2011-2012 Records: Bruins (49-29-4), Rangers (51-24-7)
2011-2012 NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (41-35-76)
2011-2012 BOS Leading Scorer: Tyler Seguin (29-38-67)
2011-2012 NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (62 GS, 1.97 GAA, .930 SV%)
2011-2012 BOS Goaltender: Tuuka Rask (22 GS, 2.05 GAA, .929 SV%)
Rangers Lines:
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Rick Nash
Marian Gaborik-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Chris Kreider-Brian Boyle-Taylor Pyatt
Mike Rupp-Jeff Halpern-Brandon Segal
Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Anton Stralman
Michael Del Zotto-Stu Bickel
Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron
Probable Scratches/Injuries: Mike Sauer (concussion), Arron Asham (suspension), Steve Eminger (healthy), Matt Gilroy (healthy)
Preview: The biggest move the Bruins made this offseason was a move that was out of their control. Tim Thomas went postal and built a 12/21/12 bunker in Colorado or something like that. That leaves the goaltending position to Tuuka Rask, who honestly is better than Thomas. Come to think of it, Thomas going insane was actually better for the Bruins than him staying, well, normal.
Under Claude Julien, the Bruins have mastered the 1-2-2 and the 1-4 traps. They use this to play stifling defensive hockey, but that doesn’t mean they are without talent. Patrice Bergeron is one of the best two-way centers in the game, and Tyler Seguin is one of the best young talents. They finally have a healthy Nathan Horton as well.
On defense, Zdeno Chara is the center piece that really symbolizes what the Bruins are all about: Tough, physical hockey. Just because this team plays a 1-2-2 and a 1-4 doesn’t mean they won’t punish you for taking the puck into high traffic areas.
Crazy Thought: Kreider gets a hat trick in his regular season debut. Stepan gets jealous.
Opposition Blog: Days of Y’Orr
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