How To Improve

 At the midway point in the 2014-2015 season, the Boston Bruins are at a mediocre 19-15-6. They are currently outside of the playoffs as the 9^th best team in the Eastern Conference. Although it would only be by one point, nonetheless if the playoffs started today the Bruins would miss the playoffs for the first time in eight years. As of January 7^th, the Bruins rank 21^st in goals for, and 16^th in goals against, with 2.6 in each category. This coming from the same team that won the President’s trophy for the most points in the NHL just last year. However, there is still hope to this season. Multiple sources report that the Bruins are amongst a few teams that could trade for some all-star players.

  One of the top players the Bruins could acquire is T.J. Oshie of the St. Louis Blues. We all know that he is a star in the shootout, as proven by his Olympic performance. While this is an area the Bruins need vast improvement, it is not the only reason to get him. Despite his size, he still plays with the ability of the stronger and bigger players. Oshie’s offensive performance (10 goals, 13 assists this season) would almost surely bring up the Bruin’s goals for average. However, the issue of the salary could possibly keep Oshie out of Boston. He is signed through the 2016-2017 season and would cost $4.175 against the cap. This is an issue, seeing how the Bruins traded defenseman Johnny Boychuk to the Islanders prior to the start of the season due to salary cap issues. However, with the recent success of forward Vladimir Tarasenko, they would most likely like to focus on resigning him instead. The Bruins would most likely have to give up a player like Paille or Erikson, along with a few draft picks or prospects

One of the harder trade and higher profile player is Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oliers. The Oilers currently have the fewest amount of points in the NHL, and are looking to rebuilt. One of their best players, Hall has 25 points this season (impressive for a team like the Oilers). Hall was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry-Level Draft, and has been a large asset to the Oilers, scoring over 100 goals in his first five seasons. Since Hall is a premium player, the Oilers would want a high-profile player. Rumors say that Milan Lucic or a defenseman like Krug or Hamilton could be traded.

  Despite the Bruins performance, there season is not a total loss, at least not yet. Their Captain Zdeno Chara has only played in 32 games this year, and center David Krejci has been battling injury all season. With 42 games left to play, the Bruins still have a chance to make the playoffs. Unlike football and basketball, it is easier to make a deep run in the playoffs.