Bleacher Report - Articles by Nick Wheeler

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Spotlight: Brian Boyle

Nick Wheeler — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:12:16 -0400

When most people look at Brian Boyle, they see a 6'7" 230 pound frame and nothing else.

Boyle is much more than just size; he has speed, quick hands, and intelligence on the ice.

These attributes have led him to high numbers (31-31-62) which has got him recognition as an All-AHL rookie first team player, and an eight game stint with the Kings netting four goals and one assist.

Boyle is even larger than good numbers. Recently the Monarchs have named him an Assistant captain because of his demeanor both on and off the ice.

On the ice, Boyle is a fan favorite because of his efforts to defend his goalies; simply taking his large wingspan and carrying 2-3 players out of the crease by himself. He plays the role of intimidator in scrums, looking downward on all but two AHL opponents, and forcing them out of the scrums.

Less-known to the fans is the weight Brian carries on the power play. After being moved to center about 10 games into the season, the Monarchs saw a spike in power play goals. Boyle uses his large frame to block the view of opposing goalies, which is a large factor in the Monarchs No. 1 ranked AHL power play unit.

Almost every time a power play goal is scored by Manchester, the goalie is frozen because all he can see is number 19. In fact, more than half (16) of Boyle's 31 goals have come on the power plays, many coming from slap shots on the point that made contact with his stick on the way by.

Another aspect of Boyle's on-ice game, is the ability to make everything he does look easy. Fans may see him as an emotionless player, but he is simply concentrating at the highest level. It seems as though he has the ability to slow the game down and see openings and holes developing. His favorite form of scoring even-strength goals is simple wristers from the low slot/circle area, using pinpoint accuracy to hit anything the goalie hasn't covered.

He is also a vacuum for big rebounds. He is always around when a rebound comes off a blocker or pad. His long arms and stick give him many opportunities to bring in those rebounds and stick handle around sprawled goalies.

Off the ice, Boyle is an all-around great guy. He is always willing to participate in the outlandish video shoots that make the Manchester Monarchs so popular in New England. Recently he dressed up as a redneck for the Monarhcs' Mullet Night and lip-synced a country song along side Teddy Purcell, Gabe Gauthier, and a few others.

He is also known for always being happy to stand for pictures at player-signings. Standing up seems to be a popular request, as fans want to compare themselves to a giant. The occasional child runs away, scared of his size, but he simply takes a knee so they can safely get a picture with their favorite player. He does it with a smile every time.

Unfortunately, in game 77 against the Worcester Sharks, Boyle suffered a leg injury, when a Sharks player caught an edge and pinned his leg on the boards. For the sake of the Manchester Monarchs, hopefully Boyle will return on time for the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs as they will be facing the No. 1 ranked Providence Bruins.

Bruins-Canadiens: Another Post-Season Clash

Nick Wheeler — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:05:45 -0400

With the loss to Buffalo on Saturday night in Boston, the Bruins have guaranteed themselves a series against the Montreal Canadiens. No matter what happens in the Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh game on Sunday.

To play out the scenarios: Philly wins: the Flyers move up to sixth in the East knocking Boston to the 8th position and pushing Montreal into the 1st seed. Pittsburgh wins: Boston finishes in 7th and Montreal moves down to 2nd based on the wins tie-breaker. These results effect Boston regardless of a regulation or overtime result.

This match-up has brought some of the most entertaining hockey to the fans of the two rival cities, and the fans of hockey in general. The two teams hold the record for the most playoff match-ups between two teams with 30. The Habs hold a dominant 23-7 record in the history of the matchup.

This heated rivalry has been just as hot this year as in past years. Unfortunately for the Bruins, the Canadiens have put the regular series to sleep this year with a 8-0 record, going to overtime just once. The Habs have outscored the Bruins 38-16. Alexi Kovalev led the charge with 7 goals and 4 assists in 8 games.

Though the match-up was so one-sided during the regular season, the Bruins will play the Canadiens with a sense of purpose in the first round. The new-found leadership of David Krejci, and healthy Chuck Kobasew and Marc Savard could lead to an interesting series.

The Canadiens, of course, will have home-ice throughout the first round. However, as long as the big guns from Boston step up, and David Krejci continues on the path he's on now, the Bruins can take the series in 6.

The Bruins have a grudge against the Canadiens from 2004. For those who may not remember, the Canadiens came back from a 3-1 series deficit to beat the first seeded Bruins. This year, the Bruins hold the underdog title. Let's hope for yet another amazing playoff series between the Yankees/Red Sox of hockey.

Teppo Numminen Gives Buffalo Sabres Fans Something to Cheer About

Nick Wheeler — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:09:46 -0400

Sabres veteran Teppo Numminen was cleared to play in Tuesday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This news comes just over six months after Numminen underwent open heart surgery to repair valve damage.

Unfortunately the first-line defensemen may have returned too late for the Sabres as they are but one win from the Bruins and Flyers away from being eliminated.

Numminen's recovery was rocky at best, having been cleared to practice with the team in December, only to be told that he needed to stay off the ice in January to allow more time for his surgery to heal. Three arguous months later Numminen resumed practicing with his team and was placed on the active roster by GM Darcy Regier on Monday.

Numminen has led an excellent career including all-star appearances in 1999 and 2000. He is also the holder of an unsung record for most NHL games played by a European trained player (1314).

Teppo will not take the ice against Toronto on Tuesday, but is expected to have some ice time in the final two bouts of the season against Montreal on Thursday and Boston on Saturday.

David Krejci: A New Target in the East

Nick Wheeler — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:58:14 -0400

As if the Boston Bruins weren't already having enough problems with injuries. After losing Marc Savard for a few and the obvious loss of Patrice Bergeron earlier in the season, rookie David Krejci stepped up and took over. Of course, now the goons and defensemen are full speed ahead with shoulders square on number 46.

The newly appointed first-line center took some huge hits against Ottawa on Saturday, led by the crushing check into the boards by defenseman Anton Volchenkov. Not to say that the 6'1" 230 pounder is a goon, but he, along with most of the first and second line defensemen from Ottawa, was aiming for Krejci whenever there was the slightest chance for contact.

Unfortunately, Krejci is at least 50 pounds lighter than most of the goons and hard checking defensemen out there. He doesn't stand much of a chance defending himself, and the first line for the Bruins (aside from Chara on D) is meager against a checking line from the other teams in the east.

The strategy of Ottawa seemed to be to take shots at Boston's best player until he breaks. It didn't really work on the scoreboard, but it could be a factor if the two meet in the playoffs.

So what should Julien do? Enter Milan Lucic. Savard looks to be back in the lineup for the playoffs (Boston crosses it's fingers), which means Krejci needs to go down at least one line. Put Krejci between Phil Kessel or a healthy Chuck Kobasew and Milan Lucic and you have yourself a policeman with two guys who can put up points and that's just line 2.

I knew I should have become a hockey coach.