Big Bad Bruins are Back

Charlie Merry

Marketing

Prof. Popovich

Blog #7

Big Bad Bruins are Back

 

After an extended layoff due to the Olympic Games in Sochi, NHL hockey has finally returned. Olympic Hockey is certainly intriguing and special, but I’m happy that NHL hockey is back, especially in Boston. The Bruins are currently sitting at 37-17-5. For the non-hockey fan, that equates to 37 wins, 17 losses, and 5 losses that came in overtime. This is a phenomenal record at this point in the year, leaving the Bruins in sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. Gaudy win totals are becoming the norm for Bruins fans, the Bruins are currently on an impressive streak of consecutive years making the playoffs. Bruins playoff hockey is one of the most intense atmospheres in sports. Bruins fans can rejoice in this, as they consider themselves one of the most diehard in the entire National Hockey League.

            The Bruins have been paced this season by David Krejci, Reilly Smith, Jarome Iginla, Milan Lucic, and Patrice Bergeron. Krejci is a center on the Bruins, leads the team in points, and just recently represented the Czech Republic in the Sochi Olympics. Smith is a newcomer on the team. Smith was acquired from the Dallas Stars in the controversial trade that sent fan favorite Tyler Seguin out of town. However, Smith is quickly proving that he is a valuable asset to have, lessening the sting of losing Seguin. Jarome Iginla is a burly winger who has been in the National Hockey League for many years. Iginla is respected throughout the league for his skills as well as his leadership and class. However, Iginla made waves in Boston last year when he spurned the Bruins to join their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite this slight, Bruins fans have embraced Iginla as he’s become one of their top point producers. Also, the fact that the Bruins defeated the Penguins in last year’s playoffs certainly helps. Milan Lucic is a fan favorite in Boston for his physical style of play that embodies the hard working fan-base. Lucic is a physical winger who also puts up solid point totals. Patrice Bergeron is perhaps the most important player on the entire roster. Bergeron is a life-long Bruin who has a Stanley Cup, and two Gold Medals that he acquired while playing on Canada’s last two gold medal winning hockey teams. Bergeron is beloved in Boston for his hard work as well as his production. Bergeron is a renowned two way forward in the league, meaning that he’s a skilled defensive as well as offensive forward. Bergeron has won the Selke trophy before. This award is given to the player who best displays the defensive aspects of the game from a forward position.

            Overall, things are going very well for the Bruins thus far this season. The team is playing well and seems to be clicking as playoffs are quickly approaching. Despite the regular season success of the team this year, there’s a larger goal at hand. The Stanley Cup was won in Boston in 2011, but the team lost in the final last year to the Chicago Blackhawks. I’m sure that everyone on the team is eager to avenge their failure in last year’s playoffs. Their road to the Stanley Cup should be extremely entertaining to watch.