BOSTON BRUINS

BY MICK COLAGEO PREDICTION | 4TH IN ATLANTIC THE SEVEN-GAME OUSTER OF Toronto signified that there’s a future in Boston after Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, but with Pavel Zacha and Matthew Poitras exhibiting growing pains at center, GM Don Sweeney targeted UFA Elias Lindholm. He also signed Nikita Zadorov, fortifying the left side of the defense. The Bruins think they’re close, especially after backfilling with several cap-friendly contracts, contending in the Presidents’ Trophy race and taking Florida to six games. David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy are embracing leadership roles, strengthening Brad Marchand’s captaincy. Jeremy Swayman performed as 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark’s regular-season equal and emerged as Boston’s playoff starter and future of the franchise. In June, Ullmark was traded to Ottawa, getting Boston back into the first round of the…