Boston Bruins: Why extended break could hurt B’s

The Boston Bruins have been playing some great hockey as of late. That’s why an extended break should worry fans.

Boston currently has an 8-1-2 record. They have been scoring goals and Tuukka Rask has been lights out.

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The team has been performing so well that you don’t even worry when they go down a goal. Sean Kuraly and the squad proved that in their latest game against the Flyers.

After Friday’s game, the Bruins won’t play until Wednesday when they go up against the New York Rangers.

This might seem like a blessing for the team. With such a condensed season, any sort of rest will be welcomed.

Also, players like Matt Grzelcyk, Jake DeBrusk, Jack Studnicka, and Ondrej Kase will be able to get healthy. Boston might finally get their full roster back.

But the extended break could actually hurt the Bruins.

Why extended break could hurt Boston Bruins.

When a team like Boston is playing so well, breaks like these can hurt the team. It ruins any momentum that they have and adds some unwanted rest. It wouldn’t be surprising if Boston loses to New York on February 10th.

Also, the returns of players like DeBrusk and Kase will be welcome, but then the Bruins will be forced to make some tough decisions. Will Trent Frederic stay in the lineup? What will happen to Anders Bjork? Some of these players have become great additions to the lineup and now they will be forced to watch from the ninth floor.

It would not be surprising for the Bruins to struggle once they return from the break. They might even go on a slight losing streak.

Now do I think the Bruins are going to tailspin into the bottom of the division? No.

But in a shortened season every game is even more important. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a rollercoaster so where your team ends up is extremely important.

So Bruins fans need to prepare for what is to come. Expect Boston to lose a few games once they come back from the break. Especially in that first period against the Rangers, the rust will be there for the Boston Bruins.

Imagine the rust that players like DeBrusk and Grzelcyk will have. Don’t expect these players to light the lamp or have a particularly good game against New York.

Rest can be good and is needed at times, but the upcoming break that the Bruins have could actually do some harm.