After a 3-2 win over the Flyers and an 8-0 stomping of the Toronto Maple Leafs the Bruins will now have to fly out to the west coast. The Bruins are not faced with an easy task however, they are desperate to extend their division lead over Ottawa while playing some teams that are desperate for a win in the Western Conference’s always unpredictable playoff race.
They first have to take on the Bruin’s ex-captain Joe Thornton. His Sharks have been playing strong hockey lately and are desperate to make the playoffs. This is a highly skilled team who have been one of the better teams in the NHL for the last couple of years. They then travel to Los Angeles to take on the red hot Kings who have now found their offensive stride after trading for Jeff Carter at the trade deadline. This team is a talented team that has under achieved this year but they have turned it on just in time to make a strong bid for the playoffs.
After that, The Bruins will have to take on the Anaheim Duck’s for a third game in four days, although the Duck’s are on the outside looking in on the playoff’s I still consider them one of the most talented teams in the NHL this season. Bruce Boudreau has this team playing at a competitive level and they will be a tough test for the Bruins.
If the Bruins can win 2 out of these three games it is a successful road trip. If they can win all three it will show that this team is ready to make a deep playoff run and put their 3 month slide behind them. It will also put them in a strong position in the division as they could be possibly be five or seven points up with around 7 games left in the season.
Another positive coming from this road trip could be the possible return of Rich Peverley. Peverley is very important for this team and it could be a huge boost to have him in the lineup. The trip also offers a unique experience for this team to bond, they will be playing against good competition and can add some morale to the team if they can win these games. This trip wont be easy but it will be critical for the Bruins if they want to be repeat Stanley Cup Champs.
The Bruins have started playing playoff hockey out of necessity. They have put their focus on team defense which means that scoring will be a premium, they have teamed up Chara and Seidenberg which means extra minutes for these two players who were staples in the playoffs last year. They seem to be sticking with Thomas through this final stretch of the season, the Bruins know what they have to do to win now its time for the hardest part. Executing it.
