A new No. 1: Though it's unclear what the future is for Chara, the Bruins' 43-year-old captain and No. 1 defenseman since he joined them as a free agent in 2006, these playoffs made it obvious Boston has an heir to that throne in Charlie McAvoy. The 22-year-old has had impressive playoff runs the past two seasons, and it was crystal clear this postseason he had surpassed his mentor and taken over as the most important defenseman for the Bruins, with four points (one goal, three assists) in 13 games, leading them with 25:10 in average ice time per game. Chara had two assists in 13 games, playing 19:47 per game.
More Pasta, please: It's not just David Pastrnak's sunny personality that brightens the future for Boston. It's also a scoring touch that seems to keep getting better. The 24-year-old forward has rounded out his game to match that of his defensively-responsible linemates, center Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Pastrnak tied Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin for the NHL lead with 48 goals, and has scored 379 points (180 goals, 199 assists) in 390 NHL games. He fell five points shy of 100 during the shortened regular season and looks to be motivated to hit that mark, along with targeting 50 goals, next season.
Depth down the middle: Though Bergeron and David Krejci are another year older, Boston seems to finally have the long-sought answer to their need for depth at the center position with Charlie Coyle, who they signed to a six-year contract extension Nov. 27. Coyle, who struggled with the Minnesota Wild, has been a revelation with his hometown Bruins, especially during the postseason, with five points (three goals, two assists) in 13 games and a face-off winning percentage of 53.3 percent, second on Boston to Bergeron (56.1 percent, minimum 150 face-offs) If center prospects Jack Studnicka and Trent Frederic pan out and Bergeron and Krejci continue to play at a high level, the Bruins are set at the position.
