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)
A Boston Bruins blog by Dome
Monday, January 21, 2013
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.
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!!!
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!!!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Where Art Thou, Timmy!?
A lot to catch up on... but I'll take it slow, don't want to overload one post.
First and foremost the single biggest bit of news this offseason is Tim Thomas deciding to take a year sabatical from hockey for "Family, Friends, and Faith". Now, I've been asked many times what I think (probably because I didn't blog about it...my b).
Only time will tell if his leave of absense is actually because of family, friends, and faith. If it is, which is obviously possible, then the human in me is okay with it. If he's unhappy with Boston or unhappy with his contract, then that'll be a whole different rant for a different post. Let's remember Thomas hasn't had the easiest career path. Let's recap:
University of Vermont
Birmingham Bulls (ECHL) 1997-1998
Houston Aeros (IHL) 1997-1998
Finland 1997-1998
Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) 1998-1999
Finland 1999-2000
Detroit Vipers (IHL) 1999-2000
Sweden 2000-2002
Providence Bruins 2002-2004
Sweden 2004-2005 (lockout)
Boston Bruins 2005-present
That's a hell of a lot of moving around in a 4-5 year span. Now I'm not naive, I'm sure MANY MANY aspiring athletes in all sports go through similar moves to try and make it to the bigs, but that still doesn't make it easier on his family and friends.
But that's the human in me. The insane diehard B's fan in me is fairly pissed. His cap hit is $5mil. That's a large cap hit for someone that is playing let alone someone that's not. If suspending a player eliminated their cap hit, and if the B's put Marc Savard on long term injury reserve, which would eliminate his cap hit, that's $9mil of available cap room. Let me repeat...
$9 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CAP ROOM
That would allow the Bruins to be contenders for Parise or Suter. *droooooool*
Is there a potential for cap relief? Yes. Currently there is a floor, which is the opposite of a cap. Teams have to spend a certain amount of money on their payroll each year. I'm assuming the new CBA is going to have this as well. If there is a team that is under the floor, what better way to get there without actually paying any money than by trading for Thomas (who's no trade clause expires July 1st...even though reports are he waived had it already). The team receives the $5mil cap hit, but the owner doesn't pay an additional dime. Two teams that are linked to this is the Colorado Avalanche and the Quebec Nor... I mean New York Islanders.
To be honest, Thomas should be thanking Tuukka. Everyone would be a hell of a lot more pissed at him if Rask wasn't on the verge of being the starter. And Tuukka should be thanking Thomas, it's pretty clear now that he's the number one goalie!
First and foremost the single biggest bit of news this offseason is Tim Thomas deciding to take a year sabatical from hockey for "Family, Friends, and Faith". Now, I've been asked many times what I think (probably because I didn't blog about it...my b).
Only time will tell if his leave of absense is actually because of family, friends, and faith. If it is, which is obviously possible, then the human in me is okay with it. If he's unhappy with Boston or unhappy with his contract, then that'll be a whole different rant for a different post. Let's remember Thomas hasn't had the easiest career path. Let's recap:
University of Vermont
Birmingham Bulls (ECHL) 1997-1998
Houston Aeros (IHL) 1997-1998
Finland 1997-1998
Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) 1998-1999
Finland 1999-2000
Detroit Vipers (IHL) 1999-2000
Sweden 2000-2002
Providence Bruins 2002-2004
Sweden 2004-2005 (lockout)
Boston Bruins 2005-present
That's a hell of a lot of moving around in a 4-5 year span. Now I'm not naive, I'm sure MANY MANY aspiring athletes in all sports go through similar moves to try and make it to the bigs, but that still doesn't make it easier on his family and friends.
But that's the human in me. The insane diehard B's fan in me is fairly pissed. His cap hit is $5mil. That's a large cap hit for someone that is playing let alone someone that's not. If suspending a player eliminated their cap hit, and if the B's put Marc Savard on long term injury reserve, which would eliminate his cap hit, that's $9mil of available cap room. Let me repeat...
$9 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CAP ROOM
That would allow the Bruins to be contenders for Parise or Suter. *droooooool*
Is there a potential for cap relief? Yes. Currently there is a floor, which is the opposite of a cap. Teams have to spend a certain amount of money on their payroll each year. I'm assuming the new CBA is going to have this as well. If there is a team that is under the floor, what better way to get there without actually paying any money than by trading for Thomas (who's no trade clause expires July 1st...even though reports are he waived had it already). The team receives the $5mil cap hit, but the owner doesn't pay an additional dime. Two teams that are linked to this is the Colorado Avalanche and the Quebec Nor... I mean New York Islanders.
To be honest, Thomas should be thanking Tuukka. Everyone would be a hell of a lot more pissed at him if Rask wasn't on the verge of being the starter. And Tuukka should be thanking Thomas, it's pretty clear now that he's the number one goalie!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
First move of the offseason: Good-bye Zach Hamill
In the first move of the offseason, Chiarelli decided to close the painful chapter known as the Zach Hamill Experiment. The former first round draft pick and current restricted free agent was sent packing to D.C. in exchange for the son of Bruins legend, Chris Bourque.
As I've written before, Hamill has been the biggest draft bust for the Bruins in recent memories. It's been frustrating waiting for him to develop with later draft picks leap frogging him on the depth chart like he didn't even exist. He was suppose to have plus offensive skills, but just needed to get bigger and play more responsible defense. Unfortunately, he just never panned out in Julien's system. Maybe a change of scenery will be good for him. If the Capitals go back to their "run and gun" style of play, he'd fit in perfectly. Okay well maybe not perfectly, but much better than here.
Really the only sexy thing about Chris Bourque is that he's the son of Ray Bourque. His production in the pros has been borderline nonexistent; playing in 33 games total and only sporting a 1-3-4 and a minus 6. First they have to sign him as he's an unrestricted free agent (though I'm sure they will). Secondly, I can't see him cracking the big club to start. He's been a fairly productive AHLer and that's where I believe he begins his Boston career.
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