The Boston Bruins 2008-2009: Team on The Rise

Rob Jones — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:19:36 -0400

The 2007-2008 version of the Boston Bruins was to say the least, engaging. After a hard fought series with the Canadiens of the Eastern Conference, Boston has a reason to watch and pay attention to the Bruins.

I have the utmost respect for the Bruins as an organization. Over several years, I have notice that they have tried to fill their voids through free agency and trades and not as much through the draft. It seems their way of thinking has changed as well as their progress. I really like where this team is headed.

After losing their number one player, Patrice Bergeron to injury last year, the Bruins showed that they were a more dimensional team than expected.

There defence is formidable with "Mount" Chara leading the way, their goal tending is a AA system with both goalies of starting quality.Tim Thomas, I think, will end up as the number one.

The ranks in forwards is where there is reason to be of some concern. After Marc Savard, there are some question marks. I really liked the way Phil Kessel played in the Montreal series, he showed some grit.

Chuck Kobasew has a lot of promise. Signing Micheal Ryder and a healthy Patrice Bergeron can make things look good for this coming season. Glen Murray is clearly on the back nine of his hockey career, but still has good size and veteran leadership and some offensive upside.

I pick the Bruins to be a solid contender this year and could be the dark horse out of the East. If anything, last year was a good reminder that your team can face a little adversity and show they don't have to miss a beat.

Rob Jones

Burke Feels The "Lowe"

Rob Jones — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:56:54 -0400

Through everything, Brian Burke is a good hockey man, I think he's great for hockey. This isn't just because I am from BC and watch Brian make the Canucks into a contender. I think he's a well-spoken, interesting individual. He also wears his heart on his sleeve and seems to be the guy least expected to veer from oncoming traffic when it comes to his hockey team.

You can now enter, Kevin Lowe, another really good hockey man. He has a total of six Stanley cup rings, a very good young General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers. Kevin has had to experience first hand what its like to deal with a small market team. it seems that no one wants to play for the Edmonton Oilers especially when you look at markets and endorsements.

Kevin Lowe made a decision to sign a restricted free agent to a very lucrative contract and paid the price not only in monetary funds but also in draft picks. Brian Burke was very emotional about this. Brian should understand the dynamics of the NHL in this, and yes, I can understand his frustration in losing this player. Those are the rules, this is the game, and that's the price. Move on.

Now we have entered the NHL's version of slamming. Brian says this, Kevin says that, now the NHL says enough is enough, cease and desist. Through all of this, both GM's have put themselves on the map. I really think that secretly they are friends, or at least should be. They have become entertaining to say the least.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Rob Jones

The Boston Bruins 2008-2009: Team on The Rise

Burke Feels The "Lowe"