Key Points From Boston Bruins’ Exit Interviews

The hardest portion of the season has arrived: season departure interviews.

This is where the players meet with the media to discuss the season as they prepare for the summer. Obviously, this is much larger when you win the Stanley Cup, but it did not occur this season.

This season was not without its highlights, as many players improved. Also, you saw younger individuals stand up and emerge into the scene, allowing this bunch to take the next step in terms of what this club can accomplish. The Bruins held their media availability on Sunday, May 19, and there are some major lessons from it.

Bruins Defying Expectations

The sky was meant to fall in Boston. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, franchise icons, have retired. Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi have moved on to greener pastures. General manager Don Sweeney then traded Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks to clear up contract space, allowing the organization to make bargain-bin additions. Those signings worked out, and the Bruins had a fantastic season.

The Bruins went on to finish second in the Atlantic Division, with 109 points. Many expected them to either miss the playoffs or take a step backward. After all, it’s simple to say following the amazing season they had in 2022-23. Captain Brad Marchand praised his squad and how they were able to use the outside noise to fuel their great season, adding, “From the outside noise and where everyone expected our team to be, we grew a ton. This year presented numerous challenges and adjustments.The way we came together, and what we created.”

It’s a true reflection of the people in the room and the culture they’ve created. For the first time in two decades, this was a team without Bergeron, and Marchand’s first without his running partner. However, the Bruins responded to the roster adjustments and developed as a team. It was never ideal, as the club encountered difficulty more than once during the regular season. One of the most important factors was athletes having career years and taking the next step in their careers.

Seizing and Conquering Opportunities

When you lose your tandem in the middle of the rink, replacing them is never easy. Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle had huge shoes to fill, but they were prepared for the challenge. Prior to the season, Coyle discussed the difficulty and the opportunity that awaited him. “I’m really excited,” he told Boston Hockey Now. “We all miss Bergy and wish he was here, but this is an excellent career chance. So that makes me excited. Many males are delighted because there are open positions. There is increased responsibility, and everyone wants to take it on.”

Coyle and Zacha took advantage of the opportunity, combining for more points this season than Bergeron and Krejci did last season. He had a great season, scoring 25 goals and 60 points, while Zacha tied his career high of 21 goals and 59 points. It’s exactly what you expected from your new combo down the middle of the ice. With the emergence of Matthew Poitras, who provided the Bruins brass every reason to keep him on the opening night roster, the Bruins’ center depth went from murky to good in short time. David Pastrnak, the team’s superstar winger, emphasized the importance of his own and his teammates’ development.

“A lot of people were saying it was going to be a downgrade year for me…I love that I get the opportunity to carry the line now and playing with [Zacha], and grow together as a good pair.”