As the NHL outlined its return-to-play plan, excitement grew about the possibility of finishing the 2019-20 NHL season. The Boston Bruins won the President’s Trophy and earned a spot in the 2020 playoffs, should it happen. There’s plenty to watch for in this year’s postseason, but these are some lesser-known things to look out for.
Boston Bruins Playoffs Stories to Watch For
Aside from the excitement and thrills of an NHL postseason, there’s plenty of stories within this year’s postseason run for the Bruins. Both the organization and players are in a position to make history.
Boston Bruins Playoffs Team Achievements
The Bruins have been a postseason mainstay for the majority of the last decade. Their continued success will further franchise records.
If the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup they would tie the Toronto Maple Leafs for second-most appearances in NHL history with 21. If the Bruins do reach the Stanley Cup Finals, it would be the fourth time in franchise history they’ve reached the finals in consecutive seasons.
The Bruins could reach their ninth Conference Finals this year, which could tie for the third-most in NHL history. Barring the Bruins don’t play the Pittsburgh Penguins or Philadelphia Flyers, who both currently have nine appearances.
Any type of deep postseason run will push the Bruins further up in the NHL history books. An original six team, they look to add to a rich history of success.
Boston Bruins Individual Achievements
A team filled with veterans full of postseason experience has them climbing the ranks in NHL history.
At 43-years-old, captain Zdeno Chara could continue to break postseason records this year. With 137 playoff games under his belt, Chara could move to second in franchise history for games played, passing Wayne Cashman at 145.
Patrice Bergeron (136 games played) and David Krejci (132 games played) also have a chance of passing Cashman. Although no player will be able to pass franchise leader, Ray Bourque, with 180 postseason games played.
If all playoff rounds are seven games, Chara could move anywhere from 37th up to 16th most playoff games played in NHL history. He would be one of 23 (or 24 — barring Patrick Marleau‘s postseason) players to have appeared in over 200 playoff games.
Additionally, if Chara scores a game-winning-goal after July 21, he will become the oldest player in NHL history to score a game-winning goal in the postseason. He would pass former teammate, Mark Recchi, at 43 years, 125 days old.
Chara could become the oldest captain in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup. He would also become the first European-born player to serve as captain for multiple Stanley Cup champions.
Bergeron (40) could pass Bruins legends, Rick Middleton (45) and Phil Esposito (46) in goals this postseason. Additionally, with just four assists this postseason, Bergeron would pass Bobby Orr in playoff assists.
Tuukka Rask (50) could pass Gerry Cheevers (53) in postseason wins — making him the winningest postseason goalie in franchise history. Rask is also one shutout behind Cheevers for most in franchise history.
Moving Forward
When it comes to the playoffs, the only thing that matters is wins and losses. However, with the unique playoff format the NHL adopted if it resumes, there are still historical things the Bruins can achieve.
Chara’s ability to play into his mid-40’s allows him to break records and move up the ranks in NHL postseason history. Bergeron, Rask and Krejci have great opportunities to further their place among the greats in franchise history.
Aside from the final score, these are things Bruins fans can think about shall the postseason commence.
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