The Boston Bruins were rumored to be washed up.
They were supposed to be too old. And too injured. And too past their prime. No way could this Bruins' team run with the younger, faster Atlantic Division teams -- let along the high-flying league at large.
That part turned out to be true; the Bruins haven't been keeping up. They've been setting the pace.
Boston cruised to a league-best 12-2-0 record to start this season, while boasting the top goal differential (plus-25), most goals for (57, tied with Vegas in one fewer game players) and most efficient penalty kill (94.