Neely Remembers ‘Elated’ Bruins Fans After 2011 Stanley Cup

Ten years ago tonight, the Boston Bruins hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years. That improbable run to the 2011 Stanley Cup win in Vancouver on June 15, 2011 and the way the city of Boston and the team embraced each other during it and in the months and years after is something Boston Bruins team President and hall of famer Cam Neely holds dear to his heart.

“Just how nervous I was,” Neely replied when asked what he felt like ten years ago tonight. “Game seven, in the away building, you never know how it’s going to play out. But for me, I was just so excited, not only for the group and the coaching staff and everybody that put the work in during that season but the fan base in particular. Just how long they’d been waiting for us to win another Stanley Cup. 

We had some runs over the years but never was able to lift the cup. For me, it was what it meant to the city of Boston and New England and our Boston Bruins fans, to be honest with you. Just how excited and elated everyone was and it was kind of a long time coming.”

That was the Bruins’ last Stanley Cup and they have now won just one Cup in the last 49 years. Neely was asked what the Boston Bruins need to do to get back to the top of the mountain and win the team’s seventh Stanley Cup?

“I don’t think we can look at the roster now when you lose in the second round and say you can compete for a Stanley Cup,” Neely replied bluntly. “I mean, players that are on that roster that are coming back certainly need to improve. Need to get more out of the third and fourth line. Need of the second line, we didn’t get enough of in that last series. I think we have to look at improving our roster to improve our chances to win a Cup.”