The Boston Bruins open the 2024-25 season Tuesday night in Sunrise, Florida against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers with optimism and anticipation. Key offseason additions Elias Lindholm at center and Nikita Zadorov on defense fill two important needs for a Bruins team that has been eliminated in the postseason by the Panthers in each of the last two seasons. There is a lot to be excited about in Boston now that goaltender Jeremy Swayman is locked up with a new eight-year contract as well.
One area of concern for Boston is offensive output and balance throughout the lineup. The Bruins return a top goal-scoring winger in David Pastrnak and a healthier Brad Marchand. Pavel Zacha moves to wing with the acquisition of Lindholm, and Charlie Coyle looks to continue his solid play after a 60-point season. But beyond that, there are a lot of question marks, particularly with second-line right-wing. Jake DeBrusk is in Vancouver, which creates a void on Marchand’s line. Boston tried a couple of prospects there and seems to be settling on Morgan Geekie at least to start the season. Geekie, who had 17 goals last season, might be able to do the job. But if he can’t, the Bruins will have to find an alternative.
Matt Poitras has potential after showing a glimmer of what he is capable of doing in the NHL early last season. Poitras is coming back from shoulder surgery, but a slight setback has him out of the lineup for the opener. If Geekie fails, Poitras could have an opportunity to play in the top-six. Trent Frederic potted 18 goals last season and will be the third-line, left wing. Will the 26-year-old continue to produce in that fashion? That remains to be seen. Overall, the Bruins seem a little top-heavy in the forward group.
The opening night lineup is shaping up to look like this:
Zacha-E. Lindholm-Pastrnak
Marchand-Coyle-Geekie
Frederic-Jones-Brazeau
Koepke-Kastelic-Beecher
Lindholm-McAvoy
Lohrei-Carlo
Zadorov-Peeke
Korpisalo
Swayman
The Bruins should be stout on defense and in net. The ultimate weakness might be in the forward depth. As the season continues, Head Coach Jim Montgomery will be evaluating the roster and with little salary cap room, the Bruins will need to create enough offense internally. Whether they will be able to accomplish that consistently, is up for debate.
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