HAPPY HOCKEY DAY!!!

Sorry Red Sox, I'm still bitter and just don't care, frankly.  Rest of baseball, you never had me.  BORING.  I tried watching the Rays and Rangers last night.  I lasted less than an inning.  I'd rather watch commercials.

Sorry basketball, you had me in the 90's, but I just don't care anymore.  Home to the toughest sissies.

Sorry football, we had a nice little thing going and I'll still give you some attention because you dress all fine on Sundays....and I have some mullah mullah invested in ya.

HHHEEELLLLLOOOOO HOCKEY!  My girl is back in town and I am giggly with excitement!!!  The Caps and Hawks kick off the ceremonies tonight with the B's getting back into action Thursday night.


Oh! I almost forgot!  Sorry liver, but there is scientific proof that the Bruins do much better when I drink during games and take a shot a Jameson before the 3rd (and OT...and SO...and for victories.........and for losses).

It'll be interesting to see who is benched for the forwards (Caron? Smith?) and for the defensemen (Bartkowski? Miller?) on Thursday.

Brush off the jerseys!

Prediction : 82-0

CAMP STARTS TODAY!

With temperatures rumored to hit 90 degree's today, it's hard to believe that the hockey season OFFICIALLY STARTS TODAY.  #BOOM All the players hit up camp which means we have another exciting and hopefully successful hockey campaign upon us.  Time to dust off my Lucic jersey and prepare my liver...

Now I'm not going to talk about the people we know.  I don't believe there's such thing as a casual hockey fan.  You know hockey or you don't.  No pink hats allowed.  We'll assume that everyone knows who Patrice Bergeron is and if you don't, leave this blog right now! LEAVE!  That man is a saint, my vote for next mayor of Boston, and unanimous choice for the new Batman.

Instead, I'll touch upon other prospects that I'm intrigued to follow during camp: 

1)  Jared Knight (2010 Draft 2nd Round by Boston) : This was the third and final piece to the Kessel trade.  Everyone obviously knows who Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton are, but I'm intrigued by Knight as well and I expect him to make some noise in the near future.  He was the 2nd pick in the 2nd round, which is basically a late first round talent.  He suffered some injuries last year, but hopefully this year if he plays well for Providence we'll see him for a few games in Boston.  Who knows, if Caron goes Peppy Le Pew on us and stinks, we may see him earlier.

2) Alexander Khokhlachev (2011 2nd Rnd BOS) : You always have to worry a bit about Russian players (see Ily Kovalchuk), but I'm excited about this dude.  Not because he has a sweet sounding last now (no idea if I pronounce it right but I say Cocoa-la-chev), but because he's dominated the OHL. Two years ago he scored 69 points in 56 games.  Then he decided to take his skills to Moscow where he didn't fair too well in the KHL.  He comes back to the OHL and BAM 48 points in 28 games.  The jump to the KHL might have been too much at the time, so hopefully he joins the Baby B's this year and continues to develop in our system.  If that doesn't happen, he could be part of a deadline deal to bring someone else in (he was originally part of the Iginla deal).

3) Reilly Smith (2009 3rd Rnd DAL) : Straight up, I know nothing about this guy.  I'll send you over to Stanley Cup of Chowdah for a nice recap of him.  The reason I'm putting him on this list is because he was part of the Seguin/Peverley trade.  I'm hoping that at least 2 out of the 3 prospects we got in return will play some quality minutes for the big boys at some point.  If that happens, I'll be much happier about the trade.

4)  Joe Morrow (2011 1st Rnd PIT) : Just like Smith, I don't know much about this guy.  I remember when the Penguins trading him to the Stars for Brenden Morrow he was one of their top D-prospects.  To get another first round defensive prospect is pretty exciting.  Besides Eriksson, Morrow was probably the most important piece of the Seguin/Peverley trade.  With the likes of Hamilton, Krug, and Bartkowski, to have another solid defensive prospect would have to make the Bruins defensive pipeline one of the strongest in the league.  Again, here's the Stanley Cup of Chowdah's take.

5) Niklas Svedberg (undrafted) : The Providence Bruins rookie had a stellar regular season for the Baby B's, earning Baby Vezina Award for best goaltender in the AHL.  With first round pick Malcom Subban playing well, and obviously Rask playing like an elite goaltender, the B's have some SOLID goaltending depth.  If Svedberg plays well, he will earn the backup spot in Boston allowing Subban to be the main guy in Providence.

Here's too a good season and my on again off again blogging of it!!

We Need More Swedes....

So since the departure of PJ Axelsson I've really been harping on the fact that the Bruins need more Sveeedes.  This has absolutely nothing to do with skill or talent and everything to do with my fellow blondies donning the black and gold.  Kicking ass and looking good while doing it.

Disclaimer: I just assume everyone from Sweden has blond hair.  Even if it doesn't look like you do, I bet you do.  You're probably just hiding it, so girls don't scream at the top of their lungs while you're playing.

Okay okay, I have a small obsession with good to mediocre (sorry PJ) Swedish players.  Except the Sedin Sisters, I'd renounce their citizenship if I was the Emperor of Sweden.  I was a fan of Mats Sundin, even though he was on the Leafs and I'm still a fan of Daniel Alfredsson, even though he stood me up for the prom and chose to take that stupid jock Detroit instead.

This past season, Crazy Carl Soderberg decided to join us after a few years in the Swedish Elite League.  Alright he only has one GOOD eye and he forgot how small the American rinks are, but you know baby steps here.  I like the effort.


Sidebar: How awesome are you if you name the league, "Elite League"?  There can't be just a Swedish Hockey League.  NO ONE is going to want to play there.  If you had a choice between Swedish Hockey League and Swedish Elite League, you pick Elite.  Even if the other is better.  Duh.


Then this draft, Chia-pet selected two Swedes!  Our first pick, which was in the second round, was Linus Arnesson.  While I'm not totally positive, I think I see a pattern in Swedish folks last names.  Whoever this sson guy is got...a....round.  In the sixth round (soo we probably won't ever see him, but still!), the B's selected Anton Blidh.  Don't ask me to pronounce that.  Weh willh assumeh thath theh "h" ish silenth.

Alright this team is looking more a more beautiful!  Which is usually the deciding factor if a team is going to win the Cup or not. 

BUT WAIT... Chiarelli goes HGTV on us flips Seguin and Peeves for Loui Eriksson (<< see last name, YOU KNOW he's born raised groomed manicured Swedish).  Hot digity dog!  Two Swedes in the line-up next year, this is fantastic.  PJ Axelsson would be so proud!!

Then what happens next?  THE BRUINS HIRE PJ AXELSSON HIMSELF!  What better way to pipe more Swedes to the B's than to have the original (in my opinion, no Swede before him matters... well only in this article) scout them IN SWEDEN. 

Man, this article needed to happen, I don't think I'll ever type so many "sson"'s or Swede in a post again for the rest of my life, but I'm okay with that.

New Bruins Schedule Released

I still haven't watched a full baseball game yet, but I'm already itching to get back into hockey.

After coming to an agreement allowing NHL players to participate in the upcoming winter Olympics (YES!), the 2013-2014 schedule has been released.

Here are my top 10 games that I will either be attending or glued to the TV for:

#10 December 10, 2013 @ Calgary Flames
This could be the only time you ever see me put the Flames in a "top 10" games to watch.  This will be Jarome Iginla's first game back to Calgary since being traded last season.  Do you guys remember that?  It was one of those moves that no one really talked about, nor did it ever come up in the playoffs.  Especially not the Eastern Conference finals.  It'll be pretty cool to see the fans react to Iginla and I expect him to be amped up to perform.


#9 November 14, 2013 vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Flames...and now the Blue Jackets?!? I promise I'm not high.  This will be Nathan Horton's return to the garden.  While I wish there was a way to keep him, he clearly desired a market significantly more lax than Boston.  Well, Nathan, you found it.  Still think he'll get a good ovation.


#8 November 5, 2013 vs Dallas Stars
The big trade for the B's this offseason was obviously unloading Plexiglass Peverley and Party Boy Seguin to the Stars in order to increase our Swedishness (Loui Eriksson).  I'll discuss more about the trade in a later post, but it should be interesting to see this game.  I'd assume Seguin will want to show the B's that they gave up on him a little too soon.


#7 February 4, 2014 vs Vancouver Canucks
Boom.  Bring me right back to June 2011....  LLLUUUOOOONNNGGGOO, the Swedish Sisters and the Vegetarian come back to Boston for another 2011 Cup Finals rematch.  They have a new but familar coach in ex-Rangers head coach Tortarella, but mostly the same key players on the team.  Oh man, this is going to be a good one, just for the fact I love our fans and they will never let this team forget what happened in 2011.


#6 November 29, 2013 vs New York Rangers
Besides last year, the B's have always had a home matinee game on Black Friday and I LOVE IT.  Just like they did in 2011, the NHL has decided to piggy-back off of this and air the game on NBC.  I personally think this is a great time to try and get an annual national game.  NFL has Thanksgiving day, and you can't compete with college football and NFL on the weekends.  I'll be recovering from turkey and beer on the couch watching this game!


#5 October 5, 2013 vs Detroit Red Wings
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you one of our newest members to the Atlantic Division (yes we are now the Atlantic Division, while the old Atlantic division is now the Metropolitan Division).  We add another original 6 team into the fold and our second game of the season is the first time we'll play them as division rivals.  My Swedish crush, Daniel Alfredsson, also spurned us for the Wings.  Just a little added fuel to the fire.  Welcome East, Wings.  Did I mention this is a Saturday NIGHT game??  Get your drank on fans.


#4 November 9, 2013 vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Remember the feeling you had back on May 13th when you thought the hockey season for Boston was ending?  Then the beyond excitement feeling knowing you just completely ruined Toronto fans spring?  I do and I'm sure the Leafs do too.  This should be a very intense match up as the two teams play each other for the first time since Game 7 of the first round.  If Loui Eriksson scores, can we still chant "Thank You, Kessel"?


#3 October 30, 2013 @ Pittsburgh Penguins
The Bruins will have March 27th circled on their calendars (see #1), but I can guarantee you the Penguins will have 10/30 circled on theirs.  That is the date the B's will travel to Pittsburgh in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.  Remember that one?  The series in which the Penguins were suppose to just man handle us offensively?  Oh yeah..the B's completely embarrassed the team and the two best players in the world by SWEEPING them. #BoomThatHappened


#2 Any game vs Montreal Canadiens
Best rivalry in all of sports.  I'll take on anyone in this argument.  These games never ever lack drama or emotion.  They will be a more skilled team with the addition of Danny Briere and they will definitely be a tougher team with the addition of George "Best Mustache in Sports" Parros.  I guarantee a Thornton vs Parros bout in the first period of the first game against these two teams.  Both teams will be competing for the division title again.  Sad the B's handed it over to the Habs late last season.


#1 March 27, 2014 vs Chicago Blackhawks
Normally the #1 spot is reserved for the Candiens, and while the 4 games against the Habs would take #2-#5, I have to give the Cup Finals rematch the #1 spot.  I'll just say that again, Stanley...Cup...Finals...rematch.  Less than 2 minutes away from forcing Game 7.  I expect the B's and the crowd to be on a different planet with intensity.  I don't even know if that statement makes sense, but it does to me.

Recovering...

My apologies for complete absence from posting over the past several months.  I'll try to be more consistent this offseason...


As painful as the Game 6 loss to Chicago was, I find myself not nearly as angry anymore.  For starters let's be completely honest with ourselves.  The Bruins NEVER EVER do anything the easy way.  They win in fantastic fashion and lose just the same way.  Overtimes, Game 7's, being the sweeper, being the sweepee, you name it.  A waiver needs to be created for Bruins fans stating that the team is in no way responsible for your physical and mental health throughout the season and playoffs.

While the loss to Chicago flat out sucked, I am actually fairly pleased with how the season and playoffs turned out.  A month and a half ago, every single person except for the players in Black and Gold thought the season was over. 

After a historic comeback to advance to the next round, we need to insert not one, not two, (no I'm not doing my best Lebron impression), but three rookie defensemen into the line up.  What we got was glimpse into the very bright future of the B's blueline.  Hamilton will ultimately be significantly better than Krug and Bartkowski, but there was no way the coaches could take Krug out of the lineup.  The kid was on FIRE.  Fans should be happy and excited about the depth the B's posses at that position.

Next up was the most potent offense in the game.  The two best players in the world, a Norris trophy candidate defenseman, and the player that stood you up at the prom.  I personally didn't think the B's had a chance.  Talking to a coworker, we said that the only outcome of this series that 100% won't happen would be a Bruins sweep...   anyone keeping track on how often I'm wrong?   anyone still reading this blog?  No and no... alright, moving on...

And while it still stings, the B's were less than 2 minutes away from forcing a Game 7 to the best team in the league.  They lost to a very good team and provided some very very entertaining hockey.  It's pretty hard to complain. 

It would've been a storybook ending if the B's were able to bring the Cup back to Boston after everything the city has been through, but I think they did their part in taking our minds to a different place during this run.


Coming up: Offseason Priority Numero Uno - Tuukka Tuukka Tuukka

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Rangers 4 - Bruins 3 SOL

Bruins Goals: Krejci (4), Horton (4), Marchand (7)

Rangers Goals: Hagelin (4), Stepan (2), Stralman (1)

Man, oh man.  For about 90% of this game there wasn't much good to be said, except for the delicious dinner that was prepared for me!  A lot of the B's looked off (see below) and they didn't seem ready to play.  As angry as this game made me, you get the feeling that the Bruins are always in it.  They never give up and you can tell that whenever they get down a goal or two (or three) they still believe they have a chance to win.  While they didn't win, they earned an improbably point out of this one.  I'll take it!!

And my thoughts:

• I thought Chara had a poor game again.  He was making awful decisions.  Someone needs to piss him off.  Hey Marchand, go poke the big guy a little bit.  Get him angry.  When he plays angry he gets back into it.
• Another bit of negative feedback from me is for Peverley.  Definitely his worst game of the year.  Him and Chara must've gone to lunch together and ate some funky clam chowder because their games were just off.
• Last bit of negativo coming from me, Rask.  The second and third goals need to saved.  This is a big game and in big games, we need to see Rask make some big saves...and some easy saves.  It's not going to be perfect, so I'll let Rask have this one.  Let's just hope he can turn it around.
• Alright, some positive stuff.  Despite playing what I thought was a poor game, they still managed 40 shots on Lundqvist and eventually pulled a miracle right out of their asses.  You don't see this very often at all, but they were able to score 2 goals with Rask pulled.  Yes, if there was a camera on me I would've looked like Jack Edwards....and GET OVER IT... I KNOW HE'S A HOMER... you tell 'em Jack.
• I hate/love Nash.  It still boggles my mind Columbus couldn't do anything with him.  It's a shame.  It'll be a shame if NYR can't do anything with him either.  Look at his shootout goal.  Just dumb.

Next Up: Buffalo Sabres

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres

Bruins 3 - Sabres 1

Bruins goals: Marchand (6), Bergeron PPG (2), Lucic ENG (3)

Sabres goal: Ennis (5)

After Snowstorm Nemo found New England and brought upon us snowmagedan we got treated to a divisional matchup with Sabres.  I don't know what it is about them, probably just the fact they have Ryan Miller and Tomas Vanek, but no matter how bad they are it's always a tough game against them.  

The Sabres handed the B's their only regulation loss of the season last time they played (and it was a pretty awful loss), but since the B's are 2-0 allowing only one goal.  Not too shabby!  There was no revenge for Scott beating up Thornton, and I didn't think their should be.  It was a fair fight and Scott just crushed Thornton.  I think the goal should be to keep Scott on the ice as much as possible, dude sucks.

• Ahh, the return of the Gnat.  Usually it takes a game or two to get back up to speed after missing so many games, but Marchand picked up exactly where he left off: scoring goals and pissing people off in the process.  He scored his team leading 6th goal last night and baited Ott into an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.  Booyeah.
• Hamilton finally shows that he's a rookie.  I've been pumping this guys ego thus far, so I feel obligated to also mention when his play is only great not super amazing.  This was the first game that I've watch where I noticed multiple mistakes on Dougie's part (the cross ice pass that got intercepted and a way too eager pinch up the boards that he got burned on).  Luckily, neither led to goals (or I don't think they did).  Kids learning.
• Ryan Miller is a damn stonewall.  He made some incredible saves, especially the one on Horton comes to mind.  He was the only B's killer that showed up last night.  I didn't even notice Vanek out there.  Good job by the B's to contain him.
• Speaking of goalies, need to give some love to Khudobin as well.  He's showing he's ready any time he's called upon.  Only allowing one goal and also making his share of great saves.  I'm really liking this goalie tandem and quite frankly it helps ease the pain for the downward spiral off this Earth that Thomas went through.
• Do I really need to complain about the power play?  And don't point to Bergeron's goal.  Yeah it was nice, but the PP still sucks.  I'm done.

Next Up: New York Rangers Part III

Tim Thomas traded to the Islanders!

Thank you, Garth Snow!!  Thank you!

I found myself stewing with mixed emotions as I heard the news.  The first reaction was pure joy.  Not because Thomas is gone (well sort of), but because his $5mil cap hit is gone.  That was a significant chunk of dead weight we were carrying on the books.  Pooof!  Gone.  We received a conditional 2nd round pick in either 2014 or 2015, but really who cares.  The most valuable part of this trade is the CAP SPACE!  If we put Marc Savard on long-term injury reserve, I think I heard on the radio that we would then have $11mil in cap space.  Let that sink in.  $11mil of cap space to play with.  That is a tremendous amount of room to add a stud player or two.

A caller on the radio had the same thinking as me: JAROME IGINLA.  For the love of hockey gods, please,  let's bring this guy to Boston.  He's on a horrible Calgary team and is nearing the end of his career.  He has one more year left on his contract, and his cap hit is $7mil.  Yes that is high, but the B's have the room and he's a FA after this year.  He's scored 30+ goals 11 straight seasons, scoring 50 or more goals twice.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CALL THEM.

I don't know what they'd want in return.  Dougie and Seguin are off limits.  I'd be hesitant to offer a player on  our roster.  I'd offer up draft picks (yes multiple) and then a pick out of our top prospects: Jared Knight, Ryan Spooner, Jordan Caron, Alex Khokhlachev, etc.  Since he'd be a "rental" player, I don't think the B's would have to give up too much, but hey, make them take our offer.  Load it up now and make a run for another Cup!!

That was my giddiness.  Remove the White House snub, the Facebook posts, the Chick Fil A support, etc, and I'm a little sad this is how the Tim Thomas era is ending.  This guy had one of the greatest sports stories in recent memory.  He fought his way through Europe and the minors to finally be a starter on a team and then basically single handedly ended the B's 39 year Cup drought.  I mean take a look at this video.  Without a majority of those saves, the B's don't even make it out of the 1st round let alone the Finals.

Farewell, Thomas.  It's officially TUUKKA TIME!!

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens

Bruins 2 - Habs 1

Bruins goals: Seguin (2), Krejci (3)
Canadiens goals: Subban PPG (1) 


While we didn't get the pleasure of listening to Jack and Brick call the first B's/Habs game of the year, I actually thought NBC Sports did a nice job on the whole "Rivalry Wednesday" theme.  If you tuned in at 7ish you got treated to some video montages of the rivalry through the decades and some sound bites taken from interviews with old players.  If you don't like two teams that hate each other, then it wasn't for you.  But for me, good stuff!

Every season divisional games obviously mean more than others.  You win the division, you are a top 3 seed.  In a shorten season they mean even more.  It's still early in the year, but the B's had a chance to either put 3 points between them and the Habs (and remain on top of the East) or allow the Habs to leap frog them to the top of the division.  The Habs are playing well this year, combined with the fact that it's never easy going to the Bell Centre (like the little Canadian flip of the "e" and the "r"...I'm so cultured), I wasn't too sure if the B's would pull off the double U.

Then the game started and I REALLY didn't think the B's were going to get a shot on goal, let alone a victory.  They played just awful hockey in that first period.  Luckily we have a good goaltender or it would've been a long night.  It was also a surprisingly uneventful game in terms of fisticuffs/face washes/scrums.  Not necessarily a bad thing, for while it was a fairly clean it was still entertaining.  Maybe the B's are waiting for them to come to the Garden to rattle their cages a bit.

Anyhoo...

• TUUUuuuUUUUUUKKKAAA!!!  Number 1 star of the game, hands down.  He was the only player that showed up to play and if it wasn't for him, the B's would've been down a significant number of goals after the first few minutes.  Timmy who?
• I thought the defense played a very poor game, especially Chara.  This is one of the worst games I've seen Chara play.  He's a machine, so I'm sure he'll just shut down for 30 seconds, reboot and be back to normal...not very worried.  Dougie was easily the best out of the bunch last night.  Maybe he can...ready... teach 'em how to play defense!!  See what I did there...
• Claude Julien looked like a hockey Albert Einstein last night (minus the hair).  The offense struggled mightily all night, so coming out of the 2nd intermission he flips Seguin and Horton and the first line scores two goals right out of the gate.  Well played, Mr. Julien, well played.
• While they didn't get much playing time, I thought the rookie line (MacDermaid - Tardiff - Spooner) played pretty well.  Basically, they didn't f-- up, which is impressive considering the type of game and the environment they were playing in. 
• I hate Subban's flopping ways, but man does that guy have a rocket of a shot.  Grrr why can't he just suck so I can trash on him some more??  And, after typing this I'll have to go throw up, Carey Price had a good game too.  That's all the praise a Canadiens team can get right now without my B's card being revoked.
• And lastly, the power play BLOWS.  What is going on here?!?  I've tried to be patient, but this is just embarrassing.  It has to be all mental.  The players on the ice are very good players on a very good team and yet when they have an extra man on the ice they all fart in their brains.  I'm not talking SBDs, I'm talking loud clear the room farts in the brains.  I still feel if they can get a few in, they'll get on a roll and make it a dangerous part of their game.  They are just too damn good.

Next Up: SnowStorm Nemo Tampa Bay Lightning (6-3-0 12pts  3rd in East)  They play the Devils tonight so there position in the standings can change tonight.  Either way, it's another big game.

GOLDEN SPOKES: Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres

Sabres 7 - Bruins 4

Boston goals: Marchand 2 (5), Peverley (1), Krejci (2)
Buffalo goals: Vanek 3 (6), Ennis (2), Sulzer (1), Hodgson (4), Pommonville ENG (5)

There have been games where the Bruins lost by more goals, but this has to be one of the uglier games I've witnessed in the last few seasons.  Midway through the second period it looked like the B's were going to steamroll this team, going up 3-1 and controlling the play.  After that, they decided they didn't like playing defense anymore and completely lost all momentum.  The 5 v 3 hurt, but even after that they had plenty of chances to tie or take the lead.

If I told you the B's had 42 shots in a game you would've thought they were the one's that won 7-4.  That makes it even more aggravating.  They had their chances, A LOT of chances, but they just couldn't put it in the back of the net.

• I hope the Sabres trade Vanek to the Swedish Elite league.  This guy is a B's killer...and that's an understatement.  Something about playing the black and gold gets this guy to play some top notch hockey.  Which is sort of fun to watch, until you realize he's smoking your own team. 3 goals and 2 assists.  Dahyum.
• If you go on over to TSN.ca and read the comments under the article that talks about Thornton's concussion, you'll probably get very upset.  Just remember, no Canadian likes the B's.  They are calling out Chara and Lucic for not fighting Scott.  Excuse me, Scott has 1 career goal.  No that is not a typo, that is the number uno.  That is a HORRIBLE trade off for Chara/Lucic to sit for 5 minutes while this goon sits for 5 as well.  Thornton is one of the best fighters in the league.  Yes, Scott is 6'8 and probably has 50lbs on Shawn, but Thornton knows is role on the team and gladly does it.  It's unfortunate that he got rocked like he did, but that happens when you're a fighter.  Hopefully he gets better soon!
• Time to start calling out Seguin.  This guy tore it up overseas and he's struggling to find the back of the net.  While he's playing well with Marchand and Bergeron, he needs to start finding the back of the net.  If he gets going and Marchand keeps scoring, this will be a VERY dangerous line.
• Speaking of Marchand, if you want to see possibly the only good thing about last nights game is his first goal.  Beautiful!
• I hate blogging about loses.

Next Up: Toronto Maple Leafs  #ThankYouKessell

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils

Bruins 2 - Devils 1

Boston goals: Horton (3)
Devils goals: Clarkson (4)

If you are tuning into a hockey game for the first time, I strongly suggest avoiding any Bruins/Devils matchups.  While I find the defensive games entertaining, I'm probably in the minority here.  While it lacked in goals, there was some great physical play (56 total hits!), a fight, great saves (54 total shots), and an UFS...Unidentified Flying Snack.  After one of the longer shootouts I've seen, the Gnat comes in on his first shootout attempt and burries it.

• So I jinxed it.  Blame it all on me.  The Bruins let up their first power play goal of the season.  DAMNIT.  I knocked on wood so I really thought that allowed me to discuss their perfection on the penalty kill.  They only let up one goal in 5 tries though, still not too shabby!
• It is very encouraging to see Horton start the season the way he has.  After not having him playing at 100% for the past year, you forget what that first line can look like when all three are at their best.  His goal here was a perfect example of the chemistry between Lucic, Krejci and himself.  He seems to be in position to have a big year!  We're all pulling for you, Smiley!
• Rask continues to have a strong year in net.  He's got dollah dollah dollah bills on his mind.  If he keeps this up, the B's are going to have to pay him some good money.  He's worth it though.  He also stoned the Devils in the shootout, waiting long enough until Marchand was able to put one home.
• Let's fast forward to the shoot out.  I really hope it wasn't a B's fan that threw <insert snack> onto the ice during the shootout.  That crap pisses me off.  Luckily Seguin scored again on the redo.  I hope they found the douchebag and gave him a lifetime ban from the Garden.  There are only 2 situations things get thrown on the: 1) Hat trick and 2) playoff victory and the towel goes onto the ice.... and if you are in Detroit 3) an octopus.

Next Up: Buffalo Sabres  #ThursdayNightFights

I'm excited for the first division game of the year.  The B's embarrassed the Sabres many times last year, especially when their lack of response to the Lucic-Miller incident.  And then the embarrassing fight the next time they played.

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes

Bruins 5 - Hurricanes 3

Bruins Goals: Marchand SHG (3), Chara PPG (2), Horton (2), Krejci (1), Seguin ENG/PPG (1)
Hurricanes Goals: McBain (1), Skinner (5), E. Staal (4),

**SHG - Shorthand Goal, PPG - Power play goal, ENG - Empty net goal

The Bruins hot start continues!!  But please TV and radio peeps, please stop saying the Bruins are undefeated or unbeaten.  I understand that they haven't lost in regulation, but they lost in overtime.  Let me say again... they LOST in overtime.  Meaning they have been defeated in the form of a dagger through my heart during extra time.  Do I need to continue?

Prior to the game, GM Chiarelli told Dougie Hamilton that he would not be sent back to his juniors team. Duh.  One of the more easier decisions of his tenure here as GM.

Carolina dominated the B's last season.  The B's evidently didn't want that to happen again came out flying.  It looked like they could potentially blow the 'Canes out.  Then I remembered I'm a Bruins fan and that RARELY happens.  The Hurricanes came back out in the 2nd period and got some very good play from their top tier players.  I'm still not sure how Skinner roofed that puck so close to the goalie, but he roofed the crap out it. 

Side note: anyone else think of Kenny Wu when Ference and Johnson sandwiched Skinner?  And if you don't know who Kenny Wu is LEAVE THIS BLOG IMMEDIATELY AND NEVER RETURN! Only the greatest childhood movie of my childhood.

Anyways...

• I'm pretty sure that Dougie's amazing start to his career is directly linked to whenever I mention him in a post.  I'd be doing his career a disservice if I didn't mention him.  Another strong game from the young man.  He recorded yet another assist on the go ahead goal from David Krejci.  There was a lot of action in front of the net, so it would've been easy for anyone to just wind up and take a shot.  Instead, he calmly faked the shot and slide it over to a wide open Krejci who had a wide open net to shoot at.  Awesome.  I smell he'll get his first goal very soon.  He's had some great shots.
• Besides Dougie we need to keep talking about the penalty kill.  They went a perfect 6 for 6 last night to remain impenetrable on the PK.  To add to the awesomeness, the Gnat (BRINGING IT BACK!) aka Marchand, nabbed a shorthander that was a thing of beauty.  We are the lone team left that has yet to allow a PPG this season.  *Knock on wood*
• As expected, we saw our first look of the season of Anton Khudobin.  I thought he looked very impressive.  He let up 3 goals, but I didn't think any of them were necessarily his fault.  I was a little nervous when he completely disregarded the trapezoid rule, though it led to Marchands SHG so maybe he knew something we didn't?
• Although Seguin's goal was an empty netter, I'm hoping that will open the flood gates for the young forward.  He's getting some quality shots off, but he has yet to beat a goaltender.  Let's hope this gets him going.
• Speaking of the end of the game, Bergeron went APE SHIT on Skinner.  Bergeron, although still very young, is like the old wise man on the team.  You rarely, if ever, see him lose his cool.  Puck Daddy was the first place I was able to read with what happened.  Apparently the little guy decided to "slew-foot" Bergeron (which you can see in the video).  Can't wait for them to play again, would love to see another Bergeron fight!

Next Up: New Jersey Devils   #BrodeurIsARobot

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders

Bruins 4 - Islanders 2

Bruins goals: Thornton (1), Campbell (1), Chara (1), Bergeron (1)
Islanders goals: Aucoin 2 (3)

It started out as one of those games you know the Bruins SHOULD dominate, but they were not playing up to their capabilities.  Luckily by the third period, they got their shit together and finished off the Islanders Mortal Kombat style.  Well, sort of... Seguin did completely air mail an open empty netter, but still... the Islanders were drastically outplayed towards the end of the game.

The first two periods were very inconsistent.  One or two shifts in a row would provide solid pressure and opportunities, but then the next few minutes the Islanders would be on the attack.  This team kills me.  Even against "easy" teams (sorry Islanders fans that don't read this).

• I promise, this will be the first blog that I don't talk about Dougie Hamilton.  Why would I talk about his 2 beautiful assists to go along with his golden locks?  The first was only a great, low shot from the point that generated a rebound.  And the second was only a sexy break out pass that led to a break away.  I mean the Bruins have only been trying to get a defender to do that for a decade now (Wideman, Hunwick, Kampfer, Kaberle).  So no, I will not mention Dougie Hamilton.  
• But I will mention Looch.  I believe it was the last blog post that all I was missing from Lucic was a fight.  If you cross your fingers, wiggle your nose, and click your heals together you get exactly what you ask for!  It wasn't much of a fight, but a poor lad by the name of Carkner decided he wanted to meet Looch's fists up close and person, then take a brief nap. And side note, I want Jack Edwards to commentate my LIFE.
• One reason for the success of the B's the past few seasons is the consistent play of the 4th line.  Campbell, Paille and Thornton know their roles and play them perfectly.  Thornton and Campbell were rewarded last night with a goal a piece.  What I liked even more, even though it cost Thornton a 10 minute misconduct, was how he stuck up for Paille.  We know Paille would probably lose a fight to the girl scouts.  He laid a beautiful hit on an Islanders Brian Strait.  Tough guy Martin comes over and wants to fight Paille.  Thornton, looking out for his linemate, steps in to make sure that doesn't happen.  Good stuff.
• Special teams again is the tale of two faces.  The power play couldn't find the back of the net, but luckily neither could the Islander's.  The penalty kill for the B's is still impenetrable.  I will say I like the power play significantly more than in prior years, there is a lot of movement and the B's are generating shots.  Prior years everyone just stood around in an umbrella formation and waited for someone else to do something.  Once they get on a roll, I think the PP will be a weapon for us.

Next up: Carolina Hurricanes  #DontCryWhalersFans

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers (Part II)

Rangers 4 - Bruins 3 (OT)

Boston goals: Lucic (2), Marchand (2), Horton (1)

New York goals: Gaborik 3 (3), Pyatt (2)

Well, every season I predict the Bruins will go undefeated.  And to my surprise, they have yet to do so.  I thought with a shorter season this was the year that it would happen.  Damn Rangers had to spoil that!!

Coming into the game the Rangers were a disappointing 0-2, so you knew they were going to come out flying to start.  In that situation, you just hope the B's can weather the first few minutes of high adrenaline and then counter once the game settles down.  Unfortunately, the B's came out flat and found themselves down 0-2 very quickly.

Even though they lost the game, I learned a lot about this team.  On the road, in a playoff type atmosphere, against a very good team, the B's were able to come from behind not once, but twice.  They tied the game 2-2, went down 3-2, but were able to tying it up in the 3rd at 3 a piece to force OT.  An unlucky bounce sends Gaborik on a break away and there aren't many goalies that can save that (even though Tuukka got the first shot).

With that, my thoughts...

•  As I have in the last two posts, I NEED to give Dougie Hamilton props.  If you haven't watched a game, you are missing out.  This 19 year old KID is playing amazing, both defensively and offensively.  He got his first point of the season on a great shot towards the net on a PP (Marchand tipped it home).  It is still VERY early, but I'm thoroughly impressed thus far.
• When you see 4 goals against you probably don't think the goalie had a great game, but I thought Tuukka played outstanding.  He made some unbelievable saves to give the Bruins a chance to come back to tie the game and to force OT.  I wonder when we'll Khudobin.  We have back to back games next week, so I'm thinking one of those games could be a good time to give the new back up a go.
• I'm loving the play of "fat" Lucic so far.  He picks up his second goal the same way he scored his first, driving to the net and putting in a rebound.  I just need to see a Lucic fight and I'll be all set for the rest of the season.
• The power play finally scored a goal, but the penalty kill is still the star.  Keeping the Rangers 0 for 5 on the power play is enormous.  None bigger was Bergeron's effort on the 5v3 penalty kill.  Just give him the Selke award again, don't even bother waiting until the end of the year. 
• Rick Nash...is...a...beast.  The owner and GM of the Blue Jackets should be exiled from North America.  You had THIS guy on your team for NINE YEARS?  And you only made the playoffs ONCE?!?!  ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?  I knew he was good, but since he was out west and, lets face it, I wasn't dying to watch any CBJ games, I never really got a chance to see him play.  But this guy is a beast.
• Yeah, Gaborik is ight too.  So what, 3 goals in one game.  Whatever.

Next up: New York Islanders Brooklyners

GOLDEN POINTS: Boston Bruins vs Winnipeg Jets

Bruins 2 - Jets 1 (SO)

The story of my life with the Bruins.  They never ease into anything.  The first game I go to obviously would go to a shootout.  My heart (and liver) are not happy that the B's have started.  I had seats close to where my ex-season ticket seats were (tear!).  But I got to see my season ticket holder buddies and reminisce about the good ole days.  Some day.... some day....

Matinee games are tough for me for two reasons: not enough time to drink beforehand/too early to drink and there's a noticeable increase in little kids around me.  While I think it's great that the 1pm games allow parents to bring their kids, as a young adult I'm more of a night time rowdy bunch guy.  More beer = vulgar language but also = dancing for the jumbo tron.  You usually won't find me on the jumbo tron during 1pm games.

Anyways, here are my thoughts...

- Power play woes continue.  Again the power play failed to score (0 for 2).  They are getting opportunities and there is SIGNIFICANTLY more movement than last years power plays.  I think this is all mental and once they pop in a few PPGs and their confidence grows, we'll see them score at a faster clip.

- Penatly kill dominance continues.  I think we're getting a little spoiled.  Even when the team is on a 5v3, I expect them to kill it (which they did).  They even killed two 4v3's in OT.  The Jets had many opportunities to take the lead this game, but Tuukka and the PK unit shut them down killing all four chances.

- With Seidenberg out (lower body injury), Dougie Hamilton played with big Z.  I thought he played a solid game.  Didn't notice him make any huge mistakes defensively and he was getting involved in the offensive end as well.  He's getting both PP and PK time and had the second highest TOI this game, so you know Julien is liking what he sees.  I doubt Chiarelli will be sending him back to juniors, I think he's here to stay.


Next Up: rematch vs Rangers

Golden Points: BOS vs NYR

Bruins 3 - Rangers 1

It's back!!!  It's FINALLY back!!!  Oh man, the opening act did not disappoint one bit.  The Rangers were two wins away from going to the finals last year, add Rick Nash to that already potent line up and you got a team that will be fighting for a spot again.  The B's and Rangers usually play very close contests, but unfortunately the B's haven't been coming out on top recently.

I'm very happy the B's played (and lost) the scrimmage against the Providence B's.  It allowed them to knock some of the rust off before the games meant something.  It wasn't perfect, but they played significantly better.  Here are some of my thoughts:

- LOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH.  So much for being fat and out of shape.  Lucic was playing the type of game we all love to see him play.  He was throwing his weight around and charging the net.  Scored the first goal of the year on a rebound from Krejci.  He's had some consistency issues in the past, but for now it's a great start.

- Dougie Hamilton: didn't notice him, which is a good thing.  Usually when you notice a defender it's usually not a good thing (unless your name is Chara).  He seemed to be in good position and didn't appear to get burned on any plays.  Not a bad first night.

- The depth of the B's was also apparent.  We're pretty lucky to have a solid 4th line and the trio of Soupy, Thorton, and Paille picked up where they left off last year with solid shifts.  And Soupy and Thornton made my night by throwing down!  Love hockey.  I give Thornton the victory in his bout, but unfortunately I have to give Soupy an "L", though an "A" for the effort.

- While I do think Lundqvists save on Krejci was actually a goal, I agree with the call that there wasn't enough evidence to over turn the call and either way, that was an amazing "save".

- Did I mention HOCKEY IS BACK!!!!!!!!  I am so happy.

Next Up: Monday vs. Winnipeg Jets (which will be my first game of the year)

Training Camp Begins

Ready?  Set.  GO!

There's no time to get ready this year and definitely no time to get set.  The gun has sounded and every team is a GO.  Well at least that's the approach the Bruins are taking.  With very little turnover from the prior year, I'm hoping this helps the B's more so than other teams.  I don't expect it to be perfect, but familiarity with Claude's system and more importantly fellow linemates should allow the B's to get out of the gates flying.  Before the season starts, we have a very mini training camp.

Only six players from Providence have been asked join the big boys this week.  The most noticable name NOT amongst the six is Jordan Caron.  After Benoit Pouliot (farewell Pepe!) was traded to Tampa Bay this offseason, it was a reasonable assumption that Caron would make the jump to a full time NHLer given his time with the club and flashes of good play when called upon.  During the lockout he played with the Baby B's down in Providence and from what I read, he has not had a good season thus far.  It appears that Ray's son, Chris Bourque, is going to be given the first shot at earning that spot.

With Joe Corvo and Greg Zanon also gone, there's an open spot on D, but we all assume that 19 year old Dougie Hamilton will be taking that spot.  He's already made a good impression on his teammates and captain (ESPN Boston).  I cannot wait to see this guy play.  I'm realistic and I know it will take a 19 year old time to develop, but I'd much rather have a rookie or sophmore back there making mistakes and learning than the likes of a Corvo/Kaberle/Wideman/Zanon/Mottau/#YouGetThePoint  making mistakes and peeing their pants.


Tickets go on sale Wednesday.  I am accepting donations in the form of tickets to any and all games.

HOCKEY IS BACK!!!!

Welcome back, NHL!  You don't know how badly I have missed you.  I tried watching the NBA.  That lasted about one quarter.  It'd be much better if you let KG and Carmelo duke it out on the court...sissies.  I tried watching NCAA basketball.  That's better, but I don't really have a team to cheer for.  I like football a lot and the Pats are luckily fun to watch, but come on...

NOTHING      BEATS    HOCKEY!!

I must admit, I avoided this blog throughout the lockout.  I had a lot to say, but they were not very nice or kind words, especially towards our own owner, Jeremy Jacobs (he's not reading is he? Video).  Anytime the B's were brought up, I'd start chatting it up calm, cool and collected.  Gradually I'd feel my heart start to race and fire flow through my veins, so I'd remove myself from the conversation before a baby got punched.  But that's the past...let's focus on HOCKEY HOCKEY HOCKEY!!!! When I found out they agreed on a CBA I dusted off the Lucic jersey and blasted the Bruins goal song.

What I'm excited for this year:
1. Besides hockey fights, I'm most eager to see where Seguin takes his game this year.  He seems like he's on the verge of becoming a real star.  He played really well in Switzerland, let's hope he can continue his development and take his game to the next level. (Video of Seguin's dominance in Switzerland at Puck Daddy).

2. A close second is Dougie Hamilton.  I cannot wait to see this kid play.  He's been dominating juniors, so I'm eager to see how that translate to the big league.  Put him next to big Z and let's see what we got.

(1a/2a: Funny how my first two points are related to the Kessel trade... thank you, Brian Burke.  Oh, sorry you just lost your job.)

3. Tuukka toga time.  I think Rask is ready to be a number goalie in this league.  With only a one year deal signed, he's playing for a HUGE contract.  I hope he gets it.  The back up goaltender on the other hand is a huge question mark.

I could go on, but those are the three things I'm most interested in.  Oh man, let the countdown begin, and Mr. Jack Edwards start warming up those pipes, it's going to be a fast and furious season.

JANUARY 19th, RANGERS @ BRUINS

P.S: I moved in with my girlfriend this fall.  I told her now she'll understand what it's really like to live with me!!!