Sports Hub Underground: Evaluating the Bruins at the midway point
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In this episode, the guys lay out their ideal top-9 forwards for the Bruins for the rest of the season, plus much more.
(0:50) Banter on Lucky Charms, cats, and some personal news.
(17:40) Reactions to the Bruins’ loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
(28:21) Breaking news on Bill Belichick, and instant reactions.
(32:00) “Ups & Downs” for the Bruins’ first half of the season.
(41:00) More breaking news on Bill Belichick.
(50:45) Our ideal top-9 forward combinations for the rest of the Bruins season.
(59:56) We draft our “Big 3” dreams in pro wrestling.
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5 big Bruins topics to know about right now
Jake DeBrusk Is A No-Trade
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 20: Jake DeBrusk #74 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after assisting a goal scored by Pavel Zacha #18 against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at TD Garden on January 20, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Canadiens 9-4. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk can be frustrating. But he’s now up to five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in his last three games. The good DeBrusk has come roaring back. And because that will add up to solid numbers by year’s end, the Bruins shouldn’t consider trading DeBrusk – unless it’s for a “bona fide upgrade,” as Ty Anderson put it. In fact, Ty is starting to believe that
For me, signing him is easy call. He’s a hot-and-cold scorer (most players in this league are), but two-way development has been noticeable and huge, and he can play both wings anywhere in your T9. Also not sure you’re finding bonafide upgrade in FA market at same price point. https://t.co/39eVOghbFZ
— Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) January 23, 2024" rel="noopener" target="_blank">re-signing DeBrusk to an extension is becoming an “easy call.”Quiet Trade Deadline Coming
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 29: Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins attends the 2023 NHL Draft at the Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Bruins may not be terribly active at the 2024 NHL trade deadline, whether Don Sweeney is buying or selling. But he won’t be alone. While the trade deadline is rarely full of fireworks, Ty is having trouble reading the markets right now and believes that could reflect the league, which would lead to a quiet deadline all-around.
Line Changes Paying Off
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 09: Charlie Coyle #13 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with David Pastrnak #88 and Brad Marchand #63 after scoring a hat trick during the third period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden on November 09, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Islanders 5-2. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Charlie Coyle is also red-hot for the Bruins, especially since he and Brad Marchand joined up with David Pastrnak as the Bruins’ new No. 1 line. That doesn’t mean they’ll be together forever, but head coach Jim Montgomery isn’t likely to tinker much with that group at the moment. Additionally, DeBrusk and Pavel Zacha appear to be clicking as linemates, as do Trent Frederic and Jakub Lauko.
Big Test Coming From Carolina
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 30: Jaccob Slavin #74, Sebastian Aho #20 and Brent Burns #8 of the Carolina Hurricanes speak during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 30, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
As hot as the Bruins are right now, they’re running into an even hotter team in the Carolina Hurricanes. At 7-2-1 at their last 10 games, they’re now challenging for the top spot in the Metropolitan division. Their top defensive pairing of Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns is as dynamic as any in the NHL, while franchise center Sebastian Aho is on pace for a 100-point season.
