The Big Bad Bruins are dead.



For those who classify the 2019-20 Bruins as one of the heavier teams in the league, I would argue that previous iterations cloud their perception. That, or else they have not seen Washington play enough. The Capitals play mean, starting with the singular Tom Wilson and supported by Alex Ovechkin, T.J. Oshie, Garnet Hathaway, Brendan Leipsic and Radko Gudas. Once you see that belligerent bunch bash everything in sight, you recognize that Washington sets the standard for what passes as physical hockey in today’s speed-first NHL.



But back to the Bruins. Under the vision of general manager Don Sweeney and the execution of coach Bruce Cassidy, an organization that once took names and numbers has evolved to emphasize speed, skill and hockey sense.



Of the 18 skaters who dressed against Columbus on Tuesday, two use physicality as their first tool in separating pucks from opponents: Brett Ritchie and Chris Wagner. The Bruins placed...