Thursday, January 31, 2013

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.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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

Saturday, January 26, 2013

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

Friday, January 25, 2013

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

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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

Monday, January 21, 2013

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)

Monday, January 14, 2013

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.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

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!!!