Opening Night

 Finally the time has come. Camp is over. Roster is set. Tonight is the greatest day on the calendar for Bruins fans. It is opening night. This is the Bruins centennial season and there will be a lot going on during the year as well as tonight. My hope is that it doesn't effect the on ice product. Sometimes when teams have these long drawn out pre game ceremonies it takes them awhile to find their legs and that can put them behind early. Lucky for them Chicago played last night and traveled post game to Boston. Maybe that will bode well. Boston has a lot to live up to after last season. No one expects the regular season success from last year but they did return both goalies. They brought in some great role players. You are never gonna replace the grit, presence and leadership that Bergeron provided but I think they have done a good job of identifying those players who can carry the load and lead them into battle. 

Speaking of Chicago. Last night they opened the season against Pittsburgh. Dare I say they look as good as those mid 00s teams? Connor Bedard is 100% the real deal. Kid is fast, smart, aggressive. I thought that given his size he might struggle in the corners or the dirty areas in front of the net. I was very wrong. He did look a little complacent during the second period but he came out in the third as if the coach's saw that and got into him a bit. He definitely is not afraid to shoot the puck. He had something like 7 shots on goal last night. This kid is here, he's ready and he is going to be very fun to watch. 

Last night was also the Vegas banner ceremony. I have said this since they have been in the league. Vegas puts on the best pregame shows. I'm sure everyone has seen the videos online of their pre game shows and last night was no different. They dragged out a huge slot machine and rose the banner out of it. Banner looks great the rings even better. Whatever they are doing in Vegas is working. I don't see another team in the west that is ready to take them down. We will have to see how the season plays out. 

In the past I have given my prediction of how I think the playoffs will shake up. Who is gonna win the cup and all that. Might as well keep this tradition alive. If you agree or disagree let me know. 

East champ: Tampa Bay

West Champ: Vegas 

Cup winner: Vegas again!