2011-2012 Boston Bruins (Offseason)

[BDLSGAL]

So my lucky bruins gear that isn't so lucky anymore. I stopped wearing not just "that which shall not be named" but ALL my bruins stuff (including a cute shirt from target) and BOOM they win. So don't you worry, its all put away until they stop playing. You're welcome, haha

also hope you guys had fun at the game today! it was today that you went, right?

Ha ha ha! I was saying to BDL on our way home that you must have burned the hat and I would have to thank you Yes we did go today and we had an amazing time. It was frustrating with a couple of calls that were made against the B's and some that were not made against the Flyers, but the crowd was great and it was a good effort today. When they tied, I must admit I didn't have pure faith they would pull it out, but I was just happy they didn't lose outright! We are going again on Monday night, so hopefully we can go from winning in a shootout to just winning the game in regulation! . Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and everyone on here! The luck of the Irish was in Boston today!!

 

[BDL]

I hope everyone had a fun and safe St. Pat's Day. If you're still feeling the affects of the day, I got 1 question for you... Why wasn't I invited? But it was a great St. Pat's Day for the B's. Not only did they FINALLY win. But the Senators lost in regulation to the Leafs, that night. Thereby cementing the Bruins leap frog from 7th to 2nd. The Garden was the loudest it's been in some time. I know it's shocking that a building in Boston, housing 17,000+ people, on St. Patrick's Day, would make a ruckuss.

When the Bruins jumped out to a 2-0 lead, everyone in the crowd knew 2 things. 1) Tyler Seguin does not need Krejci to set him up, the way Krejci needs Seguin to hide his own short comings. 2) Not 1 person in the Garden was comfortable with that 2-0 lead. Sure enough, fast forward to 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd, 2-2. Not only that, but the Flyers were just unloading shot after shot after shot all the way throught OT.

Now we are at the optical illusion that we call the shoot-out. When I watched the Bruins in 2 on NESN, even Jack was fooled by what was a goal and what wasn't. I myself was fooled on Matt Read's shoot-out goal. Jumping and cheering thinking Thomas made the save, then the lights came on and confusion and depression set in. But the B's went 3 for 3 and Thomas came up huge, stopping Briere's attempt.

Parting Thought: If long-distance backwards skating becomes and Olympic event, Hartnell would win the Gold every time. You've never seen anyone skate backwards the whole length of the ice, when faced with confronting either McQuaid or Chara, like Hartnell did. 1 of the times with Chara, he even positioned the ref between them. Had more respect for Hartnell when he and Thornton were the 1st ever fight at the Winter Classic.

 

[stevea20]

Eight is great!!

Now THOSE are the Bruins we know and love. Amazing what can happen when you go to the net, cycle the puck on offence and play that good layered defense. I know, it's the Leafs and with rare exceptions(the other night against Ottawa) they can't beat themselves but still, THAT's the way they need to play, and if they do, they can beat anyone.
Glad to hear Thornton will be around another two years. Leaders like him are hard to find.
Off to the West coast. Two out of three would be great.

Has anyone heard about playoff ticket sales?

 

[BDL]

Well... So much for hoping for the first 3 in a row since Christmas. I stayed up for the 1st 2 periods, and that was vintage Tim Thomas. Anticipating shots as they were coming. I DVR'd the 3rd period so I could watch the end of the game as I was getting ready for work. Can someone, ANYONE (even you Declansdad, if you still follow) tell me what object, device, weapon from the gods, I have to beat over Julien's head before he will finally accept... YOU KEEP SEGUIN WITH BERGERON AND MARCHAND!!!! ? For a coach whose probably greatest attribute is his patience with his players, why does he feel the need to cave every time Krejci (who was on ice for both SJ goals) pouts like a whiny, spoiled NFL wide receiver? The only reason I can see for trying to pad Krejci's stats is so you can trade him for a pure, scoring wing, in the off season, and let Seguin center his own line.

But something happened between Monday and last night. There was no communication last night. When players weren't bumping into each other, they were looking at each other blankly, when the puck passed between them, thinking the other was going to play it. The only thing that could be a cherry on this in communicado sundae, would be if they drew a too many men penalty.

Well, the B's better head to UCLA Medical Center and get a cranium rectal extraction before they face off against the Kings on Saturday. Otherwise, in the next 9 games or the B's could find themselves looking up instead of down against their playoff opponents.

 

[declansdad]

Well... So much for hoping for the first 3 in a row since Christmas. I stayed up for the 1st 2 periods, and that was vintage Tim Thomas. Anticipating shots as they were coming. I DVR'd the 3rd period so I could watch the end of the game as I was getting ready for work. Can someone, ANYONE (even you Declansdad, if you still follow) tell me what object, device, weapon from the gods, I have to beat over Julien's head before he will finally accept... YOU KEEP SEGUIN WITH BERGERON AND MARCHAND!!!! ? For a coach whose probably greatest attribute is his patience with his players, why does he feel the need to cave every time Krejci (who was on ice for both SJ goals) pouts like a whiny, spoiled NFL wide receiver? The only reason I can see for trying to pad Krejci's stats is so you can trade him for a pure, scoring wing, in the off season, and let Seguin center his own line.

But something happened between Monday and last night. There was no communication last night. When players weren't bumping into each other, they were looking at each other blankly, when the puck passed between them, thinking the other was going to play it. The only thing that could be a cherry on this in communicado sundae, would be if they drew a too many men penalty.

Well, the B's better head to UCLA Medical Center and get a cranium rectal extraction before they face off against the Kings on Saturday. Otherwise, in the next 9 games or the B's could find themselves looking up instead of down against their playoff opponents.

LOL, I'm still here, reading along. I have no advice for you, sorry. I am just sad you don't get to play the leafs anymore.

 

[bellanotte10]

does this mean i can go back to wearing my hat?



haha just kidding please don't hurt me!

 

[BDL]

Woo hoo!!!
A 4-2 win against a desperate Kings team that needs every point they can get. A great hard fought game. Every Bruin stepped up this game. Kudos to Kelly. Not just for his goal, but also for not taking any guff and dropping the gloves in the 1st period.

Speaking of fighting... Is it just me or does it seem that since the refs have eased up on calling patty cake calls against the b's, there is a lot more skating backwards by players on opposing teams, when they initiate the scraps?

PS: Happy birthday Jack Edwards (and me, by proxy)

 

[stevea20]

Well, they got two of three and I liked what I saw against the Ducks. Goaltending was good(Way to go Turco!), they fought for the puck, good to see Peverly back and most important was the goal that was called back. In this whole slump, part of the problem was they were NOT getting any breaks go their way. Now, with a streak of 4 wins in 5, maybe we are seeing that pendulum starting to swing the other way.
Tampa is next and after the pasting they got last time, let's see if their anger and grit will come out for vengence. That would show they are back.

 

[BDL]

What a way to cap the Zdeno Chara 1000th game ceremony. With a hard fought win against the team that has been giving the Bruins fits all year. Looks like giving Big Z the silver stick paid off. He used that silver stick (metaphorically) to get himself 3 helpers. In fact, there were 10 Bruins with points last night, and not a single Bruin with a negative in the +/- category. If you go back a few pages of this thread, those are the kind of stats that we saw on a fairly regular basis Nov-early Jan. Which was approximately tha last time the B's had won 3 in a row.

With just 6 games left it looks like the Bruins MIGHT be peaking at the right time. There is no way that they will catch the Rangers/Pens. But the #2 seed does put them in a position of power. As of right now, the B's would play either the Sens or Sabers in the 1st rd, and Devils or Panthers in the 2nd. I like the Bruins chances in those serieses.

Interesting stat of the day: 6 of the top 8 in +/-, have a spoked B on their chest. Including the top 3 (Bergeron, Kelly, Chara).

For those that have been jones-ing for more Rules Bear, wait no more. If you didn't get to see last night's game, you also missed the opening of a new era of Rules Bear. There is now an series of 80's style sitcom shorts that are now out. The first 1 is only available via the Bruins Mobile App. But below, you will see the opening credits. WARNING: Those that are sensative, DO NOT try to read Claude's lips when it gets to his part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDmS9ACPT8w

My favorite parts are with Thornton and McQuaid. You'll see why.

Last week, a few of the commercials came out to promote the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This one is my favorite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqBmInp_Bb8

April 11th is right around the corner

In closing, my sympathies are with Declansdad and Mommasita. The Canadiens were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday. I legitimately feel for them. There is going to be a new coach next year, and the only high profile free agents, that the Habs could make a run at are high PRICED only and on the down slide of their career and I have no idea what their farm system looks like. What scares me about that scenario is that Kelly, Pouliot and Paille have either not signed their offer sheet or not been offered contracts yet. Tell you what, we'll give you Corvo if you leave those guys alone. Deal?

 

[BDL]

Big game tonight. With a win tonight, the B's will have clinched a playoff spot (YAY!). The tough part is that the Bruins will be facing the gap toothed wonder that is A-O. He has 10 goals in his last 11 games. Not only that, but after their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of the Sabers, the Caps are in a MUST win situation. And even with that, they may need help to get into the playoffs. So you know that they will be in town to play.

But A-OhMyGodHe'sUgly isn't the only 1 that can turn on the stats. Over the past 7 games, the Chris Kelly/ Benoit Pouliot/ Miroslav Rolston line have racked up 27 pts. And since Claude returned Seguin to the Bergeron/ Marchand line, the Bruins haven't given up more than 2 goals a game. Coincidence, I think not. Now if he will JUST LET THE B's STEP ON THE THROATS WHEN THEY HAVE THE LEAD IN THE 3rd PERIOD INSTEAD OF PLAYING PREVENT... my blood pressure can go back to normal.

By the way, if you click around to sites that have previews for the games tonight (Yahoo Sports for example), there is a lot of hate towards the Caps. Some of which I can understand. Fans of Buffalo and Ottawa want the Caps to lose so that they can have some breathing room. But there are fans in the Western Conference that practically hope the Cap's team bus drives off a cliff. I had no idea they were so unpopular. Then again, until last year, I didn't know how much the rest of the league hated the Canucks with the exception of those that wore either a whale or a toilet seat on their sweater (jk).

Also, I've been kicking around an idea ever since "tHAT which shall not be mentioned"-gate. Seems that night, spontaneously, there were a lot of posts during the game. So I was thinking maybe a scheduled live update night. To me, Tuesday's game against the Pens makes sense. It will be broadcast nationally (USA & Can) NBCSN (HD) & TSN2, a 7:30 face-off and we have seen some Pen fans comment on here. If you think this is (if not good) at least a fun idea, let me know and I'll send out reminder PM's before I leave work on Tuesday. Also, if you know of any Dis'ers that are B's or Pens fans (or haters) let them know too.

I hope to see you all at either Bob's or the Sports Authority, at opening tomorrow, for our 2012 16W shirts. And since I mentioned Miroslav before, here is him in his dancing glory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCqgY0aMDLs

 

[kimblebee]

As a Jets fan who refuses to wave the white flag please, PLEASE beat the Caps tonight.

 

[bellanotte10]

you know whats sad? I haven't actually watched a game since "tHAT which shall not be named" into retirement. i hate finals.... i just wanna sit back and relax and watch a game and not get tortured thinking "you should be writing that paper!"

also whats up with Seidenberg's leg infection? Poor guy. I"ve been cut with a hockey skate blade (back when i was first learning to skate) it left a nasty scar. I feel bad. Must suck to be pulled out for something so weird.

 

[stevea20]

Good to see the 3rd period domination is back(to a degree). I was pleased to see the resilience against the Caps coming back from 2 goals down and a little dismayed that they had problems putting the Isles away until the end, but a win is a win and I'll take it.
Now that the playoffs are set and the division is as good as set, I think they need to go all out tommorrow against the Rangers. They need to show they can beat that team and not just play close. Then rest people for Round 1.

 

[stevea20]

Great win tonight even if a few heart attacks near the end was part of it.
NE Division and #2 seed clinched - now is the time to sit Thomas, even healthy scratch him for the next two games. Give them to Turco and Khudobin, let Tim play against Buffalo so it's not ten days between starts when the playoffs begin.

 

[BDL]

What a great weekend. Not only did the Bruins clinch a playoff birth with a Buffalo loss on Friday. Not only was this the first back to back win against both NY teams in a while. But with their 1st win of the season against the conference leading Rangers, the B's clinched the division. And, there's also some gravy to that. The Pens and Rangers are still fighting for the #1 seed. Hopefully they'll bury themselves jockeying for that position.

The real positive here, Claude can put any line-up he wants for the last 3 days. You want to put Seguin with Krejci to see how they'll do in the power play? Go ahead. You want Corvo to get 20+ min a night? Fine. You want to bounce Mottau back and forth between wing and D, like you did with Montador? Be my guest. The only caveat... Turco is guaranteed to start the next 2 games. The reason I say "2" games, when there are 3 left, is that IF Tuukka is able to, it would be nice for him to get some real game experience.

Personally, I had a great experience yesterday, watching the Rangers game. I went to my favorite watering hole (John Brewer's Tavern), with BDLsgal and my future sister-in-law to watch the game, enjoy wing night and have a few bev-ies. But what made the night really special (besides the B's win) was that Rene Rancourt was there to sing the Star Spangled Banner before the game. He stuck around for a meet and greet. I got my picture taken with him AND he let me put on his Stanley Cup Ring.

Sorry. Been like that ever since.

We got the Pens tomorrow night. It will be interesting if Claude opens up the offense just to see what the B's could do in a come from behind scenario against a potential playoff opponent. Here is the link to the semi-short story I drafted earlier in the season.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2804514&page=8

And here is the podcast from 98.5 Sprots Hub's schtick "Rad Marchand". Where Brad Marchand does his rendition of 80's songs (most of which he's never heard of). It's priceless.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/30/toucher-rich-rad-marchand-returns-with-more-hits-from-the-80s/

 

[BDL]

Shame on the NHL for making Mike Milbury apologize. And don't fool yourself; this has the heavy handed stench of Bettman. Milbury went so far as to say "...there's a little punk in Crosby." Granted, this statement of fact is not news to those of us who have followed the NHL. Once Crosby attained pinnacle status, he started to become more Avery than Gretzky. Sure, he'd go into the dirty areas, but when it starts getting too hot, he will puff up to buy time for 1 of his defenders to step in. Or, when play moves away, this is where the tarnish really falls off. Crosby will hack, slash and spear to get in his licks. As soon as anything comes his way, he closely resembles an NBA'er pleading to the refs for a foul. This is what Milbury was talking about. BUT, because he speaks nationally on a major network, he now has to be sensored.

Granted, Crosby's status has contributed to some of this issue. Once again, I look to the NBA. Jordan could hack a man's wrist, smack the guy's son, steal his wallet and kiss his wife and still not be called for a foul. Same with Crosby. But Crosby also gets the sympathy factor in his favor with his concussions. "Can't have a league without Crosby." I don't know about that. Seems to me with Stamkos, Malkin and A-O the NHL was doing just fine.

All I'm saying is the league was here before Sid the Kid, the league will be here long after. Let's just wave that Bettman hand of God a little more evenly. Let commentators comment and let players play.

That's my 2 cents. Let's see what he does against the B's tonight. Think he'll take a whack at Marchand?

 

[BDL]

Congrats to Tyler Seguin on winning the 7th player award. Personally I thought Bergeron shoulda won. But Seguin is a good choice too.

It stinks that Sir Whines-alot got the 1st goal and tough that they are down 2-0.

 

[BDL]

Sick backhand by Pouliot. Squeezing it in the tightest of spaces.

 

[declansdad]

Shame on the NHL for making Mike Milbury apologize. And don't fool yourself; this has the heavy handed stench of Bettman. Milbury went so far as to say "...there's a little punk in Crosby." Granted, this statement of fact is not news to those of us who have followed the NHL. Once Crosby attained pinnacle status, he started to become more Avery than Gretzky. Sure, he'd go into the dirty areas, but when it starts getting too hot, he will puff up to buy time for 1 of his defenders to step in. Or, when play moves away, this is where the tarnish really falls off. Crosby will hack, slash and spear to get in his licks. As soon as anything comes his way, he closely resembles an NBA'er pleading to the refs for a foul. This is what Milbury was talking about. BUT, because he speaks nationally on a major network, he now has to be sensored.

Granted, Crosby's status has contributed to some of this issue. Once again, I look to the NBA. Jordan could hack a man's wrist, smack the guy's son, steal his wallet and kiss his wife and still not be called for a foul. Same with Crosby. But Crosby also gets the sympathy factor in his favor with his concussions. "Can't have a league without Crosby." I don't know about that. Seems to me with Stamkos, Malkin and A-O the NHL was doing just fine.

All I'm saying is the league was here before Sid the Kid, the league will be here long after. Let's just wave that Bettman hand of God a little more evenly. Let commentators comment and let players play.

That's my 2 cents. Let's see what he does against the B's tonight. Think he'll take a whack at Marchand?

You need to forget Milbury was part of your Bruins, and not a good part might I add. He's a tool that was a mediocre player, coach and gm. He's destined to become the next Don Cherry.

Congrats on the Division title again this year.

 

[BDL]

You need to forget Milbury was part of your Bruins, and not a good part might I add. He's a tool that was a mediocre player, coach and gm. He's destined to become the next Don Cherry.

Congrats on the Division title again this year.

Thank you for your contests. And my joy for Milbury's comments has nothing to do with his pedigree. Its cuz he has Cherry-esque moments. And the fact that he gets into verbal smackdowns with JR.