It's ok to be disappointed, B's fans. But don't go crazy.

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So the Bruins allowed the NHL trading deadline to pass without making a splash. Let's not go crazy. No one did.

Sure, it's ok to be a little disappointed. After all, the team that scored the fewest goals in the NHL to this point this season did nothing to improve its abilities in that area.

But there are a couple of things to consider. First is the fact that the Bruins are right up against the cap. The trades they did make opened up a couple million dollars, but the Bruins were in the exact same position as pretty much every other team in the league in terms of wiggle room financially. No team really made a big deal because no team looking to make a deal had the cap room to take on a large contract. The Bruins were no different.

The second thing is in regards to what the Bruins actually had to offer another team. If you were a general manager trying to strike a deal with the Bruins, if you look at the assets on the team that could be acquired, who would you want? Michael Ryder? No. You would be looking at the first-round draft picks.

And you know what? I don't blame Peter Chiarelli for not selling the farm. I wouldn't, either. I don't doubt he tried, but the only carrot that really looked appealing to anyone else is the one that both he or I would be unwilling to give up.

The Bruins are what they are this year and Chiarelli can be blamed for that. But he also realized that because they are what they are, one player is not going to make that much of a difference and certainly isn't worth such a valuable asset as two first-round picks. In reality, the Bruins are not devoid of talent. They are devoid of healthy talent. Through how many games have the lines that were projected at the beginning of the season actually played together? Not nearly enough. And now with Bergeron expected to be out, there will be more shifting.

It's very possible the shifting lines will continue all season and as a result, we will have to endure the punchless B's. But the sacrifice now is being made for the future good of the team. I understand it. Everyone else should, too.

NFL Free Agency begins tonight

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

In case you didn't know, or even realize, the 2010 NFL Free Agency period begins tonight at 12:01 AM. Personally, I am very excited, and intrigued, how free agency will shake out this year with an uncapped season. If you follow this blog, than you know that I am a Patriots fan.

I have very mixed feelings on how the Patriots will operate this off season. It looks certain Logan Mankins will be back now that he was assigned the 1st & 3rd round tender. With that being said, the biggest move they need to make is signing Vince Wilfork to a long term deal.

They have three 2nd round picks this year, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign a restricted free agent, and surrender one of those picks. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a trade for a wide receiver like Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots decide to retain most of their own free agents, sign Tom Brady to an extension, and not make a huge splash in free agency. Of course, I could wake up tomorrow and the Pats could have signed Julius Peppers and traded for Greg Olson. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.