With a strong veteran core and a dynamic youth movement in 2017-18, the Boston Bruins’ Stanely Cup window — even after their second-round loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning last May — opened sooner than expected. But what does this upcoming season have in store for Bruce Cassidy and company?
Like last year, the Bruins, Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs will cling to the top three places of the Atlantic Division. The Sabres and Panthers — whom the Bruins combined to go just 2-5-1 against last season — should both rebound thanks to their strong nucleus’ of young talent, while the Red Wings, Senators and Canadiens will all be in rebuilding mode.