Evaluation Time: Bruins

We're well into the hockey season and the Bruins are still searching for an identity. Having just ended a ten game losing streak, the team has stumbled into the two week Olympic Break with a 27-22-11 record which places them at 7th in the Eastern Conference standings. If the playoffs began tomorrow, the Bruins would have to take on the Devils in the first round (currently 37-21-3), yikes.

Despite a current playoff bid, there is room for improvement as the team desperately seeks to improve as the season continues.

The team has seemingly found something special in young star goalie Tuukka Rask. The rookie has compiled a very impressive 14-7-4 record with a .928 save percentage (T-3rd in NHL) with a 2.08 GAA (1st in NHL). Despite signing the aging Tim Thomas to a long-term extension last season, the Bruins are beginning to roll with Tuukka and there's no reason to think that the team won't keep riding his success. The soon-to-be 23 year-old has a bright future as the goalie of this historic franchise.

Injuries have been the team's toughest opponent this season as they've lost several key contributors throughout their campaign. Milan Lucic had a tough beginning to the year, as he went down with a broken right index finger and then fell victim to a sprained ankle shortly thereafter. The sparkplug has been a great contributor when in the lineup and the team always responds well to his presence on the ice. It is important that he remains healthy as the season moves forward.

Veteran leader Marc Savard has also had his share of troubles remaining healthy this season. After originally suffering a broken foot to begin the season, he then suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain. It's been a tough year for Marc but it's good to see him back out on the ice and contributing to the team.

On the defensive side of the ice, it hasn't always worked out the Bruins way. Zdeno Chara is enjoying a nice season (5 goals, 28 assists), but his numbers are slightly down from the past few seasons. After posting a +23 last season, the big defenseman is only at +6 right now. Newcomer Derek Morris had a tough time adjusting into the Bruins style of play at the season's start, but has begun to find his groove as of late. Morris has registered 22 assists, his most since '02-'03 season when he skated for Colorado. It's been a bit of a revolving door at the position, but the D hasn't really been the problem for the B's.

The team's trade for Daniel Paille at the beginning of the year was a great addition to the squad. At a time when the Bruins were playing flat, without energy, and sometimes without hustle, Paille provided the opposite--flashing speed, grit, and intensity each shift on the ice. Sometimes the best way to change the attitude of the locker room is to bring in new faces and that has proven to be true in this case.

Maturing snipers Blake Wheeler and Michael Ryder has been pivotal to the team's resurgence. The two players were instrumental in bringing the team out of their recent skid and have earned the respect of a lot of doubters. The two have combined for a very nice 28 goals and 28 assists, while playing well in recent clutch contests.

Personally, I think the B's missed the boat when they couldn't nab Ilya Kovalchuk a few weeks ago. Typically, a team identity stems from an enigmatic goalscorer (a la Alex Ovechkin) and Kovalchuk could have played that part brilliantly for Boston. Having said that, GM Peter Chiarelli has stated over and over again that he will not deal away future draft picks of the franchise for a short-term upgrade, a mentality that I wholeheartedly agree with.

The team ranks dead last in the league with only 141 goals scored and second to last in assists with 256. It's truly a testament to the defense and goaltending that this team is currently in a playoff spot. The Bruins are right in the middle of the pack with an 18.1% conversion rate on the PP and a not-so-surprising third overall on the PK with an 86% kill rate. For a team that relies on their defense to win, it's not surprising that an efficient PK unit has aided their recent success.

Yes, the team has been frustrating to watch all season long--believe me, I've watched it all. One night they take down the Sharks and the next night they fall to the Huricanes. It's been a season of head scratching performances for a team that still lacks an identity. Currently enjoying a four game winning streak, the Bruins will have to hope momentum is on their side for the remainder of the year if they want any chance at postseason success.

Oh, and in case you're wondering about that Phil Kessel guy? He's currently enjoying a 20-20 season with 21 goals and 20 assists for the Toronto Maple Leafs.