Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Did the Olympic break come at a good time for the B's?


I've been receiving a fair amount of messages asking the same question. "Do you think the Olympic break is a good or bad thing for the Bruins?'

For me it was a no brain er. The break is a great thing for the black and gold. Why is that you ask?

Well, Boston has been hit hard with key injuries this season and the rest will be great. Two players in particular who will benefit from the rest will be Marc Savard and Milan Lucic.

Marc Savard was more than a point-per-game player last season, tallying 88 points. Savard skated in all 82 games last season and was one the Bruin All-Stars.

This season, Savard has notched 31 points in 37 games and has not been as successful sparking the Boston power play. With the two and a half week break Savard should come back refreshed and become the point machine he's been in the past. It would also help if Savard had a legit goal scorer at his disposal.

The player that will benefit most from this break is Lucic. Lucic has missed 32 games this season due to injury and has not gotten himself right. Lucic started to show signs of improvement over the last three games and that should continue in March.

Lucic said he was going to go home to Vancouver and maybe take in a few Olympic events. Lucic will come back to the east coast refreshed, healthy and rearing to go, much like he did to start the season in October. http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=6xihhEEN2yk&v=uXU2br2jKtM

Other older players like Mark Recchi, Shawn Thornton, Steve Begin and Derek Morris will also benefit from the extended blow.

So come March 2, expect the TD Garden to be full of life from both its fans and players. The break came at a good time for some of the Bruins key players and they should be focused on righting the ship over the final six weeks.

Where's Tim going? No Where!


It's the Olympic break, so you would think that like the games the trade talk would take a break. However, the buzz cars wheels keep on spinning.

The trade winds are mainly swirling around Bruins goalie Tim Thomas. Thomas is in Vancouver with the United States Olympic team and even on the other side of North America he is being drilled with what ifs.

At the Olympic games, ESPN writer E.J. Hradek talked to Thomas and reported, "Thomas is pretty down about his situation."

His situation, of course is that the 2009 Vezina trophy winner has been demoted to back-up duty. The man guarding the Bruin crease these days is not the Tank, but 22-year-old Tuukka Rask.

The big thing here is that Thomas told Hradek that he does not want to waive his no trade clause right now. This helps support my theory that there is no chance the Bruins trade Thomas before the deadline.

The remainder of the NHL season is going to go at rapid fire pace with the Bruins finishing with 22 games in 41 days. Your back-up goaltender is still going to get his fair share of starts, especially with four back-to-back games down the stretch.

Look for Thomas to stay put in the hub for at least the remainder of this season and likely longer.

With that said, NHL sources claim that Bruins management would love to ditch Thomas' remaining contract and they will likely try again in June.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Bruins head into Olympic break on a roll


Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the Olympic break. The Bruins take a four game winning streak into the break, immediately following a 10 game losing streak.

After Sunday's Eastern Conference action, here is where they lie.

1) Washington - 90 pts
2) New Jersey - 77 pts
3) Ottawa - 76 pts
4) Pittsburgh - 76 pts
5) Buffalo - 75 pts
6) Philadelphia - 67 pts
7) Boston - 65 pts
8) Montreal - 64 pts
9) Tampa Bay - 63 pts
10) NY Rangers - 63 pts
11) Atlanta - 62 pts
12) Florida - 58 pts
13) NY Islanders - 58 pts
14) Carolina - 55 pts
15) Toronto - 49 pts

So, as you can see your Boston Bruins are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference and will have an up hill battle to make some noise in the playoffs.

Boston will be off until March 2, when they will face-off with the Montreal Canadiens from the TD Garden. As you can see from the standings, the game will be a big one.

One other thing to note here is that the Bruins hold Toronto's first round pick in the 2010 entry level draft. Toronto is at the bottom of the conference presently and hold the league's second worst record, trailing only Edmonton's 44 points.

With NHL ready impact talent sitting in the top three, the Bruins will continue to root against the Leafs over the last twenty plus games.

Boston is about three quarters of the way through their season and it looks like the worst may be behind them. Will the Bruins make a deal before the March 3 trade deadline, or will they ride it out with what they've got?

Will Tim Thomas remain Tuukka Rask's caddy, or will he return to form and reclaim the number one goaltender spot? Will Boston make a move for a top six forward or top four defenseman?

There are many questions awaiting for the Boston Bruins, and some will be answered by March 3. Others will have to wait until April or beyond for a final verdict.

Friday, February 12, 2010

No deal for Boston before Olympic break


The NHL's pre Olympic trade deadline has come and gone and your Boston Bruins did not play, let's make a deal.

Last night, the Bruins had scouts in Los Angeles watching the Kings and Oilers. Will Boston get involved with Los Angeles and try and swing a deal for Alex Frolov or Jack Johnson? We will have to wait until March for a final answer.

Here is what I was able to pick up from today's pre-deadline chatter.

Word on the street is that the Bruins had the "second or third" best offer for Carolina's Ray Whitney. Ray Whitney has apparently told people he wants to go to Pittsburgh. Remember, Whitney has a no trade clause and can block any trade.

Ottawa traded for Matt Cullen today and placed RW Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers. I was told that the Bruins will not put in a claim for Cheechoo immediately but may be interested on re-entry waivers.

Raffi Torres and Keith Tkachuk were also on the Boston radar today, but nothing ever came to be.

I had speculated a week ago that the chances of Boston making a deal before the deadline were slim to none. Peter Chiarelli has shown he usually waits until the last minute to make a move and this year likely will be no different.

Back to the here and now, and not fantasy land...

Miroslav Satan had to have stitches today to fix a V-shaped cut in the palm of his right hand. Satan will not play Saturday against the Panthers and may have to miss the Olympics as well.

Milan Lucic and Shawn Thornton both came down with food poisoning and missed practice today.

Mark me down for NOT having what they're having. Let's dub that meal, "The enforcer special."

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

15 options for the black and gold


Here are a list of 15 players who have a chance of being dealt at the trade deadline. All of these players have been mentioned in trade rumors, and are listed in order by cap number.

Also, I'll tell you how they could help the Bruins and what it would take to acquire them.

Tomas Kaberle, D (TOR) Cap Hit: $4.25 million
Analysis: This is probably my favorite player on the list, but a trade would be difficult. Kaberle is a puck moving defenseman who could run the second power play unit. In order to get Kaberle, you are looking at giving up Dennis Wideman and your first round draft pick.

John-Michael Liles, D (COL) Cap Hit: $4.2 million
Analysis: The Avalanche want to move him badly, however, Boston shouldn't be to much of a player for him. The only way Boston would do this is if the Avalanche would trade Liles for Wideman. The two are similar, with Liles being slightly better, don't see this happening.

Patrick Sharp, RW (CHI) Cap Hit: $3.9 million
Analysis: Sharp's name has been mentioned in a trade for Tim Thomas. This trade is not very likely, but it could resurface in June, before the NHL entry draft.

Slava Kozlov, RW/LW (ATL) Cap Hit: $3.667 million
Analysis:Kozlov is 37 years old, and has not been mentioned with Boston, however, the Thrashers are now in selling mode and it will be interesting to see if they want to trade Kozlov who still has great hands.

Ray Whitney, LW (CAR) Cap Hit: $3.5 million
Analysis: This guy has been rumored to be going to about 10 different teams. The Hurricanes are looking for a second round pick for Whitney. The Bruins hold Toronto's second round pick, and you won't get a higher one tat that. But, Whitney wants a deal through 2012 guaranteed or he will block a deal. Would Boston consider this?

Rostislav Olesz, RW (FLA) Cap Hit: $3.125 million
Analysis: The former first round pick is going to be dealt, but where? Olesz can be a 20 goal scorer, and you could get him for some other expendable prospects. When everyone is healthy, Matt Hunwick and Vladimir Sobotka will be healthy scratches and maybe they could be dished for Olosz

Cameron Barker, D (CHI) Cap Hit: $3.083 million
Analysis: The Blackhawks have so many solid defensemen, (Campbell, Keith, Seabrook and Sopel) that Barker could be expendable. Barker to Boston is not a likely story. Barker had a 40 point season last year, but has not lived up to expectations this season.

Teemu Selanne, RW (ANA) Cap Hit: $2.625 million
Analysis: This is my favorite forward on the list, but he has a no trade clause and may block a trade to Boston. Selanne has 18 goals in just 34 games, a pace that would put him at 44 goals over a full season. Selanne still has his legs and would easily be the Bruins fastest skater. Quick goal scorer with Marc Savard, just see Phil Kessel. The two (Savard, Selanne) could do big things. Anaheim wants picks, so look at a second rounder for the Finnish flashes services.

Keith Tkachuk, LW (STL) Cap Hit: $2.55 million
Analysis: A plan B option for Selanne. Tkachuk is on pace for 40+ points and could provide another net presence like Mark Recchi for the second PP unit. No word on what teams want for Tkachuk, but it would take a mid round pick and prospect to get him.

Alexei Ponikarovski, RW/LW (TOR) Cap Hit: $2.105 million
Analysis: Ponikarovski 19-22-41 totals this year could be a nice addition for Boston. Brian Burke wants to lose him, but at 6"4 he is a nice talent. Burke wants a second round pick for him, and Burke could get his second round pick back from Boston if the Bruins are interested.

Marek Svatos, RW (COL) Cap Hit: $2.05 million
Analysis: Svatos' best season was in 2007-2008 when he potted 26 goals. He is currently a shade of his own self. Boston asked about Svatos at last years deadline, but doubt they will this year.

Jordan Leopold, D Cap Hit: $1.75 million
Analysis: The 29 year old Leopold is on his way out of Florida. Could the Bruins use some veteran depth back there. However, I don't see Boston trading picks for a minimal upgrade.

Peter Mueller, C (PHX) Cap Hit: $1.7 million
Analysis: A 21-year-old on the decline? If you look at his numbers, then yes. His best season was the 07-08 season when he had 22-32-54 totals. This year in 50 games he has 4-12-16 totals. Phoenix has apparently given up on him. Would a change of scenery help him out? It could be a mid round pick to get Mueller.

Jack Johnson, D (LA) Cap Hit: $1.425 million
Analysis: An intriguing player here, with a nice cap hit. With Drew Doughty on the back line the Kings may be moving on. The Kings have Doughty, Scuderi, Drewiske, Greene and Harrold signed for next season on defense and are looking to possibly make a big splash come summer time in free agency. Johnson is likely gone, and if the Bruins want a young offensive defenseman then here he is. Johnson is not great defensively, but is only 23 years old and could benefit in the Bruins system.

Carlo Colaiacovo, D (STL) Cap Hit: $1.283 million
Analysis: The St. Louis Blues have called Peter Chiarelli and asked if the Bruins are interested in Colaiacovo. The Bruins said they aren't, but someone is sure to jump in on the bidding.

So for me, I wouldn't mind seeing half of these players in black and gold.

I am hoping that the Bruins inquire about Selanne, but he could still block a trade. If you can't get Selanne, ask for Tkachuk and get another around the net presence. These veteran rentals are an inexpensive way to improve.

On defense, Kaberle is the filet mignon and Jack Johnson the prime rib. Either would be an upgrade over some of the Bruins top six, especially Kaberle. He could step in and be you number two defenseman behind Zdeno Chara.

The trade freeze goes into place on Friday afternoon, and will resume for the first three days in March after the Olympic Break. Will the Bruins make a trade? It's time to decide.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Bruins drop Sabres, start new kind of streak


The Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in a shoot out tonight. Two wins in a row, that's what you call a WINNING streak, which is the first since Dec. 30, & Jan. 1

The win tied the Bruins for eighth place in the conference with the Philadelphia Flyers. With the OTL, Buffalo received a point, and needed it to stay a top of the Northeast division. They are now tied with the red hot Ottawa Senators with 72 points.

Your Boston Bruins will head to Tampa Bay tomorrow and play the much improved Lightning on Thursday. Tampa Bay is two points ahead of Boston in the standings and sits in sixth place.

Steve Stamkos has had a break out second season and is a top 10 scorer in the league. This should be a good test for Boston, and all indications are that Tuukka Rask will start in Tampa.

All is quiet on the trade front and there is no chance Boston will make a deal before March. Tim Thomas rumors, hot on Sunday are dead right now and Ray Whitney won't be dealt until after the Olympics.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Bruins end 10-game streak; Thomas being shopped?


Well Bruins fans, your team finally won a hockey game. The Bruins won for the first time in three weeks and ended their 10 game losing streak in the process.

With the win, the Bruins moved into a three-way tie with the Flyers and Rangers for eighth place in the conference. Boston will now head down to Buffalo to play the division leading Sabres on Tuesday night.

Another story today is that Tuukka Rask started for the third straight game and the Bruins may be looking to trade Tim Thomas. Here are the teams looking at Tim Thomas and the players Boston is asking about.

Chicago: Talking to the Blackhawks about Patrick Sharp. The Hawks are in cap hell and will need to move salary. Thomas to Chicago and Huet waived would help cut space.

Columbus: Was also told that the Bruins are talking with Columbus about Raffi Torres and Kristian Huselius in a Thomas swap.

Dallas: Talking with Dallas about a James Neal swap for Tim Thomas. This makes more sense in the off-season when Marty Turco's contract runs out.

St. Louis: Boston is talking with the Blues for Thomas. Boyes, Backes, Kariya, Tkachuk, and Polak are names the Bruins have apparently talked about.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

With latest loss, are Bruins in 'Wait 'til next year' mode?


The Boston Bruins lost another heart breaker on Saturday afternoon, 3-2 in a shootout to the Vancouver Canucks.

Boston held a two goal lead on goals by Zdeno Chara and Michael Ryder, but like Thursday night they let that lead disappear. The loss added to the length of an already epic losing streak, which now stands at 10 games.

This streak was started back on January 16 in Los Angeles, a true country wide losing soirée. This losing streak could very well be 14 games if not for pulling out a shoot out in San Jose.

If Boston loses its next two games and gets to 12 straight losses they will set a franchise record. A record that is not supposed to be broken, but yet it can be matched tomorrow, on Super Sunday in Montreal.

To add some more coal to the fire, Johnny Boychuk will not make the trip after being hit in the face with a puck during the first period of today's game.

The replacement? The options are either Andrew Ference or Andy Wozniewski to replace Boychuk. With Ference skating before the game today, look for him to give it a go tomorrow.

Now how do the Bruins go about stopping this lengthy blues fest? Well, if you listen to Bruins fans it is time to make a trade. However, the Bruins front office may beg to differ.

The scuttlebutt is that Boston will not make a trade until after the Olympic break ... if at all. It also looks like Ray Whitney is out as a target for Boston. Carolina still plans to trade Whitney, but they want a first round pick for him and the Bruins will not give it up.

The Bruins brass looks content to ride out their roster and maybe add a B level winger after the Olympic break.

After Saturday's action Boston sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They still, however, are only two points behind Philadelphia for the East's final playoff spot.

If you look at things from a pure draft prospective, if the season ended today Boston would hold both the second and seventh picks for the 2010 entry level draft. So as much as you don't want to hear it, the Bruins may be content to build towards next season.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Kovalchuk to New Jersey, option B for the Bruins


Barry Melrose on ESPN earlier today. "The team that needs him most, and the team that has the assets to get Kovalchuk are the Bruins." "It makes sense he goes to Boston, I'd be surprised if Kovalchuk doesn't end up there."

Well Barry, he didn't end up there, and this blogger is not surprised. Ilya Kovalchuk has been traded by the Atlanta Thrashers to the New Jersey Devils for two roster players, a prospect and a first round pick.

As I said since day one, Kovalchuck would not be a Bruin. Ray Whitney and Keith Tkachuk are the real targets for Boston. I would say Tkachuk would be more likely.

With the Boston losing streak extended to nine, it will be telling to see what Peter Chiarelli does over the next week. If he doesn't make a trade before the deadline, he could be sending a message that he is looking at getting two top picks in the 2010 entry draft.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Bruins making a trade this week?



Wednesday has been a day full of trade talk. However, let me first get to team related notes.

*According to ESPNBoston, Zdeno Chara has been playing with a dislocated left pinkie. It may require off-season surgery for the Bruins captain.

*Today at practice, Matt Hunwick and Steve Begin were given maintenance days. Hunwick has been bad lately, maybe some sort of injury is bothering the defenseman.

*Petr Sykora, Ray Whitney, Peter Mueller and Keith Tkachuk are on the Bruins radar to acquire via trade.

I am hearing that the Bruins may try and deal Michael Ryder and their 2010 first round pick to Carolina for Ray Whitney.

Then there's this... Kovalchuk traded by end of week? http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308800

Stay tuned folks, it looks like the Bruins are trying to acquire someone this week. Now we'll just have to see who that will be.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Stuart out four weeks after surgery on finger


Mark Stuart underwent surgery this afternoon on his finger and will be out until after the Olympic break, according to Claude Julien.

Adam McQuaid has been recalled from Providence to fill the spot left vacant by Stuart.