Coming off of a 50-win, 112-point campaign in 2017-18, the Boston Bruins appear poised for another run at Lord Stanley’s Cup this spring — given the team’s established veteran core and the expected strides from second-year players like Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk.
But Bruce Cassidy and the rest of the Bruins’ coaching staff aren’t getting too far ahead of themselves. Boston might have caught plenty of teams off guard last season, but don’t expect the same result in 2018-19, especially within the cutthroat Atlantic Division.
With puck drop on the Bruins’ season opener set for later tonight, Cassidy spoke with BostonSportsJournal.com about the expectations for this year, along with the many challenges that await.
Q: In terms of your approach going into this season - do you expect it to differ from last year in that you have a better idea of what to expect from your roster, especially with younger players like Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk and Ryan Donato?
Cassidy
Q: When you look at some of those second-year players, is there anyone specific from that group that’s really stood out so far from what you’ve seen in camp?
Cassidy
Matt) Grzelcyk
Jake (DeBrusk
Q: You’ve mentioned having respect for the game and how it’s something for these younger players to focus on. Do you think that’s one of the biggest hurdles for second-year players to overcome?
Cassidy
I’ve got to stay here. I’ve got to keep playing. I have to keep my job here. I want to play well for the group.
Ah, if I have a bad game, I had a good year last year — I’ll find it pretty soon.
Q: Are the players returning from China adjusted back here and do you forecast any hiccups at the start of the year due to players needing to get back up to speed?
Cassidy
Torey Krug
Charlie (McAvoy
Q: Has Urho Vaakanainen exceeded the organization’s expectations with his showing so far this preseason
Cassidy
Q: For the players like Trent Frederic and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson that were on the cusp of making this team, what impressed you the most about them and what things do they need to do down at the AHL level to make another push for a roster spot?
Cassidy
Q: David Backes entered training camp down 10 pounds and made a point that he wants to adjust to today’s NHL game. For a player that’s had a bit of a heavier playing style throughout his career, do you think he can adjust to today’s faster pace of play on the fly?
Cassidy
Q: What can Jaroslav Halak bring to this team?
Cassidy
Anton Khudobin
Q: What does this team need to do to take that next step as a collective group?
Cassidy
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