Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Stanley Cup Finals, a rematch of 2008

The Stanley Cup Finals will be a rematch of last season, as the Detroit Red Wings will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Last season the Red Wings defeated the Penguins, four games to two.

Detroit earned a spot in the finals by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks, 2-1 tonight in OT, and four games to one overall.

Pittsburgh won the Eastern Conference last night by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes. The Pens swept the 'Canes in four games.

This will be a great series, with some super stars. I have to go with the champs to repeat, however.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Kessel undergoes surgery, rehab to take six months

Phil Kessel underwent successful left shoulder surgery today at Massachusetts General Hospital to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. Rehab and recovery will sideline Kessel for up to six months.

Six months would take us into the ladder portion of November. With this surgery news and David Krejci's upcoming surgery, Boston will likely be without both Krejci and Kessel at the start of the 2009-2010 campaign.

It will likely be November before either would be ready to return.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Bruins by the numbers, cap numbers that is

OK, so I've been starting to get the questions for next season. The main one being, "How will the Bruins fill in their team and sign their free agents?"

So, here is a look at the Boston Bruins salary cap numbers for next season. Tuukka Rask is added to this list as Manny Fernandez said he is leaning toward retirement and there is a zero percent chance of the B's bringing him back.
Assuming Tuukka Rask will be on the 2009-10 roster, here is the current salary breakdown for 15 players under contract for next year, as well as Glen Murray's buyout number. The cap is expected to either stay at $56.7 million or dip in 2009-10.

This list was provided by Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe.

Forwards
Marc Savard, $5 million
Patrice Bergeron, $4.75 million
Michael Ryder, $4 million
Marco Sturm, $3.5 million
Chuck Kobasew, $2,333,333 million
Glen Murray, $1,383,333 million
Blake Wheeler, $875,000
Milan Lucic, $850,000
Shawn Thornton, $516,667

* Mark Recchi, P.J. Axelsson, and Stephane Yelle will be unrestricted free agents.
* David Krejci, Phil Kessel, and Byron Bitz will be restricted free agents.

Defensemen
Zdeno Chara, $7.5 million
Dennis Wideman, $3.875 million
Aaron Ward, $2.5 million
Andrew Ference, $1.4 million
Mark Stuart, $1.3 million

* Steve Montador and Shane Hnidy will be unrestricted free agents.
* Matt Hunwick will be a restricted free agent.
Goalies
Tim Thomas, $5 million
Tuukka Rask, $850,000

Current cap hit: $45,633,333.

So, if the cap stays the way is is the Bruins will have about $11 million of cap space to play with. However, the cap is likely to fall a few million dollars according to multiple reports. This will be nearly impossible to fill a full team under the current numbers if you are trying to sign both Phil Kessel and David Krejci.

Boston's GM, Peter Chiarelli told WEEI today that he will have to make a few adjustments to the team in order to re-sign Kessel and Krejci.

Look for the defensive unit to consist of Chara, Wideman, Ward, Stuart, Ference and Hunwick. Montador and Hnidy will not be re-signed if for nothing else, the cap will not allow it. Johnny Boychuk who has been a solid player for the baby B's this season will likely fill the role of a seventh defenseman for Boston, at relatively cheap dollars.

All of Boston restricted free agents, (Kessel, Krejci, Bitz) are priorities to get signed this off-season. The unrestricted free agents, (Axelsson, Yelle, Recchi) will almost surely have to wait until after the July 1 free agency period to see if Boston wants to retain their services. Boston likes all three of these players for depth, but look for Chiarelli to try to upgrade in the size department.

One wild card here is Byron Bitz who could very well take one of these three players spots. Chiarelli has said he loves size up front and Bitz has it.

Here are some possible lines for next season, granted no trades are made and Boston takes care of signing their big free agents.

Lucic - Savard - Kessel
Wheeler - Krejci - Ryder
Sturm - Bergeron - Kobasew
Bitz-(Yelle? Ax? Free Agent? Current P-Bruin?) - Thornton

The fourth line center position could likely go to a guy like Martin St. Pierre or Vladimir Sobotka. There are also longer shots like Zach Hamill and Jamie Arneil.

This could likely mean the end for the one year Bruins like Yelle and Recchi and also the end for the eleven year vet, Axelsson.
However, there is a long way to go obviously and I wouldn't be surprised if the Bruins deal away one of their forwards to create space.

It will be an interesting off-season for the Bruins, so stay up to date with BruinSpace. We'll keep you posted on any trades, signings, and of course the NHL awards show and NHL draft.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Surgery necessary for young snipers

It was closing time on the 2008-2009 season today at the Garden, as the Bruins emptied their lockers. There was a lot of big news that came out today, including surgery for a couple of young Bruin snipers.

*Phil Kessel will undergo shoulder surgery on Thursday to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum.

*Andrew Ference will undergo groin surgery next month. Ference suffered a groin tear against the Rangers on April 4. Ference then absorbed more groin damage in Game 3 of the second round when he was belted by Scott Walker. Ference also suffered a pelvis injury on the hit.

*Chuck Kobasew broke two ribs in Game 1 of the Carolina series when he was cross-checked from behind. Kobasew said the pain improved as the series went on, but that it was still uncomfortable to play.

*David Krejci will undergo hip surgery next month. He is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Krejci's surgery will keep him out four to six months and the surgery will take place in June. Krejci will go to Europe for the surgery and with the four to six month time frame he may miss the first month of the season.

This is obviously a huge concern for Boston, but with Krejci being an unrestricted free agent this may provide leverage for the Bruins brass.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

P-Bruins fall to Hershey 2-1, series moves to Providence tied 1-1

The Providence Bruins fell to the Hershey Bears 2-1 Sunday evening at the Giant Center in Hershey. The P-Bruins got their goal from Brad Marchand.

The best of seven series is tied at one. The P-Bruins return to the Dunkin' Donuts Center on Friday, May 22 at 7:05 p.m. for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tuukka Rask was busy in net for the baby B's, stopping 37 of 39 shots. Providence, who is the under dog in this series, will return home for three straight games.

If they can take two of three at home they will put themselves in good position to advance to the Calder Cup finals.

P-Bruins take 1-0 series lead: Conference Finals Predictions

Here is your Providence Bruins update folks. At least we have our young guys in the Eastern Conference finals, and winning at that.

The Providence Bruins defeated the Hershey Bears 3-2 Saturday evening at the Giant Center. The P-Bruins got their goals from Jeff Penner, Jordan Knackstedt and Matt Marquardt. The baby B's lead the best of seven series 1 game to 0.

Now, for all of you Tuukka Rask fans out there, Rask stopped 30 of 32 shots for the P-Bruins.
The P-Bruins return to action tonight at the Giant Center at 5:00 p.m. for game two.

If you're looking for a baby B's fix, log onto ProvidenceBruins.com or come here and get an update from BruinSpace.
__________________________________________

The Conference finals for the NHL are starting this afternoon when the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Detroit Red Wings for game one of the Western Conference Finals. The series will begin in about an hour so I figured I should get my Conference finals picks in.

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: ~Detroit over Chicago in five games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: ~Pittsburgh over Carolina in six games.
Yes, I am looking for a re-match of last year's Stanley Cup Finals. I like Detroit to repeat, but one step at a time. Detroit is a real tough match-up for Chicago and Pittsburgh looks like the team that won the Eastern Conference last year with Crosby carrying his team.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Bruins make Eastern Conference Finals, P-Bruins that is

Now that the Boston Bruins are out of the playoffs I am looking for a way to keep Bruins fans posted on the organization until the NHL award show comes next month.

So, last night I was watching CSN's Sports Tonight show and their nightly poll was, "Who should be the starting goalie next season for the Bruins, Tim Thomas or Tuuka Rask?"

The results shocked me. Sixty percent of the voters said the Bruins should have Rask as the starting goalie next season. This, after Thomas is a finalist for the Vezina trophy. Now, I don't know the sample size of the vote, but still.

I am a huge Rask fan, but even I was shocked at the B's fans result. So, with that in mind I figured I would keep you all updated on Rask, and the baby B's.

The Providence Bruins are Atlantic Division champions after defeating the Worcester Sharks 5-1 Wednesday evening at the DCU Center. The P-Bruins won their best of seven series four games to two.

The baby B's are currently in the Eastern Conference Finals, facing off against the Hershey Bears. The Bears are the favorite in this series, having finished the season with 106 points. Providence finished the season with 94 points. So, clearly Hershey is the favorite in this Eastern Conference finale.

The series will open tonight in Hershey. Below is the seven game schedule for the series. The first game at the Dunk will be Friday, May 22.

1. PRO at HER Sat May 16 7:00 PM
2. PRO at HER Sun May 17 5:00 PM
3. HER at PRO Fri May 22 7:05 PM
4. HER at PRO Sun May 24 7:05 PM
5. HER at PRO Mon May 25 4:05 PM *
6. PRO at HER Wed May 27 7:00 PM *
7. PRO at HER Thu May 28 7:00 PM *

It will be interesting to see how the apparent fan favorite for the starting goaltender position next season will play against Hershey.

One thing is almost certain for the 2009-2010 campaign. Both Thomas and Rask will be a one-two punch that will be one of the best duos in the NHL.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Pittsburgh advances, waits for winner of Boston and Carolina

Good evening Bruins fans. On the eve of game seven, things are getting down right crazy.

The Pittsburgh Penguins just defeated the Washington Capitals, 6-2 in game seven and will move on the the Eastern Conference Finals. Meaning of course that the Penguins will be the opponent of either Boston or Carolina in the East's final series.

So, it's Sid the kid and the league's leading scorer, Evgeni Malkin heading to the Eastern final for the second straight season.



Now, back to the game that we all care about right now, Boston and Carolina. Obviously, the tables have turned in this series and Boston has forced a game seven.

The effort for Boston will have to increase yet again as Carolina will be roaring in game seven. Carolina played an even game with Boston last night and will no doubt up their game again.


At the rink today, Boston did not skate. All of the players were going through light off-ice workouts.

Head coach, Claude Julien reiterated today that Marc Savard will be ready to go tomorrow night. Savard's knee was still a bit sore today, however, Julien said Savard, "Will play."

There isn't much more to say, besides we all can't wait for Thursday night. Below are videos that will give analysis on the game and get you riled up.

I want Crosby!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Ward will play tonight without protection: Thinks ruling is "a joke"

Aaron Ward will play tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. That is not the surprise. The surprise is that Ward will play without facial protection.

Ward said, "I haven't worn one in 16 years," Ward said. "I'm not going to start now."

Here is the rest of what Ward had to say about the incident.

"It's a joke. It's honestly a joke," Ward said of the situation. "I don't remember a single word being said," Ward said of the exchange between he and Walker. "I was looking at Matt Cullen. The moment I saw his right hand was when it was about a foot away from my face."
Ward also said that no bones in his face are broken or fracturd, but they were disturbed.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Walker not suspended for cheap shot on Ward

I am wading in the calm before the storm. Boston and Carolina will face-off in game six tomorrow night down in the land of the red storm. It is the second straight do or die game for the Bruins, and it should be a physical battle for sure.

Boston has awoken from their three game slumber, and Carolina is always difficult to play against in Raleigh. As for the Bruins news today, Boston participated in off-ice workouts.

However, the big story came off the ice. Everyone was waiting to see the suspension that would be handed out to Carolina's Scott Walker. This afternoon the decision came out and it was not a popular one in Boston.

Walker will not be suspended at all for his heavy right to the face of an unsuspecting Aaron Ward. The decision is puzzling for sure, as any game misconduct in the final five minutes of a game results in an automatic suspension for the next game.

After the NHL reviewed the incident they decided that Walker's actions were wrong, but not suspend able. Walker, however, was fined $2500 for his actions. So, why no suspension?

Milan Lucic was suspended for one game for similar actions. What about George Laraque? He was suspended six game for a sucker punch earlier this postseason. Granted, Laraque's was pre-meditated, but still. The fact of no suspension left not only this blogger a bit confused.

Peter Chiarelli issued the following statement regarding the league's lifting of the one-game suspension of Scott Walker:

"We respectfully disagree with the NHL's ruling to rescind the automatic suspension to Scott Walker, but we will abide by the league’s ruling," Chiarelli said.

No use in fighting it now Boston. Walker will be playing tomorrow night and it's time to step it up another level. Carolina will want to wrap it up tomorrow night and will try everything to not return to Boston for a potential game seven.

Aaron Ward's status for the game is still in question as of Monday night. Ward may have a broken bone in his face, however, look for him to play. I also expect Ward to wear a full visor, like Michael Ryder did earlier this season with a similar injury.

If this was the regular season Ward would be out of the game, no question. But, it is the playoffs and it could be the last game of the year. Ward is a gamer, and I expect him to play along side Zdeno Chara in game six.

Let's go Bruins! There will be blood.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Boston stays alive, blanks Carolina 4-0

Well, the Bruins took care of business tonight against the Hurricanes and the series will be extended to a sixth game. Game six will be Tuesday night down in Carolina.This will be the critical game for the Bruins.

Boston plays very well at home, so a win in game six could mean a win in the series. Boston has played terribly in Carolina in their two tries. However, Boston should have the momentum after rolling the 'Canes, 4-0.
Boston controlled the play in game four and really contained the neutral zone. The work along the boards was much improved and the defensive effort was back.

Carolina is a real tough team to take care of at home, so Boston will certainly have their hands full in game six. That being said, Boston took care of business tonight and will live to fight another day.

We'll see what happens Tuesday night Boston. One down, two to go.


Goal Scorers:
Kessel (5,6)
Recchi (2)
Lucic (2)

Shots:
1st 2nd 3rd T
Carolina: 7 4 8 19
Boston: 16 13 11 40

Saturday, May 9, 2009

"We want it as bad as you." Do you?

"We want it as bad as you."

That is the quote that has been running underneath Bruins photo's all year long. It hangs on the banner on the outside of the TD Banknorth Garden as you leave the T-stop. Well, my question to the Bruins is, do you?

Boston has been asleep for the majority of the last three games and the consequence is a 3-1 series hole. My message to Boston is to want it, and to come out Sunday night and show the emotion that they have shown for the majority of the 08-09 campaign.
Now, enough from me. Here is what the coach had to say.

"We're certainly not making it hard on Carolina with the way we are playing," said the B's head coach."Our team has probably picked the worst time of the year to play their worst hockey. "That's what's happening right now."There isn't anyone who has played up to their potential," he said.

"Obviously, we're out of sync, you can see the frustration on the players right now and it's certainly getting worse."This is something that has to be resolved before next game and we don't have much time to do that."

"It's got to come from coaches and it's got to come from players." "What we have to do here is win a hockey game and whatever it takes, you've got to do it."


Being down three games to one is not a situation Boston expected to be in. However, it is time to man up and "want it" as bad as we do.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Hnidy in, Ference out. Julien: "Can't go back home down 3-1"

It is almost game time so let's get you caught up.

*Shane Hnidy will suit up for the first time in the series taking the place of Andrew Ference. Ference apparently re-injured himself during game three.

* Blake Wheeler will play tonight. Wheeler skated with David Krejci and Michael Ryder during the morning skate.

Tonight's expected lineup:

Milan Lucic - Marc Savard - Phil Kessel
Blake Wheeler - David Krejci - Michael Ryder
Mark Recchi - Patrice Bergeron - Chuck Kobasew
P.J. Axelsson - Stephane Yelle - Shawn Thornton

Zdeno Chara - Aaron Ward
Steve Montador - Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart - Shane Hnidy

Tim Thomas
Manny Fernandez


I will leave you with some quotes from the coach and captain tonight. They are talking about the effort needed and overall importance of game four.

"When you're down 2-1 in a series, it's really important that you come to play tonight and that you play your best game possible," said Claude Julien. "Everything becomes more important. We don't want to go back home down 3-1. Those are the consequences we face tonight."

"When we played teams like Montreal or the Rangers, we were more intense and more emotionally involved," Zdeno Chara said. "We have to bring that same level."


I agree with Big Z, it is time to bring the intensity level up as if they were playing a team like New York or Montreal. If Boston doesn't, look for Carolina to continue their dominance.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Boston down, but by no means out

I want to start with a quote from the Boston Bruins head coach to address all of you negativity spreaders out there.

"We're not in trouble," said Julien. "We're in a series, a hard-fought series. What we have to do is get our game going in the right direction, which means a commitment to outworking the other team and a commitment to making better decisions. Again, it's a mindset. We've struggled the last couple games, but there's ups and downs to a season. You win a game, you're Stanley Cup contenders. You lose one, you're in trouble. That's what you have to face every day. We just have to keep our focus on what we have to do, believe in ourselves, and go out and do it. We're very capable of doing that."


This is my message to all of you out there who all of a sudden think the Bruins are done. A week ago, there was Stanley Cup fever in the air, and now? Now, people are saying the Bruins have no chance to advance past round two. Bogus attitudes are apparently contagious in Bruins nation.

Now, I do understand that Boston is down in the series and obviously that is not a position you want to be in. However, a two games to one hole is not a deep one and the Bruins have been down before.

Must I recall every one's attention to March when the Bruins were in the midst of a large skid. They were only three points ahead on the Devils for first place and the bandwagon was getting light. However, Boston rose to the occasion and beat down the Devils 4-1 and went streaking to the finish line.

Game four will be pivotal for Boston and they will need to put forth a much better effort than they did in game three. Claude Julien has promised line changes so I'd say that Blake Wheeler will be out and Byron Bitz in. Also, look for the sheriff to be back in the lineup as well.


* Andrew Ference is questionable for tomorrow's game as he may have re-aggravated his lower-body injury last night.

*Blake Wheeler was still hurting today after he was hit by a Carolina shot.


Keep the faith Boston and we'll see how things shake out tomorrow night.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Bruins head to Carolina, Kobasew misses practice with flu-like symptoms

OK Bruins fans, it is one more day until game three between Boston and Carolina from Raleigh. The B's were at Ristuccia Arena today getting in their final full length practice before tomorrow night's game.

The practice was really same old same old, but the biggest note may have been who was back on the ice today. Marco Sturm was on the ice before practice skating with Matt Hunwick. Yes, Sturm who has been out for most of the year was back on the ice.

Now, let's not get over dramatic Sturm is still about a month away from being game ready at the earliest. That would put the playoffs at the Stanley cup final mark. Even if the best case scenario occurs, don't expect to see Sturm even if Boston makes the finals, as his conditioning would be nowhere near ready.

The Bruins depth would make it a silly decision to see Sturm for the rest of the way no matter what. However, it was good seeing Marco's mug back at Ristuccia.


*Chuck Kobasew missed practice today with "flu-like symptoms," according to Claude Julien.
Kobasew is likely to be ready to go tomorrow night against the 'Canes.

Another Bruins note today, that will not effect the big club in the post season.

*The Providence Bruins signed prospect Jamie Arniel to an amateur tryout contract. The 19-year-old forward recently completed his junior season with Sarnia, scoring 32 goals and 36 assists in 63 games. Arniel was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 draft.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Kessel ready to go, Bruins must continue to contain Staal

It is game day Bruins fans and here is what you should see tonight when the black and gold hit the ice.

Milan Lucic Marc Savard Phil Kessel
Mark Recchi Patrice Bergeron Chuck Kobasew
Blake Wheeler David Krejci Michael Ryder
P.J. Axelsson Stephane Yelle Shawn Thornton

Zdeno Chara Aaron Ward
Andrew Ference Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart Steve Montador

Tim Thomas
Manny Fernandez


Today's practice note:
Phil Kessel was on the ice for the morning skate. Kessel sat out yesterday's practice because of a swollen left elbow.

It was an optional skate this morning, however, Kessel and hit line mates (Savard, Lucic) took part in the skate to get their timing down.

The Bruins are one for one in shutting down Eric Staal in the series. No easy task, as Mark Recchi will tell you.

"You are just trying to limit as much as possible, said Recchi. He's too good a player to stop him. You just try to control him and hope he doesn't take over the game."

Staal has not recorded a point in five games this season against Boston.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Bruins practice without Kessel

The black and gold were back to work today after last night's, 4-1 win over Carolina. There was however, one member of the B's who was missing in action.

*The only player missing was Phil Kessel. Byron Bitz skated in Kessel's spot on the first line with Marc Savard and Milan Lucic.Kessel sat out practice today because of a swollen left elbow that he fell on last night, but finished the game. Claude Julien said Kessel should be 100 percent tomorrow, and will play in game two.
You could clearly see Kessel wince as he was getting off the ice right before Marc Savard scored the Bruins' second goal. However, it is not serious and Kessel will be back on the ice flying around tomorrow.

*Tomorrow's match will air exclusively on Versus, which has exclusive rights to Game 2. NESN will resume coverage next Wednesday for Game 3 in Raleigh. Carolina play-by-play man John Forslund and NESN analyst Andy Brickley will be the Versus duo tomorrow.

Bruins show no rust, roll in Game 1

The Boston Bruins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-1 last night and took a one game to none series lead.

The topic going into the game was whether or not the Bruins would be rusty after a long layoff. Well, the answer was no as Boston grabbed the lead just 94 seconds into the game.

The Bruins dominated the walls in the tilt and were able to capitalize on Carolina's defensive zone lapses.

The matchups being spotlighted in the series were all in Boston's favor last night. Espcially, the Zdeno Chara and Eric Staal matchup. Chara dominated Staal and gave Stall no room to set up and create.

If Boston continues to dominate the way they did last night, look for Boston to finish up Carolina as quickly they did Montreal.

It was a great game one for the Bruins and hopefully they can carry their momentum into game two.