Joe Thornton leads a stable of dangerous scorers. |
2002-03 RECORD
36-31-11-4 (87 pts.)
7th in East
15th overall
NEW FACES
Ed Campbell, D (FA-Det) ; Ted Donato, LW (FA-NYR) ; Doug Doull, LW (FA-Tor) ; Sandy McCarthy, RW (FA-NYR) ; Felix Potvin, G (FA-LA)
MOVED
Bryan Berard, D (FA) ; Sean Brown, D (FA-NJ) ; Lee Goren, RW (FA-Fla) ; Jeff Hackett, G (FA-Phi) ; Chris Kelleher, D (FA-Europe) ; Jarno Kultanen, D (FA-Europe) ; Marty McInnis, LW (FA) ; Darren McLachlan, LW (T-Phx) ; Krzysztof Oliwa, LW (FA-Cgy) ; Jozef Stumpel, C (T-LA) ; Don Sweeney, D (FA-Dal)
GOALTENDING
Realizing the importance of stable goaltending after a rollercoaster 2002-03 regular-season, the Bruins signed Felix Potvin just before training camp.
The only problem with Potvin is that he's shown a propensity in his career to be about as consistent as the Bruins were last year. Sometimes, he can be dominant. Other times, he can't stop a beach ball. It all depends on Potvin's confidence level.
Once considered an elite-level netminder when he played for the Maple Leafs, his stock has fallen over the past five years. He now falls into the category of second-tier starter.
Potvin will battle with Steve Shields and Andrew Raycroft for the starting job.
OFFENCE/DEFENCE
Not many teams can boast five players who can score at least 30 goals this season. Barring a blockbuster trade, the Bruins will have to rely on their offence to make up for their deficiencies on the blue line.
The heart of their goal-scoring machine will, of course, be Joe Thornton, who reached the 100-point mark last year for the first time in his career. He earned a nomination for the Lester B. Patrick award for his efforts.
Backing up Thornton will be an impressive arsenal that includes 44-goal man Glen Murray, Brian Rolston and Mike Knuble. Sergei Samsonov, who spent most of last year recovering from a hand injury, is expected to be healthy.
The defence, on the other hand, is less impressive. Headed up by Nick Boynton, the blue line is a faceless, nameless bunch that doesn't feature any real offensive threat. They'll need some help filling out the final two spots.
GAMEBREAKER: JOE THORNTON
Just as Ray Bourque came to symbolize the team during his stay in Boston, Thornton is becoming the face of the Boston Bruins. The former No. 1 overall pick is living up to his advanced billing and looks virtually assured of winning at least one Art Ross or Hart Trophy in his career.
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