Are the Bruins Nasty?

Just as everybody expected, through the first ten-game stretch of the season, our Bruins (7-2-1) are leading the feared Atlantic Division. Ok, not even my delusional ass saw this coming. I will, however, request my flowers for my previous article’s hope and excitement surrounding a youthful push from our young guns. Primarily, Fraser Minten (4-4-8, 10 GP) and James Hagens (3-4-7, 10 GP) have been living up to their $7 mil AAV and 7th overall costs, respectively. Peterka (3-3-6, 10 GP) and, more recently, Poitras (4-2-6, 7 GP) have also been producing offensively.

On the other side of things, Sway is playing at a Vezina level. The defense, for the most part, has played well especially given that McAvoy missed the first six games. We’ve also gotten a look at some of our defensive depth. Sturm scratched Zadorov two games ago against LA for taking not one, but two bozo penalties in one string of events. If you aren’t aware, Medium Z has led the league in PIM back-to-back years. He’s also currently on an 84-game pace to spend enough time in the box to watch the extended version of Return of the King (unfortunately not an exaggeration). I don’t hate Sturm setting the tone early that he’s willing to step in if needed, even during a hot streak.

Though undeniably hot, the Bruins’ real test will come in November. They’ll face off against a stronger slate of teams, including VGK, FLA, MTL, MIN, WSH, and TOR (included as they might try to assassinate Minten and/or Don). Fortunately, all of these matchups will be on Causeway, as only 2 of 11 games next month will be on the road. It will be a very telling month for the remainder of an uncertain season.

Keep an eye out for a Khus signing that should be announced tonight or tomorrow for around $4M AAV (love it).

Lock of the week: Geekie anytime (so due) + AJ Brown anytime