This Week In Bruins History: Bruins Make Run For Cup, Trade for Kelly and Peverley

It would be hard to imagine the Bruins winning the the Stanley Cup without the brilliant moves Peter Chiarelli made. Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley aren't huge names, but they were the perfect pieces needed to aid the Bruins during their historic run. Chiarelli made three trades from February 15th-18th. Two were absolute gems and one was made out of fools gold. Both Kelly and Peverley didn't put up big numbers, but the grit and determination they brought through the playoff was uncanny.

On February 15, 2011 the Bruins acquired Chris Kelly for a second round pick. What first seemed to be a bit too much to pay for Kelly soon proved wrong with the intangibles and leadership him brought. Kelly scored only 2 goals and 3 assists in 24 games after the trade. However he more than doubled that effort in the playoffs with 5 goals and 8 assist. On February 17th the Bruins traded prospect Joe Colborne and a second round pick for Tomas Kaberle. Boston most certanialy paid too much for Kaberle who was suppose to recharge a horrendous power-play, which every Bruins fan knows was a disaster. The power-play was a non factor, however Kaberle did lead the team in power-play assist during the playoffs. The third and final trade of the week had the Bruins shipping out Blake Wheeler and fan favorite Mark Stuart the the Atlanta Thrashers for Rich Peverley and Boris Valabik on February 18th. Valabik never played a game for the Bruins, but like Kelly, Peverley brought more to the team than originally thought. Just like Kelly, Peverley didn't contribute much however during the playoffs he did add 4 goals and 8 assists.

No one expected Kelly and Peverley to have such an impact and contribution to the team except maybe Cam Neely and Peter Chiarelli. Kaberle was suppose to be the big name to help get the Bruins to the Finals, however he wasn't as much of a factor as initially expected. Not only did all three get to raise the Cup, the Bruins awarded Chris Kelly for his hard work and dedication by offering him to be one of three alternate captains for the present year's team.

It is about that same time of the year for Peter Chiarelli to find a few more diamonds in the rough. The Bruins clearly need a few moves to bring them to that next level yet again. It may be tough to find two similar acquisitions with the likes of the Kelly/Peverley deals, however let the rumors for a superstar like Rick Nash or Teemu Selanne continue to flood the media and internet. Only time will tell on who the Bruins Brass will move this season to contribute to another deep playoff run.