Defining Each Bruins “Core”

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Well I will be unpopular, but I would argue that the four of

Bergeron, Chara, Thomas, Lucic

encompassed the aggressive personality, battle mentality, strength and leadership of the core of players who brought us the Cup in 2011 more than anyone else on the roster. When I consider that period of time, these are the names that come to the top.

That's not to claim it's the right answer or that there aren't a bevy of other options. It's just how I see it if limited to only four.

 

[Mainehockey33]

Well I will be unpopular, but I would argue that the four of

Bergeron, Chara, Thomas, Lucic

encompassed the aggressive personality, battle mentality, strength and leadership of the core of players who brought us the Cup in 2011 more than anyone else on the roster. When I consider that period of time, these are the names that come to the top.

That's not to claim it's the right answer or that there aren't a bevy of other options. It's just how I see it if limited to only four.

You want controversial? If I’m picking 4 from 2011, it’s

Krejci, Chara, Thomas, Marchand.

Krejci was 1C, most points and drove the best line on the team. Chara and Thomas are obvious. As much as I love Lucic, I’m taking Marchand. Led the team in goals and his antics against Vancouver got the Sedins off their game enough to be less of a factor that series.

 

[EvilDead]

I might go for Hal Gill over Nick Boynton.

Gill over McLaren and Boyton?

 

[BruinDust]

You want controversial? If I’m picking 4 from 2011, it’s

Krejci, Chara, Thomas, Marchand.

Krejci was 1C, most points and drove the best line on the team. Chara and Thomas are obvious. As much as I love Lucic, I’m taking Marchand. Led the team in goals and his antics against Vancouver got the Sedins off their game enough to be less of a factor that series.

I don't disagree with that foursome at all if it's just 2011 considered. I think it's spot. on. Those were the 4 most important players to that run if you really boil it down.

Here's another one for you......if we are looking at 2009-2011 playoff years combined, Michael Ryder makes a solid case for the group of four. Arguably Boston's most consistent performer over the course of those 3 playoff runs.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Gill over McLaren and Boyton?

Yep.

 

[ShiftyNifty16]

For those old enough to remember, comparing the 80-2000 Bruins to the 2003 to 2023 Bruins, which "core" felt like more of a disappointment? Which underachieved more than the other group?

2011 obviously stands out, but the cup aside, the 20 years in total, which? Which couldn't get over the top due to things out of their control vs. failure at their own hands? I'm curious what you all think.

As an aside, which group was more fun to watch?

 

[KillerMillerTime]

For those old enough to remember, comparing the 80-2000 Bruins to the 2003 to 2023 Bruins, which "core" felt like more of a disappointment? Which underachieved more than the other group?

2011 obviously stands out, but the cup aside, the 20 years in total, which? Which couldn't get over the top due to things out of their control vs. failure at their own hands? I'm curious what you all think.

As an aside, which group was more fun to watch?

The 80-2000 core ran into two dynasties that essentially spanned more than half that
20 year period. The 1982-83 team had they faced similar competition from 2019 could have won the Cup if they were healthy (Leveille, O'Reilly, Milbury) and arguably been cap compliant because Bourque would have been the only guy past his ELC from amongst Pederson, Fergus, Leveille, and Kasper. However that 20 year period had some truly mediocre teams for 3 straight years 1984-85 thru 1986-87 and a dumpster fire in 1996-97.

The 2003 thru 2023 teams were more entertaining as they won a Cup and went to 3 Cups as opposed to 2 from the 80 group, though the 80 group did have the advantage
of going to 5 ECF (83, 88, 90, 91,92).

 

[BruinDust]

The 80-2000 core ran into two dynasties that essentially spanned more than half that
20 year period. The 1982-83 team had they faced similar competition from 2019 could have won the Cup if they were healthy (Leveille, O'Reilly, Milbury) and arguably been cap compliant because Bourque would have been the only guy past his ELC from amongst Pederson, Fergus, Leveille, and Kasper. However that 20 year period had some truly mediocre teams for 3 straight years 1984-85 thru 1986-87 and a dumpster fire in 1996-97.

The 2003 thru 2023 teams were more entertaining as they won a Cup and went to 3 Cups as opposed to 2 from the 80 group, though the 80 group did have the advantage
of going to 5 ECF (83, 88, 90, 91,92).

That 5 year run between 1988 and 1992 probably doesn't get enough respect in hindsight.

Not to mention knocking out the Habs 4 out of 5 years.

You could even say they ran into 3 dynasties (Islanders, Oilers, Penguins). Those Penguin teams in the early 1990s were juggernauts.

 

[Over the volcano]

That 5 year run between 1988 and 1992 probably doesn't get enough respect in hindsight.

Not to mention knocking out the Habs 4 out of 5 years.

You could even say they ran into 3 dynasties (Islanders, Oilers, Penguins). Those Penguin teams in the early 1990s were juggernauts.

It really is funny to see how things have changed - these days some folks rip anything less than a Cup as a failed season. I mean last year they were stacked but really the expectation has been there since 2011.

 

[BruinDust]

It really is funny to see how things have changed - these days some folks rip anything less than a Cup as a failed season. I mean last year they were stacked but really the expectation has been there since 2011.

Even 2009 I think the expectations were there. Maybe not so much in 2010 with Kessel leaving and the team struggling mightily to score.

I also think "how" they lost some of those playoff years adds to the sting of that season.

2007-08 to me was a very successful season even if they didn't even win a round.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

That 5 year run between 1988 and 1992 probably doesn't get enough respect in hindsight.

Not to mention knocking out the Habs 4 out of 5 years.

You could even say they ran into 3 dynasties (Islanders, Oilers, Penguins). Those Penguin teams in the early 1990s were juggernauts.

Yeah especially beating Montreal in '88 after going decades not beating them in the PO
sweeping them in '92 without Neely all 4 games along without Bourque for the last two 2 games in Boston and beating them in in '94 when they were defending Cup Champs.

IMO the most shocking was the '92 sweep.

 

[BruinDust]

Yeah especially beating Montreal in '88 after going decades not beating them in the PO
sweeping them in '92 without Neely all 4 games along without Bourque for the last two 2 games in Boston and beating them in in '94 when they were defending Cup Champs.

IMO the most shocking was the '92 sweep.

Truthfully my earliest hockey memory. I remember HNIC interviewing Moog after sweeping them out the door in Game 4.

I forgot about 1994. I missed Game 7 against the Habs as my Grade 7 Basketball team was hosting a teen dance to raise money on a Friday night. I believe Bourque ripped a slapper past Roy down the left-wing and did the big fist pump I wish I could of seen that.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Truthfully my earliest hockey memory. I remember HNIC interviewing Moog after sweeping them out the door in Game 4.

I forgot about 1994. I missed Game 7 against the Habs as my Grade 7 Basketball team was hosting a teen dance to raise money on a Friday night. I believe Bourque ripped a slapper past Roy down the left-wing and did the big fist pump I wish I could of seen that.

Yep, Bourque with the blast that was similar to his goal in the Ludwig fell down comeback...lol.

Roy got beat by slappers from Bourque, Neely and Lazaro in elimination games '91 and '94. Lazaro's slapper was the best of the three PO goals no doubt, put them up late but Montreal came back and won G6.

 

[BruinDust]

Yep, Bourque with the blast that was similar to his goal in the Ludwig fell down comeback...lol.

Roy got beat by slappers from Bourque, Neely and Lazaro in elimination games '91 and '94. Lazaro's slapper was the best of the three PO goals no doubt, put them up late but Montreal came back and won G6.

Game 7 1991.



I haven't watched it all, but notice the lack of cycling or zone time. No wonder goalies could play 70+ games a season + playoffs in those days.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Well I will be unpopular, but I would argue that the four of

Bergeron, Chara, Thomas, Lucic

encompassed the aggressive personality, battle mentality, strength and leadership of the core of players who brought us the Cup in 2011 more than anyone else on the roster. When I consider that period of time, these are the names that come to the top.

That's not to claim it's the right answer or that there aren't a bevy of other options. It's just how I see it if limited to only four.

When you limit a NHL core over almost 20 years to 4 players, every take almost by default will be unpopular. Its just way to limiting to do justice to a guy like Krejci, who I can't see being excluded under any meaningful condition. Hence I don't see any value to a 4 player core.

 

[DKH]

Core going back to 60’s was a foundation of 4 guys

Elite top 10 D- Orr
Eliite C - Espodito
Scoring winger (back then 40+) Hodge
All star G- Cheevers

It’s changed since as lesgue went from12 to 21 to 32

Still
D Mac
C
F pasta
G Ullmark

Team needs C be it Lindholm now or Eichel in 2 years