We made it. We\u2019re here. We\u2019re finally here.<\/p>\n
After more than four months without hockey and with most of our brain power fixated on COVID-19, we get to enjoy the greatest sport on ice. Obviously, this country is nowhere near where it needs to be with the virus, but a nice distraction of playoff hockey is sure to help give us a break from all the bad.<\/p>\n
The Bruins are legitimate Stanley Cup contenders \u2014 if not favorites \u2014 to raise the Stanley Cup. And, after last year\u2019s Game 7 loss to the Blues, this crew has been on a mission since the year began way back in October of 2019.<\/p>\n
Feels like 10 years ago now, right?<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, it\u2019s fun to sit here and be able to hash out relevant Bruins storylines as they begin their march to the Cup. First on Boston\u2019s menu is this round-robin dance with the Lightning, Capitals and Flyers. All games are sure to be interesting in the battle for the top seed, which carries the benefits of home jerseys, last change and maybe some louder \u201ccrowd noise\u201d. The idea of attracting a lower seed as a definite positive is relevant in every sport except for hockey. Remember the Lightning last season? The Capitals? Are you telling me the Rangers don\u2019t scare you? You can\u2019t tell me you didn\u2019t pick the Blue Jackets over the Maple Leafs.<\/p>\n
These three games will be huge for the Bruins in their quest to develop a more set lineup and acclimate to the pace of playoff hockey. It won\u2019t answer every question, but it will certainly provide a bit more clarity.<\/p>\n
Here are the biggest storylines to keep an eye on throughout the round robin.<\/p>\n
This really is the biggest question facing the Bruins as they return to game action. He\u2019ll certainly be the most watched player through these three games. That probably would\u2019ve been the case anyways considering he\u2019s, well, almost a 50-goal scorer. But now the scrutiny will be at an all-time high.<\/p>\n
Pastrnak missed all but one skate during Phase 3 due to quarantine rules. It was up in the air whether or not he\u2019d fly with the team to Toronto on July 26. When he ventured to Toronto with his team, his first practice that next day was deemed a success by his head coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis shot looked good,\u201d Bruce Cassidy said following Monday\u2019s practice. \u201cA couple of plays in tight he fumbled the puck, (so) timing, execution \u2014 we\u2019re all going through that, or have in the first week. That\u2019s to be expected. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll pick that up quick.\u201d<\/p>\n
Against the Blue Jackets, Pastrnak was dynamite, scoring the team\u2019s lone goal and maintaining consistent, good play throughout the game.<\/p>\n
\nAnd of course it\u2019s David Pastrnak with the Bruins first goal pic.twitter.com\/pM18rEKAvG<\/a><\/p>\n
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) July 31, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n