If you’re a Boston Bruins fan in search of a quality throwback, look no further than their 2011 roster. This team featured top-level talent, heart and grit which carried them all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. The group was a fierce combination of veterans such as Zdeno Chara and youngsters like Brad Marchand who rose to the occasion and played with authority.
It was a special season for the Black and Gold, and one that truly cemented their position as a perennial contender in the NHL. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the players who made up the unforgettable 2011 team and how they pulled it all together to make history. So, grab your favourite hockey jersey and let’s dive in!
Forwards
The 2011 Bruins lines had an impressive group of forwards who played an integral role in the team’s run to the Stanley Cup championship. At the top of the depth chart was the dynamic duo of David Krejci and Nathan Horton, who consistently found the back of the net with their spectacular scoring abilities. Patrice Bergeron provided exceptional leadership and two-way play, making him a crucial part of the team’s success.
The speedy Brad Marchand was a breakout star, using his agility and tenacity to generate scoring chances and disrupt opposing defenses. Rich Peverley, Chris Kelly, and Michael Ryder were equally important pieces, each contributing in their own unique way to the Bruins’ championship run. With a well-rounded group of forwards, the 2011 Bruins were a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
First Line: Lucic-Krejci-Horton
The Boston Bruins’ top line in the early 2010s, known as the “Looch-Krej-Hort” line, was a force to reckoned with. Consisting of Milan Lucic, David Krejci, and Nathan Horton, this line was known for their physicality and ability to score goals. Lucic, who played the left wing, was a wrecking ball on the ice, often using his size and strength to dominate opposing players.
Krejci, the center, was the playmaker, setting up his linemates with excellent passes and vision. Horton, the right wing, was no slouch either, possessing a wicked shot and a knack for scoring clutch goals. Together, they formed an unstoppable trio that helped lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship in 201
Although they eventually went their separate ways, their time together on the ice will forever be remembered as some of the most dominant and exciting hockey the NHL has ever seen.
Second Line: Marchand-Bergeron-Recchi
The Boston Bruins’ second-line during the 2011 Stanley Cup Final was a force to be reckoned with, consisting of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and Mark Recchi. This trio of forwards proved to be invaluable to the team, providing consistent offensive firepower and dependable defensive play. Marchand, in particular, was a standout player, showcasing his physicality and scoring ability throughout the postseason.
Bergeron, known for his two-way play, was a crucial contributor on both the power play and penalty kill. And, at 43 years old, Recchi’s veteran presence and leadership lent invaluable experience to the squad. Together, this line helped carry the Bruins to victory, solidifying their place in the team’s Stanley Cup history.
It’s no wonder they are still fondly remembered by fans as one of the greatest lines to grace the ice in Boston.
Third Line: Peverley-Kelly-Ryder
The Dallas Stars’ third forward line, made up of Rich Peverley, Chris Kelly, and Michael Ryder, was a force to be reckoned with during the 2013 NHL season. Peverley, who joined the team just before the season began, quickly found his place alongside Kelly and Ryder. The three players worked well together and created several scoring opportunities for the team.
Peverley’s speed and agility made him a valuable asset, while Kelly’s strong defensive play and leadership skills helped keep the team focused. Ryder’s accurate shot and ability to find the back of the net made him a dangerous offensive threat. The line’s success helped propel the Stars to the playoffs that season.
Although the trio is no longer together, their chemistry on the ice serves as a testament to the importance of finding the right combination of players for a successful team.
Defense
In 2011, the Boston Bruins had a formidable defensive line that helped lead them to their Stanley Cup victory that year. Zdeno Chara, the team’s captain and one of the league’s best defensemen, was a towering presence on the ice with his 6’9″ frame and intimidating presence. Alongside him were Dennis Seidenberg and Johnny Boychuk, who provided solid support both offensively and defensively.
The trio were joined by Adam McQuaid, Andrew Ference, and Tomas Kaberle, rounding out a deep and talented group of defenders for the Bruins. This defensive core dominated throughout the playoffs, allowing only 1 goals against per game and shutting down some of the league’s top scorers.
Overall, the 2011 Bruins defense was a key factor in their championship run and a reminder of the importance of a strong defensive presence on any winning team.
Chara-Seidenberg
When it comes to the Boston Bruins’ defense, one name that often comes up is Chara-Seidenberg. This dynamic duo is known for their ability to shut down opposing teams’ offenses and provide a strong defensive presence on the ice. Zdeno Chara is the taller of the two, standing at 6’9″, while Dennis Seidenberg is known for his strong physical play.
Together, they form an intimidating pair that is not to be underestimated. Their chemistry on the ice is undeniable, often making it difficult for opposing teams to penetrate the Bruins’ defensive zone. With their combined experience and skill, it’s no wonder that Chara-Seidenberg is one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL.
Ference-Boychuk
Ference-Boychuk was an impressive defensive pairing that played together for the Boston Bruins in the 2010-2011 season. Andrew Ference and Johnny Boychuk were able to shutdown some of the toughest opponents in the league. Ference brought his experience and leadership to the team while Boychuk added a physical presence to the defense.
But it was their chemistry on the ice that made them a formidable duo. They seemed to know exactly where the other was at all times and could anticipate each other’s moves. This made it difficult for opposing forwards to get past them and create scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately, their time together was short-lived as Ference left the team at the end of the season. However, their legacy lives on and they will always be remembered as one of the best defensive pairings in Bruins history.
Kaberle-McQuaid
Kaberle-McQuaid is one of the most dynamic defense pairings in the NHL. Tomas Kaberle and Adam McQuaid have proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Kaberle is a veteran defenseman with over 1,000 games played in the NHL, while McQuaid is a young up-and-comer with plenty of potential ahead of him.
Together, they bring a mix of experience and youth to the ice, with Kaberle providing a steady hand and McQuaid bringing a physical edge to the game. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they are able to read each other’s movements and anticipate plays with ease. It’s no wonder that they have become a fan favorite and a crucial part of their team’s defensive strategy.
If you’re looking for a defense pairing that can shut down the opposition and keep the puck out of their own net, look no further than Kaberle-McQuaid.
Goaltending
In the 2011 playoffs, the Boston Bruins had a formidable lineup, including a strong set of goaltenders. Tim Thomas was the primary goaltender and had an outstanding postseason, earning four shutouts and finishing with a .967 save percentage.
Thomas was a key factor in the Bruins’ success and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner for his excellent performances throughout the playoffs. Additionally, Tuukka Rask was also on the Bruins’ roster as the backup goaltender. Although Rask didn’t see much ice time in the playoffs, he was a key contributor to the team’s success, playing in 29 regular season games and finishing with a .
918 save percentage. Overall, the Bruins’ goaltending was a major factor in their championship season, and Thomas’ incredible performances in particular will always be remembered as one of the greatest playoff runs by a goalie in NHL history.
Tim Thomas
When it comes to the art of goaltending, Tim Thomas is a name that cannot be ignored. The former NHL player had a unique style that made him stand out from the rest of the pack. Thomas was known for his aggressive and unorthodox style of play, which often included sliding out of the net to make saves and diving to block shots.
Despite his unconventional techniques, Thomas was one of the top goalies in the league during his prime. In fact, he led the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory in 201 His incredible performance during the playoffs that year earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason.
With a career save percentage of .921 and a goals-against average of 52, Tim Thomas will always be remembered as one of the greatest goaltenders of his time.
Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Rask has been a force in goaltending for the Boston Bruins since he first started in 200 As a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender, Rask is known for his excellent reflexes, agility, and ability to control rebounds. His solid performances have helped the Bruins win several games and have earned him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.
Rask has amassed a record of 291 wins, 158 losses, and 66 overtime losses, with a save percentage of .921, and a goals against average of 2
His calm and collected demeanor has served him well under pressure, and his teammates have often credited his performances as the reason for their success. With Rask in the net, the Bruins remain a legitimate contender for the Stanley Cup each year. As proof of his skill, he was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender in the 2013-2014 season.
Overall, Rask’s contributions to the Bruins have been significant, and he is an essential player in their success both on and off the ice.
Conclusion
In 2011, the Bruins lines weren’t just a collection of players, they were a well-oiled machine that worked in perfect unison. Each line had its own unique style and flair, but they all shared a common goal: to bring the Stanley Cup home to Boston. And they did just that, with grit, determination, and a whole lot of heart.
So, if you ever doubt the power of teamwork, just remember the 2011 Bruins lines and how they worked together to achieve greatness.”
FAQs
Who were the top scorers for the 2011 Bruins team?
The top three scorers for the 2011 Bruins team were David Krejci, Milan Lucic, and Nathan Horton.
Who were the defensemen on the 2011 Bruins starting lineup?
The starting defensemen for the 2011 Bruins team were Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg.
Which goaltender was the primary starter for the 2011 Bruins team?
Tim Thomas was the primary starting goaltender for the 2011 Bruins team.
How many total points did the 2011 Bruins team score during the regular season?
The 2011 Bruins team scored a total of 279 points during the regular season.
