Just one week ago, many hockey fans in the Greater Boston area had resigned themselves to a winter without their beloved Bruins.

However, thanks to an 11th-hour deal that was agreed to on Jan. 6, the men in black and yellow will play their first game of the season on Jan. 19 at home against the rival New York Rangers.

The marquee matchup marks the beginning of a campaign that certainly holds promises of redemption for the Bruins, especially after an early exit in the Eastern Conference playoffs at the hands of the Washington Capitals last April.

Coach Claude Julien's men certainly boast plenty of potential. Though goalkeeper Tim Thomas isn't returning for the season due to personal reasons, Tuukka Rask shined in net last season, boasting a 0.936 save percentage. In front of him, defensemen Zdeno Chara-the team's captain and the man who played his 1,000th game against the Pittsburgh Penguins last April-leads a solid rearguard. Defensemen Dennis Seidenberg, Adam McQuaid, Johnny Boychuk, and Andrew Ference are anchors for the Bruins' vaunted defensive line.

While the defensive unit is strong, the Bruins' offense is equally potent. Right wing Tyler Seguin, who hasn't even turned 21 years old yet, scored 31 goals and had 38 assists last year. Center Patrice Bergeron was the team's top assist-maker, scoring 22 times and assisting on 44 goals. Left wing Brad Marchand was also a consistent force for Boston, slotting home 28 goals and providing 27 assists.

Given the Bruins' weak start to last season and an inconsistent stretch in the first month, they will look to get off to a faster start this campaign. Following November, when they went 12-0-1-going an entire month without a regulation loss-their form proved to be extremely vulnerable throughout the rest of the regular season. Despite outshooting opponents regularly, the Bruins struggled with converting chances on multiple occasions. 

As the season has been shortened to a much-abbreviated 48 games, the Bruins will have to be even more vigilant in maintaining consistent form. And for a team that just won the Stanley Cup in 2011, the men in black and yellow will look to be more consistent.

There are many questions regarding the potential outcome of this season. The Bruins certainly boast a lot of potential, both in the offensive and defensive corps, as well as with Rask in net. However, getting off to a fast start will prove integral for the success of Julien's squad. 

One thing is for certain, though-at long last, it's time for the season to get rolling.