Back to basics for Boston!

[Boston Bruins]

Bos(AP) - After a series of trades that brought the likes of Sidney Crosby and Roman Josi along with a few other players, it now rests on the team to start playing the way it's used to. That means the defense has to be stronger as well as more consistent goaltending. The addition of Crosby up front gives the Bruins the firepower they've been missing all season and Boston coaches and management are hoping they've made the right moves. Two of Boston's latest trades involved shoring up the defense. Ilya Lyubushkin and Ryan Graves while short on experience do bring a strong defensive presence especially in their own zone and have been known to chip in offensively when the situation arises. They already compliment a core that includes Roman Josi, John Carlson, Noah Hanifin, Josh Morrissey, and Brandon Carlo.

Up front naturally everyone is talking about Crosby but the Bruins feel as if they have balanced their lineup. Hyman, McCann, Nelson, and Tuch will be counted on to spread the offense around along with Josi, Carlson, and Morrissey. The powerplay has been excellent for the Bruins currently ranked 2nd and the penalty kill units are doing the job ranked 7th. It's the goals for that will have to be better only ranked 12th but the goals against is where the team strength lies at 3rd. The intangibles are there when it comes to experience and leadership and of course there's goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Boston look primed to make their run in the ever competitive Eastern Conference and hopefully a return to the Stanley Cup Final. The main task is to win the division and from there hopefully gain the momentum needed for post season success.