The Boston Bruins have won 6 straight games and have climbed into the top Wild Card spot 3 points behind Montreal for 3rd in the Atlantic and 2 points clear of the Leafs in the wildcard. Led by strong defensive play and great goaltending over this 6 game stretch the Bruins have outscored opponents 27-7 during this streak including a 10 goal game against the Rangers and 2 shutouts. Jeremy Swayman is playing his way into a legitimate conversation to be Team USA’s starting goalie in the Olympics in a few weeks time. In his last 3 starts he has produced a 1.33 GAA and a .953 SV%. He hasn’t done it alone as Joonas Korpisalo has really picked up his game as of late, contributing his own stellar numbers 1.00 GAA and .963 SV%.

In addition to the great goaltending the Bruins have also benefitted greatly from contributions by a newly restructured 2nd line. Mittlestadt, Arvidsson and Zacha have combined for 20 points during this 6 game stretch, generating much of this offensive output 5on5. This has come at a time in which Morgan Geekie’s scoring magic has hit a snag as he is goalless over the last full month, (last goal coming 12/20 vs. Vancouver). Now playing alongside Fraser Minten and Alex Steeves, Geekie will need to find the back of the net to break out of this rut, and get things back moving in his direction. Geekie is now a respected goal scorer and teams are limiting his opportunities, now on a line without Pastrnak, Geekie is having to create some of his own chances, which has been able to, but has been snake bitten around the net as of late. The top line of Pastrnak, Lindholm and Khustidinov has had great chemistry. Lindholm has been very steady in the middle, Khustidinov is providing speed, and forechecking tenacity, while Pastrnak is creating chances almost every shift. Even with Geekie struggling it will be hard for Marco Sturm to move away from his top 2 lines to get Geekie touches and opportunities the way they are currently producing.

Amongst the many rumors this week regarding being a potential trade piece Mason Lohrei stepped up and potted 2 goals against the Chicago Blackhawks. Lohrei, who struggled to start the year and was healthy scratched for 5 games straight early this season has been much improved as of late contributing both offensively and defensively. Lohrei currently in his first year of a 2 year $6.4 million deal signed this past summer was rumored to be a part of the package (along with AHL Matthew Poitras, and 2026 1st (TOR)) the Bruins were offering to the Calgary Flames for veteran defenseman Rasmus Anderson. Anderson who was dealt for a hefty package price to the Vegas Golden Knights over the weekend, would’ve been a better playing style and scheme fit than Lohrei currently is to the Bruins, but I am happy the Bruins didn’t chase the high price for him. The Bruins are at a bit of a crossroads. In a year in which they likely thought they would be on the outside looking in of the playoff picture, and rebuilding their roster, the Bruins are currently in a playoff spot and on a 6 game win streak, getting the absolute best play from their top guys. Swayman and Pasta have been excellent, and we are starting to see Charlie MacAvoy become the dominant player I was calling for him to be just a month ago. His play has been stellar on both ends of the ice. So what do they do? Do they stay put and ride out what this team can offer? Do they lean into a “rebuild” even though this roster has over performed? Do they try to add a few pieces for a run? I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle of all of that. I expect the Bruins to look to add pieces in the latter half of the season, but without jeopardizing too many future assets, and no rental players. If the Bruins are to make a deal, they will be looking for players with term, or players they can extend to contracts. I expect Lohrei and Poitras to be floated around again as young assets to sell as the deadline nears. As far as more veteran players, Korpisalo’s trade value is increasing steadily with his improved performance as of late. As for a few skaters on the roster that could be moved, pending UFA’s Andrew Peeke and Viktor Arvidsson, along with Michael Eyssimont and Casey Mittlestadt are all names I could expect to be in trade rumors. It’s likely the Bruins will add Boston College forward and 2025 1st round pick James Hagens to the lineup following his college season this year as well.

There is a lot of questions to answer, the first being can the Bruins keep up this level of play and remain in a playoff spot ahead of the Olympic break? Time will tell, but things are starting to get exciting for this team.