Between the lines: Bruins need a B12 shot.

The Boston Bruins had a mantra last year that they were hoping to carry over; Play to your strengths and set your goals. Lately it’s been; where’s your strength and get some goals.

Let’s get to the guts of it, as of late their offense has been downright atrocious. The past five games have resulted in six goals as well as a pair of oafers in both New York against the Rangers and in Detroit yesterday against the Red Wings. Not really the type of production to rave about or the start the Causeway crowd was hoping for.

Ultimately the Bruins and their fans alike need not panic. With only 13 games under their belt, a depleted lineup, and weak special teams, we can only speculate that the Bruins are going to improve. With the return of Savard in a few weeks and defensive responsibilities floruishing, Boston has reason to be hopeful.

The well documented, highly controversial, and summer consuming move of Phil Kessel from the Bruins to the Toronto Maple Leafs had most of the hockey world in a frenzy. And since, it’s hard for both Bruins and Leafs fans to ignore that fact. Sadly however, the Bruins have yet to demonstrate they are able to replace his loss.

Similar to the start of last year, the Bruins lack cohesion, goal production, and more importantly 36 goals. Whats more, their once strong powerplay has gone =dormant since the loss of top playmaker Marc Savard. It doesn’t take a genius to notice a severe drought in goals could be due to a loss in personnel. With weak collective point totals and an even more weakened lineup, this situation begs the question, did Peter Chiarelli make a mistake? I hate to paraphrase one of the worst coaches in Celtics history but a certain Phil ain’t walking through that door and we’re not talking about Esposito.

Ultimately the Bruins and their fans alike need not panic. With only 13 games under their belt, a depleted lineup, and weak special teams, we can only speculate that the Bruins are going to improve. With the return of Savard in a few weeks and defensive responsibilities flourishing, Boston has reason to be hopeful.

The real question is in regards to goals. The Bruins have one of  if not the best goaltending tandem in hockey. Two players in Thomas and Rask who get along and can really keep their teams in games. Likewise, Derek Morris has been an effective compliment to Zdeno Chara on the blue line and third year player Mark Stuart has for the most part been superb.

With Kessel gone, the B’s were hoping for several different offensive players, those being Michael Ryder, David Krejci, and Marco Sturm would help to shoulder the load. The play of the Bruins lately demonstrates evidence to contrary. We all knew they’d have difficulty at first scoring goals, but does the on-ice product look like the best offense from last year.

For now, get down off your ledges Season Ticket Holders. Don’t sell those tickets just yet. It’s still early and the B’s will most likely be able to rejuvenate themselves with the addition of Marc Savard in a few weeks. Also, tomorrow night the B’s have a huge tilt to test their metal against old divisional and much despised foes the Montreal Canadiens who are struggling in their own right.

As someone who will be in attendance,  I’m hopeful that the B’s will treat Montreal the way they treated them last year. The most important thing is getting everyone back to health. Injuries have taken this season so far from the Bruins by the brass. However something intriguing is coming its way down the pipeline. This team is weak and they need something or maybe more importantly, someone. Maybe someone already has some Bruins fans stirring. Maybe its  someone who skated earlier this week who has something to prove.

Get well Milan.