The Big Bad Bruins?

Alright, time for another Northeast opponent: The Boston Bruins.

The Bruins, in my oppinion, could surprise a few people this year. Their offence should be quite dangerous. They have one of the better 1-2 punches at centre with Savard and Bergeron, and a proven goal scorer in Murray. Add to this mix Schaefer who will give them around 50 points (more if he manages to stick on the second or first line), a developing Phil Kessel who shouldn't miss any time this year, and you're looking at a scary offensive unit.

On top of this, Brandon Bochenski is a player who has some potential as a second or third liner if developed properly. We have seen what he can do here in Ottawa, and even though he disappointed some, he did show that he should be an NHL regular. He should at least be a valuable plug for the Bruins.

Defensively, the Bruins don't look to shabby either. Anchored by Chara who should bounce back after last year (though it wasn't nearly as bad a year as many Sens fans make it out to be), and also featuring Ference and Ward, they should be solid if not spectacular.

And of course, the Bruins now feature Fernandez, acquired from the Wild. I'm really not sure what this will do for them. Fernandez was very middle of the pack last year, posting 22 wins with a 2.55 GAA and .911 save percentage. Better numbers than Thomas yes, but not a significant improvement. Fernandez was playing on the Wild, a more defensively minded team playing in a division featuring the offensively challenged Oilers and Canucks.

The move the Northeast could expose Fernandez, as he will be facing offensive powerhouses like Ottawa, Toronto, and Buffalo. Even Montreal isn't a slouch when it comes to offence. On the other hand, Fernandez could shine and pull the Bruins into the playoffs.

I think they finish 11th...and Ottawa's record against them? 4-3-1

Are the Leafs a threat?

Well, after two years of missing the playoffs I think we can finally expect to see the Toronto Maple Leafs in at the big show. They have added to what was already one of the league's best offensive cores with the addition of Jason Blake. Even if he does not live up to his 40 goal campaign last year he will help them out with 30 or more, and the further development of youngsters like Wellwood and Steen could spell danger for defencemen in the Northeast.

On top of this, the Leafs have received an upgrade in goal. How big of an upgrade is debatable, but Toskala should at the very least push Raycroft. I wouldn't be surprised to see split duties in Toronto. Despite all the flack he received Raycroft did still manage 37 wins last year, an impressive feat no matter how you spin it.

Despite my obvious bias against the Leafs, I have to say I am happy about this for a few reasons. The first being that it will probably bring the battle of Ontario back to life after a few years spent in a comatose state. The Leafs will have some bite this year, and having closer games will only make it that much better when we win.

The Leafs in the playoffs will also allow Ottawa to do something I think they badly need to do - BEAT THE LEAFS. I really dont know if the players or fans need this monkey off their back more (probably the fans), but I would bet money that the players would love the opportunity to play the Leafs in the playoffs for some redemption.

I know this seems like I am digging up some past demons that Sens fans always tell Leaf fans to let go, but I do think it is something we would all like out of the way, and I think it is worthwhile to examine our primary competition this year: the Northeast.

Because of that, I will be taking a very quick and very opinionated look at each of our Northeast opponents over the next little while. Hey, there isn't much else to talk about is there?

Oh I almost forgot....Ottawa's record against the Leafs this year: 5-2-1