Boston Bruins president Cam Neely felt like the team needed to be harder to play against this season.
The Bruins failed to make the playoffs last season, and in the offseason, Boston focused on adding more toughness and physical players to the lineup. Boston added the likes of Tanner Jeannot, Mikey Eyssimont, Viktor Arvidsson, and Sean Kuraly to add more depth to the lineup.
Heading into the season, Neely says the team needed more ‘piss and vinegar,’ which is what the Bruins accomplished.
“I thought our guys did a really good job of putting a roster together that is going to give us that piss and vinegar, and it’s going to be hard to play against, and teams aren’t going to enjoy it,” Neely said on Monday.
Neely expects the Bruins to be a tough team to play against, which will translate to more wins.
Story continues below advertisement
“I think we’re going to be a very tough out this year,” Neely added. “We’re expecting to play very hard every game… I think teams are going to circle playing against the Bruins and go ‘Oh damn, we got to play them tonight.’ That’s the type of lineup that we put together.”
Although Neely said he was disappointed not to add more offensive firepower to the lineup, he believes that could come during the season.
The Bruins front office expects this team to be competing for a playoff spot, which could lead to more additions before the trade deadline.
Story continues below advertisement
Boston opens its season on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals on the road. The Bruins’ home opener is set for Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks.