Why the Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup in 2011

The Face of a Champion

You might be thinking, next year would be fitting wouldn’t it? The last time the Bruins hoisted and quenched their hard earned thirst from Lord Stanley’s mug was back in 1972.

The year before.

The last time the Bruins won the cup, was the year before I was born. Our hometown Tiger-Cats of the CFL, were also the last team to win the Grey Cup on our home turf in 1972. What is known as the ‘year before’ for me, was also the year Canada heard the echo’s of “Henderson has scored for Canada”, as Paul Henderson put one past Tretiak to seal a victory for Canada in the Summit Series over the Soviet Union.

1972 was a long time ago. More than a lifetime for me. If there is one thing I have in common with Leafs fans, is that we all know what it’s like to go a lifetime without seeing our beloved teams crowned champions.

For the Bruins however, I truly believe our time is now.

We all know stats and standings all mean nothing. That wining your division, conference, or capturing the Presidents Trophy, are all just nice to have’s that don’t guarantee a thing when the second season begins. It takes hard work and determination and sometimes a little luck thrown in, to be the only team left standing out of 16; 15 teams to beat in Mission 16W’s.

The hubs have only won the Stanley Cup 5 times in the 87 years they have been in the league. It may seem like a small feat next to the Montreal Canadiens’ 24 titles, but the Bruins are second only to the Detroit Red Wings with 11 titles, in the Stanley Cup standings for American teams.

The Bruins were the first US-based team to enter the league via expansion, and of course are one of the leagues 6 original teams.

The Bruins are also fourth in the list of top 10 playoff-making teams; holding the record of 30 consecutive seasons making the playoffs (1968 to 1996) .

While the Montreal Canadiens better the Bruins in almost every category mentioned above, the B’s have showed considerable strength facing their division rivals in recent years. There is no Forum curse and the Bruins – although they respect their original six foes, match and better Les Habitants in many aspects – including one of the most important lines on the fact sheet, in net with a goalie in Tim Thomas who now holds the NHL record for the best save percentage ever. Should Thomas go down however, Rask would certainly remind us of the old days of great goaltending duos such as Andy Moog and Grant Fuhr.

Not to be outdone, is Carey Price. Having watched him develop in my hometown Hamilton as a Bulldog in the AHL, he has become my second favorite goalie next to Thomas. Montreal goalies have always worried me in the past, but there is just something about how Thomas faces adversity and challenges, that leaves me confident that the Bruins will  push very deep, if not win it all.

Vancouver looks strong in the west to finally push into the final two, but the playoffs haven’t always been good to the Canucks. They also have strong goaltending in Luongo but at 36, Thomas isn’t going to let this one slip away. Recchi of course, is having another great year and if he is going to win another cup, this is possibly the year to make it happen.

Look for Kaberle to stand out as well. This guy has been craving playoff playing time as he and his former teammates rotted away in Toronto, and now he is not only about to play in his first playoff appearance since 2003-2004 when the Leafs last made the playoffs; falling in the second round to the Flyers, he is playing for a real contender with the best goalie in the league.

Recchi is a playoff monster. I enjoy watching him and would love nothing more than to see him win the big one in a Boston jersey. Bergeron, Chara, Thornton, and many others have been around for awhile as well.  Then you have Horton, the very powerful Lucic and of course, Tyler Seguin just to name a few of the reasons the Bruins are a team to seriously worry about this playoff season.

The 2010-2011 edition of the Boston Bruins are a very powerful unit. They are also an extremely healthy squad with great coaching, and many guys with a lot of playoff experience. Those that may lack the experience of hockey in the spring in the big leagues, make up for it with their skillful play and patience with the puck. That’s why teams of course, bring in the experience of guys like Recchi. Not only can these seasoned veteran’s still compete with the young guys, they have strong leadership skills to make the transition for the rookies from regular season play to post-season play, seem like any big game whether it be against an arch-rival, or for important points.

I am not a hockey writer or a stats guy, but I feel good about this team.

Talent and great chemistry is important but when it comes down to it, the difference between success and disappointment, is believing in yourself and your fellow teammates. I believe if this Bruins roster truly believes they have what it takes to break the 39 year drought that they have what it takes on paper to make it happen.

I believe in you. Your fans believe in you. Your coaches believe in you. Believe in yourselves, and this will be the year Bruins fans rejoice.

We all lived vicariously through Ray Bourque and the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 as we watched our beloved franchise defenseman finally win a well deserved cup with the Avs. I had tears in my eyes I won’t lie. We have had a glimpse of Lord Stanley’s presence twice, only to be defeated by the once pesky Oilers, but we are ready for more.

“Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously and never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop this picture!” ~ Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Imagine yourselves holding the Stanley Cup; carrying it above your heads with tears in your eyes. Envision the taste of the bittersweet fruits of victory as you drink from the trophy you have admired since the days of pond hockey in your back yards.

We can never know in this life if we will get another chance, so make the best of this one. Most of all, enjoy this time as a team. Hockey is the game you love, and it’s that love and passion and the friendships that have developed throughout the year(s), that will all play a part in helping you realize your life’s dreams.

Mission 16W starts today. 16 more victories, and you will spend the summer as national league champions. You will clear out your lockers with a smile, and admire your trophy cases as the most sought after prize pays a summer visit to your home.

I want to drive 30 minutes down the Queen Elizabeth Way, as the City of Welland honors their two hometown champions, Horton and Paille.

I can paint these pictures in my mind’s eye, but it is you who must believe.

Pictures these moment’s boys, then focus on who stands in your way right now.

I believe.

What Others Are Saying

Shawn P. Roarke - NHL.com Senior Managing Editor – Why Boston will win the cup.
WhatifSports.com – Playoff Simulator