Although the final three games of the season were meaningless points wise, the Bruins ended the season feeling pretty good about themselves and winning 2 of them. That means the B's went 7-2-1. Yeah, this is the turn around I was PRRRAAAYYIINNG for.
It wasn't the way that it was drawn up, but the Bruins also managed to give Timmy a lot of rest. He only played in the regular season finale and the B's didn't even allow him to travel with the team for their away game against Ottawa. The Bruins go as far as Thomas is going to take them. Everyone knows he caught fire last spring, he's playing well and is hopefully fresh enough to help the B's make another deep run.
With the Senators losing to the Devils and the Capitals defeating the Rangers, the Bruins first round opponent is going to be the Capitals instead of the Senators. As I said earlier, I would've preferred the Senators, but I still think the B's can handle the Caps.
You have to feel pretty good about the B's depth, too. Even when facing a few injuries, Julien was still able to rest some of their players. Here are some other things I'm feeling good about:
- Providence Bruins goalie, Anton Khudobin, came in a played a great game against the Senators (44 saves). It thankfully appears that Rask will be able to resume backup duties relatively soon. BUT if Khudobin has to serve as backup for a few games, that performance settled my fears slightly. It was strategic at the time to let Khudobin play against the Senators as they appears to be our first round opponent. In all honesty, I don't want to see ANY backup goalies because that means something happened to Thomas.
- Injuries: I hope he doesn't see the ice, but the news that Rask could be ready for the postseason is reassuring. McQuaid, who's only played 2 periods of hockey since suffering an eye injury against the Rangers, is hopefully ready to rock and roll. I'll be the optimist assuming the reports are true that the B's just held him out to be overly cautious. He better not be wearing a visor either. I need him ready to be a very physical presence and be ready to throw down when needed. Boychuk's knee injury was also scary at the time, but he also appears to be ready to go for the playoffs. He's had a great season and I'm hoping he can carry that into the postseason
- All four lines are playing pretty consistently right now and the offense is coming from everyone. Most importantly, Lucic and Krejci seem to be on a roll. As everyone knows, Lucic had a VERY disappointing playoffs last year but is entering this one playing some of his best hockey. I'm not as concerned with Krejci, he seems to get bored during the regular season, but in big spots steps up his game (see last playoff run and the last Olympics).
- This is nearly the same team as last year. They've been through the grind, they know what it takes. They've been down 0-2 TWICE and have come back to win the series. They've won home Game 7's and away Game 7's. They've won in overtime. They've survived injuries (Horton). What else can be thrown at them? They are one year older, one year wiser, and should be able to handle whatever lies in the road ahead.
Enjoy your final day off before the real season begins!! I'm excited for the Flyers-Whiners...I mean Pens game. That should be one hell of a series. Playoff series against rivals are just the best....stressful as all hell...but the best.
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