The offseason of hockey is like that of no other sport.
The season ends (sometimes on a heart-wrenching goal in overtime of a Game 7), the weather gets warmer and the entire concept of ice becomes an afterthought.
Then before you know it, hockey season is back.
That's where we stand now, with the Boston Bruins prepared to follow up a successful season by taking it one step further. They can't improve on their finish in the Eastern Conference, but Boston measures its sports teams by championships — something this team just might be capable of earning.
With the puck ready to drop on Thursday evening, here are the top 10 reasons to watch the Bruins this season.
10. Fists will be flying
If the preseason is any indication, gloves will be dropping all over the ice this year. Peter Chiarelli added Steve Begin to the mix, joining Milan Lucic and Shawn Thornton as the resident tough guys. Byron Bitz won't be afraid to join in from time to time as well.
In eight preseason games, Bruins players engaged in 14 fights. Given that seven of those fights involved guys who won't be key contributors, it's safe to assume that pace just might cool down a little. Still, teams know that when they're facing the Bruins, they better be ready to throw down.
9. The schedule is more fun
In years past, watching the Bruins play the same teams 30 times got a bit old. This year, the Bruins play every team at least once.
The B's will also be providing some afternoon delight, playing in 17 afternoon games — the most in the NHL. Eleven of those games will be at the Garden.
8. Marc Savard in a contract year
Marc Savard has arguably the best vision of any player in the NHL. He's unquestionably the driving force behind the Bruins' offense, and at $5 million per season, he's a true bargain.
However, the 32-year-old will need a contract next summer. That's not to say Savard's focus will be on a contract, but a little added incentive can't hurt his production.
7. Baby B's will be growing
Chiarelli is pretty comfortable with what he has in the Bruins' development system, and sending down players like Zach Hamill and Brad Marchand provides the B's with insurance for the long and grueling NHL season.
6. Patrice Bergeron, Marco Sturm and Blake Wheeler
All three of these players offer reasons to believe they'll improve. Last year, Bergeron was coming off a devastating head injury, Wheeler was adjusting to the NHL and Sturm could only stay healthy for 19 games.
This year, Bergeron will have his feet under him, Sturm will be flying up and down the ice and Wheeler, with his added muscle, will grow into a force.
5. Tuukka time
Tim Thomas is coming off the best year of his life. Still, he'll need a day off, and that will be Tuukka Rask's time to shine.
The 22-year-old shined in the Bruins' 1-0 shutout against the Rangers last year, and Bruins fans will be eager to see what the kid can do on a more consistent basis.
Let's just hope no shootout calls go against him.
4. Milan Lucic is a beast
When the Celtics were on their way to a championship, Kendrick Perkins was among the biggest forwards on the team, and the phrase "Perk is a beast" started catching on.
Now, Milan Lucic is the beast. Last year, Lucic racked up 42 points and 136 penalty minutes. That was before he was allowed to legally consume an adult beverage.
The kid was a man a long time ago. Now he's a beast.
3. The return of Phil Kessel
Phil Kessel was at the center of seemingly every conversation involving the Bruins in the offseason. Now, he's gone, leaving Boston for blue sweaters and green dollars.
The winger will likely be out for at least the first month of the season, but he should have time to get into game shape by the time the Maple Leafs visit the TD Garden on Saturday, Dec. 5. Fans who miss the opportunity to tell Phil the Thrill how they feel about him won't have to wait long — the Leafs come back to Boston just five days later.
2. The Winter Classic
Only a select few cities have had the opportunity to host NHL hockey outdoors, and Boston will join the ranks on New Year's Day.
Combining an Original Six franchise with baseball's oldest ballpark is a match made in heaven, and hockey fans will be witness to a truly historical event.
A note to the lucky fans in attendance: You might want to bring your Cheevers mask. It's gonna be a cold one.
1. These guys have playoff experience
Having a strong season in the regular season is all well and good, but the playoffs are when the games really matter. Having the best record in the conference didn't win the Bruins anything last season, but their 11 games in the postseason provided valuable bits of learning that will prove to be invaluable this year.
The B's showed tremendous resilience last postseason after dropping three straight games to the Hurricanes. They played smart, competitive hockey to force a Game 7. They made it to overtime, where the puck can only bounce one team's way. Unfortunately for Boston, the Canes got the break. This year, the B's have the experience to take care of business before it even gets to that point.
Now, how about that puck drop?
