"he time for celebration is finally over. It is now time for the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins to begin the defense of their title. Bruins rookies are already scrimmaging and the veterans report on Friday, the memory of their magical Cup run a mere 3 months old.

Last year was all about redemption for the B's, who infamously blew a second-round series to the Philadelphia Flyers. This season, it's about repeating. On paper, there's no reason why the B's cannot compete for the Cup again this season and in the foreseeable future. They return the majority of their roster, one that should have as many as a dozen players under the age of 30. And one of their most promising talents has yet to fully bloom.

But only time will tell if they can be the first team since the 1998 Detroit Red Wings to repeat. They must deal with the dreaded hangover effect and — judging from all the Internet evidence that's out there — the boys did in fact enjoy the victors' spoils this summer. And though there is a lot of stability here, they did lose a key member of the leadership group in Mark Recchi as well as the enigmatic but gifted Michael Ryder, who always seemed to show up in the playoffs. On top of that, other Eastern Conference teams like the Canadiens, Rangers and even the Sabres have added some key pieces to their rosters."