B’s Look to Light up the Lightning

Thanks to Nemo this is the real first time the Boston Bruins will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Because they’re playing in Tampa, snow (thankfully) won’t get in the way of this match up which is sure to be a good one.  This is the third of a five game roadtrip the Bruins are on and they are currently 5-1-1 on the road.

Marchand is on a role for the B’s (Credit:Flickr/Slidingsideways)

The Bruins have played one of the fewest game schedules (13 games) thus far but are still 2nd in their division and 5th in the Eastern Conference with 20 points. Meanwhile the Lightning are 15 games in, tied for first in the SouthEast division and  8th in conference with 17 points. The two points up for grabs tonight are clearly important.

Bruins…Red…Hot…POWER PLAY?
You read that correctly, don’t worry about your computer being messed up! In the past four games, the Bruins have scored power play goals in 3 of them. At a time where the Bruins win streak has slowed a bit, this is crucial. They have lost the past two of three, however, they are coming off of a win Sunday at Winnipeg.

Can Tampa be Tamed?
Tonight the Lightning will wrap up a two-game homestand and will hit the road for back-to-back games. The Bolts have scored a total of 10 goals over their past two games. They have thus far been a defensive weapon and will definitely put the B’s offense to a test.

Who’s Hot:
Well wouldn’t you know that Benoit Pouliot,  yes former Bruins Pouliot, has a four-game point streak. While, Vincent Lecavalier has two goals and three assists during a five-game points streak and Steven Stamkos has netted three goals in the past two games. Seeing that many Lightning players on a hot streak means the B’s defense will have to step up.

On the Bruins end, goalie man Tuukka Rask is  3-0-1 in his past four starts, giving up just six goals in that span. He is expected to get the start tonight. Brad Marchand also has goals in three of the last four games.

Injury Report:
The Bruins had a handful of players miss practice this week from flu-like symptoms but they all have made the trip to Tampa.

The Puck drops tonight at  7:30 and you can check it out on NESN and NHLN!

For the Tampa Bay side of things check out Sons of Andreychuk!

No News Is Good News?

(Credit:Slidingsideways/Flickr)

Free agency has been underway for six days now, including today and the Bruins are sticking with their original game plan.  GM Peter Chiarelli stated on numerous occasions throughout the season and post-season that he had a good team and would not be splitting them up. He wanted to keep the core of the team together and that is exactly what he is doing. With the signings of Chris Kelly, Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell  and Shawn Thornton, the fourth line will remain the same and one of the ‘best’ in the League.

The only players that are not returning to the Bruins roster, for sure are; Benoit Pouliot (signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay Lightning), Joe Corvo(signed a two-year contract with Carolina Hurricanes) and Brian Rolston. There is still the possibility that Mike Mottau, the Massachusetts native will fill the seventh defenseman spot, but with Dougie Hamilton coming off of a breakout season in the OHL, there is room for competition.

For the upcoming season we also have to take a look at who is going to fill the third line slot alongside Chris Kelly. With guys like Jordan Caron, Ryan Spooner and Jared Knight, the possibilities are endless. Each and every one of them have a fighting chance at earning a spot in Boston, we will just have to wait for pre-season to find out.

The only question mark remaining is the whereabouts of Tim Thomas. Will he stay in Boston and sit for the season or get traded elsewhere? Unfortunately, no one has those answers as of yet and it remains at a 60/40 chance of dismissal. (One can only hope) Regardless, Tuukka Rask is more than ready to step up and be the number one net minder once again.

Free Agent Frenzy and Contract Signings

Tuukka Rask (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

We have all been told throughout the post-season that the core of the Boston Bruins will stay together and that General Manager Peter Chiarelli was looking to keep Chris Kelly and Tuukka Rask in the mix for Boston.  As of today, July 1, 2012; the first day of NHL Free Agency, the Boston Bruins inked Chris Kelly until 2015-2016 and Tuukka Rask until 2012-2013.  They also came to terms with Russian forward Alex Khoklachev in signing a one-year entry level contract. He will play this season in Russia for the KHL and then come back to Boston to play.

Taking a look at who will not be returning, Benoit Pouliot was signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning just as the doors opened, with a one-year contract worth $1.8million.  Defensemen Joe Corvo and Greg Zanon were also able to find new contracts as Joe signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes and Greg signed on with the Colorado Avalanche. Best of luck to you men! (Silently I will be cheering for you Benny, I’ll see you in Boston!))

As of right now, that is the biggest splash the Bruins have made in the Free Agent Frenzy and it doesn’t seem as though there will be many more waves to come. Perhaps wave will be if and/or when Tim Thomas gets sent out of Beantown. To which I say good riddance my dear red-headed friend, it’s been real.

Post-Draft Notes and Conclusions

Oh where to begin? Today has brought many emotions to us Bruins fans, especially this one in particular. Today, as the 2012 NHL Entry Draft continued on, the Boston Bruins made some fairly significant moves. As Ariana reported last night, the Bruins chose Belleville’s Malcolm Subban as the twenty-fourth overall pick. Today, with their third-round pick, they selected defenseman Matthew Grzelcyk.

Matt is a Charlestown, Massachusetts native who has played the past two seasons with the US Development Program, putting up 2-20-22 totals in 56 games.

The next move is one that caused jaws to drop, at least mine did. The Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli turned over forward Benoit Pouliot’s rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the rights of defenseman Michel Ouellet and a fifth-round pick. Yes Bruins fans, I am sad to say that there will be no more Benoit Pouliot in the Black and Gold come October.

While the Bruins did get their moneys worth out of the forward, it simply wasn’t enough. It appears as though his long stretches of under performing sold him short, despite posting 16 goals, 16 assist for 32 points and ending the season a plus-18. Not to mention his highlight-reel goals against Montreal and Florida. They unfortunately weren’t enough. Pouliot has played for Tampa coach Guy Boucher in previous seasons and with any luck he will succeed. However, with strong forwards such as Stamkos and Lecalvier, it is a wonder if Pouliot will really be able to showcase his talents or if he will fade into the background.

With their fifth-round pick the Bruins chose play-making center Seth Griffith. He’s small, 5’9″, 190lbs, but managed to post 85 points in his junior league this past season with 49 penalty minutes in 69 games played in the OHL.

With the 145th pick, they selected right wing Cody Payne who played in the OHL, most recently with the Plymouth Whalers. He’s 6’2″, 201 lbs and was ranked 146th North American Skater by NHL Scouting.

The Bruins used their sixth-round pick to take blueliner Matthew Benning, the nephew of Bruins assistant general manager Jim Benning, who played nine seasons in the NHL as a defenseman.  With their seventh-round pick and last they chose Dallas native, Colton Hargrove.  He’s a left wing who tallied 140 penalty minutes last season in the USHL and had 38 totals. (16 G, 22A)

With the five players they were able to acquire this year in the draft, the Bruins have enough for a starting line drafting a goaltender, center, left and right wing and two defensemen.

While my heart breaks that Benoit Pouliot will not be returning to Boston, I have faith in Chiarelli and firmly believe that the players chosen today will be for the better of the Organization. Best of luck Pouliot and welcome to Boston Subban, Ouellet, Griffith, Hargrove,Grzelcyk, Benning and Payne.

 

Players Playlists

As I was sitting around here thinking to myself while listening to music, I couldn’t help but to think of a few of the Bruins when I heard certain songs. Coincidentally I came up with this great idea to write an article based on songs. Granted this is a similar type article to that of “The Pulse” Tune In Tuesdays, however, I am doing a theme song for each current member of the Bruins team. The first song and/or player that comes to my mind is:

Shirt off by Blank featuring Young Ivy

Hmm, lets see, who does this make you think of? Perhaps a twenty-five year old Brad Marchand and twenty year-old Tyler Seguin, celebrating the Stanley Cup win in 2011?

Next would have to be a song that makes me think of Joe Corvo. A song that is played generally when a team gets knocked out of the playoffs or loses, much like Joe Corvo is leaving Boston. It’s fitting.

…Or this is equally fitting for Joe Corvo:

And what would this playlist be without the song that reminds us of Tim Thomas, our vacation seeker who likes to complicate things:

This next one would be for our not-so-slick on skates, clumsy Adam McQuaid:

Well, going a little bit further down the roster, I can’t help but think of our key enforcer Shawn Thornton every time I hear this song. Why, well, think about it.

And what would an enforcer be without one of his key instigators? You guys can’t tell me you don’t think of Milan Lucic when you hear this song:

As for Big Z, well, what better song would fit him than “Move” by Thousad Foot Krutch.Every time I hear this song I picture a highlight reel of Zdeno Chara’s biggest hits.

As for Nathan Horton, well I consider him to be the most inspirational person on the team what with his efforts in Game 7 with the water bottle and his constant efforts to get back on the ice. This is what makes me think of him:

Then we have our lovely goaltender Tuukka Rask, generally I have to give him a traditional song the ever so glorious Pat Benatar hit:

For Dougie Hamilton who is making his way up in the system I have to go with the CLASSIC:

Oh Benny Pouliot, ever since Ariana and I were discussing the possibility of you being traded this song has forever made me think of you. (For the record, I sincerely hope you do NOT get traded and if you do I hope it isn’t to the Jets)

As for alternate Captain Chris Kelly, I have to go with this one based on the enormous and infamous ‘Chain’.

For those of you that didn’t see the chain:

Chris Kelly sports the new piece of jewelry in the B's locker room (Credit: twitter.com/NaokoFunayama)

Well, this one speaks for itself:

Based on this hit that Paille got served with:

I have to say that this makes me think of him:

What better song to make you think of our environmentalist Andrew Ference than a Michael Jackson piece:

For some odd reason when I hear this song, I can’t help but think of David Krejci’s struggle this season. Now granted this might be a little awkward, but still listen to the songs and try to put it into his perspective if you will:

What better song for Patrice Bergeron than “I Am Perfection”:

While this may not contain every player on the team, I think I have put you through enough crazy madness for one article. Stay tuned to see what we come up with next!

 

 

 

 

Daily Countdown: 113 Days

Benoit Pouliot (Photo Credit: Lisa Gansky/Flickr)

Today marks yet another day closer to the 2012-2013 Boston Bruins season. While we already know that Gregory Campbell, Chris Kelly and Daniel Paille will be back, there has been no word on forward Benoit Pouliot. Today’s countdown is going to be a prayed circle for pou-bear, in hopes that he too will be back in Boston for the coming season. In case you need a few reasons as to why we want Benny back, take a look at the videos below:

 

If that isn’t good enough for you to want to keep him around, how about you give this one a watch:

Not to mention, Pouliot’s statistics were career-best for him being in Boston, Julien was able to get more out of Pouliot than both Minnesota and Montreal. That has to stand for something. So come on Bruins fans, send your thoughts Pouliot’s way in hopes that we will see him next season as one of the top nine forwards.

Top 10 Best Goals of 2011-2012

With the 2012 Stanley Cup Final heading into it’s final two games, we as Bruins fans are saddened at the thought that just a year ago this was our team. While the opening round of the playoffs proved to be an upset for all Bruins fans alike, there is no denying the team needed a break. While they may have had a rocky season, there were no doubt some unbelievable moments throughout the season.  In this post, we are going to specifically look at the top ten goals scored this season.

 

 

 

#10: Carter Camper Gets His First Career Goal 

Who: Carter Camper

When: February 25, 2012

Where: Scotia Bank Place against Ottawa Senators

The twenty-three year old rookie from Ohio was able to net one past Andersen to give the Bruins a two-goal advantage against the Ottawa Senators.

 

#9: Dennis Seidenberg Scores from the Red Line

Who: Dennis Seidenberg

When: January 31, 2012

Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Ottawa Senators

The German Hammer ripped a shot from the red line, a good ninety-feet away from the goal and managed to get it past the net minder. Simply amazing.

 

#8: Shawn Thornton Gets Penalty Shot

Who: Shawn Thornton

When: January 10, 2012

Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Winnipeg Jets

Shawn Thornton comes out of the box, gets hooked and granted a penalty shot. He dekes, dangles and scores!

 

#7: David Krejci OT Winner

Who: David Krejci

When: March 1, 2012

Where: Prudential Center against New Jersey Devils

David Krejci, after battling a bad drought, scores the game-winning goal against the New Jersey Devils, his third goal of the game.

 

#6: Brad Marchand-First Career Hat Trick

Who: Brad Marchand

When:December 23, 2011

Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Florida Panthers

 

#5: Tyler Seguin – First Career Hat Trick

Who: Tyler Seguin

When: November 5, 2011

Where: Air Canada Centre against Toronto Maple Leafs

 

#4: Chris Kelly OT Winner Against Washington Capitals

Who: Chris Kelly

When: April 12, 2012

Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Washington Capitals

Chris Kelly FIRES one past Braden Holtby to win the first game of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals.

 

#3: Benoit Pouliot Undresses Campoli

Who: Benoit Pouliot

When:February 15, 2012

Where: Centre Belle against the Montreal Canadiens

Benoit Pouliot shows he has some sick stick moves as he gets one past Campoli and scores!

 

#2: Tyler Seguin OT Winner

Who: Tyler Seguin

When: April 22, 2012

Where: Verizon Center against Washington Capitals Eastern Conference Quarter Finals Game 6

Tyler Seguin waits and puts it past Holtby for his first goal of the series.

 

#1: BEST GOAL OF THE YEAR: Benoit Pouliot against he Florida Panthers

Who: Benoit Pouliot

When: December 23, 2011

Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Florida Panthers

By far the BEST goal scored this season and if you agree with me, go to the NHL page and VOTE!!

 

The Bruins provided us with so many amazing things this season, despite having a shaky start they managed to pull it together for the most part. Keep on believing Bruins fans, next season is just around the corner.

 

Talk of the Trade

Who will set foot on this ice again for the '12-'13 season? (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

As we think about the 2012-2013 hockey season, we have to think of what the Boston Bruins team is going to look like, or better yet, what it should look like. This is the piece where I dissect the Bruins roster of current players, aside from the Grading System, and decipher who should stay and who should go. In order to do this, we have to take a look at who is restricted and unrestricted in the free agency this season.

Restricted Free Agents:

Forward, #67 Beniot Pouliot
Goaltender, #40 Tuukka Rask

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Forward, #12 Brian Rolston
Forward, #23 Chris Kelly
Forward, #11 Gregory Campbell
Forward, #20 Dan Paille
Defenseman, #14 Joe Corvo
Defenseman, #6 Greg Zanon
Defenseman, #27 Mike Mottau
Goaltender, #1 Marty Turco

With all of these players looking to be signed, there is approximately $5,272,024.00 available in cap space, not including Marc Savard. Given the past two seasons, we can assume that he will not be playing in the 2012-2013 season.  Putting him on the Long Term Injury Reserve list (LTIR), that frees up $4,004,143.oo, providing the Bruins with $9,281,167.00 of salary cap space to play around with.

Seasons Come and Seasons Go

Photo Credit:bigbadboston/Tumblr

So the end of the season has greeted us a little sooner than expected, yet after nearly 200 games played over the course of the last 19 months, it seemed ‘better late than never’ as the Bruins played practically two full seasons with only a month break in between. Thankfully we can expect to see a majority of the same team for the 2012-2013 season. However, there are a few guys that we are not so likely to see. From the Bruins team alone there are nine free agents.  Some are newcomers, such as Brian Rolston, Greg Zanon and Mike Mottau while others have been with the Organization for a while such as; Chris Kelly, Benoit Pouliot, Joe Corvo, Tuukka Rask, Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille.

Getting to Know Pou-Bear

Benoit Pouliot (Photo Credit: Lisa Gansky/Flickr)

As a new ‘series’ on the official Bruins website, reporter John Bishop, asks Twitter followers to send in questions using #AskTheBs for a brief interview with a player of Bishop’s choice. This week, the player being interviewed was forward Benoit Pouliot.

Taking a look at some of the questions, I had to chuckle to myself as I read them. Here is a look at some of the ‘best.’

 

@NHLBruins How do you feel about not being on Cosmo’s hottest NHLers list? #AskTheBs

— Donna Lizzy (@justtlistenn) April 17, 2012

 

@NHLBruins#AskTheBs what’s it like having hair with such a personality?

— Vanessa Ciampa (@bruins_615) April 17, 2012

While these were not two of the questions picked to be answered, they deserved to be recognized. Below is a quick recap based on the questions asked and Pouliot’s answers:

@JeVeuxJouer: When you get angry on the ice do you chirp/yell in French, English or both?

“Mostly French, usually when I come back to the bench and I have a tough shift or whatever it’s always in french. I think the guys know I’m pretty rattled when I start yelling in French.”

@aliciaHernand3z: Was it difficult transitioning to the other side of the Boston/Montreal rivalry?

“Not that bad, no, it’s been pretty easy. Obviously everyone knows Boston/Montreal is a pretty big one in the NHL for rivalry but ever since I got here I’ve felt comfortable and the guys really put me in there and made it easy for me. Its always nice to play the Canadiens there or in Boston and just seeing how it is.”

@heyitskenisha: What’s it like having your hair being so popular? Are you going to get it insured?

“I’m thinking about it I don’t know if I should or not, I found that out this year that something was going onwith my hair, I’m thinking about growing it back and going back with the flow if so many people like it why not. I might go back all summer long let it grow and show up at camp with the flow.”

@brooksiebruin19: Do you have a pregame ritual for the playoffs?(Yup, that’s yours truly!)

“Nope, not really I’m pretty, it’s pretty much the same all year long, even though I dont follow it that much, if it’s not the same thing, I’m not superstitious that much, all year long it’s the same thing I think its’ just try not to mess it up but even if I do, try not get into my own head too much.”

@kristenalty19:What’s the best prank that’s been pulled this season?

“Oh man there’s a lot of them, all of them rely around Marshy for some reason. One time at the practice rink Marshy showed up with new shoes and after practice they disappeared.  No one knew where they were. I’m not going to say who it was, Gregory Campbell, but uh, he found out I think a week later. We had that Christmas thing going on at the mall and he showed up in the shower sandals that we use and it was the middle of winter so it was probably pretty cold. And I’m not going to say who it was Soupy, but uh, I think that was the first time he was really rattled.”

@kicksavista:Your current line’s produced almost from the start. What have you gotten out of playing w/ Kelly and Rolston?

“A lot. I think I’ve learned a lot from Kells all year long I’ve been with him hes been in the League for a long time and he has been through it last year with the Bruinsa while and especially with the Bruins. and then we acquired Rolly at the deadline and he has been producing since he got here. Playing with older guys, Rolly, h’es got 1200 games in the league and I think for a younger guy like me it helps a lot playing with the older guys. They talk a lot and there’s some messing around, but there’s times when you know you have to be serious but it’s been great.”

So there you have it, Pouliot is planning on growing the flow back to surprise everyone in training camp next season, I for one will be keeping tabs on the status of this. To watch the actual video, check here.