They'll really be tested now, though, as the B's began a stretch in which they'll play 10 games in 18 days on Wednesday night in New Jersey. The Bruins rolled to a 6-1 win, hopefully a sign of things to come.
The Bruins' success is just one of many compelling storylines across the NHL right now. The Winter Classic came and went earlier this week, with no shortage of interesting tidbits of news. Rangers coach John Tortorella stole the headlines — and cost himself $30,000 — when he insinuated the NHL and NBC conspired to award the Flyers a penalty shot late in New York's win.
Elsewhere, Brendan Shanahan continues to lay down the law, as players across the NHL continue their dangerous ways. That was evidenced this week by Dan Carcillo (who got a seven-game suspension for a hit from behind into the boards) and Rene Bourque (banned five games for a deliberate elbow to a head).
The Instigators are back, and they'll have no shortage of topics to touch on, but there's still room for you to join your conversation. Tom Caron, Andy Brickley, Billy Jaffe and Mark Mowers will be at it this week, and they want your questions.
Submit a question here or leave your questions below and tune in Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. to see if your question is answered.