The Difference Between The Bruins of 2020 Versus The Bruins of 2019

Bruins Defense

The first comparison of this season is the defense. As of March 15th, the Bruins are 1st in the NHL defensively. Their Goals Against Average is 174. Last season at this time, the Bruins ranked 4th with a Goals Against Average of 215.

Another contributing factor is Charlie McAvoy is shooting more. Thus far, McAvoy has 5 goals and 27 assists. He is second behind Torey Krug, who has 9 goals and 40 assists. Also, rookie Jeremy Lauzon is proving himself to being a capable defenseman in the NHL. And, of course, Zdeno Chara continues to pile up the minutes at 42 years old.

Balanced Bruins Scoring

Offensively, the Bruins are at the same pace this year compared to last. Winger David Pastrnak has 10 more goals than last year at this time. Patrice Bergeron is having a quality season with 30 goals. Brad Marchand is also at the same pace with 27 goals.

One of the biggest differences this year is the depth. The team acquired Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie from Anaheim at the deadline. Kase is fitting right in with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. The emergence of Charlie Coyle has been a significant factor offensively this season.

Character

With the acquisition of Nick Ritchie, the feeling of the Big Bad Bruins has returned. Ritchie has brought a strong physical presence to the everyday lineup.

Looking Ahead

If the season ever reopens, the Bruins are well built for another Stanley Cup run. Goaltending-wise, the tandem of Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak are one of the game’s best. Together, Rask and Halak have a combined 8 shutouts.

The only playoff team with similar depth at goaltending is Las Vegas. The combination of Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner is comparable to the Bruins. With head coach Bruce Cassidy leading the team, Bruins fans eagerly await the return of hockey.

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