By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Those darn Boston Bruins better not choke.
Is there really any excuse in the world to justify why they squandered a 3-0 series lead to the Philadelphia Flyers, if they lose Game 7 tonight?
No way.
You don't lose four straight games and get a free pass. Especially not in Boston.
Boston fans are already drawing comparisions to this potential choke job to the Yankees vs. the Red Sox in the playoffs years ago.
I'm not going there, however.
But it's rather mind-boggling to me why they haven't closed out the series yet.
Well, when you have your foot on someone's throat, you better step on it even more to deliver the TKO. If not, well, you see what happens.
I know the injuries have piled up on the Bruins, in particular David Krejci's season-ender is a complete killer.
But this is a T-E-A-M, and no one man should hold the key to winning and losing.
So, it's time for the Bruins to man up, play as one, put on a show for the Boston fans, and finally put the Flyers out to pasture.
If not, there's going to be some major problems in Boston tonight.
Showing posts with label Bruins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bruins. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Bruins about to get their Savy back
By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Fans saw the best sight they had seen in a while this week when they saw reports from Bruins practice of Marc Savard on skates.
Now, they have another reason to have hope.
Marc Savard got on the plane headed for Atlanta as the Bruins head on the road for two big road games against the Thrashers and Sabers.
Savard has not actually practiced with the team, so it's not likely he'll play in either of these games, but the fact that he's making the trip, presumably to skate with the team and get caught up, is a more than encouraging sign.
Savard is one of the most underrated playmakers in the National Hockey League and was the team leader in assists, points and power play points. The Bruins have been absolutely punchless since the injuries to Savard and fellow top liner Milan Lucic. In the month of November thus far, the Bruins have a 2-6 record, posting a paltry 1.75 goals per game average. They were shut out for back-to-back games and three times this month.
Probably the worst part of the Bruins' game has been the power play. They rank dead last in the league in goals on the man advantage, despite being in the top 5 in the league in shots taken on the power play. At no time was did the unit look more disfunctional than when it failed to convert a 5-on-3 advantage that they held for almost a full two minutes against the Islanders on Monday.
Savard has been the quarterback of that unit and his uncanny abilities on the man advantage helped lead the Bruins to the fourth-best power play in the league, which makes the struggles this year look that much worse.
To have the biggest catalyst the team has return later this month will be a huge boost. But it's not all roses for the Bruins. Lucic was actually expected to return from his finger injury and play either Thursday or Friday, but he didn't even make the trip.
The loss of Lucic put a major hurting on the Bruins' style of hockey, which is to put a hurting on it's opponents. His return is also vital to the success of the Bruins, but not to the same extent that Savard's is. He's skating, he's traveling, he's probably going to practice. So when exactly can we expect to see Savard playing savior? Hopefully soon.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Fans saw the best sight they had seen in a while this week when they saw reports from Bruins practice of Marc Savard on skates.
Now, they have another reason to have hope.
Marc Savard got on the plane headed for Atlanta as the Bruins head on the road for two big road games against the Thrashers and Sabers.
Savard has not actually practiced with the team, so it's not likely he'll play in either of these games, but the fact that he's making the trip, presumably to skate with the team and get caught up, is a more than encouraging sign.
Savard is one of the most underrated playmakers in the National Hockey League and was the team leader in assists, points and power play points. The Bruins have been absolutely punchless since the injuries to Savard and fellow top liner Milan Lucic. In the month of November thus far, the Bruins have a 2-6 record, posting a paltry 1.75 goals per game average. They were shut out for back-to-back games and three times this month.
Probably the worst part of the Bruins' game has been the power play. They rank dead last in the league in goals on the man advantage, despite being in the top 5 in the league in shots taken on the power play. At no time was did the unit look more disfunctional than when it failed to convert a 5-on-3 advantage that they held for almost a full two minutes against the Islanders on Monday.
Savard has been the quarterback of that unit and his uncanny abilities on the man advantage helped lead the Bruins to the fourth-best power play in the league, which makes the struggles this year look that much worse.
To have the biggest catalyst the team has return later this month will be a huge boost. But it's not all roses for the Bruins. Lucic was actually expected to return from his finger injury and play either Thursday or Friday, but he didn't even make the trip.
The loss of Lucic put a major hurting on the Bruins' style of hockey, which is to put a hurting on it's opponents. His return is also vital to the success of the Bruins, but not to the same extent that Savard's is. He's skating, he's traveling, he's probably going to practice. So when exactly can we expect to see Savard playing savior? Hopefully soon.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Kids Are Alright
By Rick Eggleston
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, that’s more like it.
Just when you thought Tom Brady had lost his Midas touch throwing the football, along came Sunday’s game with the hapless, hopeless, downright pathetic Tennessee Titans. Ah yes, there’s nothing that a good old-fashioned ass whooping (in a snowstorm no less) on an inferior team can’t fix.
With his record five passing touchdowns in the second quarter, including two in a row to Randy Moss, Brady and the Pats flashed back to 2007 for a few hours on Sunday and it felt good. The 59-0 shelling also provided a certain reassurance that Brady can still throw the football with accuracy, power and purpose. Reports of Brady’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The Titans, on the other hand, head into their bye week having reached rock bottom. How virtually the same team from a year ago in which they started the season 10-0 returns to start this season 0-6, isn’t exactly clear. While injuries have been a factor, every team has them and is forced to make due. The Patriots have so far, as evidenced Sunday when Sammy Morris — starting in place of injured starting running back Fred Taylor — left the game with a wrenched knee and saw Laurence Maroney answer the bell. New England’s defense has done the same, battling through early-season injuries.
It may come down to bad karma for the Titans, who are cursed, as one Steelers fan suggested on a newspaper team forum site. “The Curse of Terrible Towel,” wrote Ivan the Terrible of Wallingford, Pa., has gripped the Titans since, “LenDale White and friends stomped on the Terrible Towel last season,” following their 31-14 blowout of the Steelers in Week 16. Turns out that’s the last time the Titans won a game, as they went on to lose their season finale and were bounced in the divisional round of the playoffs by the Ravens. The Steelers, meanwhile, went on to win the Super Bowl.
Scuffling Bruins Shake Things Up
Taking a page from the Patriots’ playbook, the Bruins showed Monday that they aren’t about to accept complacency and half-assed efforts when they sent $2.3 million right winger Chuck Kobasew packing to Minnesota.
As surprising as the move is, so too is the Bruins’ lackluster 3-4-0 start. After NHL schedule makers seemingly gift-wrapped the Bruins what should’ve been a 5-0 start by having them open their season with five straight home games — something that almost never happens these days, let alone to the Bruins, who have virtually started every previous season on the road due to the circus’ annual visit to town — the B’s squandered it by going 2-3.
The main contributor to the B’s slow start has been their lack of effort and intensity on offense, where Kobasew had just one assist through the first seven games. Something — and somebody — had to give, and Kobasew is the wake-up call the Bruins so desperately need. While Kobasew’s teammates were surprised by the move, they understand it’s a business and the business is to win hockey games. Whether Kobasew’s — who netted 21 goals last season — abrupt departure helps or ultimately hurts in that goal, of course, remains to be seen.
Just ask Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas, who was put on notice and the bench by coach Bill Belichick prior to Sunday’s game with Tennessee. While Thomas, a two-time Pro-Bowler, doesn’t appear to be injured nor would Belichick come out and say during his Monday media briefing it was a performance issue with Thomas, trade winds are blowing. Rams running back Steven Jackson would look pretty good in a Patriots throwback.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, that’s more like it.
Just when you thought Tom Brady had lost his Midas touch throwing the football, along came Sunday’s game with the hapless, hopeless, downright pathetic Tennessee Titans. Ah yes, there’s nothing that a good old-fashioned ass whooping (in a snowstorm no less) on an inferior team can’t fix.
With his record five passing touchdowns in the second quarter, including two in a row to Randy Moss, Brady and the Pats flashed back to 2007 for a few hours on Sunday and it felt good. The 59-0 shelling also provided a certain reassurance that Brady can still throw the football with accuracy, power and purpose. Reports of Brady’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The Titans, on the other hand, head into their bye week having reached rock bottom. How virtually the same team from a year ago in which they started the season 10-0 returns to start this season 0-6, isn’t exactly clear. While injuries have been a factor, every team has them and is forced to make due. The Patriots have so far, as evidenced Sunday when Sammy Morris — starting in place of injured starting running back Fred Taylor — left the game with a wrenched knee and saw Laurence Maroney answer the bell. New England’s defense has done the same, battling through early-season injuries.
It may come down to bad karma for the Titans, who are cursed, as one Steelers fan suggested on a newspaper team forum site. “The Curse of Terrible Towel,” wrote Ivan the Terrible of Wallingford, Pa., has gripped the Titans since, “LenDale White and friends stomped on the Terrible Towel last season,” following their 31-14 blowout of the Steelers in Week 16. Turns out that’s the last time the Titans won a game, as they went on to lose their season finale and were bounced in the divisional round of the playoffs by the Ravens. The Steelers, meanwhile, went on to win the Super Bowl.
Scuffling Bruins Shake Things Up
Taking a page from the Patriots’ playbook, the Bruins showed Monday that they aren’t about to accept complacency and half-assed efforts when they sent $2.3 million right winger Chuck Kobasew packing to Minnesota.
As surprising as the move is, so too is the Bruins’ lackluster 3-4-0 start. After NHL schedule makers seemingly gift-wrapped the Bruins what should’ve been a 5-0 start by having them open their season with five straight home games — something that almost never happens these days, let alone to the Bruins, who have virtually started every previous season on the road due to the circus’ annual visit to town — the B’s squandered it by going 2-3.
The main contributor to the B’s slow start has been their lack of effort and intensity on offense, where Kobasew had just one assist through the first seven games. Something — and somebody — had to give, and Kobasew is the wake-up call the Bruins so desperately need. While Kobasew’s teammates were surprised by the move, they understand it’s a business and the business is to win hockey games. Whether Kobasew’s — who netted 21 goals last season — abrupt departure helps or ultimately hurts in that goal, of course, remains to be seen.
Just ask Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas, who was put on notice and the bench by coach Bill Belichick prior to Sunday’s game with Tennessee. While Thomas, a two-time Pro-Bowler, doesn’t appear to be injured nor would Belichick come out and say during his Monday media briefing it was a performance issue with Thomas, trade winds are blowing. Rams running back Steven Jackson would look pretty good in a Patriots throwback.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Big Bad Bruins Are Back
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Bruins played the Carolina Hurricanes last night for the first time since the Canes knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Both were coming off disappointing first game losses and looking to rebound.
Right from the drop of the puck the B's came out flying. Just four minutes into the game Marc Savard scooped up a rebound and put it past Cam Ward to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
News and Notes
It was the first time the Bruins had seven different goal scorers in a game since Jan. 18, 2003.
The Bruins had 21 shots in first period which was more than all three periods of the opener, 20 shots.
The Bruins honored longtime broadcaster Fred Cusick, who passed away on September 15th at the age of 90. Cusick was the Bruins' Radio broadcaster from 1952-1970 and TV broadcaster from 1971-1997. During the first media timeout of the second period, the TV booth was dedicated at the "Fred Cusick Broadcast Booth." His trademark “Scoooore!” still gives me chills.
Who's next?
After 2 games in 3 nights the B's don't play until Thursday. The Anaheim Ducks visit the Garden for their only appearance in Boston this season.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Bruins played the Carolina Hurricanes last night for the first time since the Canes knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Both were coming off disappointing first game losses and looking to rebound.
Right from the drop of the puck the B's came out flying. Just four minutes into the game Marc Savard scooped up a rebound and put it past Cam Ward to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
The Bruins kept the pressure up and eight minutes later scored again after Zdeno Chara took a shot from the point that Cam Ward kicked out and was put right back in by Michael Ryder making it 2-0 Bruins. It would take just 38 seconds for the Bruins to put in another one as Black Wheeler deflected one past Ward. The play would be reviewed and it showed that the puck did go off Wheeler's skate, but he had not kicked it so the goal stood.
The second period started out just like the first with the Bruins keeping the pressure on, but Carolina also got some of their own pressure. Then with a little less than ten minutes gone in the period Marco Sturm got his first of the year and his first since returning from an injury that kept him out of almost all of last year.
Just two minutes later the Bruins scored again. This time it was Dennis Wideman making it 5-0 and the third pp goal of the game for the B's. With the Bruins in total control they seemed to get off their game a bit and Carolina got their first goal of the game as Scott Walker deflected a shot pat Thomas which was eerily similar to his game winner in last year's Game 7.
That goal seemed to spark the Bruins who once again got the pressure back on Carolina and scored again as Shawn Thornton put a quick one past Michael Leighton who had replaced Cam Ward.
With the game well in hand you knew things were going to get out of hand very soon. Then it happened. With under a minute left in the period Milan Lucic checked Jay Harrison into the boards and Harrison decided he wanted to go with Lucic. It was a great fight with both landing punches, but Lucic landed the better as he opened Harrison up pretty good.
The very next play Andrew Alberts hit Marco Sturm into the boards up a little high, Sturm had sustained head injury last year and Savard took offense to this as he went right over to Alberts and started to throw a few punches although Savard still had his gloves on. Then everyone jumped in and pretty soon there was four guys in each penalty box.
The Bruins would get the final goal of the game as Matt Hunwick got his first of the season making it 7-2. The game had one more scrum as Shawn Thornton fought Andrew Alberts with Thornton getting the best of the punches in.News and Notes
It was the first time the Bruins had seven different goal scorers in a game since Jan. 18, 2003.
The Bruins had 21 shots in first period which was more than all three periods of the opener, 20 shots.
The Bruins honored longtime broadcaster Fred Cusick, who passed away on September 15th at the age of 90. Cusick was the Bruins' Radio broadcaster from 1952-1970 and TV broadcaster from 1971-1997. During the first media timeout of the second period, the TV booth was dedicated at the "Fred Cusick Broadcast Booth." His trademark “Scoooore!” still gives me chills.
Who's next?
After 2 games in 3 nights the B's don't play until Thursday. The Anaheim Ducks visit the Garden for their only appearance in Boston this season.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
There was a Bruins Game on Thursday?
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Apparently Thursday night's opener at the TD Garden was unbearable to watch. Luckily for myself and all other Directv subscribers the game was televised on (Comcast owned) Versus Network. For now, Directv does not air the Versus Network.
Comcast and Versus are currently engaged in a noisy publicity campaign to distract attention from the fact that they are trying to take advantage of Directv and customers like myself. Directv has posted this message on their website.
Comcast is coming of as very hypercritical. The NFL Network and Comcast had been in a battle for nearly 3 years until an agreement came this past May. Before a deal was struck Comcast wanted the NFL Network on a higher tiered level so it could charge the customer a higher price. Of course, the NFL was not willing to compromise on this stipulation as this would bring down the amount of possible viewers.
Now that Comcast has a Network, and I use the term loosely, that it can distribute it is choosing to bend Directv and its customers over. Comcast has always been angry that Directv has exclusive rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket and this is just one way they can get back at Directv. I'm sure the NHL wishes it had a real TV deal with a real sports network, ESPN for example. Although this goes along everything the NHL has done this decade.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Apparently Thursday night's opener at the TD Garden was unbearable to watch. Luckily for myself and all other Directv subscribers the game was televised on (Comcast owned) Versus Network. For now, Directv does not air the Versus Network.
Comcast and Versus are currently engaged in a noisy publicity campaign to distract attention from the fact that they are trying to take advantage of Directv and customers like myself. Directv has posted this message on their website.
Unfortunately, Versus is no longer available on DIRECTV. Comcast, the largest cable company in the U.S. and our largest competitor, owns the channel and has forced us to pull it down. Here is the situation.
DIRECTV was already paying Comcast more than any other non-Comcast distributor to air Versus — and now Comcast is demanding an overall rate hike of 20% on top of that. Comcast also forces DIRECTV to make Versus available to a much larger portion of our customer base at our own expense than they require from other TV providers — most notably, DISH Network. We simply cannot accept these unfair and outrageous terms. All we're asking from Comcast is equal treatment.
Comcast is coming of as very hypercritical. The NFL Network and Comcast had been in a battle for nearly 3 years until an agreement came this past May. Before a deal was struck Comcast wanted the NFL Network on a higher tiered level so it could charge the customer a higher price. Of course, the NFL was not willing to compromise on this stipulation as this would bring down the amount of possible viewers.
Now that Comcast has a Network, and I use the term loosely, that it can distribute it is choosing to bend Directv and its customers over. Comcast has always been angry that Directv has exclusive rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket and this is just one way they can get back at Directv. I'm sure the NHL wishes it had a real TV deal with a real sports network, ESPN for example. Although this goes along everything the NHL has done this decade.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Bruins are Back! Season Preview
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
After a long off-season the Bruins finally return to the ice tonight to start the long road to redemption after a disappointing 2009 playoffs. The playoffs ended at the hand of the Carolina Hurricanes in game 7 overtime loss on home ice. This year Boston will need more consistency offensively and less injuries to jump to the next level in the NHL.
This off-season Peter Chiarelli traded away Boston's best offensive threat and goal scorer, Phil Kessel. With the long-term signing of Tim Thomas, 4 years $20 million, the Bruins handcuffed themselves and had to choose between the younger more dynamic Kessel or the cheaper and possible one year wonder David Krejci. Now, the B's have no proven goal scorer but are hoping that if Krejci comes back at full strength after off-season surgery, he will become the sniper he showed he could be last season.
Marco Sturm is also coming back off injury. Sturm missed most of the 08-09 season, playing in only 19 games, ending his season in January with knee surgery. The Bruins better hope he can return with 25 - 30 goals to make up for some of the 36 goals Kessel scored last year.
Another "if" for Boston is Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron is trying to come back from multiple concussions which has limited his ice time and effectiveness over the past 2 years. The good news is that Patrice showed great intensity in the 09 playoffs that hadn't been there since before the concussions.
The emergence of 21 year old Milan Lucic in the playoffs gave the Bruins fans a look into the past. Lucic was given high praise from all of New England with comparisons to Cam Neely. His hard-hitting, front of the net play and willingness to drop the gloves have fans remembering back to the late 80's and early 90's to when Neely ruled the garden ice. Those are big skates to fill but he does have the size and strength to do it, as long as he can stay healthy. Atleast the "gutless puke" Ulf Samuelsson isn't still playing to derail Lucic from his career like he did to Neely. Lucic was dominant in the playoffs leading his team in plus minus with a +12; the closest teammate had a +7, the departed Kessel. If Lucic's game does progress it should makeup some of the loss of Kessel.
There is one more "if" for the Bruins this season, goaltending. With $8.2 million of the possible $44.8 million given to Thomas and rookie Tukka Rask the goaltending better be a mirror image of last year. Thomas will need to again be a candidate for the Vezina in order for this team to succeed.
The good news for the goalies is that most of the stout defensive lineup were retained from last year, plus in my opinion an upgrade from Aaron Ward to Derek Morris. Morris is a bit younger and can move the puck better in the defensive zone than Ward.
There's no doubt in my mind that the Bruins will make the playoffs, there's just too much talent on the team. The question is what will they do when they get there. The difference will be the "ifs". These "ifs" could change the outcome of a Game 7 overtime loss that propels you into the next round or could send you home packing in the first round.
*Check out the weekly Bruins Blog every Wednesday, plus catch game recaps the day after a game with news and notes.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
After a long off-season the Bruins finally return to the ice tonight to start the long road to redemption after a disappointing 2009 playoffs. The playoffs ended at the hand of the Carolina Hurricanes in game 7 overtime loss on home ice. This year Boston will need more consistency offensively and less injuries to jump to the next level in the NHL.
This off-season Peter Chiarelli traded away Boston's best offensive threat and goal scorer, Phil Kessel. With the long-term signing of Tim Thomas, 4 years $20 million, the Bruins handcuffed themselves and had to choose between the younger more dynamic Kessel or the cheaper and possible one year wonder David Krejci. Now, the B's have no proven goal scorer but are hoping that if Krejci comes back at full strength after off-season surgery, he will become the sniper he showed he could be last season.
Marco Sturm is also coming back off injury. Sturm missed most of the 08-09 season, playing in only 19 games, ending his season in January with knee surgery. The Bruins better hope he can return with 25 - 30 goals to make up for some of the 36 goals Kessel scored last year.
Another "if" for Boston is Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron is trying to come back from multiple concussions which has limited his ice time and effectiveness over the past 2 years. The good news is that Patrice showed great intensity in the 09 playoffs that hadn't been there since before the concussions.
The emergence of 21 year old Milan Lucic in the playoffs gave the Bruins fans a look into the past. Lucic was given high praise from all of New England with comparisons to Cam Neely. His hard-hitting, front of the net play and willingness to drop the gloves have fans remembering back to the late 80's and early 90's to when Neely ruled the garden ice. Those are big skates to fill but he does have the size and strength to do it, as long as he can stay healthy. Atleast the "gutless puke" Ulf Samuelsson isn't still playing to derail Lucic from his career like he did to Neely. Lucic was dominant in the playoffs leading his team in plus minus with a +12; the closest teammate had a +7, the departed Kessel. If Lucic's game does progress it should makeup some of the loss of Kessel.
There is one more "if" for the Bruins this season, goaltending. With $8.2 million of the possible $44.8 million given to Thomas and rookie Tukka Rask the goaltending better be a mirror image of last year. Thomas will need to again be a candidate for the Vezina in order for this team to succeed.
The good news for the goalies is that most of the stout defensive lineup were retained from last year, plus in my opinion an upgrade from Aaron Ward to Derek Morris. Morris is a bit younger and can move the puck better in the defensive zone than Ward.
There's no doubt in my mind that the Bruins will make the playoffs, there's just too much talent on the team. The question is what will they do when they get there. The difference will be the "ifs". These "ifs" could change the outcome of a Game 7 overtime loss that propels you into the next round or could send you home packing in the first round.
*Check out the weekly Bruins Blog every Wednesday, plus catch game recaps the day after a game with news and notes.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
No defense, no Bruins jersey for Kessel
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
There goes a great young player and scorer.
Phil Kessel, 21, was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for two first-round picks (2010, 2011) and a second-rounder in 2010.
Kessel then immediately signed a 5-year, $27 million dollar contract with the Leafs.
So who got the better deal?
Well, obviously, right now, the Leafs. They got a proven scorer that potted 36 goals with 24 assists last season. Plus he's so young at 21 with tremendous upside.
But you know the Bruins weren't going to pay him over $5 million a season. Can you really blame them?
Granted, I love Kessel's speed and scoring ability, but the one knock on him is he doesn't play very big, he's not real physical and he doesn't like to play defense. You could say he's all offense and no defense.
Well, in coach Claude Julien's system, you must play defense and Kessel didn't buy into that philosophy.
So, in the end, he had to go.
Can't argue with getting two first-rounders, but who knows what the Bruins will get with those picks. Plus, the Bruins didn't handcuff themselves financially, and that's not always a bad thing. Kessel will have a tremendous career, but it won't be for the Boston Bruins.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Hockey Season is Here!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
It absolutely amazes me that hockey season has already arrived. The Bruins have already started camp, and pre-season games, and the college hockey season starts in just a few weeks. I, for one, am really looking forward to it. It's still a bit early to start focusing on the college scene, but I do want to touch on a few things about the Bruins.
1. What are the B's going to do with Phil Kessel? If you believe the rumors, it looks like he's headed to Toronto for 2 first round picks and a third rounder. As much as I'd like to keep Kessel in Boston, I seriously doubt it'll happen. Kessel wants too much money, and the Bruins don't have the room under the cap. Kessel, 21, should have taken the deal the Bruins offered him that was similar to the one David Kreiji signed. According to reports, Kessel was insulted by the offer. I would hate to lose a proven goal scorer like Kessel, especially since he's so young, but if he maintains his current position, the Bruins need to deal him and get the most they can. While Kessel is a better pure scorer than Kreiji, he's not nearly the total package of Kreiji. David Kreiji is a good scorer, a better play maker, and actually plays two-way hockey.
2. How much playing time should Tuuka Rask get this season? It's pretty apparent Rask will be the backup to Tim Thomas. If you've read any of my Bruins coverage, you know I'm not the biggest Tim Thomas fan. While he proved he can be a #1 goalie, I still think he needs enough rest throughout the season. That's why I think Tuuka Rask should play a minimum of 20 games this season. Despite signing Thomas for a 4 year extension last year, Rask is still the goalie of the future for this team.
That's it for right now. More to come as the pre-season moves on.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thomas proves he's still a backup at heart
By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
There can be no doubt about it - the better goalie won the trip to the Eastern Conference semis and a date with the Penguins.Put aside save percentages. Forget the goals against average. When it came right down to it in Game 7, Cam Ward was a rock while Tim Thomas had Bruins fans pulling out their hair all night.
It all came to a bitter end with a terrific play by Scott Walker, but that was only made possible by a terrible play by Thomas on a routine shot that hit him right in the B on his sweater. Instead of smothering the puck, Thomas was unable to gather it and Walker smacked it out of the air and into the net.
But long before this, Thomas was making everything an adventure, showing the same inability to control the puck he has displayed the entire season. Long rebound after long rebound gave Carolina chances that had a better team been opposing the Bruins, this one could have turned into a laugher very quickly.
So now the question is raised - is Tim Thomas as good as New England seems to think he is or was his success this season the product of a much-improved defense?
The latter most certainly is the case. Fundamentally, Thomas is one of the most frustrating goalies to watch at any level. NESN should run a disclaimer on the bottom of the screen warning those with pacemakers and serious heart or anxiety disorders to watch at their own risk. On top of his inability to control the puck, Thomas makes things look harder than it really should be. Like Rey Ordonez used to do at shortstop for the Mets, Thomas makes easy plays into adventures and then is heralded as a great, athletic goaltender. However, more often than not, his sprawling saves are nothing but a byproduct of poor positioning or an inability to read a rush. A half-step slower and Thomas would be the second-worst goaltender in the AHL.
Thomas is a grinder. He's tough as nails and this doesn't mean he hasn't done great things this season, but make no mistake - he's a backup performing a starter's duties.
The Hurricanes deserved to win the series!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Yes, that's right the Carolina Hurricanes should be the team moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals. They outplayed, out shot, and out hit the Boston Bruins throughout the seven games series. The Boston Bruins should be ashamed of themselves. They were supposed to be the better team, and they were supposed to have more depth on offense. Both showed to be false throughout the series.
The worst part of all was seeing Scott Walker score the game winner in overtime of Game 7. I haven't felt that sick to my stomach over a sports loss since the Patriots lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl. I still maintain that Colin Campbell should have suspended Walker for the remainder of the series, much less one game, so it feels like a total slap in the face to see him clinch the series for the Canes.
I guess there's not much else to say other than the Bruins blew it. This was supposed to be the year they get back to the Cup finals. Now the season just seems to be an utter disappointment. The Bruins front office has a tough off season ahead of them with a couple of major decisions to make. I am sick and tired of being let down by this organization year after year. Unfortunately for me, I'll be right back in front of the television come the Fall.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
History is not on the Bruins side
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Boston Bruins have been down 3 games to 1 in 21 playoff series in their long and storied history. Unfortunately, the B's have lost every single one of those series. Not a very good omen for the Bruins as they enter Game 7 on Thursday night.
Fortunately, the Bruins will be playing on their home ice in front of 18,000 rabid fans. The TD Banknorth Garden will be rocking like the old Boston Garden tomorrow night, and I expect the B's to play 2009 Bruins hockey and take the series. Tim Thomas has been exceptional in each of the past two games. He withstood a barrage of shots and pressure from the Canes' during last nights' third period. With an ailing defense, Thomas will need to do more of the same tomorrow night in what should be a thrilling hockey game.
While I expect the Bruins to win, I don't think Carolina will go down quietly. The Canes did not give up after going down 4-1 in Game 6, but continued to work hard and pelt shots at Thomas. Two of the keys to last nights' game was their penalty kill and discipline. They'll need both to win Game 7, especially discipline. I would, however, like to see the Bruins take care of Scott Walker towards the end of the game if they have a comfortable lead.
I guess we'll just have to wait for tomorrow night to see if history repeats itself. I don't think it will!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Bruins Take Control of Series
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
After two periods the B's lead the Canes 4-1. Boston dominated the 1 on 1 battles which created great scoring chances and costly penalties for Carolina. The Hurricanes looked more like the Canadiens a series ago taking bad penalties and making bad decisions with the puck. Boston kept their composure and continued playing their game, securing a 4-2 win forcing game 7 back in Beantown. If the Bruins can start game 7 like they did in game 6 then Carolina won't have a chance.
The keys to the game were team defense and great goaltending from Thomas. The forwards were the reason the defense played so well. Every time there seemed to be a 3 on 2 opportunity for the Canes a forward would get back to cover one of the men breaking in the zone. Tim Thomas was my player of the game with 31 saves. Thomas was on his game last night with multiple dramatic saves, some looked very unorthodox lunging forward to stop the puck but he got the job done.
I have a feeling that the clicker will be getting a lot of use around New England tomorrow night with two elimination games on at the same time. Well not the same time but close enough, Celtics to start at 7(TNT so closer to 7:30) and the Bruins at 8 or a little after. What will you be watching?
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
After two periods the B's lead the Canes 4-1. Boston dominated the 1 on 1 battles which created great scoring chances and costly penalties for Carolina. The Hurricanes looked more like the Canadiens a series ago taking bad penalties and making bad decisions with the puck. Boston kept their composure and continued playing their game, securing a 4-2 win forcing game 7 back in Beantown. If the Bruins can start game 7 like they did in game 6 then Carolina won't have a chance.
The keys to the game were team defense and great goaltending from Thomas. The forwards were the reason the defense played so well. Every time there seemed to be a 3 on 2 opportunity for the Canes a forward would get back to cover one of the men breaking in the zone. Tim Thomas was my player of the game with 31 saves. Thomas was on his game last night with multiple dramatic saves, some looked very unorthodox lunging forward to stop the puck but he got the job done.
I have a feeling that the clicker will be getting a lot of use around New England tomorrow night with two elimination games on at the same time. Well not the same time but close enough, Celtics to start at 7(TNT so closer to 7:30) and the Bruins at 8 or a little after. What will you be watching?
Aaron Ward is a Tough Son of a...!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
You know what I like best about hockey players? They literally get their face punched in and play the next game. It's amazing really? Reports have Aaron Ward with either a contusion or a fractured orbital bone. Either way, it shows extreme toughness and grit to get on the ice tonight, and that is why he's one of my favorite Bruins.
I first started to notice Ward through his weekly appearance on WBCN's morning show, Toucher & Rich, and he won me over with his honesty about the game. It's also nice to see a professional athlete who can laugh at himself as well. I am also a fan of his because he's my type of player. He's a tough veteran with a ton of playoff experience and 3 Stanley Cup rings with the Red Wings (2) and Hurricanes (1). I also happen to be a big fan of right handed defenseman. I guess it's because I was right handed and defense is my favorite position.
Yes, I know I sound like a complete suck up right now, but I don't care. He has to be a bit crazy to get on the ice without a shield, or cage, tonight. Hopefully he won't suffer any effects of that hit and the Bruins bring the series back to Boston for Game 7.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Bruins Back in the Series!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Boston Bruins Game 5 performance was a B's fan dream. The Bruins got a great game from goalie Tim Thomas, strong defense throughout and the return of a physical, aggressive offense. The Bruins finally got back to what they did during the regular season. Tim Thomas played extremely well. The defense was in position to deal with rebounds and not let the Canes get second scoring chances. Phil Kessel and Marc Savard finally played well together during this series, and David Krejci was all over the place creating scoring chances. The most important part of the night was the B's penalty kill. They played much better a man down, and never allowed Carolina to get their power play rolling as they had in game 4.
Over the weekend several Bruins players mentioned they needed to manufacture aggression and hatred towards the Hurricanes. They successfully did that Sunday night, but by the end of the game, real hatred had been created. First Jussi Jokinen gave Zdeno Chara a vicious slash to his ankle while the referees weren't looking. Down went Chara towards the end of the 2nd period, but luckily he was back for the 3rd. Next came one of the biggest cheap shots I've seen in a long time. While Aaron Ward was engaged with Matt Cullen, Scott Walker entered the fray, grabbed Ward and landed a huge sucker punch that may have fractured his orbital bone. Scott Walker should be suspended for at least the remainder of this series, if not the rest of the playoffs if they should move on.
If Ward is lost for the playoffs, the Bruins lose half of their first defensive pair and a solid leader with three Stanley Cup rings. They also get even thinner at a position they're already two men down with the loss of Matt Hundwick and Andrew Ferrence. They'll need to call up a rookie defender from Providence with practically no games played in the NHL, much less playoff experience. This does concern me, but believe the Bruins are that much better of a team and one who's extremely motivated to exact their revenge through wins, not violence. That is the key now for winning the series. They need to maintain discipline and play like they did last night. They can't be run by their emotions and blood lust. If they can do that, then the Bruins will win Game 6 on the road and take Game 7 at home.
Stay tuned for Matt's view on last nights' game and the road ahead.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The 2009 Bruins are back!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
It's the 2nd intermission now, but I wanted to jump on and say it's nice to see the Bruins playing like they did during the regular season. They're playing a physical style of hockey with good defense, good goaltending and are finally crashing the net. I've been texting Matt and Chad all night saying the Bruins will win this series. It might be a tad premature, but if the Bruins play this style of hockey, I have no doubt they'll win the series.
More to come tomorrow!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Bruins are Back!
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Last night's debacle was one of worst played games I have seen in the last 20 years of Bruin hockey. To lay an egg like that in a pivotal game four was reminiscent of the Joe Thornton , Sergei Samsonov (scored Carolina's third goal last night to put the game out of reach) era. But all is right with the world now, this is the Bruins team that I remember. A team that shows no grit, no desire, no passion, and no sense of urgency.
In the third period, the most crucial period of their season, nobody was skating hard if even skating at all. It took me back to the Bruins of the 90's with the old dump and chase mentality. Why try to setup any plays just dump it in the zone and see if you can chase it down before the defenseman get to it first. This can work for some teams, not this team though. The Bruins form of dump and chase consisted of one guy dumping the puck in the zone, two forwards chasing it, and the other forward standing around the blue line just in case the defense gets there first. The problem was the Bruins were actually getting to the puck first but the third forward was never around to help the offense. There were multiple times that Boston got to the puck in the corner and just threw it in front of Canes goalie Cam Ward, but no one was there for a shot. This created easy brake-outs for Carolina into neutral ice.
The one stat that you need to look at is the shot total: Hurricanes 31, Bruins 21. In the third period the Canes out shot the B's 14-7, but it was not all the offense fault. The turnovers in their own zone have cost them dearly in the series and last night was no exception. The scoring started last night with a horrible pass from Mark Recchi back to Mark Stuart stolen by Ray Whitney creating Eric Staal's first of two bookend goals(his second goal wrapped up the game late in the third).
If the Bruins want to play hockey past Sunday night they have to get back to basics. The B's have to create turnovers in their defensive end leading to odd number rushes, this has been their game all year. Another key is pressure, pressure, pressure. They must put more shots on Cam Ward, they're making him look like an All-Star out there, he's not.
I hope Zdeno Chara and the rest of the Bruins have that sick feeling in their stomach because I almost threw up in my mouth last night by the end of that game. Let's hope that they show some balls out there and take it to the Canes. If they don't then so be it, another season will end like so many have in the past.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Last night's debacle was one of worst played games I have seen in the last 20 years of Bruin hockey. To lay an egg like that in a pivotal game four was reminiscent of the Joe Thornton , Sergei Samsonov (scored Carolina's third goal last night to put the game out of reach) era. But all is right with the world now, this is the Bruins team that I remember. A team that shows no grit, no desire, no passion, and no sense of urgency.
In the third period, the most crucial period of their season, nobody was skating hard if even skating at all. It took me back to the Bruins of the 90's with the old dump and chase mentality. Why try to setup any plays just dump it in the zone and see if you can chase it down before the defenseman get to it first. This can work for some teams, not this team though. The Bruins form of dump and chase consisted of one guy dumping the puck in the zone, two forwards chasing it, and the other forward standing around the blue line just in case the defense gets there first. The problem was the Bruins were actually getting to the puck first but the third forward was never around to help the offense. There were multiple times that Boston got to the puck in the corner and just threw it in front of Canes goalie Cam Ward, but no one was there for a shot. This created easy brake-outs for Carolina into neutral ice.
The one stat that you need to look at is the shot total: Hurricanes 31, Bruins 21. In the third period the Canes out shot the B's 14-7, but it was not all the offense fault. The turnovers in their own zone have cost them dearly in the series and last night was no exception. The scoring started last night with a horrible pass from Mark Recchi back to Mark Stuart stolen by Ray Whitney creating Eric Staal's first of two bookend goals(his second goal wrapped up the game late in the third).
If the Bruins want to play hockey past Sunday night they have to get back to basics. The B's have to create turnovers in their defensive end leading to odd number rushes, this has been their game all year. Another key is pressure, pressure, pressure. They must put more shots on Cam Ward, they're making him look like an All-Star out there, he's not.
I hope Zdeno Chara and the rest of the Bruins have that sick feeling in their stomach because I almost threw up in my mouth last night by the end of that game. Let's hope that they show some balls out there and take it to the Canes. If they don't then so be it, another season will end like so many have in the past.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hot Goalie alert!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Bruins fans beware of a hot goalie. The old saying is a hot goalie can steal a series. The Boston Bruins got flat out beat last night, but Cam Ward was the real reason behind the loss. Ward looked shaky during the Carolina Hurricanes' Game 1 loss, but was reminiscent of the 2006 Ward, when the Hurricanes took home the Cup. This doesn't mean that Bruins fans should hit the panic button. It was only one game after all, but the Hurricanes did steal the momentum and are returning to home ice for the next two games.
We'll have to wait until Wednesday night to see if Ward remains hot, but he did look fantastic last night shutting out the beleaguered Bruins. Despite not playing all that well, The Bruins did have a ton of good scoring chances, but the 26-year-old goalie stopped all 36 shots. He would've faced even more scoring chances, but the Carolina defense did a good job of clogging the passing lanes for most of the night. I did predict the Bruins to win this series in 6 games, so it's not like I expected them to sweep.
They do need to play better and not look so flat in Game 3. I expect Claude Julien to have his team prepared for Wednesday night and come out swinging like they did in Game 1 of this series.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
B's Downgrade 'Canes to Tropical Storm
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
There were a few major stories that play out through game 1; loose pucks, turnovers and goaltending. Each played a vital role in the Bruins 4-1 victory over the 'Canes.
Boston nabbed a 1-0 lead just 1:34 in when Michael Ryder chased down a loose puck behind the Carolina net and passed it to Aaron Ward at the point. Ward, a former Hurricane, shot it toward Carolina goalie Cam Ward, and David Krejci tipped it home.
Throughout the rest of the 1st period the B's lacked the urgency you need in a playoff game. It finally bit them in the seat of their pants when Mark Stuart turned the puck over at the 'Canes blue line creating a 3 on 2 going towards the Bruins' zone. Ryan Bayda carried the puck over the blue line, then dropped it to Jussi Jokinen who, with 1:10 left in the period unleashed a slap shot that snuck between Thomas’ pads. An instant later, Bayda steamrolled Thomas, earning a visit to the penalty box for goalie interference. Carolina had seemingly taken control of the game after Jokinen tied it at 1.
Boston took the reins back and the lead at 7:21 into the second when Milan Lucic tipped a Phil Kessel shot, setting up a room service rebound for Mark Savard. He cleaned up the loose puck for his first goal of the night.
Then at 12:41, Ryder stole a Tuomo Ruutu pass in the neutral zone and broke in on a 2-on-1 with Blake Wheeler. Ryder, who is on fire in the playoffs, chose to keep it and whistled a wrist shot over the left shoulder of Ward.
The latter part of the second period and the beginning of the third period became a flurry of turnovers. The Bruins coughed up the puck multiple times causing Tim Thomas to show why he is a Vezina Trophy finalist. “Realizing that goal was a little ugly, I wanted to do everything I could to save everything else to redeem myself,” Thomas said. He did with two phenomenal game saving saves. The first was a kick save on a Ryan Bayda tip at the end of the second period. The second was with a pad save on an Eric Staal backdoor play early in the third. Thomas continued his stellar goal play the remainder of the game finishing with 26 saves.
Sloppy played led to the final Bruins goal. Lucic stole the puck at center ice he dropped it for Kessel, which got stolen by Matt Cullen. Cullen turned it over to Savard, then tipped it up to Kessel, who brought it into Carolin's end, Savard took a drop pass from Kessel and beat Ward, who gave little effort to protect the net to ending the scoring for the evening.
The Bruins created their goals from fore checking and great center ice transitions into the offensive zone, but if the B's continue to turn the puck over to the 'Canes, Thomas won't be able to stop them all.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
There were a few major stories that play out through game 1; loose pucks, turnovers and goaltending. Each played a vital role in the Bruins 4-1 victory over the 'Canes.
Boston nabbed a 1-0 lead just 1:34 in when Michael Ryder chased down a loose puck behind the Carolina net and passed it to Aaron Ward at the point. Ward, a former Hurricane, shot it toward Carolina goalie Cam Ward, and David Krejci tipped it home.
Throughout the rest of the 1st period the B's lacked the urgency you need in a playoff game. It finally bit them in the seat of their pants when Mark Stuart turned the puck over at the 'Canes blue line creating a 3 on 2 going towards the Bruins' zone. Ryan Bayda carried the puck over the blue line, then dropped it to Jussi Jokinen who, with 1:10 left in the period unleashed a slap shot that snuck between Thomas’ pads. An instant later, Bayda steamrolled Thomas, earning a visit to the penalty box for goalie interference. Carolina had seemingly taken control of the game after Jokinen tied it at 1.
Boston took the reins back and the lead at 7:21 into the second when Milan Lucic tipped a Phil Kessel shot, setting up a room service rebound for Mark Savard. He cleaned up the loose puck for his first goal of the night.
Then at 12:41, Ryder stole a Tuomo Ruutu pass in the neutral zone and broke in on a 2-on-1 with Blake Wheeler. Ryder, who is on fire in the playoffs, chose to keep it and whistled a wrist shot over the left shoulder of Ward.
The latter part of the second period and the beginning of the third period became a flurry of turnovers. The Bruins coughed up the puck multiple times causing Tim Thomas to show why he is a Vezina Trophy finalist. “Realizing that goal was a little ugly, I wanted to do everything I could to save everything else to redeem myself,” Thomas said. He did with two phenomenal game saving saves. The first was a kick save on a Ryan Bayda tip at the end of the second period. The second was with a pad save on an Eric Staal backdoor play early in the third. Thomas continued his stellar goal play the remainder of the game finishing with 26 saves.
Sloppy played led to the final Bruins goal. Lucic stole the puck at center ice he dropped it for Kessel, which got stolen by Matt Cullen. Cullen turned it over to Savard, then tipped it up to Kessel, who brought it into Carolin's end, Savard took a drop pass from Kessel and beat Ward, who gave little effort to protect the net to ending the scoring for the evening.
The Bruins created their goals from fore checking and great center ice transitions into the offensive zone, but if the B's continue to turn the puck over to the 'Canes, Thomas won't be able to stop them all.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Perfect Day for Game 1
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
May 1, May Day. May Day is synonymous with international workers day, the perfect day to start the second round of the Bruins Playoffs. The history of the Boston Bruins has always been of a blue collar team that works hard, is physical and creates their own opportunities. That is the reason why May Day is the perfect Holiday for the Bruins; they are the ultimate hard working team. The B's are the best team in the Playoffs as shown in the Montreal series that concluded 9 days ago.
Aaron Ward was on WEEI yesterday morning describing the makeup of the club,"We are a group of guys that are hard workers, we're not based on talent alone. We don't have a Hossa, Datsyuk and Zetterberg. We have four hard working lines and three great defensive pairings and a goaltender that -- goaltending duo that stand on their head." Don't get me wrong, the Bruins have talent in Phil Kessel, Mark Savard, and David Krejci. Without players like Aaron Ward , PJ Axellson and Shawn Thornton the B's wouldn't have the grit to advance very far.
Puck drops in 30 minutes, let's listen for the "Mayday" calls from the Hurricanes.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
May 1, May Day. May Day is synonymous with international workers day, the perfect day to start the second round of the Bruins Playoffs. The history of the Boston Bruins has always been of a blue collar team that works hard, is physical and creates their own opportunities. That is the reason why May Day is the perfect Holiday for the Bruins; they are the ultimate hard working team. The B's are the best team in the Playoffs as shown in the Montreal series that concluded 9 days ago.
Aaron Ward was on WEEI yesterday morning describing the makeup of the club,"We are a group of guys that are hard workers, we're not based on talent alone. We don't have a Hossa, Datsyuk and Zetterberg. We have four hard working lines and three great defensive pairings and a goaltender that -- goaltending duo that stand on their head." Don't get me wrong, the Bruins have talent in Phil Kessel, Mark Savard, and David Krejci. Without players like Aaron Ward , PJ Axellson and Shawn Thornton the B's wouldn't have the grit to advance very far.
Puck drops in 30 minutes, let's listen for the "Mayday" calls from the Hurricanes.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Stanley Cup Conference Semifinals
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Chicago vs. Vancouver
The Blackhawks' last game against the Canucks featured a third-period brawl that had everything from WWE-style body slams to hair pulling. Clearly they won't have to wait for the hatred to build when their second-round playoff series starts Thursday night in Vancouver.
Physical play will be nothing new for the young Blackhawks, who saw plenty of intimidation attempts from the more experienced but injury-riddled Calgary in the first round. The Canucks will have to continue the intense, hard-nosed style that marked their four-game sweep of St. Louis in the first round to get by the youthful Hawks. They need to stop taking as many penalties as in the prior round, although Vancouver did killed off 23 of 24 of those.
Chicago's youth will come through to beat Vancouver in 7 games.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
The Ducks used the same formula they used in winning the 2007 Stanley Cup -- clutch goaltending, timely scoring and one of the deepest blue lines in flawless fashion to neutralize the top threats from the Sharks. With the Shark series in the rear view mirror, the Ducks must find a way to neutralize the defending Cup champion, a team that seems to be hitting its stride. The Wings dispatched a game Columbus Blue Jackets club in the first round with a champion-like display of overall team hockey and good goaltending from Chris Osgood, who had a pedestrian regular season.
Detriot has an assortment of perennial All-Stars and NHL award winners. Their coach has led the team to four straight 50-plus win seasons, they can play a speed game or exhibit some muscle in the trenches, and they are the defending Stanley Cup champion.
Even with the great defensive hockey that the Ducks play, Detroit will be too much to handle and will win the series in 5.
Washington vs. Pittsburgh
This is the matchup NHL fans has been waiting for all season. This series brings together the NHL's top three scorers during the regular season -- Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, plus two of the three Hart Trophy finalists in Malkin and Ovechkin. Now factor in some harsh words between Crosby and Ovechkin during the regular season and this series becomes must-see TV. What I think the real story of this series will become is goaltending.
After Jose Theodore allowed four goals in Game 1 against the Rangers, a 20-year-old rookie from Russia named Simeon Varlamov was called upon in Game 2. He wound up winning four games for the Caps, including two shutouts, and limited the Rangers to just seven goals in six games. He turned 21 Monday -- he looks it -- but he doesn't play like it.
Marc-Andre Fleury stole Game 4 with a 45-save effort and kept the Penguins in Game 6 once the team fell into a 3-0 hole. He wasn't spectacular, but he gives his teammates the confidence that he'll make all the important plays.
Varlamov's young skills won't be enough to stop the extremely deep offensive Pens after 6 games.
Boston vs Carolina series preview coming soon...
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Chicago vs. Vancouver
The Blackhawks' last game against the Canucks featured a third-period brawl that had everything from WWE-style body slams to hair pulling. Clearly they won't have to wait for the hatred to build when their second-round playoff series starts Thursday night in Vancouver.
Physical play will be nothing new for the young Blackhawks, who saw plenty of intimidation attempts from the more experienced but injury-riddled Calgary in the first round. The Canucks will have to continue the intense, hard-nosed style that marked their four-game sweep of St. Louis in the first round to get by the youthful Hawks. They need to stop taking as many penalties as in the prior round, although Vancouver did killed off 23 of 24 of those.
Chicago's youth will come through to beat Vancouver in 7 games.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
The Ducks used the same formula they used in winning the 2007 Stanley Cup -- clutch goaltending, timely scoring and one of the deepest blue lines in flawless fashion to neutralize the top threats from the Sharks. With the Shark series in the rear view mirror, the Ducks must find a way to neutralize the defending Cup champion, a team that seems to be hitting its stride. The Wings dispatched a game Columbus Blue Jackets club in the first round with a champion-like display of overall team hockey and good goaltending from Chris Osgood, who had a pedestrian regular season.
Detriot has an assortment of perennial All-Stars and NHL award winners. Their coach has led the team to four straight 50-plus win seasons, they can play a speed game or exhibit some muscle in the trenches, and they are the defending Stanley Cup champion.
Even with the great defensive hockey that the Ducks play, Detroit will be too much to handle and will win the series in 5.
Washington vs. Pittsburgh
This is the matchup NHL fans has been waiting for all season. This series brings together the NHL's top three scorers during the regular season -- Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, plus two of the three Hart Trophy finalists in Malkin and Ovechkin. Now factor in some harsh words between Crosby and Ovechkin during the regular season and this series becomes must-see TV. What I think the real story of this series will become is goaltending.
After Jose Theodore allowed four goals in Game 1 against the Rangers, a 20-year-old rookie from Russia named Simeon Varlamov was called upon in Game 2. He wound up winning four games for the Caps, including two shutouts, and limited the Rangers to just seven goals in six games. He turned 21 Monday -- he looks it -- but he doesn't play like it.
Marc-Andre Fleury stole Game 4 with a 45-save effort and kept the Penguins in Game 6 once the team fell into a 3-0 hole. He wasn't spectacular, but he gives his teammates the confidence that he'll make all the important plays.
Varlamov's young skills won't be enough to stop the extremely deep offensive Pens after 6 games.
Boston vs Carolina series preview coming soon...
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