What We Learned...

The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup this year as a juggernaut through all aspects of the game. They also achieved Stanley Cup immortality through depth by battling through injuries such as Zetterberg, Holmstrom, etc. That being said, we learned that there are four things that a team needs to bring the cup to their town.

1. Multiple Scoring threats

2. Depth

3. A defense first system

4. A slightly above average goaltender who can benefit from #3.

Let's go over these from a Bruins prospective.
1. Multiple Scoring Threats. This is one thing that the Bruins did not have this year. What they did have, however, was a plethora of second and third line contributors. It has been made known by the Bruins that Chiarelli is pushing for more scoring threats and a puck moving defenseman to add to the threat. Bruins fans need to trust in Chiarelli as Red Sox fans now do with Theo Epstein because I am very comfortable with him, Seabass...er Cam Neely, and Donny Sweeney at the helm. The right balance of scoring threats will arrive this off-season.

2. Depth. The Bruins definitely have depth and we saw it this past year. When guys were injured, youngsters from Providence stepped up. The Bruins had guys like Krejci, Sobotka, Nokelainen, etc. bring their A game when they were called upon. The best part of this is that the Bruins have trade material as well as fill-in guys who gained valuable playoff experience this year. Also, the team in Providence had a strong season who made the AHL playoffs. They were upset by Portland but, they still saw a little bit of the playoffs. All set in this department.

3. A Defense First System. This is the only reason why the Bruins did what they did this year. The players bought into Claude Julien's system and used it effectively in almost every game. I love where this team is going from this perspective. Check.

4. A Slightly Above Average Goaltender Who Benefits From #3. The Red Wings are a grade A example of this. Dominik Hasek had a successful regular season? How does a 73 year old man do that in the NHL? Oh, I know! He only saw 22 shots per game and maybe only 10 quality chances on the average. Hell, I could practically thrive under those circumstances. I will not take this away from Chris Osgood because I still think he is a very serviceable #1 goaltender and should have played full-time last season because it is my belief that Hasek has been done for years. I have no idea what Detroit's infatuation is with Hasek. My point is, these two goalies, who split time, were at the top of the league in many categories (Osgood and Hasek season stats) because of the system they played with. The Bruins have this in Tim Thomas. When Thomas doesn't have to see 40 shots every night, he will be much better. Between him and Manny Fernadez, the defense-first system, and a big enough scoring cushion this team could do serious damage. I'm comfortable with this aspect.

4b. This could almost go under depth but, I think goaltending depth is a whole different bag of doughnuts. Chris Osgood was able to do the job in the playoffs because he split time with Hasek all year so, he wasn't burnt out (and he barely played in round 1). If Thomas and Manny could do that, think of the possibilities. This team would be able to go DEEP in the playoffs because strong, healthy, and rested goaltending wins championships...or freaks like Brodeur but, you deal with the cards you are dealt.

Chiarelli knows what this team needs and he knows it will only take a few moves to get the team over the hump. Bring in a couple scoring threats (even one to start the season would be fine) and add a puck moving defenseman and this team is in business. This off-season will certainly be exciting and next season will make this team relevant in the league and Boston once again.