I'm truly enjoying this thread and all these wonderful responses. To recap what we have thus far, this year's team is:
- More aggressive overall offensively, but also responsible in their attacking zone actions.
- Better coached. Looser team.
- Outstanding goaltending.
- Krejci return.
- Zacha upgrade from Haula
- Full season of Lindholm who is an exceptional puck mover.
- Related to above, but team is entering the OZ with control more often.
- Defense more involved in the OZ, allowing forwards to chase behind the net on the forecheck.
- Deep roster made possible because of low cost #1 and #2 centers.
- More talented team overall with excellent center depth.
- Shooting percentage way up because team is taking more shots from the slot and inner slot. (editors note - this is despite fewer shot attempts overall).
- Big improvements from Forbort and Foligno.
- Excellent player leadership with accountability for players. Team culture.
- Carlo back to the player he was before the concussions.
- Pastrnak scoring.
- 1st and 2nd line configurations.
- Defensemen much more aggressive offensively, including cycling down low.
- More contributions from all 4 lines.
I hope I didn't miss anything, and apologize if I did.
What else do you guys have for me? What are they doing differently on defense? The Bruins have remained a top level team in suppressing opposition offense, despite being more aggressive offensively. How are they managing to to this?
Also, how would you rank the above in terms of importance?
¡Jajaja! After surfing epic waves in San Pancho, ripping jungle trail on a mtn bike in Sayulita, and taking out my SUP when the entire bay was closed because of huge swells, I tore my Achilles...
playing frisbee