I still think it's the forward group that is the critical flaw. Not enough speed to win puck races, transition through the neutral zone, gain zone entry, push the opposing D-men back so they can't cheat with their gap control. Not enough quality shooters up front, lacking both velocity and finish. And they don't pass or distribute the puck well enough as a forward group as they lack skill, execution and chemistry.
So because of all of that, they spend far too little time in the offensive zone and far too much time back-peddling and defending. In previous year's under Monty and Cassidy, they'd work that puck around the offensive zone maintaining possession, giving their D-men a chance to catch their breath, and wearing down opposing defenders. The best defense today is spending lots of time in the offensive zone and less time in your own zone.
I'd also like to see them tweak the right-side of the D-corps, specifically moving out Carlo for a more-well rounded D-man like a Rasmus Andersson (as an example). But that to me is secondary to them having a philosophical change in how they construct their forward group. Doesn't mean they need to go all skill/speed/shooting, but they need a better mix than what they have now. It's a forward group built to win in in the NHL from 5-10 years ago, not built for the modern game here in 2025.
Question is......are Sweeney, Neely, Bradley, and now Chara, the right people to make this philosophical change?
Time, a steep learning curve and a clear understanding that the way good teams win in today's NHL is very different than it was when Z stalked the Boston blueline.
With the indispensable assistance of many lieutenants -- and a general who knew how to construct a deep, balanced roster, the captain established and fostered a commitment to team excellence, hard work, and most important, a commitment to each other.
The success of Zdeno's captaincy was not a foregone conclusion, something many forget or take for granted. It didn't spring to life full blown. There were growing pains and rocky times, especially early on.
As we all know, Chara loves challenges and puts every scintilla of his being into meeting them. Not least to prove the naysayers wrong.
(Jeremy Swayman has a chip on his shoulder that redounds to the benefit of his team?
(Maybe when he grows up and proves he didn't behave like an entitled, shoot my mouth off to the media brat during his prolonged, damaging to all concerned holdout.
(How's that workin' for ya, Jeremy? Took one for himself, first and foremost. Then, perhaps the goaltending fraternity. His team? Not so much.
(Brad has always used the chip on his shoulder to great advantage, with a wink and smirk. Voila, time, space and opportunity opened up, as did a sure-fire HHOF career, however much the league office hates his guts, and he, theirs.)
Many -- many -- have underestimated Zdeno Chara, long before he was drafted by the Islanders as a gangly, slow, seemingly one-dimensional giraffe cut out for little more than imposing physicality on opponents, King Kong style.
Over a long, storied career, Chara made the doubters eat their words, *willing himself* to greatness as one of the best defenseman of his era, and like Terry O'Reilly in not dissimilar fashion, he worked his ass off at it.
I don't believe in a great many things, but I very much believe in Zdeno Chara.
By all counts, a singular, Hall Of Fame defenseman, unique and superlative leader on and off the ice, and not least, an exceptionally bright, compassionate and decent soul.
(Recall, as Captain, Z banned rookie "hazing," and even use of the term "rookie." It was *not* PC foolishness. It was about creating a team, an extended family, daresay a "brotherhood" who played for one another, stuck up for one another, cared about each other.
("All for one, one for all." Groan & roll 'em as you wish.)
That's a hell of a resume, and I challenge anyone to gainsay it.
Zdeno will bring everything he has, including a keen intellect, "hockey sense," insane work ethic, and exceptionally high standards across the board.
He has my hardy endorsement relative for the presently ill defined "consulting" & "advisory" role on offer.
He also has my unreserved endorsement as future General Manager of the Boston Bruins.
The sooner the better.
Open Letter to Sr. Charles Jacobs Dept.:
Snag Patrice 4 Prez while you're at it, Charlie.
* You demonstrated excellent judgement bringing in Peter Chiarelli, who eventually brought in Claude Julien, who... won you your first Stanley Cup since 1972 before both were unceremoniously kicked to the curb by the guy who remains in charge nearly a decade into his tenure.
How's that working out?
Rather shakily of late, yes?
Charlie, If you truly measure success in championships, as you have boasted repeatedly, one in the span of 53 years is rather thin gruel.
We know you care.
Show.
Don't tell.
