3 Bruins Players Who Have the Most to Prove This Postseason

The Boston Bruins enter the 2023-2024 playoffs with redemption on their minds. In order to avenge last year's disappointing ending to a historic season, the Bruins need to play their best hockey. With David Pastrnak playing some of his best hockey (110 points on the season), Brad Marchand refining his game and an experienced D core, the team is primed for a deep playoff run.

Enter the Toronto Maple Leafs. A division foe that has fallen to the Bruins multiple times over the years in the playoffs, and were swept in the season series this current year.

There is no question that the Bruins have had the Leafs number in the past. In 2013, coming back after being down 4-1 in Game 7 at home in the third period and winning the game 5-4 in overtime. In 2018, being down 4-3 entering the third period in game 7 and going on to win the game 7-4. In 2019, having to win game 6 on the road in Toronto and then game 7 at home to advance in the series. The Maple Leafs have been labeled as this easy 1st round matchup for the Bruins considering that they have choked away leads in the past but, this is not the same old Leafs. Austin Matthew’s fell one goal short of reaching a historic 70 goal mark. The Maple Leafs also have players such as Max Domi, Ryan Reaves, and Tyler Bertuzzi who they added to address the narrative that they are soft and can be walked all over.

In order for the Bruins to advance in this playoff round, there are 3 players that need to elevate their game.

3. Jeremy Swayman

Swayman came up one save short back in April when the Bruins fell at home to the Florida Panthers after a historic regular season. Following the season, Swayman and the Bruins could not agree on a contract extension which led to both sides arguing in arbitration. After playing out his arbitration this season, Swayman had another strong campaign. However, he now needs to prove that he can do it in the postseason. This offseason Bruins management has to decide which direction to head in when it comes to goalie. Swayman has to prove to the top brass that he is worthy of a long term commitment. The 25 year old net minder is in line for a significant pay bump with long term commitment if he can establish himself as a franchise goalie that is capable of a bringing a team on a deep playoff run.

2. Jake DeBrusk

The 27 year old left winger enters this postseason with much to prove. The Bruins chose not to move the expiring winger at the deadline in hopes of treating him as a rental, while not completely shutting the door on a contract extension this summer. The top 6 forward will need to show up big if he wants to enter free agency as one of the top free agents on the market. We have seen in the past that big postseasons can set players up for even bigger pay days. DeBrusk will be looking for a long term deal with an average annual salary north of five and a half million. If he can produce this postseason, he will have no problem finding a suitor willing to pay a high premium for his services.

1. Hampus Lindholm

This may come as a shock. The Bruins player with the most to prove this post season is Hampus Lindholm. Since trading for the defenseman back in the spring of 2022, Lindholm has been excellent. In his first full season with the Bruins, he played 80 games while scoring 10 goals, having 43 assists and posting a +49. This season has seen a bit of a dip as Lindholm played 73 games while only scoring 3 goals, 23 assists and posting a +18. However when it comes to the postseason, Lindholm has been a nonfactor. In 2 postseasons with the Bruins, he has not registered a single point in the 11 games he has played in. The big left shot defenseman needs to show up if the Bruins expect to still be playing in the early summer months.

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