Boston Bruins Struggle To Adjust To New NHL Hockey
By Dan Orencole
With professional hockey evidently becoming a much faster paced game, the Boston Bruins are behind the league in changing their style of hockey to adjust. The Bruins have looked strong so far this preseason. However, new GM Don Sweeney has yet to show me reason to be confident in his ability to bring a Stanley Cup back to Boston.
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On the Toucher and Rich show, Sweeney refused to call out moves he did not like that previous management executed. Sweeney has been part of the organization during moves such as the Tyler Seguin trade. His inability to be outspoken on mistakes management has made to go along with some questionable offseason moves already should have Bruins’ fans worried.
This offseason, the Bruins traded young star defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and also traded fan favorite Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings. The Bruins went on to get Matt Beleskey after losing Lucic. The Bruins also traded Reilly Smith to Florida for local native Jimmy Hayes.
Mar 29, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic (17) skates with puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Boston Bruins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Hamilton trade was a major mistake right out of the gate for Sweeney. The two sides failed to agree on a deal before trading the rising star defenseman to Calgary. Sweeney should have paid a defenseman who was just becoming a star and he failed to do so.
With the NHL style of play changing, teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks have bought in and built a team filled with players that match the faster paced game. Last year’s Stanley Cup was between two teams who play fast paced hockey, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. When looking at the Bruins roster, there are still questions as to who will step up and become a star.
David Pastrnak showed last season that he’s capable of doing so. The Bruins have some bright spots on their roster but do not have the personnel yet to adjust to this new style of pro hockey.
In recent years, the Boston Bruins have put themselves in a tough spot related to salary cap restrictions. Sweeney has gotten off to a rough start as the GM of the Bruins. If Sweeney can build up a strong string of draft classes and develop players, these Bruins will be built for the long-term.
Right now, this team will compete and be a playoff team. However, I do not think they have the depth and personnel to make another Stanley Cup run.
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