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Boston Bruins rivalry roundup: Scoping out the Atlantic Division for 2017-2018

By Chad Zimmermann

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Bruins fans cheer on their team during the third period of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden on April 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Senators defeat the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Bruins fans cheer on their team during the third period of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden on April 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Senators defeat the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – APRIL 09: Henrik Zetterberg
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 09: Henrik Zetterberg /

Detroit Red Wings

2016-2017 record:  33-36-13, 79 points

Interesting factoid from last season:  It was the Red Wings final season playing in Joe Louis Arena, and it also marked the first time since 1989-1990 that the Red Wings missed the post-season.

2017-2018 outlook:  It seems incomprehensible that a team with such young talent would have such a bad season overall.  Players like Frans Nielson, Dylan Larkin, Tomas Tatar, and Gustav Nyquist all struggled mightily last season.  I’ve heard of growing pains and slumps; but for it to happen to so many players simultaneously is rare.

If it weren’t for the elder statesman Henrik Zetterberg, the result could have been even worse.  Not many off-season moves means those young guys will really need to shine so the brunt of the offense doesn’t rest on a 37 year old’s shoulders.

With Andreas Athanasiou considering a move to the KHL, that’s an up-and-comer they may miss.  Also, does Peter Mrazek have any bad blood for being left unprotected in the expansion draft?

2017-2018 prediction:  Record improves, but the team stays down near the cellar of the division, finishing 7th again.

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