The Boston Bruins open the 2024-25 season in Florida against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday night with their goalie firmly in the mix and a stout defensive group. Offensively, there are some burning questions in Boston, and one of them involves secondary scoring. The lack of an elite playmaking center could be the downfall of the Bruins again, as well as balanced scoring along the wings. David Pastrnak is one of the top goal-scorers in the NHL, but will he get enough help? Regardless, the Bruins should be a playoff team challenging for an Atlantic Division title after missing out by one point last season. Here are five bold Boston Bruins predictions:
Brad Marchand Reaches the 1,000 Point Marker
Marchand battled through two rehabilitated hips last season and had three surgeries on various parts of his body in the offseason. The captain is now relatively healthy, aside from an illness in the preseason. Even at less than 100 percent last season, the 36-year-old forward scored 29 goals with 38 assists while playing all 82 regular season games, which is a remarkable feat as Marchand played all 82 for just the second time in his career (2013-14). This season, look for Marchand to be a top point-producer again and hit the 80-point mark which would help him surpass the 1,000-point milestone for his career. The prediction here is 32 goals and 48 assists.
Jeremy Swayman Proves His Worth
Swayman battled the Bruins all the way to within two days of the opening game to secure an 8-year, $66 million contract. The 25-year-old was terrific last season while splitting time with former teammate Linus Ullmark. Now, the job is Swayman’s for years to come. The Alaska native will need to prove his worth now and play 55-60 games in goal for Boston. The prediction here is that Swayman will be a top-5 goaltender in the league and win the Vezina Trophy. With a stout defensive group in front of him and a system that promotes sound responsible defense, Swayman should sparkle and be the best player on the team most nights. The prediction here is a 2.35 goals-against average with a .920 save percentage.
Elias Lindholm Has a Career Year
During the 2021-22 season, Lindholm had his best season with Calgary registering 42 goals and 40 assists in 82 games. However, the 29-year-old center totaled just 44 points between Calgary and Vancouver in 75 games last season. The truth is that Lindholm produces when he plays with high-level players. With the Flames, Lindholm centered a line with the late Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. With Boston, the 2013 first-round pick will have Pastrnak on his wing with the ability to score 60 goals. The Bruins need Lindholm to be a top-line point-producer, and this season, 80 points could be attainable once again. The prediction here is 35 goals and 50 assists for 85 points.
Mason Lohrei Has a Breakout Season
One could argue that Lohrei was the best defenseman on the Bruins in the postseason. The 23-year-old has top-end offensive skills and can play heavy minutes. Lohrei will probably play with Brandon Carlo at the start of the season and should see minutes on the second power-play unit. In 21 regular season games last year, Lohrei scored one goal with 15 assists. There is tremendous potential for Lohrei, who becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the season. The prediction here is a 40-point season for the Madison, Wisconsin native and a nice raise.
Matt Poitras Has a 50-Point Season
Poitras started well as a 19-year-old last season with five goals and 15 assists in 33 games before a shoulder injury shelved him for the rest of the year. Poitras is a year older and a little heavier and stronger and should have an impact this season. Although fighting a nagging injury that will keep him out of the lineup on Tuesday, Poitras should be in the lineup soon and might be a great fit as second-line wing with Marchand and Charlie Coyle. Look for Poitras to be another young prospect to make a big step this season with 50 points.
The Bruins will need their young players to step up this season if the team has aspirations of winning the division and advancing further than last season. Boston is the sixth-youngest team in the NHL, but a strong veteran group is there to lead them. If these predictions become reality, the Bruins could have a special season.
