Boston Bruins Defensive Core May Surprise the Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins v Columbus Blue Jackets | Ben Jackson/GettyImages With a lot of questions about the state of this team going into next season. The defensive core may be more solid than what fans and analysts give it credit for. With the loss of two of their key defenseman, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, at the end of last season, other players had to step up and hold down the fort for this team defensively. If those players can reach their potential again, they may cause trouble for the opposing team's offense.

With Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy being 100% healthy for the start of this season, the Bruins may have a good-looking defense with a nice balance of size, skill, and…