The B's lost to Buffalo tonight by the score of 7-4. I've got no tidbits for this game. Every team has a crappy game now and then. Let's hope the Bruins get this out of their system and come back with a win against Phil Kessel and the Maple Leafs on Saturday.
Blaaahhhhhh, this game just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Bruins top Devils in shootout, 2-1
The Bruins knocked off the Devils in OT tonight, coming back in the 3rd period to tie the game and then going into the shootout to win it. 5 tidbits I noticed during the game:
1. It's getting old, but 2 U's, 2 K's = 2 points. Rask came up huge in the shootout, stopping all NJ shooters except for Kovalchuk. Rask is proving he is a top netminder in the NHL.
2. Tyler Seguin looks like he's forcing his play. Seguin came up with a huge goal leading off the shootout, even though he had to take it twice, but he looked like he was trying to make something happen when there was little chance to make a play. His shot over the net in OT just looked bad. He'll break out of this slump, hopefully sooner rather than later.
3. The PK finally gave up a goal, but they were rock solid during the other 4 opportunities the Devils had. The streak was going to be broken sooner or later; at least it came during a win.
4. I'm not sure about the Ference/Johnson defensive pairing. For some reason, the Bruins seem to struggle when those 2 are on the ice. Teams pressure them into making mistakes.
5. Great to see Nathan Horton playing as well as he his. As a matter of fact, it's great to see Looch and Krejci playing so well. Horton is showing to be a big time player, scoring goals when they're needed most.
BONUS
What has happened to the Bruins 3rd line? It seems when bad things happen for the B's, the Bourque/Peverley/Kelly line is on the ice. With Caron playing at Providence again, I wouldn't be surprised to see him called up and placed back in his old space. That line is too good to look as bad as they have so far.
1. It's getting old, but 2 U's, 2 K's = 2 points. Rask came up huge in the shootout, stopping all NJ shooters except for Kovalchuk. Rask is proving he is a top netminder in the NHL.
2. Tyler Seguin looks like he's forcing his play. Seguin came up with a huge goal leading off the shootout, even though he had to take it twice, but he looked like he was trying to make something happen when there was little chance to make a play. His shot over the net in OT just looked bad. He'll break out of this slump, hopefully sooner rather than later.
3. The PK finally gave up a goal, but they were rock solid during the other 4 opportunities the Devils had. The streak was going to be broken sooner or later; at least it came during a win.
4. I'm not sure about the Ference/Johnson defensive pairing. For some reason, the Bruins seem to struggle when those 2 are on the ice. Teams pressure them into making mistakes.
5. Great to see Nathan Horton playing as well as he his. As a matter of fact, it's great to see Looch and Krejci playing so well. Horton is showing to be a big time player, scoring goals when they're needed most.
BONUS
What has happened to the Bruins 3rd line? It seems when bad things happen for the B's, the Bourque/Peverley/Kelly line is on the ice. With Caron playing at Providence again, I wouldn't be surprised to see him called up and placed back in his old space. That line is too good to look as bad as they have so far.
Monday, January 28, 2013
B's move to 4-0-1, top Canes 5-3
The Bruins went to Raleigh tonight, having lost their last 5 games to the Hurricanes. They leave Raleigh with a 5-3 win as they head back to Beantown to play the Devils on Tuesday night. 5 tidbits I noticed during the game tonight:
1. The Boston penalty kill is rock solid right now. They've killed all 23 power plays against them, with 3 of them being 5 on 3 power plays. Bergeron, Paille, Marchand, and Chara have been outstanding, with "Nose Face Killah" potting a shorthanded goal against Carolina.
2. The Boston power play finally came to life, even if you throw out Seguin's empty net goal. They moved the puck crisply tonight with the man advantage. Their movement leads me to believe that the power play will really start clicking any day now.
3. Semin and a few of the other Hurricanes made some of Boston's D-men look old and slow. I wouldn't be surprised to see a trade or two by the B's to bring in some younger legs.
4. I can't help it, but I've got to say something about Dougie Hamilton again. I don't care what Edmonton has in Nail Yakupov and the Schultz kid, I'll take Dougie over either of them. He moves the puck well, he plays with a calm and cool demeanor, he makes the right decisions at the right time. After the game tonight he said something about the fact that he passed to Krejci for the GWG because he had already taken too many shots. This kid has a good head on his shoulders.
5. Anton Khudobin is definitely a reliable backup. It's hard to fault him for any of the 3 Caroline put behind him. The B's turned the puck over; the Canes made them pay for it. All 3 Carolina goals would have been difficult for any goalie to stop.
BONUS
Semin looks pretty good, nothing like the player he was in Washington. Let's see what he looks like a month from now.
1. The Boston penalty kill is rock solid right now. They've killed all 23 power plays against them, with 3 of them being 5 on 3 power plays. Bergeron, Paille, Marchand, and Chara have been outstanding, with "Nose Face Killah" potting a shorthanded goal against Carolina.
2. The Boston power play finally came to life, even if you throw out Seguin's empty net goal. They moved the puck crisply tonight with the man advantage. Their movement leads me to believe that the power play will really start clicking any day now.
3. Semin and a few of the other Hurricanes made some of Boston's D-men look old and slow. I wouldn't be surprised to see a trade or two by the B's to bring in some younger legs.
4. I can't help it, but I've got to say something about Dougie Hamilton again. I don't care what Edmonton has in Nail Yakupov and the Schultz kid, I'll take Dougie over either of them. He moves the puck well, he plays with a calm and cool demeanor, he makes the right decisions at the right time. After the game tonight he said something about the fact that he passed to Krejci for the GWG because he had already taken too many shots. This kid has a good head on his shoulders.
5. Anton Khudobin is definitely a reliable backup. It's hard to fault him for any of the 3 Caroline put behind him. The B's turned the puck over; the Canes made them pay for it. All 3 Carolina goals would have been difficult for any goalie to stop.
BONUS
Semin looks pretty good, nothing like the player he was in Washington. Let's see what he looks like a month from now.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Bruins fall to Blueshirts in OT, 4-3
The Bruins' second tilt with the Rangers this year ended in a 4-3 OT loss for the B's. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period, but the Bruins fought back, eventually earning a point when Nathan Horton scored late in the 3rd. Here are five tidbits I observed about the B's and the game:
1. It's early in the season, but the Bruins have to be considered a favorite to win the East. The Flyers started 0-3, Pittsburgh is getting some questionable goaltending, King Henrik is not exactly himself, and Ovechkin and the Caps are 0-2, losing at home to Winnipeg. The Bruins are deep, deeper than any other team in the East. They blend a good mix of veteran leadership with youth and energy. They play in a system that each player buys into, knowing the roles they have to fill. Even in this loss, I think the B's outplayed the Rangers for the better part of the game.
2. The penalty kill is coming through HUGE. The Rangers had two 5 on 3 opportunities against the Bruins so far this year; they couldn't score. In last night's 5 on 3, they didn't even get a shot on net. The Bruins haven't given up a power play goal yet this year. I know it's early, but this PK is the best in the league right now.
3. The power play has to improve. Although Marchand scored on the PP last night, the B's are still just 1 for 14 on the power play this year. The team is showing better movement with the puck, especially when Tyler Seguin is involved. However, they've got to find a way to score when the opportunity arises.
4. A key statistic many may not think of drives the Bruins success; winning faceoffs. Once again, the Bruins lead the league in faceoff wins, taking 60%+ of draws during games. Last night they took 36 of 53 draws against the Rangers. Bergeron/Krejci/Kelly/Campbell are the best in the business. Chiarelli knew what he was doing when he built this team.
5. 2 U's, 2 K's didn't exactly lead to getting 2 points last night, but Tuukka saved the Bruins bacon at the end of regulation. If he let's Nash/Gaborik score in the last seconds of the game, the B's leave NY with 0 points and deflated that they had a chance to snatch a point. Although he gave up 4, the Bruins leave NY with 1 point because Tuukka came up big when it mattered most.
BONUS
Rick Nash can just be filthy good when he wants to be. The moves he put on Boychuk and Looch were sick. I'm glad the B's only play them 1 more time before the playoffs.
1. It's early in the season, but the Bruins have to be considered a favorite to win the East. The Flyers started 0-3, Pittsburgh is getting some questionable goaltending, King Henrik is not exactly himself, and Ovechkin and the Caps are 0-2, losing at home to Winnipeg. The Bruins are deep, deeper than any other team in the East. They blend a good mix of veteran leadership with youth and energy. They play in a system that each player buys into, knowing the roles they have to fill. Even in this loss, I think the B's outplayed the Rangers for the better part of the game.
2. The penalty kill is coming through HUGE. The Rangers had two 5 on 3 opportunities against the Bruins so far this year; they couldn't score. In last night's 5 on 3, they didn't even get a shot on net. The Bruins haven't given up a power play goal yet this year. I know it's early, but this PK is the best in the league right now.
3. The power play has to improve. Although Marchand scored on the PP last night, the B's are still just 1 for 14 on the power play this year. The team is showing better movement with the puck, especially when Tyler Seguin is involved. However, they've got to find a way to score when the opportunity arises.
4. A key statistic many may not think of drives the Bruins success; winning faceoffs. Once again, the Bruins lead the league in faceoff wins, taking 60%+ of draws during games. Last night they took 36 of 53 draws against the Rangers. Bergeron/Krejci/Kelly/Campbell are the best in the business. Chiarelli knew what he was doing when he built this team.
5. 2 U's, 2 K's didn't exactly lead to getting 2 points last night, but Tuukka saved the Bruins bacon at the end of regulation. If he let's Nash/Gaborik score in the last seconds of the game, the B's leave NY with 0 points and deflated that they had a chance to snatch a point. Although he gave up 4, the Bruins leave NY with 1 point because Tuukka came up big when it mattered most.
BONUS
Rick Nash can just be filthy good when he wants to be. The moves he put on Boychuk and Looch were sick. I'm glad the B's only play them 1 more time before the playoffs.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Boston bests Winnipeg in shootout, 2-1
The Bruins followed up their win over the Rangers in a Monday afternoon matinee against the Jets, winning in a shootout 2-1. Here are five tidbits I observed about the B's:
1. Tuukka Rask is the real deal. 2 games, 2 goals allowed. If he can continue playing like this going forward, the Bruins will be in good shape. He played well in the 2d and 3rd periods when the Jets seemed to carry the action.
2. Dougie Hamilton is the real deal. He logged over 20 minutes in today's game. As Stuart Scott likes to say, this kid looks "as cool as the other side of the pillow." He doesn't wilt under pressure. He handles himself well, even on the power play. Which leads me to...
3. The power play struggles continue. I know it's early in the season and the B's are trying some new line combinations, but they have to find a way to score on the PP. More often then not, they seem to dump the puck in with no real purpose, giving the opponent easy opportunities to fire the puck right back down the ice. The B's have got to find a way to keep control of the puck on the PP and score.
4. When their timing gets better, the B's top 2 lines are going to be monstrous. Krejci-Lucic-Horton are just missing on their passes. Bergeron-Marchand-Seguin are getting great opportunities, they just have to bury them. Seguin is showing that there are few on the ice with the type of talent he possesses. When these 2 lines click, watch out.
5. The Bruins ability to roll 4 lines night in and night out will benefit them greatly in a 48 game season. I heard a report on NESN during the game that other teams are laying back on hitting and the physical side of the game to try to stay fresh throughout the year. The B's just keep playing their style of game. I'm looking forward to the rematch with the Rangers on Wednesday to see if the B's can maintain the momentum they started the season with.
Bonus:
If he can continue his play, Vladimir Tarasenko in St. Louis will easily win the Calder Trophy. This kid possesses some phenomenal talent. He makes some vets look like rookies. St. Louis is a force to be reckoned with this year. They remind me in ways of the Bruins; young talent, tight on defense, physical and ready to dole out hits and block shots. Beware the Blues; they're among the best in the NHL this year.
1. Tuukka Rask is the real deal. 2 games, 2 goals allowed. If he can continue playing like this going forward, the Bruins will be in good shape. He played well in the 2d and 3rd periods when the Jets seemed to carry the action.
2. Dougie Hamilton is the real deal. He logged over 20 minutes in today's game. As Stuart Scott likes to say, this kid looks "as cool as the other side of the pillow." He doesn't wilt under pressure. He handles himself well, even on the power play. Which leads me to...
3. The power play struggles continue. I know it's early in the season and the B's are trying some new line combinations, but they have to find a way to score on the PP. More often then not, they seem to dump the puck in with no real purpose, giving the opponent easy opportunities to fire the puck right back down the ice. The B's have got to find a way to keep control of the puck on the PP and score.
4. When their timing gets better, the B's top 2 lines are going to be monstrous. Krejci-Lucic-Horton are just missing on their passes. Bergeron-Marchand-Seguin are getting great opportunities, they just have to bury them. Seguin is showing that there are few on the ice with the type of talent he possesses. When these 2 lines click, watch out.
5. The Bruins ability to roll 4 lines night in and night out will benefit them greatly in a 48 game season. I heard a report on NESN during the game that other teams are laying back on hitting and the physical side of the game to try to stay fresh throughout the year. The B's just keep playing their style of game. I'm looking forward to the rematch with the Rangers on Wednesday to see if the B's can maintain the momentum they started the season with.
Bonus:
If he can continue his play, Vladimir Tarasenko in St. Louis will easily win the Calder Trophy. This kid possesses some phenomenal talent. He makes some vets look like rookies. St. Louis is a force to be reckoned with this year. They remind me in ways of the Bruins; young talent, tight on defense, physical and ready to dole out hits and block shots. Beware the Blues; they're among the best in the NHL this year.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Opening night, Bruins beat Rangers 3-1
It was great watching the Bruins open the season with a big win over the Rangers. In just a few days, we get to watch these 2 Eastern Conference favorites battle again in Madison Square Garden. Here are 5 thoughts I had about the Bruins after watching the game:
1. Playing in Europe really gave the Bruins an edge tonight. Right from the opening drop of the puck, the Bruins seemed faster, made sharper passes, and generally carried the action during the course of the game. Although they were sloppy at times, I was surprised at how cleanly the Bruins played. I look forward to their Monday matinee against Winnipeg to see if they can maintain what they started.
2. Shawn Thornton is one tough son of a bitch. There weren't a lot of punches landed in his fight with Rupp, but he got the best of the battle. Buffalo and Montreal may have gotten tougher, but they still can't match up with Thornton, McQuaid, Lucic, Chara and Campbell. The Bruins were faster, cleaner, sharper, and stronger.
3. Dougie Hamilton is the real deal. He didn't really do anything to stand out in a good way, but he also didn't have any hiccups in his game. I look forward to the years he should be wearing the spoked B.
4. Tyler Seguin just keeps getting better and better. I just wish he had buried that great chance he had against Lundquist.
5. Henrik Lundquist is the best goalie in the NHL. His theft of David Krejci's shot was absolutely criminal. It wasn't as good as Tim Thomas' stop against the Canadians in the playoffs a few years ago, but it was one for the ages.
BONUS
6. The Bruins power play has to start burying some chances. They were 0-7 on the power play tonight. The St. Louis Blues were 4-5 against Detroit; Toronto was 2-5 against Montreal. The Bruins have the best team 5 on 5 in the league, but they have to take advantage of the power plays they get. They moved well tonight, but they were still throwing too many dump ins way too deep, too many shots into the Rangers zone when there was no chance a Bruin would get the puck.
Tonight was a great way to open the season. Let's hope they can keep it up.
LET'S GO BRUINS!
1. Playing in Europe really gave the Bruins an edge tonight. Right from the opening drop of the puck, the Bruins seemed faster, made sharper passes, and generally carried the action during the course of the game. Although they were sloppy at times, I was surprised at how cleanly the Bruins played. I look forward to their Monday matinee against Winnipeg to see if they can maintain what they started.
2. Shawn Thornton is one tough son of a bitch. There weren't a lot of punches landed in his fight with Rupp, but he got the best of the battle. Buffalo and Montreal may have gotten tougher, but they still can't match up with Thornton, McQuaid, Lucic, Chara and Campbell. The Bruins were faster, cleaner, sharper, and stronger.
3. Dougie Hamilton is the real deal. He didn't really do anything to stand out in a good way, but he also didn't have any hiccups in his game. I look forward to the years he should be wearing the spoked B.
4. Tyler Seguin just keeps getting better and better. I just wish he had buried that great chance he had against Lundquist.
5. Henrik Lundquist is the best goalie in the NHL. His theft of David Krejci's shot was absolutely criminal. It wasn't as good as Tim Thomas' stop against the Canadians in the playoffs a few years ago, but it was one for the ages.
BONUS
6. The Bruins power play has to start burying some chances. They were 0-7 on the power play tonight. The St. Louis Blues were 4-5 against Detroit; Toronto was 2-5 against Montreal. The Bruins have the best team 5 on 5 in the league, but they have to take advantage of the power plays they get. They moved well tonight, but they were still throwing too many dump ins way too deep, too many shots into the Rangers zone when there was no chance a Bruin would get the puck.
Tonight was a great way to open the season. Let's hope they can keep it up.
LET'S GO BRUINS!
Monday, January 7, 2013
LET'S PLAY HOCKEY!!!
Well, it took me a little longer than I thought it would to post a reaction to the lockout ending. Dam, it's good to know we'll be able to watch hockey again in just a few days. I just thought I'd post some of my thoughts before I start to dig into the Bruins and what I think they'll look like this year.
First, I have a question. Is it just me, or do most Canadians blame the players for the lockout? I regularly go to the TSN.ca and sportsnet.ca websites to read about hockey. From what I can tell, most fan reactions are pro-owner and anti-player. What gives? I completely side with the players and the stance they took and maintained. Don Fehr played this masterfully, always getting more for the players even when the owners said "no mas." Enough of the "this is a hill we'll die on" mularkey. The players gave up some concessions but the owners sure kept saying "this is the best offer we can make" then came back with a better offer each time. If I was in a union fighting for a new contract, Don Fehr is the guy I want leading our negotiations.
Second, why did it take so long to get here? It seems this deal could have been made long ago. Many have said it resembled the deal the NHLPA submitted that Bettman blew up over back in early December. Did the owners really have a start date preordained for the shortened season?
Finally, LET'S PLAY HOCKEY! I can't wait. My son called me yesterday and asked when we'll be making a pilgrimage to St. Louis to catch the Blues. My Bruins won't be coming to town, but there are still plenty of teams I want to watch (Detroit, Colorado, Vancouver). It's good to know we'll have a season this year.
My next blog...is Gary Bettman a genius?
First, I have a question. Is it just me, or do most Canadians blame the players for the lockout? I regularly go to the TSN.ca and sportsnet.ca websites to read about hockey. From what I can tell, most fan reactions are pro-owner and anti-player. What gives? I completely side with the players and the stance they took and maintained. Don Fehr played this masterfully, always getting more for the players even when the owners said "no mas." Enough of the "this is a hill we'll die on" mularkey. The players gave up some concessions but the owners sure kept saying "this is the best offer we can make" then came back with a better offer each time. If I was in a union fighting for a new contract, Don Fehr is the guy I want leading our negotiations.
Second, why did it take so long to get here? It seems this deal could have been made long ago. Many have said it resembled the deal the NHLPA submitted that Bettman blew up over back in early December. Did the owners really have a start date preordained for the shortened season?
Finally, LET'S PLAY HOCKEY! I can't wait. My son called me yesterday and asked when we'll be making a pilgrimage to St. Louis to catch the Blues. My Bruins won't be coming to town, but there are still plenty of teams I want to watch (Detroit, Colorado, Vancouver). It's good to know we'll have a season this year.
My next blog...is Gary Bettman a genius?
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