As always, the Boston Bruins are determined to make a strong push for the Stanley Cup during the 2024-25 season. However, the NHL’s playoff format requires the Bruins to first navigate through the Atlantic Division before they can vie for the Eastern Conference title and a chance at the Stanley Cup Final. Recently, Boston’s championship hopes have been dashed early in the playoffs, with the team failing to advance to the conference final since 2019.
Despite this, the Bruins have been making significant moves to strengthen their roster. Their rivals now see Boston as a major threat, with many expecting them to dominate the division this season.
George Richards from Florida Hockey Now notes, “Last season, Boston spent most of the time leading the Atlantic before Florida clinched the division in the final days to avoid facing Tampa Bay in the first round. Given the changes within the division, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bruins took early control and maintained it throughout the season.”
The Florida Panthers, who have eliminated the Bruins in the playoffs the past two years, are now facing their own challenges. Following their Stanley Cup victory, the Panthers had to part with key players due to salary cap constraints. While they managed to keep top performer Sam Reinhart, they lost Brandon Montour, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Ryan Lomberg to other teams.
In contrast, the Bruins were highly active during the offseason, investing a franchise-record $92 million in free agency. This spending spree has heightened expectations for Boston to finish at the top of the division once again. As Kevin Allen, a veteran writer for the Detroit Red Wings, observes, “The Bruins’ opponents should have learned not to underestimate their resilience. Despite expectations of a step back in 2023-24, they ended up seventh in the NHL in total points. From their rivals’ perspective, the Bruins remain a formidable contender for the Atlantic Division and the Cup. Their history of staying competitive, regardless of circumstances, continues.”
The Bruins’ offseason acquisitions have addressed critical needs, improving both their skill level and physical presence on the ice. This enhanced size and skill make Boston even more challenging for opponents.
Jason Moser from Buffalo Hockey Now speculates, “The Bruins have likely strengthened their lineup significantly with the additions of Lindholm and Zadorov. The Sabres hope the Bruins regret disrupting their goalie tandem and find themselves struggling at that position as the season progresses.”
Although the Buffalo Sabres have not reached the playoffs in over a decade, and teams like the Montreal Canadiens are in rebuilding phases, they are still considered significant rivals by the Bruins. Marc Dumont from Montreal Hockey Now points out, “Montreal is rebuilding while Boston aims for another championship, placing them at opposite ends of the expectations spectrum. Despite the talent gap, the rivalry remains intense, with both teams giving their all whenever they face each other.”
Overall, Boston’s rivalries within the Atlantic Division have become more intense in recent years. With perennial playoff battles against teams like the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, and Red Wings, as well as ongoing competition with the Panthers and Lightning, the Bruins face numerous challenges from division foes. As the new season approaches, many believe the Atlantic Division is Boston’s to win—or to lose.
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