Fansided

5 moves the Bruins can make to get back to the playoffs

By Bruin Belisle

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 25: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at TD Garden on April 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Maple Leafs 7-4. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 25: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at TD Garden on April 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Maple Leafs 7-4. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 2: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Brad Marchand #63 and David Pastrnak #88 after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 2: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Brad Marchand #63 and David Pastrnak #88 after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. Trust the process

Are we allowed to use that phrase, or has Philly trademarked it? General manager Don Sweeney and president Cam Neely have done an incredible job of changing this team just enough to push them from playoff cusp team to perennial contender.

Under Bruce Cassidy, the Bruins play a system that allows players across the board to be successful. With the depth they have at most positions, they don’t have to be concerned if they don’t land a top free agent.

Now, I realize that this last point is very similar to the “do nothing” approach, but I really want to hammer home the point that these Boston Bruins are already very good and that too much tinkering may not be a good thing.

The Bruins will be a playoff team if they trust the system they have in place and look to add pieces if needed at next year’s trade deadline (key words: if needed). Don’t be surprised if the black and gold has five players with around or above 30 goals next season (Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, DeBrusk and one of either Heinen or Donato). These are the types of teams that are successful in the NHL playoffs.

The defensive core of this team is also young and excellent (Chara aside on the “young” part). Torey Krug is staying put, regardless of what the media is saying, Brandon Carlo, Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Miller are all talented young players that will make an impact in the coming seasons.

Charlie McAvoy is on a level of his own and will be a league-wide household name next season, if he isn’t already (he is) and John Moore adds size and toughness to the group.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What if' Moment

Barring any significant injury, the Bruins will be one of four or five Stanley Cup favorites next season. The top line of Marchand, Bergeron and Pastrnak will be even more incredible after proving how unstoppable they were this past season and Tuukka Rask will be clutch and win big games (wish it into existence with me).

The Boston Bruins are one of the teams in the NHL with the benefit of not having to do anything to make it back to the playoffs but of course every good team has room to improve. John Tavares is a Toronto Maple Leaf now, but have no fear — the Boston Bruins still kick off 2018-19 with the better team.

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