Where the Bruins stand after the long roadtrip

The Bruins just got done with their longest road trip of the season, capping off a six game trip that saw the Bruins go 4-2. They picked up wins in Winnipeg, Minnesota, Columbus, and Dallas, while dropping a thriller to the Red Wings and getting shutout by Nashville.

We saw two different types of this Bruins team show up on this road trip. We saw the team that scored seven goals against a top 5 team in the league in Dallas, then we saw the team that did not show up to the game prepared to play in Nashville. However, we saw some very encouraging signs on this road trip that could push the Bruins into buying at the deadline.

We saw plenty of offense on the road trip, as the Bruins scored 24 goals in the six games. The goal tending also held up its own end with exception to the Detroit game (where two of the goals were very questionable and should not have counted for the Red Wings). The biggest question is where the defense stands.

The Bruins passed the big test on this road trip, as they needed to finish above 3-3 to really be satisfied. However, they have a need to address on the defensive end. We saw Torey Krug get hit high by Jason Demers late in the third period and he left the game and did not return. This would be a huge loss to an already thin blue line. This could really drive General Manager Don Sweeney to go out and pick a defense man if Krug is out long term.

What to Watch For

Brad Marchand being Brad Marchand: This guy has been wicked hot this entire season. He has a career high 30 goals so far this year and is not showing signs of slowing down. He has the hot hand right now and I absolutely love how much of a pest he was against Dallas. Him acting like he was about to kiss Antoine Roussel was pure Brad Marchand. As long as he does not cross the line with unnecessary penalties and cost us games, I am all for it.

Tuukka Rask Getting in his Groove: Rask has been getting a lot of hate this year by Bruins faithful for not looking himself this season. As we all know, the defense in front of him is a big part of that, and while I am a huge Tuukka supporter, I know he has not played like he has in the past. I do know that he is still in his prime and we will be seeing a lot more great performances out of our star goaltender down the stretch. Don’t look now but Tuukka’s number are slowly climbing as he is settling in for a postseason run.

Loui Eriksson Situation: Loui, Loui, Loui. He has gone from a highly criticized player in Boston because he was not Tyler Seguin, to a player we all know and love. Eriksson is our Patrice Bergeron at the wing position. Loui is up to 21 goals and 25 assists for the season which is his best yet as a Bruin. There is lots of talk if he will be resigned or traded as the deadline approaches. Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild have already checked in with Don Sweeney to see what Eriksson would run for. I hope Sweeney saves all of us and pays this man that we want in the Bruins sweater for years to come. Do not make that Seguin trade hurt any more than it already does, Donny.

Follow Andrew Parker on Twitter @andrewwparkerr

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