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NHL Playoffs 2017: 5 reasons why Boston Bruins can win Stanley Cup

By David Austin Bumpus

Mar 28, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates his goal against the Nashville Predators with left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates his goal against the Nashville Predators with left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates with defenseman Torey Krug (47) and center Riley Nash (20) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates with defenseman Torey Krug (47) and center Riley Nash (20) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Here are the five reasons why the Boston Bruins can make a run and win the 2017 Stanley Cup.

The Boston Bruins have faltered the last few years, missing the playoffs two straight seasons after a solid run of seven straight postseason appearances. The team has one Stanley Cup under their belt in the last 24 years and is hoping to make a similar run as their 2011 championship win.

The team’s last appearance in the playoffs was a second round, game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round after a 54-win regular season and a division title. Now, the team finds themselves with the chance to play spoiler, just as the Canadiens did with them in 2014.

With little expectations following them, do the Bruins have what it takes to win as the underdog, and make a run for their first title since 2011? Here are five reasons why they could do just that and win the 2017 Stanley Cup.

5. Bruce Cassidy’s has had a major influence since taking over after Claude Julien’s firing

While he doesn’t have experience as a head coach in a playoff environment, Bruce Cassidy has the ability to bring the Bruins to the promised land if he continues with what he’s done this year. Since taking over as Boston’s head coach, the team hasn’t lost more than 10 times and completely changed course since their start with Claude Julien.

Boston has seen improvements in key pieces of their game since Cassidy’s arrival, with more production in net from Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin. The Bruins also saw increased scoring on offense almost immediately after Julien’s firing. The team scored 14 goals in Cassidy’s first three games in February, and 19 goals on a four-game win streak in March, utilizing momentum to spark their entire lineup.

It’d obviously be nice for the Bruins to have Julien for moments like these for his playoff experience, the start of a new era might be just what the team needs to make a run. The Bruins have completely bought in on Cassidy, and are looking to ride his strategy and style to another Stanley Cup.

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