NHL Standings Watch 2024-2025 - UPDATED 2/05/25

[smithformeragent]

As much as it might benefit them in the medium and long-term, I do not expect the bottom to fall out completely, which means I do not expect them to be sellers.

I fully expect them to continue to limp along, and remain within striking distance of a wildcard.

A.k.a. hockey purgatory

 

[bruins19]

Has a lot to do with the increase in empty net goals now that teams pull the goalie so early and even when down 2 or 3 goals.

Have to thank Laviolette for giving us the game by pulling the goalie with 3:30 left. Moronic. Cost him the game.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Have to thank Laviolette for giving us the game by pulling the goalie with 3:30 left. Moronic. Cost him the game.

We had a two goal lead, I know we suck but hardly giving us the game lol

 

[bruins19]

We had a two goal lead, I know we suck but hardly giving us the game lol

He enabled us to put it away.

 

[gvkmedia]

Ottawa collects another 2 points tonight

 

[Number8]

I hate to say this, but a small part of me is kinda pulling for B's to drop four or five in a row.

Because I don't love this team anymore? No
Because I just want to see the world burn? No

Because I don't trust front office not to buckle to the illusion that making playoffs this year is somehow good and doesn't just kick the a very flimsy can down the road again.? YES

I get it, we can't just announce to players and league that we waiving white flag. But I don't trust the gravitational pull that a couple of home playoff games has for this management team.

 

[smithformeragent]

I hate to say this, but a small part of me is kinda pulling for B's to drop four or five in a row.

Because I don't love this team anymore? No
Because I just want to see the world burn? No

Because I don't trust front office not to buckle to the illusion that making playoffs this year is somehow good and doesn't just kick the a very flimsy can down the road again.? YES

I get it, we can't just announce to players and league that we waiving white flag. But I don't trust the gravitational pull that a couple of home playoff games has for this management team.

While I agree, the body of work says they’ll win 2, lose 2, win 1, lose 2, win 3, lose 2 etc.

You expect them to turn a corner, and then the fall flat on their faces.

They beat quality teams, but then get blown out by a bottom feeder.

The games played stat is going to do them in.

 

[Number8]

While I agree, the body of work says they’ll win 2, lose 2, win 1, lose 2, win 3, lose 2 etc.

You expect them to turn a corner, and then the fall flat on their faces.

They beat quality teams, but then get blown out by a bottom feeder.

The games played stat is going to do them in.

So true. I bolded what you put above because to me it's a pattern not only game to game but even within a game. Score a nice goal, give a sloppy goal right back.

Wish they'd be consistently good or consistently bad so a path can be set.

 

[Fingertools]

I hate to say this, but a small part of me is kinda pulling for B's to drop four or five in a row.

Because I don't love this team anymore? No
Because I just want to see the world burn? No

Because I don't trust front office not to buckle to the illusion that making playoffs this year is somehow good and doesn't just kick the a very flimsy can down the road again.? YES

I get it, we can't just announce to players and league that we waiving white flag. But I don't trust the gravitational pull that a couple of home playoff games has for this management team.

Unless you're in the top 10 of the draft, anywhere in the middle of the round is pretty much the same thing - I'm all in for the Bruins to make WC2 as long as they don't give up any futures, draft picks or hopeful young assets. But if they can jettison out some dead wood, maybe exchange a guy or two for someone that fits the future better I'm down to see a round in the playoffs if they can make it - and if they lose big and have to pick a couple of spots lower? No big deal. Alternately, they need to tank somewhat for a valuable pick for me to be happy about them missing the playoffs.

Give me 8th seed or eighth pick!

 

[Number8]

Unless you're in the top 10 of the draft, anywhere in the middle of the round is pretty much the same thing - I'm all in for the Bruins to make WC2 as long as they don't give up any futures, draft picks or hopeful young assets. But if they can jettison out some dead wood, maybe exchange a guy or two for someone that fits the future better I'm down to see a round in the playoffs if they can make it - and if they lose big and have to pick a couple of spots lower? No big deal. Alternately, they need to tank somewhat for a valuable pick for me to be happy about them missing the playoffs.

Give me 8th seed or eighth pick!

I agree. I'm no architect of a hockey team -- so I don't know if the play is to actively sell or kind of sit pat.

However, there are a few things we could do that will make me lose my mind:

1) As you say giving up any futures, draft picks, or hopeful young assets for the SHORT TERM goal of making the PO's this year. If young or picks go out, young or picks come back.

2) Letting a UFA like Freddy go to market. Sign him to a number that is representative of BOTH his potential and actual play -- or trade him. No Louis Erikkson's or Jake DeBrusks here.

I'll happily agree - give me 8th seed or eighth pick as long as long as that eighth seed doesn't mean we have to dip into our already bare cupboard. I just looked and the mouse that's in there is scarily thin, pissed off, and sad looking.

 

[RoccoF14]

Last year’s Capitals were a -37 and made playoffs.

....and got swept in Round 1.

 

[Fenway]

Detroit is on a 7 game run and they could wind up as a Top 3 team in the Atlantic

My best guess is the Bruins' fate will be determined on this 5 game trip in late March

 

[smithformeragent]

Detroit is on a 7 game run and they could wind up as a Top 3 team in the Atlantic

My best guess is the Bruins' fate will be determined on this 5 game trip in late March

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The Disney death March!

Nothing would surprise me with his team at this point.

If I had to bet, I would bet on them finishing ninth in the conference. The math is working against them.

 

[MillerTime29Bombs]

Watch out for the Islanders. Local boy “ the Gatcomb effect” has them playing physical and engaged. 8-2 in the last 10. On a heater!

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Watch out for the Islanders. Local boy “ the Gatcomb effect” has them playing physical and engaged. 8-2 in the last 10. On a heater!

Props to Gatcomb, who followed a similar path to making the NHL as did Marc McLaughlin of Billerica. Undrafted out of HS, to a Hockey East program and ultimately making the NHL.

 

[PlayMakers]

I hate to say this, but a small part of me is kinda pulling for B's to drop four or five in a row.

Because I don't love this team anymore? No
Because I just want to see the world burn? No

Because I don't trust front office not to buckle to the illusion that making playoffs this year is somehow good and doesn't just kick the a very flimsy can down the road again.? YES

I get it, we can't just announce to players and league that we waiving white flag. But I don't trust the gravitational pull that a couple of home playoff games has for this management team.

It is very tempting to want to see them drop a couple to ensure they're sellers. They are so close to a top10 pick, and there are #1 centers to be had there!

But honestly I can't do it. I just can't "root" for them to lose even though I think it could be better long-term. I'm definitely conflicted and my head is telling me it would be better but then I'm scaring the dogs with a shout because we scored.

 

[Number8]

It is very tempting to want to see them drop a couple to ensure they're sellers. They are so close to a top10 pick, and there are #1 centers to be had there!

But honestly I can't do it. I just can't "root" for them to lose even though I think it could be better long-term. I'm definitely conflicted and my head is telling me it would be better but then I'm scaring the dogs with a shout because we scored.

I hear what you are saying. My solution last night was to root for them, but then hope others in the East held pace. Just another week or so, and I can go back to normal.

 

[PlayMakers]

I hear what you are saying. My solution last night was to root for them, but then hope others in the East held pace. Just another week or so, and I can go back to normal.

That's a good compromise. Columbus seems to be stumbling but Ottawa and Detroit have been really strong in their last 10, as have the Islanders who are behind us.

 

[BamBamCam]

That's a good compromise. Columbus seems to be stumbling but Ottawa and Detroit have been really strong in their last 10, as have the Islanders who are behind us.

CBJ is Stumbling because there top 3 players are out. Marchenko, Monahan and Werenski

 

[Dr Hook]

It is very tempting to want to see them drop a couple to ensure they're sellers. They are so close to a top10 pick, and there are #1 centers to be had there!

But honestly I can't do it. I just can't "root" for them to lose even though I think it could be better long-term. I'm definitely conflicted and my head is telling me it would be better but then I'm scaring the dogs with a shout because we scored.

I hear what you are saying. My solution last night was to root for them, but then hope others in the East held pace. Just another week or so, and I can go back to normal.

I can't do it either. Like you guys, I honestly believe the best path forward for the club long-term is to re-tool and to let this season do whatever it does while that is going on. If they squeak in, great, if not, fine. I also know, like the rest of us, that the only way that happens is for them to get drubbed a few more times and drop out of the race. I just can't force myself to get behind that

 

[RoccoF14]

Found this online today and found it interesting. Its a graph of Cap Hit $ lost due to injury this season (Through Jan 31). Instead of mapping just player games lost, they weight it by a player's cap hit. So for example, if you lost a player making $8mil AAV and he's missed 21 games, it would show up as $2mil in lost money. It also shows by position......Gold (Goalies), Red (Dmen), Blue (Forwards). Boston has been in pretty good shape so far, with H. Lindholm taking up the lions share..

Link: 2024/25 team injury breakdowns (through 31 January)

 

[Blitzkrug]

The Disney death March!

Nothing would surprise me with his team at this point.

If I had to bet, I would bet on them finishing ninth in the conference. The math is working against them.

A lot less scary than it was back in the day though to be sure.

That California road trip used to be literal hell on earth for teams. 3 really good teams on top of being big, heavy and mean in a usually short span. Most would pray they just make it out of there in one piece.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Found this online today and found it interesting. Its a graph of Cap Hit $ lost due to injury this season (Through Jan 31). Instead of mapping just player games lost, they weight it by a player's cap hit. So for example, if you lost a player making $8mil AAV and he's missed 21 games, it would show up as $2mil in lost money. It also shows by position......Gold (Goalies), Red (Dmen), Blue (Forwards). Boston has been in pretty good shape so far, with H. Lindholm taking up the lions share..

Link: 2024/25 team injury breakdowns (through 31 January)

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Interesting on the D men though. Utah, STL and LA have the 3 biggest of teams with PO possibilities. So that's looks like Marino, Krug\Leddy & Doughty?

 

[whatsbruin]

I agree. I'm no architect of a hockey team -- so I don't know if the play is to actively sell or kind of sit pat.

However, there are a few things we could do that will make me lose my mind:

1) As you say giving up any futures, draft picks, or hopeful young assets for the SHORT TERM goal of making the PO's this year. If young or picks go out, young or picks come back.

2) Letting a UFA like Freddy go to market. Sign him to a number that is representative of BOTH his potential and actual play -- or trade him. No Louis Erikkson's or Jake DeBrusks here.

I'll happily agree - give me 8th seed or eighth pick as long as long as that eighth seed doesn't mean we have to dip into our already bare cupboard. I just looked and the mouse that's in there is scarily thin, pissed off, and sad looking.

I think Freddy is at his potential. It's his 7th year in the NHL, what you see is what you get. Yes he may have a career year and score 25, but looks like he is a career 15 - 20 goal a year player. Not bad, just a solid 3rd liner, so spend accordingly.

 

[RoccoF14]

Interesting on the D men though. Utah, STL and LA have the 3 biggest of teams with PO possibilities. So that's looks like Marino, Krug\Leddy & Doughty?

If you go to the link, they have tabs for each individual team and it breaks it down by game and by player showing how the numbers are accumulated. Its pretty cool