I admit haven't posted much about the Boston Bruins this season. Every time I sit down to write a post I just feel like I'm stating the obvious or beating a dead horse. Instead of going into too much data and research, I'm going to quickly touch on some topics that I've attempted to go into detail about in recent weeks, but just didn't have the time, energy or follow-through.
Defensive Minded- Big Bad Bruins- For years the Bruins have given up on young forwards who can score because they struggle defensively and don't fit into the Bruins' (Claude Julien's) defensive mindset. While this is a topic which comes up every time the Bruins struggle offensively or one of those young studs is scoring goals in bunches (the entire 2014-2015 NHL season), I would like to add a twist to the frustration we are all feeling.
Why, why, why, are we paying Tuuka Rask $7million and Zdeno Chara $6.9 million to lead our defense if we are going to only let defensive minded forwards play on our team.
Cap Trouble- This year the Bruins have $13.9 million wrapped up in Rask and Chara. Using the 2014-2015 NHL salary cap of $69 million, that is over 20% of our cap. When you run the numbers using the Bruins' real cap (adjusted by $4.75 million due to a bonus overage penalty) that translates into closer to 22% of our available cap. While the cap will go up next season and the Bruins will not be getting hit with a huge bonus overage penalty, the money woes for the Bruins will remain unless a highly paid high profile player gets traded.
Why, why, why, are we paying Tuuka Rask $7million and Zdeno Chara $6.9 million to lead our defense if we are going to only let defensive minded forwards play on our team.
Cap Trouble- This year the Bruins have $13.9 million wrapped up in Rask and Chara. Using the 2014-2015 NHL salary cap of $69 million, that is over 20% of our cap. When you run the numbers using the Bruins' real cap (adjusted by $4.75 million due to a bonus overage penalty) that translates into closer to 22% of our available cap. While the cap will go up next season and the Bruins will not be getting hit with a huge bonus overage penalty, the money woes for the Bruins will remain unless a highly paid high profile player gets traded.
Milan Lucic- Lucic's struggles aren't going away. While Brad Marchand has always been targeted by fans and ownership because of his on-ice antics, Lucic has gotten a free pass for way too long. Finally, Lucic is finally getting some heat from fans and Coach Julien for his behavior and poor play. Well, it's about time!!! Talk about a waste of money, Lucic is making $6 million this season.
Comparison to Past Seasons-
40 games into season- 40 points accrued compared to 54 last year and 56 the year before.
Goals per game- 2.55 (21st in league), 3.15 last year (3rd), 2.65 the year before (13th)
Goals against per game- 2.6 (16th in league), 2.08 last yeard (2nd), 2.21 the year before (3rd)
Comparison to Past Seasons-
40 games into season- 40 points accrued compared to 54 last year and 56 the year before.
Goals per game- 2.55 (21st in league), 3.15 last year (3rd), 2.65 the year before (13th)
Goals against per game- 2.6 (16th in league), 2.08 last yeard (2nd), 2.21 the year before (3rd)
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