from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

Under the divisional playoff format, it’s possible that the Bruins could repeatedly clash with Montreal and Detroit. Both teams emphasize skill and speed. The Bruins have to get faster and quicker to avoid future hiccups. They spent too much time chasing the Canadiens instead of controlling the pace, and lost to them in seven games.

The best way to defend is to spend minimal time in the defensive zone. Dougie Hamilton is good at triggering the transition with a seam pass or a puck-pushing rush. Torey Krug can do it, too. The Bruins require another defenseman with a similar tool kit.

Keith Yandle and Alex Edler are two who fit the profile.

Yandle led Phoenix in scoring with 8 goals and 45 assists for 53 points. The 27-year-old Milton native likes to push the pace.

Edler is coming off a down season in Vancouver. He had 7 goals and 15 assists in 63 games under one-and-done coach John Tortorella. If Jim Benning, Chiarelli’s assistant, lands the Vancouver GM job as Mike Gillis’s replacement, his knowledge of the Bruins system could make a deal easier.

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