Some Bruins impressions through three games:
1. Is it me or does Zdeno Chara look a little better, a little less like a 39-year-old than he has the past few years? Maybe his conditioning is up following his successful stint at the World Cup, or perhaps he's been sampling Tom Brady's avocado ice cream. Whatever it is, Chara has looked a little bit more like his old self, something that's more impressive when you consider he's been babysitting the 19-year-old Brandon Carlo on his right side.
It also helps that the pair has been playing behind the B's top line for the majority of the time, and that five-man unit has been dominant. The grouping of Brad Marchand (+7), David Pastrnak (+7), David Backes (+6), Chara (+6) and Carlo (+7) is a combined +33.
2. It's imperative that the B's come out of this season having developed some youngsters at the NHL level. There needs to be the beginning of an identifiable young core that the team will rely on in coming years. So between Carlo and Pastrnak (four goals in three games), the B's are off to a good start. But it can't end there. There needs to be another name or two added that list, which is why it's important for the organization to continue to play the kids even when some of their veterans regain good health. The B's can't be afraid to leave some money up on the ninth floor.
3. The B's had better hope David Krejci is just slow coming back from hip surgery because he looks like a shadow of himself. The numbers (one assist in three games) tell only part of the story. He's not possessing the puck like we're used to seeing and he's just not moving well. If this isn't just a slow start, if this is actually the beginning of the end for the 30-year old center, then the B's are in trouble.
He also hasn't exactly been helped by his linemates, as rookie Danton Heinen has looked a bit overwhelmed on his right side and Ryan Spooner is a questionable fit on his left. Why not give Krejci a bonafide NHL-caliber player on his wing like Matt Belesky (who is off to a slow start himself playing on the third unit)? Backes sliding down to Krejci's right side when Patrice Begeron returns should also help.
4. Quite a gap in performance from Tuukka Rask in his two games. Suffice it to say, if he plays like he did on Monday in Winnipeg, the B's will be fine this season. But if he's closer to the shaky, uneasy guy we saw in the opener, the B's are porked. What's it going to be, Tuukka?
Boston Bruins
5. I think a good start from the B's this year is important. Yes, it's a long season. And, yes, the B's were able to recover from a horrific start last year (16 goals against over three games, all losses) and still contend for the playoffs. But a another bad start this year could open a can of worms.
The team is obviously going in a new direction, and early wins only increase the buy-in factor from the roster. They also hold off the questions about Claude Julien's job status. It's hard to imagine Cam Neely and Don Sweeney let the ship sink for a third straight year without making a move behind the bench, so every win early will matter. And, of course, Neely and Sweeney are next, so stakes are high.
If nothing else, a good start keeps the wolves at bay and the rest of us engaged. It's a modest goal, and so far the B's are reaching it.
E-mail Felger at mfelger@comcastsportsnet.com. Listen to Felger and Mazz weekdays, 2-6 p.m. on 98.5 FM. The simulcast runs daily on CSN.