Is There a Better N.H.L. Team Than the Bruins?

All three missed Sunday’s game in Philadelphia, as did the defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who has been a revelation since he was traded to Boston from Washington in February. Taylor Hall, the former Hart Trophy winner, who was eased back into action Saturday against the Devils after missing 20 games with a knee injury, also sat out Sunday’s victory.

“They had some people out,” said John Tortorella, the Flyers coach, “but that’s still a really good hockey team.”

The Flyers are a terrible team, with only 29 wins. But since clinching the top seed for the playoffs, the Bruins have continued to beat good teams, too, teams that have either already qualified for the playoffs or are fighting to make it in. On Thursday they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, the second-best team in their division, and on Saturday they beat the Devils, the second-best team in the Metropolitan Division.

No matter whom they put on the ice, or their opponent, the Bruins usually come out on top, thanks in part to their notable roster depth.

“You take care of each night and each day and that slowly adds up,” said Charlie Coyle, the Bruins center.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/10/sports/hockey/boston-bruins-nhl.html