Trevor Kuntar scores one of his three goals against Springfield in a preseason game on Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy of Providence Bruins)

The Providence Bruins have finished first in the Atlantic Division three times and second once in the last five years. The last time they missed the playoffs was 2011-12, Bruce Cassidy’s first year as head coach.

It’s a safe bet – maybe even a mortal lock – that they’ll be in the playoffs once again at the end of this season.

Injuries and callups can always change things, but with the current lineup the P-Bruins figure to finish closer to the top of the Atlantic Division standings than to the bottom.

This year’s edition, featuring a good mix of youngsters and veterans, is strong in goal and on defense with proven scorers up front.

“The identity of the Bruins is the same and speaks for itself. We want to compete hard every night, be on our toes,” said Evan Gold, Providence general manager.

“The mix is nice. We’ve always aimed for that mix of young players who are going to play important roles for us up and down the lineup. We’ve added what we feel are some strong vets that our pro (scouting) group worked hard to identify to complement some of the youth that we have and help drive the bus both on and off the ice for us.”

From the net out, here’s how the team looks as the season opens at home against the Laval Rocket on Friday night.

GOALTENDING

There was some turbulence in the goalie department at the end of Boston training camp, but when the smoke cleared Providence remained in excellent shape with Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro returning. Both posted strong numbers last season.

Bussi was placed on waivers the same day Jeremy Swayman agreed on a new eight-year, $66 million contract. He went unclaimed. DiPietro had passed through waivers a couple of days earlier.

Both could be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, so they have every incentive to have a big year.

“Obviously, waivers is never a fun thing for anyone. Buss is a total pro. I think he’s excited to continue working in our organization. For both it’s come to work every day, you never know when that next opportunity is going to come. I think they are really firmly planted right now in the present and very committed to help this team,” Gold said.

“The goaltending should be solid every night no matter who is in there.”

DEFENSE

Defense should be a strong suit, especially when Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula join the lineup.

Mitchell is a puck mover and power-play point man who would not look out of place in a number of NHL lineups.

Two-way D-man Regula was having a fine year for Providence last year before being sidelined by an ankle injury.

New this year, Jordan Oesterle brings 371 games of NHL experience.

Opposition forwards will want to keep their heads up when new addition Billy Sweezey, coming off a good camp with Boston, is on the ice.

Steady Mike Callahan returns for his third pro season and Frederic Brunet is back for his second year.

Rookie Jackson Edward is a feisty defender who gets under the skin of the opposition and Drew Bavaro, another first-year pro, has a big shot from the point.

Ryan Mast and Mason Millman round out the D corps.

“We need to get a little bit healthy right now, a couple of guys (Mitchell and Regula) banged up. But if we have the full complement we expect to have, it should be a strength and it should be competition every night for playing time, but in a positive way where we’ll make sure the vets are getting their touches and also the kids are getting the important touches they need to develop,” said Gold.

FORWARDS

At the top of the lineup, Georgii Merkulov, Fabian Lysell, Patrick Brown and Vinni Lettieri are very good AHL players.

There’s a very good chance all four will see time in Boston at one time or another this season.

Jeffery Viel figures to be a fan favorite. He finishes every check and is willing to fight anyone, even Zdeno Chara a few years back. Seventeen goals for Manitoba last year and 15 for San Jose the year before that demonstrate that he can play, too.

Rookie Riley Duran opened some eyes in Boston camp. He’s a prospect to watch.

Keep an eye on Brett Harrison, too. Often physically overmatched as a rookie last season, he’s added strength and displayed a deft scoring touch in Boston camp.

Trevor Kuntar is a rat who gets in the face of opposing players from the opening puck drop. He put up 10 goals and 113 penalty minutes in his first year. More goals and fewer stick penalties would be a positive for him.

John Farinacci is stronger after a full summer of training and is looking to build on a solid rookie year.

Veteran Tyler Pitlick (420 NHL games) is a wild card. He attended Providence camp on a PTO and was a standout but isn’t on the opening night roster. If they get him under contract he’d be a nice addition to the lineup.

No one works harder than Marc McLaughlin, who had no puck luck whatsoever last season and is looking to put up better numbers this year.

Jimmy Lambert gave the P-Bruins an injection of energy in the playoffs last season after spending the year in Maine. He’s played very well in Providence’s camp.

Joey Abate brings non-stop energy and physicality.

Jaxon Nelson has size and was good on draws in college, but hasn’t shown much offense since signing out of Minnesota last spring.

Adam Mechura rounds out the forward contingent.

“On paper, there should be a really good, deep complementary group. Our pro (scouting) group worked really hard – we wanted to identify competitive players and add some strength to the group, a willingness to not only play on the interior but cycle pucks and be heavier on pucks,” said Gold.

“Those types of things – the type of player we graduated in (Justin) Brazeau — that’s probably a good example of some of the things we’ve talked about as a group internally.”

Coach Ryan Mougenel likes what he’s seen so far. “I think we have some offense, some guys that can put the puck past goalies. There might be a couple of sleepers, a couple of Justin Brazeaus, in the mix here.”

LOOKING AHEAD

I make this point every October: You never know what you’re going to get in the six-and-a-half-month battle of attrition that is the AHL schedule. The roster on opening night might not be what you finish with in April.

Veterans aren’t a lock to play as well as in previous seasons. Prospects that are expected to thrive don’t always do so. There’s callups and injuries and trades, Oh My!

Having said that, I’m optimistic that this will be another very entertaining season at the AMP.

The Hershey Bears, Calder Cup champs for two straight years, are the favorite in the Atlantic Division. They always are. But the P-Bruins should be able to give them a run for their money.

“You’ve got to wrestle the belt away from the champs,” said Gold. “Look, it’s a long season. Our goals right now are to get going, to build our game, to build an identity among our group and really focus on the details of preparation and playing the right way.”

Get your popcorn ready.