many years ago -- as it did to baseball.   I understand my baseball turn-off - it's just so tedious (maybe the pitch clock will help, but I'm long past being able to be pulled back). But hockey... not sure why I abandoned it as I was huge into the Esposito, Orr Bruins back in the day.  When Espo left, that was it for me.  No interest since.   

But my condolences to Bruins fans for the loss yesterday.  We've all experienced it - whether 2010 or '85/'87 Celtics or ... Or Pats in 2007 or 2011.  Red Sox fans obviously also had their share!   Tough to sleep after a loss like that especially given their season. 

But...  Hopefully Celtics tonight can breathe new life and motivation into your day!

Hopefully the Cs don't pull their usual "Our opponent is missing its best player so let's go into cruise control and lose" bit.

[SparzWizard]

The biggest choke jobs in Boston sports this century:

2007 Patriots
2023 Bruins
2010 Bruins
2013 Bruins
2011 Red Sox
2019 Bruins
2011 Patriots
2010 Patriots
2010 Celtics
2018 Celtics
2003 Red Sox

The Bruins have been a part of more recent chokes than I can imagine. Boston is called Title Town, but have to take the goods with the bads. And these are like really bad lol

[kraidstar]

The biggest choke jobs in Boston sports this century:

2007 Patriots
2023 Bruins
2010 Bruins
2013 Bruins
2011 Red Sox
2019 Bruins
2011 Patriots
2010 Patriots
2010 Celtics
2018 Celtics
2003 Red Sox

The Bruins have been a part of more recent chokes than I can imagine. Boston is called Title Town, but have to take the goods with the bads. And these are like really bad lol

I would add the 2017 Eagles/Pats SB to the list. That was probably the worst defensive game we've seen in the BB era. No competition whatsoever. That to me is far worse that 2007 or 2011. Yes, the o-line got crushed in those games. But imo the Giants' d-line was historically good.

I think it's far less of a crime than letting Nick Foles look like an MVP QB.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

The biggest choke jobs in Boston sports this century:

2007 Patriots
2023 Bruins
2010 Bruins
2013 Bruins
2011 Red Sox
2019 Bruins
2011 Patriots
2010 Patriots
2010 Celtics
2018 Celtics
2003 Red Sox

The Bruins have been a part of more recent chokes than I can imagine. Boston is called Title Town, but have to take the goods with the bads. And these are like really bad lol

I would add the 2017 Eagles/Pats SB to the list. That was probably the worst defensive game we've seen in the BB era. No competition whatsoever. That to me is far worse that 2007 or 2011. Yes, the o-line got crushed in those games. But imo the Giants' d-line was historically good.

I think it's far less of a crime than letting Nick Foles look like an MVP QB.

Good call. Wasn't that Brady's statistically best SB in terms of yards? I think three Pats receivers had 100-yard games in that SB, and they still lost! That defense couldn't stop a Pop Warner offense.