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 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: 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)

Golden Points: Boston vs New York

Bruins 2 - Islanders 3
Bruins 3 - Rangers 4



What am I going to do with this team?  Don't the Bruins know that my parents family grew up in New York?  Me and my siblings are the only Boston sports fans.  Do the Bruins know how much it sucks to get swept by the New York teams?!?!?!  Screw the points they left out on the ice, think about me!

To be honest, I thought the B's played two pretty good games (minus the first few minutes of the Rangers game).  The re-energized first line of Lucic, Krejci, and Seguin looked AWESOME again, with Seguin scoring a nice goal and Lucic grabbing a power play goal.  The only problem was, like Claude pointed out, they aren't getting that "secondary" scoring.  Who else is going to step up?  We can't just rely on the normal players to give us a goal.  A goal or two needs to come from someone else.  They had plenty of opportunities, but just couldn't get one past Nabokov.

It was also good to see Boychuk back out on the ice.  Sorry Mottau, you didn't get to face your old team.

A huge hold your breath moment during the game when you see Rask go down in pain like that.  We now know it's a groin injury and that he'll miss 4-6 weeks.  I initially thought it was a groin injury the whole time.  People were speculating knee or hand.  I'm probably the furthest thing from a doctor, but Rask flicks off his blocker and waves his hand indicating he needs the trainer to come on the ice immediately.  Then what's the normal human reaction when you have an injury...you hold it.  I don't know why, but when you get hurt you grab whatever is hurt.  Tuukka placed both hands on his lower ab/groin area...hence why I thought it was his groin.  If it was his knee wouldn't he be grabbing his knee?  I think this might be the first thing I got right all season long!!
The icing or non-icing call...  Was it bullshit?  Yes.  There was neither an icing signal or a non-icing signal, but who cares.  You are taught at a very young age to "play 'til the whistle".  Both Lucic and Seguin were right there and just stopped.  Just an unfortunate play that ended up leading to the game winning goal.  The B's can't use that as an excuse though, they had control of most of the game and had plenty of opportunities to finish them off.

Yeah yeah yeah, cousins, your lowly Isles beat the B's.  Enjoy hockey in April...oh wait...enjoy another lottery pick.

Onto the Rangers............

I don't hate the Rangers as much as other people do.  For one, they aren't in our division.  I know people like to play the New York versus Boston card.  It's a nice original 6 rivalry.   Don't get me wrong, I don't like the Rangers, but I don't hate them as much as I hate the Jets or Yankees.  For me, my hockey hatred is geared towards the Canadiens, Canucks, Flyers, Maple Leafs.

I give the Rangers front office credit.  Earlier in the decade they tried building a team around individual stats and sexy names.  It's like they were putting together a fantasy team with the likes of Jagr and Kovalev.  Those guys were great, but the chemistry just didn't seem to be there.  They've changed their approach and it all starts with their captain, Callahan.  I was talking with a coworker and I agree, I would love Callahan to be a Bruin.  He's the definition of a Bruin, hard working and tough.  And that's what this Rangers team is.

Anyways, you take out the first few minutes (and the Rangers first two goals) and the game is ours.  Why can't this team put together a full 60 minutes???  They aren't good enough right now to take even ONE shift off.  After a couple bouts, the B's finally started playing much better.  Big props to Lane MacDermaid who stood up for himself in his first NHL game.  Rupp isn't like fighting Sergei Samsonov either, he's a very tough dude.

Even though the first goal was all Chara's fault, I still thought Thomas should've made the save.  The second goal was a bit weak as well (yes I know it deflected off our own player), but I feel like last year Thomas figured out a way to keep the puck out of the net.  Maybe he's tired, maybe he's old, either way he's our goalie the rest of the way and NEEDS to step it up.  Just like last year, we go as far as Timmy will take us.

Claude finally got his secondary scoring from Jordan Caron and Pepe Le Pouliot.  These weren't pretty goals, just making the other team pay for their mistakes which is what both teams did all night.  Hopefully that third line can get rolling a little bit.

Although it's lame that Thomas used it as an excuse, I've always wondered why the "Greatest Arena on Earth" was called that and yet it has some of the WORST lighting on Earth.  It's painful watching all the shadows on the ice.  Come on!!  How hard is it to put some lights up in there??

Next Up: The B's need to snap their 2-game losing streak against the Maple Leafs tonight.  It'll be the Leafs first home game under their new coach, so you have to assume they'll come out flying.  Hopefully the B's can match it or I'm throwing my computer out the window...

Golden Points: NY Rangers

Rangers 3 - Boston 0

I'm a pretty lucky guy.  My girlfriend loves Boston sports, actually knows most or all of the rules of the major four sports, and is even a pretty big B's fan.  She even gave away her pink Ellsbury t-shirt when I told her what a "pink hat" was...and my future kids be damned if I ever call her that.

Although I was briefly tempted, suggesting we spend Valentine's Day on the couch with me completely ignoring her and staring intensely at the tube would NOT have been the best decision I've made.  The B's decided to do me a favor though, and lay a stinker the night I didn't watch.  I could only get a little angry at the result, instead of being enraged for the entire 2.5 hours of the game.

It's hard to get a good sense of the game through a box score.  The B's outshot the Ranger's 42-20, they must've DOMINATED!  Well, not from what I read.  "Shots on goal" is a bit of a weak stat in my opinion.  How many QUALITY scoring opportunities did the B's get?  How many of those 42 shots did Lundqvist have a clean view off?  Look at the giveaways and takeaways, the B's gave the puck away 9 times and the Rangers took it away 8 versus 1 and 4. 

From what I've read, the team played pretty poorly and their "compete level" was not where it should've been.  The Bruins succeed when they work hard and outwork their opponent.  When that happens, the offense tags along too.  But it seems like this team just flat out got outworked.  There's still plenty of time, but this team needs to snap out of it.

Tonight we got the Canadiens in Montreal.  That's going to be a circus.