In early September the Boston Bruins began their journey on the other side of the globe. On Wednesday night that journey will come to an end with a chance at history.
With a win in Game 7, the Bruins would secure the franchise’s second championship of the decade and seventh in franchise history. It would not only secure a title but exemplify the character of this team. The road to this moment has not been easy, but it is what has made this season special and truly unique.
When the season began this club to many did not look like a championship team. The Bruins opened their season with a 7-0 loss to the Washington Capitals. As Tuukka Rask struggled early on, backup Jaroslav Halak excelled causing a goalie controversy in Boston.
Looking back, that has only added to this teams story as Rask has been historically good in the postseason. He has silenced all his doubters and is a major reason why the Bruins are one win away from glory. Rask’s early struggles, however, were not the only adversity this team has had to overcome.
Early on in the season, this team struggled to score and relied heavily on its top line. Highly touted prospects such as Ryan Donato and Jacob Forsbacka Karlsson failed to provide a spark to the Bruins’ bottom six. This forced general manager Don Sweeney to add Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson at the trade deadline.
They have turned out to be perfect additions, as without those moves, the Bruins may not be where they are today. In the postseason the two wingers have been impressive, combining for twenty-seven points and thirteen goals.
What has made this team impressive, however, is how they have succeeded when they have been expected to fail. Throughout the season this team has dealt with injuries to seemingly every key player. Their defense at one point mirrored an AHL lineup. For most teams, that would be a disaster, but this team still found ways to win. The playoffs have been no different with injuries every round. When this team’s back has been against the wall, they have risen to the occasion every time.
For Massachusetts natives Charlie Coyle, Matt Grzelcyk, and Chris Wagner it is a dream come true. It is a moment that they played out countless times as children and now could be a reality. It is also a chance at history for the city that the Spoked B represents.
With a Stanley Cup win the Bruins would deliver Boston its third title in less than 12 months. It is something that has not been done since Detroit did it in the 1930’s. If the Bruins are successful they will not only join a short list but accomplish something that is rarely seen in the sports world.
Game 7 is where legends are made, and a victory will require everything these teams have. Regardless of the outcome, it will be an entertaining finish with history in play. The Bruins are hoping to celebrate a championship on their home ice for the first time in their storied history as the Blues look to win their first title in team history.
