We’re Off to see the Capitol

Brian Rolston is one of the Bruins leading point scorers in the playoffs thus far (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

Once again the Bruins embark on a journey to the Nation’s glorious capitol to take on, none other than, of course the Washington Capitals. Tonight marks Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals between these two teams. Thus far the series is tied at a game a piece, each needing additional time to decipher a winner. While the Bruins brought some great energy and effort to Game 2, there is still plenty of room for improvement.  Take a look at the two goals scored in the two games. That in itself is an issue, the fact that they can only manage to score a goal a game with a team that is known for their offensive depth. But taking an even closer look you will find that it is the team’s THIRD LINE that is producing all of the scoring. With Chris Kelly getting the overtime winner in Game 1 (assists from Pouliot and Rolston), and in Game 2 Benoit Pouliot tied the game with seven minutes remaining in regulation (assists to Kelly and Rolston).

Benoit Pouliot has shown that he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the puck past Braden Holtby, the playoff newbie for the Capitals who has been stone cold. He has shown grit, determination and persistence. Something that the top two lines are currently lacking.

Yesterday the Bruins Media interviewed Milan Lucic and Tyler Seguin and asked them what they felt they needed to do to produce more goals.

When Bruins leading goal scorer Tyler Seguin was asked what he can do to improve he stated:

“I got to do better I think,” Seguin said. “There are a lot of areas I want to improve on. I think the main ting is being consistent. Playoffs is all about getting out of your comfort zone, whether it’s blocking a shot or hitting a bit more and going to the net more.”

For most of the Bruins players the key word, once again, is CONSISTENCY. Yes, I realize this is a word that has been juggled around, pretty much the entire season, however, the fact of the matter remains. The Bruins forwards need to keep their play consistent and as Seguin said, even. They need to take more shots, follow them and the goals will follow.

For forward Milan Lucic he was more concernec in his own game, feeling he needed to put more pressure on himself as he knows he can perform better for his team.

“I want to be better and I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win.” Lucic said.

The team is focusing on Game 3 and not looking at anything past that, they know the challenge they have in front of them and they are planning to tackle it head on. Tonight, their main focus is getting past the Washington defense. They are a team that doesn’t like to play deep so the Bruins have to find a way to pressure them back and get the shots on net. If they can manage to do that, they have a fighting chance at coming out on top of this one.  Perhaps even in regulation.

Tonight’s game is on NBCSN,CBC and NESN as well as being heard on 98.5 the Sporst Hub at 7:30pm EST.

*Quotes came from the Boston Bruins Official Site (bruins.nhl.com)

Keep Your Hopes Up B’s

Pouliot kept the B's in the game with a goal scored part way in the third (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

Yesterday afternoon the Bruins took on the Washington Capitals for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Final. It was Tim Thomas against the newcomer Braden Holtby in between the pipes for the two teams.  In the first period the issue was decision making and puck possession.  On Ovechkin’s first shift there was a noticeably different approach from him, as he initiated contact with both Chara and Seidenberg, drawing a holding call in the opening minutes.  Thomas was littered with shots from the Caps, but stood tall as the penalty expired and the B’s number one penalty killer escaped the box.  The Bruins did a great job on the penalty kill, but their handling through the neutral zone and five on five situations through the first twenty minutes was horrid, the Capitals shot the puck more at the net in the first twenty minutes of the game (9) than they had through the first forty minutes of game 1.  The best chance of the period came from David Krejci with a side-to-sode attempt in the slot that Holtby was able to get a blocker save on.  The score remained at zero after one with the Bruins holding a 10-9 edge in shots. The key going into the second period:

“Get more bodies toward the net, especially off the neutral zone plays…Making plays we wouldn’t usually make and force plays.”-Tyler Seguin (Intermission Report with 98.5 the Sports Hub)

To begin the second period there wasn’t much change in the tempo as there was extremely slow puck possession from the B’s. Luckily Brad Marchand was being a good little brat and drew a penalty from Hamrlik for a cross-check after some chirping. You’ve got to love the little ball of hate some days for getting the ball rolling with his yapper. Bergeron presented the Bruins with a nice one-timer that trickled JUST wide of the net THROUGH Holtby’s pads. The Bruins were able to maintain possession for the next minute or so before Seguin let Alzner beat him to the loose puck in the offensive zone for a change in direction. As the period drew on, the tempers began to flare as Ovechkin threw his glove/stick in the German Hammer’s face. Shortly after Carlson elbowed Patrice Bergeron in the head and in retaliation, on the next shift Brad Marchand gave Carlson a stick to the face in displeasure, receiving a two-minute minor. With just over two minutes remaining in the period Troy Bouwer twould tuck the puck past Thomas and give the Capitals their first lead in the series with the assists going to Alzner and Ovechkin. The positive side, (if I have to find one) Tim Thomas created a new scoreless record of 161 minutes and 41 seconds.

“We’ve got to make plays and get it deep and not lose it at the blue line..They’re waiting for us to get fancy, we’ve got to put pressure on them, get it deep because they’re opportunistic and their [defense] don’t want to play deep.”-Joe Corvo (Intermission Report with 98.5 the Sports Hub)

As the third period began the Bruins came out looking stronger than ever, creating chance after chance against Holtby who is some sort of God-like beast in between those pipes, robbing Marchand for his 54th save in two games.  However with a little persistence and pressure, Bruins forward Benoit Pouliot would become the hero of the game as he chipped the puck past Holtby to tie the game at 12:13 off of a Brian Rolston shot. The goal would be Pouliot’s first ever playoff goal in 24 contests. Congratulations Pou-Bear! Just think, fourteen months ago Pouliot, Kelly and Rolston weren’t even Bruins and currently they are the only line that has scored. (Pouliot 1G, 1A : Kelly 1G, 1A : Rolston 2A) Though there would be much back and forth action in the third period, this game needed extra time as they headed into sudden death overtime.

“We need more pressure on Holtby.. We have to do what we’re supposed to do..Got to follow the game plan and we’ll be fine” –Brad Marchand (Intermission Report with 98.5 the Sports Hub)

Heading into Overtime this would be the first time the Bruins opened a series with consecutive overtimes since April 16-17, 1980 in the Quarter Finals against the New York Islanders.  In the opening minutes of the extra minutes the Bruins had a great pace and threw insane amounts of shots at Holtby, but there was no breaking him or Tim Thomas for the entire twenty minutes, forcing a double overtime. The issue for the Bruins being, they weren’t crashing the net for the rebounds. Sadly it wouldn’t be much into the double OT that Nicklas Backstrom would slap one past Thomas to give the Capitals the win and tie the series as the Series travels to the Nation’s Capitol.

The Bruins put forth a great effort against the Capitals today and it really comes down to scoring. The Bruins need to keep constant pressure on Holtby and crash the net for rebounds.  Their long shots and fancy plays aren’t going to cut it against this team. The next game is Monday night at 7:30pm EST on CBC,NBCSN,NESN or you can listen to the game on 98.5 the Sports Hub.

 

Know Thy Enemy

Braden Holtby poses as the number one problem for the Bruins (Photo Credit:L kkthemook/Flickr)

Last night marked the first playoff game of the season for the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. Prior to the match up, there was speculation against the Bruins based on their heavy hitters and the like for Alex Ovechkin. After watching the first game, here are some conclusions that can be drawn up as well as what needs to improve for Boston.

The top priority last night for the Bruins was to shut down Alex Ovechkin and deny him any time or space with the puck, because it is a well known fact that when Ovechkin has the puck, he is dangerous. Through sixty one minutes and eighteen seconds of play Ovechkin only managed to post one shot on net in just under eighteen minutes of ice time. Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara did a phenomenal job contending the Caps leading goal scorer and if they bring that same effort to every game, there is no reason why the Bruins can’t take this series.

While they executed Operation: Shutdown Ovechkin, to a tee, their defense was slacking. They provided the Capitals with too many chances in the offensive zone throughout the third period, having issues clearing the puck. Thank the Lord Stanley that Tim Thomas was on his game last night.

Once the Bruins maintained possession of the puck, they did a fairly decent job of putting it where it belonged, outshooting the Capitals by a large margin and having seemingly high scoring opportunities. However, their downfall came from rebounding, or lack there of. I can only recall a handful of times where the surrounding forwards crashed the net. For a team like Boston, that has a lot of blue line or top of the key shooters, they need to remember to crash the net and bang in the rebounds. The majority of their goals come from deflections or rebounded shots. Perhaps the best opportunity of the night came from an opportunity between Chris Kelly and Benoit Pouliot, with Pouliot charging to the net as Kelly threw it in front.

If the Bruins are able to maintain control of the puck through the neutral zone and set up plays, their execution will be flawless. They need to get forwards like Milan Lucic set up in front and Shawn Thornton, bigger guys that can block the goaltenders view, in order to create more traffic.

As for the Capitals, I have to note that their first-game goaltender Holtby was spectacular. He ultimately kept the Capitals in the game last night, proving he deserved to be between the pipes. In my opinion, I say keep the youngster in net, he posed more threat to Boston and rattled them that he was so confident. However, this is the only props that I will give to the enemy. Well, that and their ability to kill a six minute penalty kill, because for a team that was ranked 25th in the League for their PK abilities, that’s pretty impressive. For more insight on this match-up you can head on over to VC Chillin‘, for a Washington Capitals perspective. You can applaud her efforts in trying to make the Capitals out to be a better team.

Grading the Bruins: A Cup A Bruin Style

(Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

Earlier this week CSNNE reporter Joe Haggerty wrote up an article grading each and every player on the Boston Bruins based on their performance in the regular season. He also posted a similar article last season, after the Bruins won the Cup.  The purpose of this post is much of the same, a comparison of notes if you will.  We are going to take an in-depth look at each and every player on the team and grade them based on season performance, as well as predict how they will be effective in the playoffs.

Beast of the Beasts: Benoit Pouliot

Benoit Pouliot is proving himself to be a valuable piece to the Bruins puzzle (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

This week we asked you, our readers, who you felt was worthy enough of carrying the title of Beast of the Beasts. You provided us with not one, but three possible players to choose from, Benoit Pouliot, Brian Rolston and Marty Turco.  Looking at the stat cards for the past week, we had to make the choice and go with forward Benoit Pouliot, although Brian Rolston came in a close second. As for Marty Turco, we can give him an honorable mention, based on his short time with the Bruins and the two wins that he did provide. It was a great run Marty and we thank you for your time and efforts. It’s been real.

Bruins Preview: Buffalo and the Playoffs

Milan Lucic and Benoit Pouliot (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

Today marks the sixth and final meeting between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins of the 2011-2012 regular season. The Bruins are looking to end their regular season on a positive note by coming up with a win today at home. The Bruins have won three out of the last five match ups between these two teams which has feuded into a conference rivalry, stemming from a hit Ryan Miller sustained from Milan Lucic in the month of November.

The defending Stanley Cup Champs are gearing up for their first round of the playoffs and getting into the general mindset that goes along with that, given the physical history between these two teams this season, this game should prove to be physical and definitely entertaining.

“It’s definitely dangerous when you play a team like that,” the B’s gritty forward said. “They have nothing to lose, and basically they’re just trying to be a spoiler. (Brad Marchand on focusing on the Sabres and not Game 1, via Bruins Official Site)

By the time tonight’s game starts the Bruins could have somewhat of an idea as to who they will be facing in the first round.  If the Senators win today or get at least a point against the Devils, they will be the team to beat out in the first round.  If they lose and the Capitals pick up a win against the New York Rangers, they will slide into the seventh spot and face the Bruins. The fate of the Bruins first round lies on the Senators’shoulders. (No pressure or anything) Personally, I would love to see the Senators lose and face the Capitals, it wouldn’t necessarily be ‘easier’ to beat them out of the first round, but it would be a lot better than battling it outwith the Senators like the Bruins have all year long.

However, if the first round opponent does in fact end up being Ottawa, Boston has won five out of six match ups this season against them, providing some confidence for the B’s. Especially with their 3-1 win over the Sens Thursday night without key players Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron and Tim Thomas. Granted every team excels in the playoffs as the mindset begins to change and the game becomes more physical, but to know you can beat a team with your best players missing, that’s definitely a plus.  While Tuukka Rask isn’t quite ready for post-season with his injury, Anton Khudobin proved that he is willing and able to step up and fill the shoes of the back-up goaltender as he posted 44 saves in Thursday’s 3-1 win.

“I thought he played phenomenal,” Seguin said of Khudobin, who had six previous games of NHL experience with Minnesota. “Early in the game he was great and made some big saves and he played a solid 60 minutes.”(via Bruins Official Site)

Tonight the Buffalo Sabres are going to be without defensemen Christian Ehrhoff (knee) and Tyler Myers (foot) and forward Matt Ellis (knee). For the Bruins it’s Tuukka Rask with his groin/abdomen injury, defenseman Johnny Boychuk  who is day-to-day with a sprained knee and Nathan Horton who is still out with a concussion.

The players to watch today for Boston are forwards Tyler Seguin, Milan Lucic and Benoit Pouliot. Seguin leads the team in scoring for the season and against the Sabres with 3 goals and 6 points.  Milan Lucic and Benoit Pouliot have both posted goals in consecutive games for the Bruins, Lucic notching his 26th of the season against the Sens and Pouliot with his 16th. David Krejci also has 3 goals and 6 assists in his last six games.

Tonight it is likely that Thomas will get the nod in net, otherwise he will have 9 or 10 days off in a row by the start of Game 1. It is also likely that Anton Khudobin will be the back-up rather than Turco, as today will be the last day he is a part of the Bruins organization.  Through five games with the Bruins he had a 2-3-0 record.

Tonight’s game is on NESN at 4pm EST or you can listen to it on 98.5 the Sports Hub.

Pummeled by Pittsburgh

Bruins lost to the Pittsburgh Penguin 5-3 in regulation Tuesday night at the TD Garden. (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

Last night the Boston Bruins took on the Pittsburgh Penguins for one of their last three games of the regular season. Coming off of a hard fought victory over the New York Rangers Sunday night, it was expected that the Bruins would be roaring and ready to go, with the mind set of playoff hockey. With an atmosphere mirroring what they can expect to see in the weeks to come from their home town crowd.

The two teams met up for their fourth and final time this season, Pittsburgh holding a 2-1 edge with Malkin scoring a goal and 3 assists for the Penguins, as Crosby had been out since their December 5th match-up with concussion-like symptoms.  The Bruins gave Marty Turco the nod in net with Providence call-up Anton Khudobin as the back up, giving veteran Tim Thomas, a days rest. It would mark Turco’s fifth game starting in net. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh would get on the board first with star Sidney Crosby snapping a shot past Turco, just 7:41 in.  Though there was a lot of back and forth action in the first, the Bruins didn’t show as much tempo and aggression as they had against the Rangers, the wear and tear showing in the way they carried themselves. The Penguins would go on to score again at 14:58 with Tyler Kennedy sneaking one just over the red line that Turco was unable to stop, and just as the period was about to end, good ole Benoit Pouliot crafted a nifty backhander on Johnson to cut the Pens lead to one.

As the second period began, the Bruins came out with the speed and aggression they lacked in the first, like a completely different team. Just 18 seconds in Milan Lucic sniped one top shelf on Johnson, tying the game at two.  Unfortunately, referees began to come into play as the aggression between the two teams rose, so did the penalties, resulting in a five on three advantage for the Penguins, providing them with two power play goals, giving them a 4-2 edge heading into the third period.

Being a typical Bruins fan, it was expected that the Bruins would come out of the locker room surging with energy, ready to wipe the ice with the Pens as Andrew Ference tried to build momentum at the end of the second by taking on James Neal in a lengthy bout. Sadly, this only lead to more heartbreak as Crosby went on to score another goal on Turco, only to be greeted with a Mike Milbury approved “Crosby Sucks” chant from the crowd.  The most exciting part of the third period came from the Lucic-Krejci-Peverley line as David Krejci threw the puck up ice to Lucic who threw a nice backhand, cross0ice pass to Rich Peverley, beating Johnson stick-side high. While there may not have been any fights in the third period, the physicality was still very much a factor as defenseman Johnny Boychuk went down hard to the ice and would need help getting back up off of a collision in the neutral zone.  For Pittsburgh it would be Joe Vitale who would get in the way of a Chara blast, taking the puck right to the face.

The Bruins lost to the Penguins 5-3 in regulation, by the two goals the referees gave to the Penguins in the second period with a five-on-three advantage, stemming from a bogus tripping call.  The Bruins provided a good effort against the Penguins, but didn’t play a full sixty from every player. There were shining moments that came few and far between that ended up hurting them in the end. While the Bergeron-Marchand-Seguin line had a few good opportunities, the Penguins shut them down with ease. As they head into the playoffs, they are going to need to find their legs and get a full, solid effort from all twenty guys on the ice. They are en route to Ottawa to take on the Senators with veterans Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara and Tim Thomas staying home, along with Johnny Boychuk who is getting an MRI on his left leg this afternoon, though thoughts remain hopeful for the defenseman. Lane MacDermid, Anton Khudobin and newcomer Torey Krug all get their chance in the spot light as Julien rests his key players for what is hoped to be a lengthy playoff run.

Beast of the Beasts: Brian Rolston

Brian Rolston (Photo Credit: Emma Harger/adventuresinpucking)

This week’s Beast of the Beasts, after much deliberation is forward Brian Rolston. Currently the 6′ 2″, 215lb right wing has points in his last six straight games.  He has registered 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points.

Since coming to Boston Rolston has posted three goals and ten assists in just 16 games played. Adding that to his statistics from the Islanders, he has 7 goals and 15 assists totaling 22 points in 65 games.

There is no doubt that the addition of Rolston has helped boost the morale of the third line, with line mates Chris Kelly and Benoit Pouliot having their fair share in the spot light as well. To say they have made or break the Bruins games as of late would be quite accurate.

“My line has put up some points the last couple games, and that’s a great thing. I think we have good chemistry as a line as well…Well Kells, he’s a player that plays in every dimension of the game,” Rolston said. “He’s great defensively, he can make things happen offensively – he’s a pleasure to play with. Benny I know a little bit about him and what he brings, he’s a tremendously talented kid and I just think we’re supporting each other well and we’re building a little bit of chemistry. But it’s a lot of fun to play with these two guys.”-Brian Rolston (via Bruins Official Site)

Bring on the Bolts

Seguin and the Bruins are ready to take on the Lightning in the fourth and final match up tonight (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

After being on the road for the past three games out West, the Bruins are ready to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at home. This is the fourth and final game between these two teams for the regular season, and are concluding the 23rd of 29 series. In the past five games the Bruins are 4-1-0, the most points gained in a five-game span since they went 4-1-0 from January 4 – January 12, 2012.

For the Lighting, players Vincent Lecavalier (hand), Nate Thompson (upper body) and Adam Hall (upper body) are listed day-to-day. While  Mattias Ohlund (knees), Dana Tyrell (knee), Marc-Andre Bergeron (back), Mathieu Garon (lower body) and Ryan Shannon (upper body) are out. For Boston Tuukka Rask(abdomen injury),Nathan Horton(concussion) and Marc Savard(concussion) are the only scratches.

The lines are expected to be the same tonight as fans saw in Sunday night’s game against the Ducks, with Tim Thomas expected in net instead of Turco.

“I think our approach seems to be a lot better…we’re skating, we’re competing and we’re battling…Still have work to do.”-Calude Julien (post practice via @NHLBruins)

Tonight the Bruins are going to have to come out strong againt the Lightning to avoid being outscored. The Lightning are a strong team and the Bruins are going to need fresh legs if they stand a chance. Although the Lightning are most likely going to be witnessing the playoffs from their television screens, they aren’t going out without a fight, winning five straight, coming off of a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Tonight’s players to watch are Brian Rolston who has a six-game point streak in progress with 3goals and 8assists for 11 points. Chris Kelly who has seven points in his last five games, Benoit Pouliot who  has 4 goals and 7assists in seven of his last nine games played, including 3goals and 5assists in five of his last six. You can also be on the lookout for captain Zdeno Chara who has 3 goals in his last four games.

Tonight’s game is on NESN at 7:30pm EST.

Duck Hunting in Anaheim

Turco picked up his first win as a Bruin (Credit: Kasey Spatz/ Flickr)

Tonight marked the return Rich Peverley and the end of the Boston Bruins west coast roadie. I love when the Bruins play the Anaheim Ducks because The Mighty Ducks is my favorite movie and as everyone knows the Ducks were named off of the movie. So it’s always like my two favorite things are colliding. Anyway, Marty Turco got his second start of the season for the B’s and Tim Thomas got a well needed nap. In the Ducks end Jonas Hiller was the starting goaltender. This matchup was the 24^th time the two teams have meet with the B’s having an 11-10-2-0 record. With Peverley in, that meant another forward was out and that was Daniel Paille. Joe Corvo was also scratched for the 5^th straight game.

First period was uneventful. I say this meaning no goal, no fights, and no blood. The good was that Turco made it longer than 4 minutes in net without giving up a goal. But like I said it came and went.

15:23 in the second  period (yes we had to wait that long for a goal), oh captain my captain Zdeno Chara notches his 12^th goal of the season. One minute and 22 seconds later, Benoit Pouliot scores his 50^th career goal and just like that the B’s are up by two. Back to back goals are something the team capitalized on in the beginning of the season so I’m taking this as a good sign. Four minutes later at 10:49 Teemu Selanne takes advantage of a Adam McQuaid  holding penalty and scores on Turco.

12:38 to go in the third Matt Beleskey got a shot past Turco but because there was a man in the crease the B’s dodged a bullet and held onto the lead. Initially, I thought it was a goal and clearly so did the Ducks coach because he was pouty to no end after this goal was called off. Rule 69.3 aka the contact inside the goal crease is what essentially got the goal ruled off.

With less than seven minutes to go Brian Rolston off a beautiful play by Pouliot. The Chris Kelly, Rolston, Pouliot line is on fire right now with Rolston is now on 6 game point streak. 2:26 remaining Lubomir Visnovsky cut the Bruins lead to just one goal and with that Hiller is pulled and the Ducks have an open net.

The B’s pick up the 3-2 win and Turco picks up his first win as a Bruin and his first win in 408 days. Bruins beat the Ducks for the first time in Anaheim since 2003 and take two out of three games in the west coast trip. The team is off tomorrow and will return home to the TD Garden on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.