The 21^st installment of 32 thots and 3^rd entry into the controversial 5 includes Greg Almeida's Boston Bruins. The Bruins are having a strong season, currently sitting 3rd in the Atlantic Division with a 35-22-5 record. Their offense is one of the best in the league, ranking 9th in goals for (3.37 GF per game), powered by an elite power play (23.68%, 5th overall) that has been a major strength.

Defensively, they are above average, allowing 2.81 goals per game (11th overall). However, their penalty kill (80.81%, 19th overall) is a weakness, and improving it could make them even more dangerous in tight games.

Forwards:

• Key Players: David Pastrnak, Tomas Hertl, Pavel Buchnevich, Lucas Raymond, Brock Boeser
• Depth Players: Vincent Trocheck, Cole Sillinger, Erik Haula, Owen Tippett, Trent Frederic
• Scratched Players: Michael McCarron, Joey Anderson

Grade: A

Your forward group is one of the best in the league, headlined by David Pastrnak, Tomas Hertl, and Pavel Buchnevich, all elite offensive contributors. Lucas Raymond and Brock Boeser add dynamic goal-scoring and playmaking, making your top six extremely dangerous.

Your depth is also excellent, with Vincent Trocheck, Cole Sillinger, and Owen Tippett providing strong secondary scoring. Trent Frederic and Erik Haula are versatile role players who add grit and defensive responsibility.

Defense:

• Key Players: Devon Toews, Filip Hronek, Brady Skjei
• Depth Players: Connor Clifton, Cody Ceci, Ilya Lyubushkin
• Scratched Players: Philippe Myers

Grade: B+

Your defense is solid, but not elite. Devon Toews is your best defenseman, providing elite two-way play and logging heavy minutes. Filip Hronek is a great puck-moving option, while Brady Skjei adds a strong defensive presence.

Your depth is good, but not exceptional—Connor Clifton, Cody Ceci, and Ilya Lyubushkin are all capable but don’t push the needle much.

THOTS: A well-rounded defense but lacks a true elite No. 1 defenseman.

Goaltending:

• Goalies: Jake Oettinger, Juuse Saros
• Depth Goalies: None

Grade: A+

You have arguably the best goaltending duo in the league with Jake Oettinger and Juuse Saros, two franchise-level goalies. This gives you a massive advantage in any playoff series.

THOTS: Your goaltending is elite and the biggest strength of your team.

Prospect Pool:

• Top Prospects: Fraser Minten, Ty Voit, Jack Bar
• Other Notable Prospects: None

Grade: C-

Your prospect pool is very weak, with no elite future stars. Fraser Minten and Ty Voit are solid, but they don’t project as franchise players. You need to replenish your pipeline if you want to sustain long-term success.

Draft Capital & Future Outlook:

• Notable Picks:
• 2026 BOS 2nd, 2026 BOS 3rd
• Several later-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2027

Grade: C

You lack first-round picks, meaning your ability to restock talent is limited. This could be a problem down the road if you don’t start acquiring more high-end prospects.

Verdict: Your team is built for the present, but you need to find ways to add future assets.

Overall Team Evaluation:

Final Grade: B

Your team is a top contender right now, with one of the best forward groups and the best goaltending in the league. However, your lack of future assets could be a problem long-term. You are one of the top contenders for a championship, but you need to start thinking about the future if you want to stay competitive long-term. The reason why you are 21^st and not higher is because of your persona. Your unpredictability along with your ability to ruin chats is why we do not see you winning the championship any time soon. Your team has a window and unless you make moves to improve your team, the window is small. I think you and your hairy chest need to take a long look in that Costco LED mirror if you don’t make a cup run this year. It might be time to take a page out of Steve Bacardi’s book and tear it down.

How to Improve:

1. Consider trading for an elite defenseman to bolster your blue line.
2. Acquire more draft picks to improve your future outlook.
3. Use your elite goaltending to your advantage and push for a deep playoff run now.