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 9th 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 7th, the Bruins rank 21st in goals for, and 16th
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.
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