Vote: Which Bruins Player Has Been the Most Pleasant Surprise So Far This Season?

by NESN Staff on Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 12:39PM

The Bruins are off to a great start this season. With just two regulation losses through the team’s first 14 games, it’s safe to say that coach Claude Julien has to be happy with what’s transpired so far. What might be most surprising about the team’s success, however, is who is providing some of the biggest contributions on the roster.

Who would have thought that resident instigator Brad Marchand would be leading the team in goals? Through 14 games, Marchand has nine goals and an assist. The “little ball of hate” also has a game-winning shootout goal under his belt in a victory over New Jersey.

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton‘s early success has also taken Boston by storm. The rookie has played in all 14 of the Bruins’ games, and he has been put on the power-play unit in key situations. Hamilton has taken full advantage of his opportunities; the Toronto native has six points and scored the first goal of his career against the Sabres.

Goaltending was a huge question mark for the Bruins coming into this season thanks to the departure of Tim Thomas. For the most part, people had faith in starter Tuukka Rask. However, a major concern for the Bruins had to be their backup, Anton Khudobin. Khudobin has pushed those concerns aside and has been solid for Boston when called upon. In three starts, he is 2-1 with a .905 save percentage. The native of Kazakhstan also stopped 25 of 26 shots in a 3-1 win over the Sabres back on Feb. 10.

Elsewhere, Nathan Horton has had some tough luck the last couple of seasons because of injuries. After playing the part of playoff hero during the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup run, Horton had many fans wondering what to expect from him before the season. “Horty” has stepped up big time for Boston with six goals and three assists. Horton has also yet to miss a game and seems to have fully recovered from his injury.