Below Market Value
Rejoint: nov. 2015
Messages: 1,426
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I think they'll be better than people expect. A top six of Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, Hall, Krejci, and Smith is quite formidable; the depth is a little suspect, and any long-term injury in their top six would be a big obstacle.
Their blue line is their biggest strength, in my opinion. Lindholm-McAvoy has potential to be one of the best pairings in the league, assuming Lindholm can play like the Lindholm of old. Grzelcyk-Carlo is a very nice second pair to have, even if I'm not that high on Carlo, I'm very bullish on Grzelcyk. Reilly is a fine third pair guy, so hopefully whoever he gets saddled with (likely Forbort) doesn't poop the bed too badly.
Goaltending is a big question mark though (evergreen statement). Swayman has looked good in the games he's played, so we'll see if he can keep it up; but Ullmark wasn't great last season so if he can just be average-ish, Boston should be okay. They play behind one of the better defensive teams in the league so they shouldn't be overly taxed.