I think predictions are dumb, especially in 2021 whereas we saw in 2020, nothing is predictable!
But here we are..
I do these predictions every year just to laugh at myself at the end of the year when I see how I did not come even close to being right.
Actually, let’s
take a look at those predictions from last year.
“Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak will finish with 100 points each”
Pastrnak finished with 95 points in 70 games and Marchand 87 in 70. Had COVID not come in and killed the remainder of the 2019-20 season, I am sure Pastrnak would have hit 100 with Marchand either barely exceeding 100, or coming just shy.
“Anders Bjork plays over 70 games”
In the shortened season Bjork appeared in 58 games. Bjork was a healthy scratch for the Bruins final two games of the regular season. With 12 games being canceled due to COVID-19, even if Bjork appeared in the remaining 12, he would not have exceeded 70 games.
“Jake DeBrusk scores 40 goals”
LOL
“A 50-point season for Danton Heinen”
Ohhhh Danton. But hey, Nick Ritchie is awesome!
“Bruins trade a defenseman”
Nope, none were traded
“Tuukka Rask starts the season hot”
Hey! Finally nailed a prediction. Rask went 6-0-1 in seven October starts, finishing the month with a 1.41 goals-against average and a .951 save percentage.
“SCF: Vegas over Tampa Bay”
Oh Vegas
Now, for my 2020-21 Bruins season predictions
Craig Smith finishes fourth in points:
In whatever order, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak will finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the team in points.
Smith’s 31 points last year would have been 9th on the team in scoring. Smith will start the year on the third line with Ritchie and Charlie Coyle, but I think eventually we will see him up with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci.
Playing with a playmaker like Krejci should do wonders for the Bruins lone offseason acquisition and should be enough to get Smith plenty of points.
Smith scored 14 five-on-five goals with the Predators last season which would have only trailed Pastrnak and Marchand.
Bruins will still be a top five power play team:
In each of the last three seasons, the Bruins have finished in the top five in power play percentage. Despite the loss of Torey Krug to the St. Louis Blues, the Bruins will still be a top-five power play team in the league.
With Pastrnak, Marchand and Bergeron all remaining on the top unit, the Bruins have enough fire power to drive their special teams’ units.
Charlie Coyle is expected to take Pastrnak’s role on the top unit until he returns, with Matt Grzelcyk stepping in and becoming the new power play quarterback, a role that Krug excelled in during his time in Boston.
In a small sample size, Grzelcyk has been effective as a power play quarterback in the past and should have no issues transitioning to a full-time role this season.
Charlie McAvoy finishes top three in Norris voting:
With Zdeno Chara in Washington, Charlie McAvoy has been given the keys to the car and he is going to exceed as the Bruins true number one defenseman. McAvoy received 14 Norris Trophy votes last season and will get plenty more this season.
Of late, the award has been more of an offensive defenseman award and I full expect McAvoy to take that next step forward in his offensive development.
McAvoy has led the Bruins in ice time in each of the last two seasons and undoubtedly will do so again this season.
Last season was a bit of a struggle for McAvoy offensively as he failed to score his first goal until Feb. 5 before finishing the season with five. Despite the lack of goals, McAvoy still managed to match a career high in points with 32, a figure he set his rookie season.
Jack Studnicka will play all 56 games, if healthy:
If Jack Studnicka stays healthy, he is going to play in all 56 games. Filling in for David Pastrnak on the Bruins top line, the rookie forward is going to be handed a golden opportunity to make a splash right out of the gate.
Studnicka got a brief taste of life in the NHL last season after dominating for the Providence Bruins in the AHL last season. Studnicka was impressive in the bubble when called upon and the Bruins expect him to take a big step in his development this season.
The only concern I have is where exactly he fits in once Pastrnak returns. A natural center, that can also play the wing, there's little room for him. With Bergeron, Krejci and Coyle cemented down the middle, there’s no real spot for Studnicka at center.
Even on the wing, where he fits in with Pastrnak back is a mystery. I don’t know how beneficial to his development playing fourth line minutes would be for Studnicka. But if things go to plan, his play prior to the return of Pastrnak will force Bruce Cassidy and company to keep the 21-year old in the lineup.
North:
Toronto
Edmonton
Montreal
Winnipeg
Vancouver
Calgary
Ottawa
Central:
Tampa Bay
Carolina
Columbus
Nashville
Dallas
Florida
Detroit
Chicago
East:
Philadelphia
Boston
New York Islanders
Washington
New York Rangers
Pittsburgh
Buffalo
New Jersey
West:
St. Louis
Colorado
Vegas
Minnesota
Arizona
Los Angeles
San Jose
Anaheim
Final Four:
Montreal
Philadelphia
Tampa Bay
St. Louis
SCF: St. Louis over Tampa Bay
Boston Bruins Blogger • 
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