I don't know if this team can make the playoffs this year with the injuries. Lost their best center. Their two best defenders and frankly don't have the depth to stay afloat. They may need to make a trade if they want to stay in the hunt. It's hard losing a legit 1C for 2 months while you whole 1st pairing is also out.

Agree. The next issue is Pastrnak is a shadow without Bergy.

I think a lot of that is just regression. Plays he's trying doesn't work out now, but they did earlier. That stuff just comes and goes naturally as well. Correlation isn't causation ya know

Bergeron is out 1-2 months so could be anywhere within that time frame. McAvoy and Carlo should be back within a week so the defense will be in better shape by next week.

You're right the injuries are a heavy blow but this team did exceptionally well last season when Bergeron was out of the lineup and substituted with Riley Nash. as well, Chara's diminished minutes this year lessen the blow compared to if this injury happened 2-3 years ago. The defense has held its own for the mean time and though there will be learning curves, it's very possible the Bruins can scrape by and bounce back by late December.

I hope you are right but.... I don't know...

I have heard of no time table on McAvoy. 0. No one knows with concussion issues.
Bergy is out 2 months. He won't be back earlier. It's an AC. he's 33 not 22 it's not going to heal fast.
2 months in Decenber January is basically the path. If you are in the tank by the end of January you are most likely done. There isn't enough time to make up. Especially in their division with TB and Toronto going to take up the first 2 spots.
That leaves 1 spot and 2 wild cards. If anything they will be fighting for a wild card spot when he comes back. Only because the Metro looks so bad this year. But that will probably turn around. There is too much talent there.

McAvoy has been on the ice skating for a few days now so have to assume that he will be cleared within the next two weeks. Concussion is tough to tell but the fact he is skating means he's on the final steps towards returning.

It was released that Bergeron will be out 1+ months so yes it could be 2 months for a clavicle injury but Bergeron has always rehabbed quickly throughout his career so I would not be surprised if he is back for Jan. 1st.

TB and Toronto are obviously the top two spots but who's to say the Bruins won't be able to grab that 3rd or a wild card spot . Especially when we're looking at these injuries being what, a total of 20 games or so where they could easily still be over .500. and finish the last 41 games with Bergeron and Chara.

wrong, that's a total misconception about how concussions are treated.
Activity helps people recover from concussions. Players like Crosby skated for months before returning.
Just because he's skating doesn't mean he's cleared for contract. It just means he can skate and keep his endurance up etc...
Having a concussion doesn't make you immobile. You'll know when he's ready when they start allowing him to take contact in practice. If they don't, he's not near ready.

Second, people don't "heal quickly" like that. Especially older people. What happens is they play through pain. And that is usually not a good idea with a shoulder injury because it will linger and people will target it during the playoffs. That's a dumb idea. He needs to sit till it's healed if they plan to go anywhere.

The problem with them finishing 3rd is that if they can't win with the injuries they are done. You can make games up if you drop them in October and November. But you drop games in January and you are in trouble. There isn't enough time left in the season to really make up ground if a team gets going. You basically have to hope they drop the ball. Most likely they are playing for a wild card if they slump now. They might be able to do that, depending if the metro wakes up or not. They have pulled both wild cards before. There is a lot of talent there, it's just somewhat asleep at the moment.