Boston Bruins Embark on Make-or-Break Western Swing

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins will begin a treacherous five-game road trip on Friday. They’ll make stops in three western Canadian cities before wrapping up the excursion with tilts against two NHL powerhouses. Having lost three of their last four games and desperately clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the upcoming slate of games could make or break Boston’s season.

All of the momentum Boston built up in the month of January seems to have vanished. They’ve showcased some putrid play through four games thus far this month. Their defense has been porous, the goaltending has been mediocre, the offense quite stagnant and the specialty units have been suspect. If things aren’t rectified over the course of the upcoming 12 days, the Bruins could very easily find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, with the season dwindling away.

They’ll look to right the ship on Friday when they visit British Columbia for a matchup with the Vancouver Canucks. It’s always a spirited battle when these two foes meet up, especially following their 2011 Stanley Cup showdown. Vancouver, like Boston, is fighting to hang on to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The game promises to be a scrappy affair, but the Canucks are beatable. A win could spark a much-needed winning streak.

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Boston will make stops in Calgary and Edmonton following the Vancouver contest. Calgary is wrapped up in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. They’ve been arguably the brightest surprise in the NHL this season. With a nice mix of young talent and veteran leadership, the sky is the limit for the Flames. The Bruins will most certainly have their hands full. Edmonton on the other hand is an absolute mess. They rank dead last in their conference. With just 39 points on the season, the Bruins should skate by the Oilers with ease.

Upon departing Canada, the Bruins will close out their season-long roadie with stops in St. Louis and Chicago. Both the Blues and Blackhawks are chasing down the top overall spot in the West. They’re two of the most well-rounded clubs in the league and are bonafide Stanley Cup contenders. If all goes well, the Bruins will have built up some momentum before dropping the puck against the Blues. Either way, the two games will reveal what the Bruins are truly made of.

When the Bruins arrive in Vancouver on Thursday to begin the 12-day trip, they can reflect back positively on last season’s trek through Canada. Boston posted a 2-1 record against the Canucks, Flames and Oilers back in December of 2013. The negativity, gloom and doubt currently surrounding the team would be relieved if they’re able to find similar success.

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