As the Bruins head into camp, there are 5 main storylines to watch.
1. Who is being traded. RUmours have flown around Boston of late that the team is actively persuing a trade to cut some cap room. With barely over 200k between the current roster and the cap, the team is looking to increase that buffer zone to a slightly more comfortable level. With a spare dman on the roster the team is covered should any injury come up, but multiple injuries could sink this team.
2. Who will be the #6 dman? Jeff Finger and Bruno Gervais figure to lead the most heated battle of camp as they vie for the last starting spot on the roster. Gervais would seemingly have the leg up, but coach Bob Hartley has said it is a pure open competition for the job.
3. Can Ray Emery show up? Not just on time, but can he be the solid backup needed to spot Ryan Miller throughout the season? The team needs consistency and a .500 record according to coach Hartley, in order to make a run for home ice in the playoffs.
4. Who is the 2nd line LW? Does Sam Gagner get to play with Boyes and Radulov? Or will Eric Perrin give the line a defensive presence? The team plans to start with Gagner manning the wing, but those plans could change in a hurry.
5. Who is going to fight? One thing seemingly missing from this team that is a staple of Shuck's team is a certified thug on the fourth line. With Malhotra-Devereaux-Backes slated as the fourth line, there is nary a goon to be seen. Will one be added in? Or is Shuck content to try the team toughness route?
looks like mactavish changed his mind about the team toughness idea...
new signing likely to be in lineup for oilers against flames tonight.. has to clear waivers, in which case florida would definitely take him back for the AHL... so expect to see him as our 4 minutes a night tough guy this year
Steve MacIntyre
-- Edited by philly at 12:22, 2008-10-01
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