Pluses: The first thing that stands out for me is that they have remained an elite team in their own end after losing Chara and defenseman Torey Krug in free agency. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy has flourished in his fourth NHL season and has scored 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 19 games. He is on pace for an NHL career-high, even taking into account the 56-game season.
Second, they have the best goalie duo in the NHL. Tuukka Rask (8-3-1, 2.71 goals-against average, .896 save percentage) and Jaroslav Halak (4-2-1, 2.42 GAA, .903 save percentage) know the situation in Boston and all they continue to do is perform when called upon. Each could be a No. 1 goalie, but the 1A and 1B has worked for the Bruins the past three seasons.
Third, not that it's surprising, but forward David Pastrnak has shown no signs of being worse for the wear since returning after hip surgery on Sept. 16, 2020. He has scored 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 12 games this season after tying for the NHL lead in goals last season (48) with Ovechkin.
Minuses: Like the Capitals, there aren't many negatives in their game right now. But one area that could hurt the Bruins is the lack of production from their bottom-six forwards. Their scoring has been top-heavy on the No. 1 line of Brad Marchand (23 points; 10 goals, 13 assists), Patrice Bergeron (20 points; eight goals, 12 assists) and Pastrnak, who have combined for 27 goals this season; the rest of the Boston forwards have combined for 25 goals. If the top line goes into a slump, the Bruins could be in trouble.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. How does Chara fare in his return to Boston?
2. Can the Capitals contain the Bruins' No. 1 line?
3. Who will win the special teams battle?