So, I've been dragging my feet as far as the end of the year report card. In all honesty, it had to do with a few things.One, and most important I didn't expect to have to do it until after the cup finals. I thought it was Boston and Detroit, but we all know that didn't happen. Second, was the signing of David Krejci. I was about to give the report card but then the B's had announced that signing, so I went around trying to confirm those numbers instead.
With game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals coming up on Friday night, I figured now was the time to finally post the grades. For those who have been with us for the past two and a half years, you know we go, individual grades, offense as a whole, defense as a whole, and coaching grades. We have even given Peter Chiarelli grades at times in the past.
OK, no more stalling, away we go.
P.J. AXELSSON: Grade: B
The hardest Bruins to grade. Some people want time give him A's and love the work he does for the team. Then there are others that hate his lack of offensive game and give him F's. This scribe will give Ax a B because of all that he brings to the B's. He is offensively challenged, but it's not his fault he is put on the first line, he plays where he is placed.
PATRICE BERGERON: Grade: C
Bergeron played in 64 games and recorded, 39 points. It was a big dissapointment for Bergy and the fans, as everyone (this guy included) expected big things in Bergeron's comeback season. He was slowed by another concussion this year and you never know how he will react in the future. Bergy played well down the stretch, but you have to say overall, an average year for an above average talent.
BYRON BITZ: Grade: B
Bitz was called up in the second half for the B's and never left. A big body who is strong on the boards and a nightmare to move. Bitz showed signs of staying power by providing energy on both the third and fourth lines.
PHIL KESSEL: Grade: A-
Kessel was Boston's leading goal scorer this season, with 36. Kessel surely would have potted 40 if he had played the whole season. Kessel missed 12 games with mono and still led the club. Kess is an RFA this off-season and says he wants to stay in Boston, however, we shall see. Kessel is still a bit suspect in the defensive zone, but it is something that has much improved.
CHUCK KOBASEW: Grade: B
Kobasew broke a bone in his foot on opening night and missed 14 games. Even still, Kobasew was able to tally 21 goals. Chucky is a fearless player who always provides pressure in the offensive zone. Solid player, on Boston's third line.
DAVID KREJCI: Grade: A
Krejci was expected to step forward in his progression, but instead he lunged forward. Krejci played in all 82 games for the Bruins and recorded 73 points. Krejci had a great middle portion of the season and at times played like one of the most complete players in the NHL. He faded a bit down the stretch but still was effective.
MILAN LUCIC: Grade: B+
Great progression this season for Lucic. When Lucic was on his game, so were the Bruins. Lucic is a physical presence and provides nightmares for unsuspecting visitors. Looch scored 17 goals and recorded 45 points (both new highs) and looks like a guy who will be able to become a 20+ goal scorer each season.
MARK RECCHI: Grade: B
Recchi was a solid pick-up at the deadline. The 41 year old Recchi didn't look like he played his age and provided spunk for the B's. Recchi was the presence in front of the net that Boston needed. He put on tip clinics and tallied a few big goals. Recchi passed a kidney stone in the playoffs and was ready to go for game seven. This old man is still a solid option in the league.
MICHAEL RYDER: Grade: B
Ryder had a very slow start but it ended up that Ryder was worth the money. He found a home on the second line with Krejci and Blake Wheeler. The line formed one of the best units in the NHL and Ryder finished with 27 goals. Peter Chiarelli and Claude Julien said they thought they had a 30+ goal scorer with Ryder and it looks like they may be right.
MARC SAVARD: Grade: A Savard was yet again Boston's leading point getter, finishing the season with 88 points. Savy is a key part of Boston's power play and when he creates, the Bruins score. Savard and Kessel could form a deadly tandem next year is Kessel is re-signed. If the two stay together, look for a 100 point season for Savard and a 40 goal season for Kessel.
MARCO STURM: Grade: I - Incomplete
Sturm played in just 19 games this season before being sidelined with a leg injury. Sturm will be fully recovered and ready to go at the start of the 2009-2010 season. It will be interesting to see if the surgery will effect Sturm's good speed at all.
SHAWN THORNTON: Grade C+ Thornton recorded a career high in points with 11 and formed a nice chemistry with either Stephane Yelle and a rotating left wing. Thornton is your bruiser and is looked at to take on the big guys on opposing teams to fire up the troops when in a rut. Thornton is entering the final year of his contract and look for it to be his last in the hub.
BLAKE WHEELER: Grade: B
Wheeler was the surprise of camp by making the big club. Wheeler didn't dissapoint, and netted 21 goals and was a +36. Wheeler faded down the stretch due to playing his first full length NHL season. Wheeler was replaced by Bitz in the playoffs, but Wheels will be a mainstay on this team for years to come.
STEPHANE YELLE: Grade: B
The fans didn't like this signing last summer, but I did. It turned out to be a solid sign for Boston and Yelle anchored the fourth line and was out there just as often as Axelsson on the PK. Yeller was a great locker room presence and eventually became one of the leaders of the team after just a few months.
ZDENO CHARA: Grade: A
My pick (not biased I sware) for the Norris Trophy. Chara had a great season and showed why the Bruins paid him the big bucks to come here and be the captain. Chara was a rock on the back line and if the players were put to a vote I bet there is no other D-man that players would like to play against less.
DENNIS WIDEMAN: Grade: A- Wideman was playing at Chara level for the first half of the season but tailed off a bit at the end. Wides season overall was a great one, showing that he will be the number two defenseman on this team and a guy that can be a rock when leaned on. Wideman tallied 50 points this year too which was a career high by 14.
ANDREW FERENCE: Grade: B
Ference only played in 47 games due to injury and, although the Bruins played well without him he was solid when in the lineup. Boston missed him in the playoffs and will hope Ference can make a comeback for the start of camp.
SHANE HNIDY: Grade: C Hnidy was Boston's sixth defenseman for most of the season, playing in 65 games. For his role, Hnidy played well. Hnidy's call to fame this year was putting the boogy down against the Dallas Stars back in the Steve Ott, Sean Avery massacre in November. Hnidy was dubbed 'Sheriff Shane' by Bruins play-by-play man, Jack Edwards, a name that stuck with Hnidy the rest of the way. Hnidy has probably played his last game in black and gold.
MATT HUNWICK: Grade: B- Hunwick was this year pleasant surprise on the blue line. Hunwick played in 53 games for Boston, recording 27 points. Hunwick is considered a must sign player this offseason as one of Boston's RFA's.
STEVE MONTADOR: Grade: C-
Montador was picked up at the deadline for Petteri Nokelainen. This trade was pretty much a was, as Boston was looking to add depth on defense. Montador did not play well in the playoffs and will be looking for work elsewhere in 2009-2010.
MARK STUART: Grade: B-
Stuart made strides this season for Boston. He played in all 82 games and tallied 17 points playing on Boston's third defensive unit. The 17 points were a career high, and with Stu being on 25 you can expect the upswing to continue.
AARON WARD: Grade: B Ward played in 65 games this season, which is about what is to be expected with Ward's physical play. Ward is aging but is still a leader for Boston and plays a solid defense. Ward is entering his last season under contract with Boston.
MANNY FERNANDEZ: Grade: B-
Fernandez was solid to start the season for Boston. In fact, he was so good to start that he posed the question of whether or not he should get the majority of the starts. Remember when? Fernandez got nicked up again in the second half and struggled. Fernandez gave way to Tim Thomas and finished the season with a 16-8-3 record with a, 2.59 GAA and .910 Save %. Fernandez's days in Boston and even the NHL are likely over.
TIM THOMAS: Grade: A
Thomas, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goalie was a rock. Thomas went 36-11-7 with a 2.10 GAA, and .933 Save %. Thomas lead the league with in goals against and save percentage, enough said.
Overall Grades:
OFFENSE: Grade: A
Boston had the best offense in the Eastern Conference if you are going by the amount of goals scored. Going into the season, you would have never expected this to happen. Boston had been offensively challenged for years and were expected to be in the middle of the pack in terms of offense this season. Look for Boston to be an offensive power house again next season with possibly all of their snipers coming back.
DEFENSE: Grade: A
Boston gave up the fewest amount of goals in the NHL this season and with defensemen like Chara and Wideman you can see why. With other solid back liners like, Ward, Ference, Hunwick, and Stuart there is a sense that Boston will be atop the league when if comes to defense yet again next season.
GOALTENDING: Grade: A
The Bruins net minders gave up the fewest amounts of goals on the season. What other grade would I give them.
COACHING: Grade: A
Claude Julien has taken this team from laughing stock to the playoffs and now from a fringe team to the Eastern Conference leader in points for the regular season. Julien is up for the coach of the year and he should really take home the crown for this title. This guy has been a blessing for the Bruins and deserves some recognition for bringing a once proud franchise back to prominence.
GM: Grade: A-
Consider me a Chia fan. I calmed you all down on the past moves that everyone had ripped and asked everyone to give him time to show his plan. Well, it has worked and now fans hope the Jacobs clan will sign Chiarelli to a new deal. Chia is entering the final year of his original four year contract. Chiarelli will be busy this June with the NHL entry draft and trying to resign players like Bitz, Hunwick and Kessel. Not to mention he has to try and fit everyone in under a tight cap number.
Overall: Grade: A Even though the Bruins failed to make the Eastern Conference Finals you have to look at the big picture. This is not a playoff grade, but an entire season grade. Boston was the best team in the East during the regular season and there is no doubt in this bloggers mind that this team will be ready to make a deep run in next year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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