Bleacher Report - Articles by Wayne Whittaker

Best Foot Forward: Keys To B's Early Success

Wayne Whittaker — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:57:10 -0400

Ladies and gentlemen, hockey season has arrived.

In just two short days, the puck will be dropped on the Boston Bruins 2009-2010 season. And with it comes the usual air of anxiety, excitement, and for the first time in several years, a cause for optimism on Causeway Street.

Unlike years past, the usual gloom-and-doom mentality is no longer viable for Bruins fans. Bruins management, anchored by general manager Peter Chiarelli, has assembled an invaluable collection of playmakers, grinders, and enforcers alike to ensure the B's will be a force in the Northeast for years to come.

Coincidentally enough, the Bruins' team image seems to have been unwittingly summed up perfectly by New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick: "It's not about collecting talent, it's about building a team".

That ideology seems to have found its way up I-93 and into the offices of Bruins management: Out with prima donna sniper Phil Kessel, in with image-less role players that will do nothing but help the Bruins progress towards their ultimate goal.

The foundation is there. How will the team respond? We're about to find out.

What To Look For in October

Like any NHL team, the Bruins have a lot of question marks facing them as they take the ice against the Washington Capitals Thursday night.

Who will replace Phil Kessel's productivity? Will Bergeron return to pre-concussion form? Can Thomas repeat last year's performance?

Surely, these questions will be answered eventually. But don't expect to cross them all off in one night, or one month.

Unless the B's outscore their opponents by five goals in every game this month, there will be critics who say the Bruins can't score without Kessel.

This is not true.

Different players will pick up the slack, but Boston is in fact facing some tough competition in this opening month. Expect to see low-scoring games against teams like Washington (10/1), Carolina (10/3), Philadelphia (10/22), and New Jersey (10/29).

However, expect to see the offensive guns return to the '08-'09 form in the stretch of games between 10/8 and 10/21. It should be assumed that returning sniper Marco Sturm will be champing at the bit to take advantage of the sub-par defensive squads on teams like Colorado, Nashville, and New York (Islanders).

Challenges

The pressure being put on the Bruins to end Boston's Stanley Cup drought is apparent. They will be under the gun and under the microscope for most of October, and even more so in April. The media, along with the fanbase, are generally most concerned with how the team performs at the beginning and the end of the season.

Accomplishments earned in the mid-season time period are rarely remembered (hear anybody talking about last year's 23-3 record run last November and December?).

How will the Bruins respond to that pressure early on? We should have a good idea after the first two games of this year's campaign. Boston faces Alex Ovechkin and the high-flying Washington Capitals on opening night, and then gear up for a playoff series rematch against the recent-rival Carolina Hurricanes just two days later.

Not exactly an easy preamble.

While some fans may expect the B's to obliterate both opponents and move on with the season, a more realistic expectation is to gain at least one point from each contest. Coming out of opening weekend with two-to-four points may give the team a boost as they head into a lighter stretch of opponents.

It's a marathon, not a sprint.

While it would be great for Boston to return to the form that led them to the best record in the Eastern Conference last season right out of the gate, fans shouldn't be reaching for the panic button if the B's aren't at the head of the pack early on.

Remember, the Bruins finished last October with a 5-3-3 record. Hardly earth-shattering.

Must-See TV

For a moment, disregard your fantasy draft. Stop discussing your expectations for this season, and stop the obligatory Bettman-bashing.

A meaningful hockey game is going to be on TV.

Don't miss the season opener against the Washington Capitals this Thursday on Versus. A possible playoff-preview featuring some of the greatest players in the league today, it's sure to be a tough game for both teams.

The Caps had the Bruins number in the regular season last year, but the B's have long memories and high expectations entering this year. It's sure to be one of the best games of October.

Looking Ahead...

A season can't be won or lost in the first game of the year, but the pace of that game can dictate how a team will play further down the road. Which just gives us all more incentive to be glued to the TV Thursday night.

In the coming months, there is sure to be a lot going on in the Hub of Hockey. There will be time for speculation, and time for excitement. For now, let's all just be thankful a new season is upon us.

Bear in Mind: 5 Questions For The '09-'10 Bruins

Wayne Whittaker — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:11:18 -0400

It's been just over four months since Scott Walker broke Boston's heart with a his overtime garbage goal in the Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

But Causeway Street has been anything but quiet since then...

Trade rumors, veteran departures, key acquisitions, surgeries, and recoveries have all made headlines for the black and gold this summer.

And with two weeks left before the inaugural puck drop, let's break down the top 10 questions surrounding the Boston Bruins as they head into the 2009-2010 campaign.

#5- Veteran Leadership

With the departures of P.J. Axelsson, Shane Hnidy, Stephane Yelle, and Aaron Ward the Bruins lose a good amount of veteran presence in the locker room.

On the plus side, Boston resigned Mark Recchi to a one year deal. Factor in the acquisition of 12 year veteran Derek Morris, along with the continued development of younger players such as Patrice Bergeron and Boston's locker room shouldn't have any problems picking up the slack.

#4- Player Development

All indications point to players such as Milan Lucic, and David Krejci maturing into elite-level athletes. But what about the bubble players such as Tuuka Rask, and Vladimir Sobotka?

Rask is currently penciled in as Tim Thomas' back up goaltender this year, but he faces tough competition against a NHL&id=1584&line=89738&spln=1">very determined Dany Sabourin.

Sobotka showed promise in the 2007-2008 campaign, but failed to emerge last season when he put up a -10 plus/minus rating in 25 games with the big leaguers. This season could serve as the last chance for 22 year old, who is expected to get more ice time thanks to the expected absence of Krecji for the first part of October.

#3- Health

It was quite obvious in the second round of last year's playoffs that the Bruins were battling injuries.

David Krejci, who is recovering from a torn labrum, is expecting to return in mid-October. Krejci has participated in limited on-ice sessions since training began a few weeks back, and he has stated there's a chance he could be ready for the season opener.

Phil Kessel (if he's still in Boston) won't be ready until at least November as he underwent surgery on his rotator cuff, and labrum (and possibly bruised ego) this off-season.

It's imperitive that the B's stay healthy, especially at the season's bookends, if they want to continue their winning ways.

#2- The Phil Kessel Situation...

As the weeks have turned into months this off-season it has become increasingly clear that Phil Kessel's days in Boston appear to be numbered. Foresaking any remnance of team loyalty in favor of the all-mighty dollar Phil "The Thrill" has been the corner stone of all trade rumors this off-season.

It's no secret that general manager Peter Chiarelli nearly shipped Kessel to Toronto for Tomas Kaberle on Draft Day. But a "miscommunication" between Chiarelli and Toronto's commander and chief Brian Burke led to the deal being called off. The Leafs are still considered the front runner to land Kessel, but the price at which #81 will go for is still unclear.

If the Bruins' front office wants to capitalize on this situation, Chiarelli needs to trade Kessel before Toronto gives the young winger an offer sheet. But as time passes, that Kaberle trade looks more and more enticing.

It seems highly unlikely that the Kessel situation will become a distraction to the Bruins locker room. Word has it that Kessel wasn't winning any popularity contests among the B's players, and Boston has an abundance of youth foaming at the mouth for the chance to compete for a roster spot.

As for Kessel's 36 goal output, Bergeron's continued offensive recovery, coupled with the expected emergence of Lucic and Blake Wheeler's scoring ways should comfort any B's fans who have lost sleep over the matter.

Phil Kessel is a great hockey player. No one seems to want to see him leave Boston, with the exception of the young star and his agent. If neither will budge before the season starts, I fully expect Chiarelli to get a good return for the former Masterson Memorial Trophy winner.

#1- Is this the year?

No one is more aware of the pressure being put on the Bruins to continue their success than the B's themselves.

The "surprise" element of the Bruins attack will no longer be viable. Teams are gunning for them, as they should be. This is a team that was one win away from the President's Trophy last year, and one goal away from the Eastern Conference Championship Round.

Boston's balanced attack led by offensive mastermind Marc Savard, Vezina winning goaltender Tim Thomas, Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara, and Jack Adams award winning head coach Claude Julien should strike fear into the hearts of any opponent.

Heading into the 2009-2010 campaign, the Bruins are clearly one of the front runners to compete for Lord Stanley's Cup.

How close will they come to accomplishing that goal and ending Boston's 38-year itch? As they say, "that's why we watch".

Writer's note:

Today legendary Bruins announcer Fred Cusick passed away at the age of 90. He will be missed.

Boston Bruins Postseason: A Hab-Itual Pairing

Wayne Whittaker — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:09:05 -0400

After a magical regular season, the top-seeded Boston Bruins gear up for the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

And for the 32nd time in 85 years, the Montreal Canadiens will try to end Boston's season.

In the past, the Bleu Blanc et Rouge have dominated the Bruins in postseason play, holding a 24-7 record coming into this series.

However, the Black and Gold's effort against the Canadiens in the 2008-2009 campaign have the momentous pendulum of power swinging in their favor as we count down to Game One.

In six games against the Habs this season, Boston went 5-0-1, picking up 11 of a possible 12 points, with a combined score of 23-13.

Boston vs. Montreal. No. 1 v. No. 8. Sound familiar? Here we go again.

Boston's Key to Success: Want It

Apr. 21, 2008 marked the end of the Boston Bruins season, in a blowout against Montreal in the first round. But it wasn't in a game four or five.

It took seven games for the first-place Canadiens to defeat the lowly Bruins, a team they had swept in the regular season.

That riveting series provided the spark that pushed Boston into overdrive. Inspired and motivated, Boston will look to gain revenge. Not just last year's loss, but for the countless heartbreaks Boston has suffered at the hands of Montreal.

The last time Boston clinched first place in the Eastern Conference was 2001. Montreal was (once again) the opponent, and it only took six games to muzzle the Bruins.

The key for Boston is to live by their team's battle cry, "We want it as bad as you."

After last Thursday's second-period slug fest between the two clubs, tensions will be high. The Bruins must play smart and act appropriately.

That means keeping emotions in check, something sophomore winger Milan Lucic admitted he neglected to do before almost decapitating enemy Mike Komisarek.

"Looking back, maybe I shouldn’t have went to that extreme," the 20-year-old resident bruiser quipped. "Maybe I lost my temper a little bit. But it’s part of the game and it happens.”

But it can't happen come playoff time.

Lucic's 14 minutes of penalties on that one move cost the Bruins the lead and almost the game. Montreal's power-play unit scored twice on Thursday, and will continue to be a threat come playoff time.

The action will be intense, emotions will be high, but Boston must keep control of the situation. If they can control the intensity and allow for Montreal to commit lazy penalties, even more momentum will swing their way.

Highs and Lows

Dissecting the Boston-Montreal battles from the regular season for the Black and Gold faithful.

Highs:

-The wins: Boston dominated Montreal all season.

-The intensity: Even after wrapping up the conference, Boston fought for every inch of ice in the 5-4 victory on Thursday night.

-The physicality: Lucic v. Komisarek, Thornton v. Henry, Thornton v. Laraque, Lucic v. Laraque (war of words). Expect more come Thursday night.

Lows:

-Lack of discipline: Yes, this is a rivalry. But don't drop the gloves over just anything, allow the small cheap shots, take the power play. But do not let Montreal gain the physical edge.

-Montreal's invasion of the Garden: With playoff tickets for Games One and Two on sale before Montreal knew if they would even be in, the Bruins' faithful should pack the place. There has been too much red in the building in the last few meetings.

-History: It means nothing now. But it sure hurt then.

Looking Back, Pushing Forward

Round 32 of Boston v. Montreal. Who could ask for more entertaining hockey? Boston looks to advance past the first round for the first time in a decade. Montreal looks to be the spoiler (yet again).

Old Time Hockey.

Montreal's banged up core will be no match for Boston's depth.

Prediction: Bruins in five.

Enjoy.

The Boston Bruins' Tough Road to the Stanley Cup

Wayne Whittaker — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:53:35 -0400

If you're a Boston Bruins fan, there is no better feeling in the world than warm-weather hockey season.

It's hard to believe that it has already been a year since the epic Boston-Montreal playoff series that built the very foundation of character today's Boston Bruins exhibit. Those seven games were bittersweet, and on the eve of game seven I was satisfied with the Bruins' performance, and ready to accept the evening's outcome.

But this year is different.

Since November, Boston has known they were a playoff-caliber team. The seed of optimism was planted. And expectation grew. A first round exit would not be acceptable this year, not with the way this team has played.

But lately, the Bruins have been stumbling. A rare bout of overconfidence? Perhaps. Let's face it, coach Claude Julien's club hasn't had much to play for recently.

That is of course, until the once seemingly insurmountable lead in the Eastern Conference slowly shrunk in size until it's current state...of 4 points.

Yes, the Bruins will win the Northeast Division. And yes, the B's are still in the hunt for the President's Trophy (awarded to the team with the best regular season record). But in the past month, Boston has lacked the spark that was so prominent for most of the season.

All slumps aside, the Bruins are still on pace for their best record since 2004, and perhaps they're best since the days of Bobby Orr.

And as Boston playoff hockey nears, let's break down the Bruins' chase for Lord Stanley's Cup from start to finish.

So who will the Bruins be facing in round one? That has yet to be decided as only eight points separate the 4th place team in the Eastern Conference to the 10th.

But likely candidates include Carolina, New York, Florida, Pittsburgh and Montreal.

ROUND ONE

Best Case Scenarios

Boston hasn't won a playoff series since 1999, so it would be a wonderful gift from the hockey gods if the B's could make short work of their first round opponent.

Carolina

B's swept the season series and something tells me Carolina's luck wouldn't change in the post season.

Result: Bruins sweep.

Florida

Bruins were dominant over the Panthers in the regular season, only dropping one of four meetings, with a combined score of 14-5.

Result: Bruins in 5.

Manageable Situations

It won't be easy, but the Killer B's would come through.

New York

The Bruins haven't played great hockey against the Rangers this season. Losing the season series 2-1 with one game left between the two foes. But every game between these clubs has been decided by one goal.

With Thomas in net, and some added intensity I think the Bruins will come through.

Result: Bruins in 6.

Worst Case Scenarios

Uh-oh...

Monteal

Yes, this is a different team than last year's Habs. And yes, the Bruins have dominated the bleu, blanc, et rouge in the regular season, but history has a way of repeating itself.

That being said, last year's playoff series reestablished this historic rivalry, and Boston still carries a chip on their shoulder.

Result: Boston in 6.

Pittsburgh

Now, I am in no way suggesting the NHL is fixed...but Gary Bettman sure loves Crosby. And the referees haven't been the Bruins' greatest allies this season. Oh yeah, and Pittsburgh are the defending Eastern Conference champs.

Having split the season series, this matchup would be intense. Pittsburgh's goaltending would eventually crumble...

Result: Boston in 7.

ROUND TWO

Hey, the Bruins have made it to the semi-finals! So who's next on the list?

If the playoffs started tomorrow, I see Philadelphia or Pittsburgh as the only realistic opponents for the B's in round two.

Anyway you look at it, the Bruins will have to play top notch hockey to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Philadelphia

The Flyers have been a formidable foe of the Bruins since last year's Jones-Bergeron debacle. As tough of a matchup as this would be, I can't imagine a Bruins fan who wouldn't want to see a bit of revenge.

Result: Boston in 6.

Pittsburgh

If the Pens make it into round two, they'll be a tougher team to play against. This is a matchup that's scary for the Bruins. Crosby, Malkin, and Fleury looking to get back into the Eastern Conference Finals? Eek.

Result: Pittsburgh in 7.

But let's assume that doesn't happen shall we?

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

The Bruins are in the Eastern Conference Finals. But their matchups are tough ones, and it will take a true 60-minute team effort for seven games to beat either of my predictions for opponents.

New Jersey

The season series favors New Jersey (with one game remaining, a can't-miss-matchup on March 22). The Devils also have the best goaltender in NHL history on their side...this should be an amazing series.

But when the dust settles, the Bruins' season just may fall victim to a similar-style team in the New Jersey Devils.

Result: Devils in 7.

Washington

Ovechkin. What more is there to say? How about Green, Semin, Federov, and Clark. The Caps are a high flying, high profile team. But their goaltending just doesn't matchup to a Bruins team looking to return to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in nearly twenty years.

Result: Boston in 7.

STANLEY CUP FINALS

If the Boston Bruins make it to the Stanley Cup finals...well, buckle up.

Chicago

Sitting just outside the bubble of Cup talk, the Blackhawks are having an amazing season. They are my pick to advance to the Finals, but that's where their run ends.

Result: Boston in 5.

San Jose

To be honest, I don't see the Sharks making it this far. But they are current Cup favorites in the West, and they are a scary team to play against. But Boston is already dying for a rematch.

The return of Joe Thornton to Boston for playoff hockey should return ol' Joe to form.

Result: Boston in 6.

Detroit

The Champs look to go back-to-back. Only problem is, the Bruins will want it more. Plain and simple, the Boston Bruins want it as bad as the Red Wings.

Result: Boston in 6.

Looking Forward

The playoffs have yet to start and here I am boasting of Bruins' victories.

First things first, the Bruins need to return to form.

A four day rest is just what the Bruins needed after a loss to the Pens. Ease into things with the lowly Kings and set your scopes on Marty Brodeur and Co. for Saturday's marquee match up against the Devils.

The Bruins look to add to their dwindling lead over the Eastern Conference and should do just that against a soft schedule from here on out.

Key games: New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Montreal. All possible playoff matchups, B's should look to send a message.

More importantly, however, is that the Bruins shake off this string of sub-par hockey and return to their high-flying ways.

Odds and Ends

Hockey's greatest goaltender, Marty Brodeur, got regular season win number 552 tonight breaking the former record held by Patrick Roy. Congrats!

It's Your Move, Pete: Bruins Prepare for Trade Deadline

Wayne Whittaker — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:47:38 -0500

The hub of hockey is a bit trigger-happy these days.

Since the first week of hockey season back in October, Boston has been at the center of trade rumors. These rumors range from 'possible' through 'unlikely' all the way to 'ridiculous'.

However, fans have the right to be jumpy. Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli has been rather conservative in the last couple of seasons when it comes to trades, most notably opting to keep the Bruins' locker room intact over acquiring a "rental" at last season's deadline.

Beyond the front office's decisions, the Bs are battling their way out of a slump while staying in contention for a deep playoff run. This has all Bruins fans cautiously optimistic. Does this team have all the right tools in place to bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston?

Sifting through the dozens of blogs about possible trades is a task that I wouldn't wish upon a Habs fan. So, I'll break it down into three categories: possible, unlikely, and ridiculous.

Possible Scenarios:

Marco Sturm's absence has become apparent as of late. His left-handed shot has been missed on the power play, not to mention his leadership.

It's no secret Boston has been looking to fill that role until Sturm comes back next season. Chiarelli has said he is open to the idea of acquiring a late-season "rental" if the price is right.

"It's something we look at long and hard, especially since there are players out there that can give you an immediate impact in certain situations." Chiarelli elaborated.

So, who have the Bruins set their sights on? The two main contenders are Erik Cole and Keith Tkachuk.

Cole hasn't really fit into Edmonton's system, filling only the "underachiever" role in his time there, while Tkachuk has expressed interest in returning to his home state.

For these deals to work, the Bs could be parting ways with the likes of Vladimir Sobotka, Matt Lashoff, Jeremy Reich, or Petteri Nokelainen, as well as a draft pick.

With Byron Bitz fitting into Boston's system quite well, Nokelainen has become expendable. Reich and Sobotka are both having trouble recapturing their play of last season, while Lashoff just hasn't panned out as expected.

Reports are saying that Cole is telling friends he expects to be a Bruin soon, while others are reporting a Tkachuk deal is more likely. Whatever the end result, it's an interesting scenario to watch unfold.

Unlikely Scenario: Manny Fernandez

Back in the season's first few months, the one-two punch of Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez was stopping anything that came within 10 feet within the crease. Since then Thomas has (once again) established himself as the Bs starter, and many fans are calling for a Fernandez trade.

This will not happen and Chiarelli has reiterated this fact, as recently as Monday.

"I'm happy with our goaltending duo right now," Chiarelli said. "I think it's a position of strength as we go forward in the playoffs."

When a team has a goaltender as acrobatic and entertaining as the 34-year-old Thomas, the risk of injury is higher than most teams. If Fernandez is out of the picture, then the Bruins are one awkward dive away from 21-year-old Tuuka Rask leading this team into the playoffs.

We all know Rask has a bright future in the NHL. His shutout against the Rangers in late January proved that. But his playoff collapse in the American Hockey League last season isn't the most comforting set of statistics.

Ridiculous

Every season there seems to be analysts whose main source is their Playstation. But for whatever reason, people buy into their "insights" and add fuel to the fire.

Chiarelli will not be trading Phil Kessel. Nor will we see Marc Savard depart Boston. Kessel was a projected part of a deal that would have brought Marian Hossa to Boston last season. But Chiarelli thought better of the situation, realizing the potential the 21-year-old has, and opted out of it.

That was a good move, as Kessel has 25 goals, and 20 assists in 55 games. If Chiarelli didn't trade him last year (when his 82 game totals were 19 goals and 18 assists), why would he throw a wrench in the Bruins' offense by doing so this year?

And despite what Harry Sinden says, Marc Savard is one of the most important figures in Boston's offense. With 67 points thus far, any scenario where Savard is traded is a loss for the Bruins.

What to Expect

Bruins fans can expect to see a trade this year, but nothing major.

Boston basically just needs a slight tune-up to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup. Trading younger players and a pick for a seasoned veteran with playoff experience could turn out to be a great move for Chiarelli and the Bs.

As the calendar approaches March 4, you can expect the Garden's war room to be a high-stress enviornment. But, if there's anything Bruins fans have learned in the last few seasons, it's that in Chiarelli we trust.

Bruins Gets Homesick

Wayne Whittaker — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:37:07 -0500

“We’ve got to work our way back to where we were," Claude Julien admitted while addressing the media after Boston's disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Most Bruins' fans would consider the coach's sentiment as an understatement.

After wrapping up a five-game road trip with a pitiful 1-3-1 record, Boston returns to the Garden on Tuesday night to try and avenge their shutout loss to Florida last week.

Coach Julien's level-headed leadership may be keeping the B's squad from reaching for the 'panic' button.

“Our guys competed hard tonight. I don’t think anybody’s going to dispute that we were the better team out there tonight. If the effort is there like (that) night after night, then I think we’ll get back on track, and that’s what we’re looking for,” Julien elaborated.

The Numbers Game

If there are lessons to learn from this road trip, they may be hidden within the stat sheets.

The Bruins were outscored 11-10 on the trip. However, most of Boston's scoring came in the 5-1 rout of Carolina.

The B's lost by an average of 1.25 goals.

Boston scored only three goals on 84 shots this weekend.

The Bruins were shutout twice in eight days.

The Bruins are 5-for-47 on the power play in the last 12 games.

Time to Regroup

The B's are back in Boston for a six-game homestand, before traveling to New York on March 8.

Chances are that Boston will be bringing a new member on the road for the first time when they visit Madison Square Garden.

General manager Peter Chiarelli has hinted towards a trade before the deadline and was quoted saying that there is a "75 percent" chance of a trade before the March 4 deadline.

We've all heard the rumors. We know that Boston is looking for depth, experience, and a left-handed shot for the power play. Look for Chiarelli to opt for a rental as the B's try to make a push for the Stanley Cup.

Dents and Scratches

Marco Sturm's absence has become very apparent as of late, especially with the current power-play struggles. However, the Bruins could be getting a major weapon back into the lineup as soon as Tuesday night.

Michael Ryder has been cleared to play after missing seven games with a facial fracture received on the Feb. 5 against Ottawa.

Petteri Nokelainen has been absent from the lineup since the Feb. 10 game against San Jose. Although Bruins fans shouldn't expect much boost in the offense when he returns, as Nokelainen has yet to score a goal this season.

Looking Forward

This is a crucial obstacle for Boston. They haven't been playing their best hockey, yet they still sit at the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference. But they won't be for long if this slide continues.

And they know that.

Boston still has a 19-point lead on Montreal for the Northeast Division. That's basically where the cushion ends.

Washington is now only seven points behind Boston and New Jersey is just behind them, trailing by nine points.

San Jose has reclaimed the NHL's top spot, but cling to a one-point lead over Boston.

All good teams hit bumps. It's how they respond to them that sets the elite teams apart.

With the home crowd behind them, the Bruins have a chance to regain momentum heading into the season's last quarter. All the "bad" bounces that happen in the course of a game have been working against the B's as of late, but if the effort continues to be strong, perhaps luck will soon turn their way.

Boston Bruins: The Good, the Bad and the Timely Passage of Nostalgia

Wayne Whittaker — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:37:48 -0500

In past years, Bruins fans have had no glory to bask in beyond the achievements.

In pre-game ceremonies, highlights of Cam Neely, Ray Bourque or Johnny Bucyk would often draw the loudest applause.

Those days are finally over.

The 2008-2009 campaigns has been a year to remember, thus far and although the Bruins are in a bit of a "funk" right now, the mere fact that the Hub of hockey is once again buzzing is an improvement for the resurgent Bruins.

The month of February hasn't been kind to the Bruins.

Boston heads into tonight's matchup against Carolina toting a four game losing streak.

A reason to panic?

Not quite yet.

"We haven't been scoring as much as we'd like to lately and you've got to kind of move guys around a little bit and see if that will spark things," Coach Claude Julien said, when asked why he jumbled the lines for tonight's game.

The most noticeable change swaps Blake Wheeler up to the front line, while the slumping Phil Kessel is demoted to the second line.

When asked about Kessel's lack of production as of late, coach Julien was his usual firmly supportive self.

"As I explained to him, don't wait for it to happen," Julien said. "Go out there and make it happen."

As some players struggle to regain momentum, Patrice Bergeron appears to be closer to his old self.

While most of Boston's game play has been embarrassingly sloppy lately, Bergeron has been a true high point.

Water Cooler Chat

For the last month or so, trade rumors have been heating up around Boston.

Many big names have been thrown into the discussion, but it appears much of the fervor has cooled down—there are a few exceptions.

Reports indicate that Boston and Edmonton are very close to a deal that would make Erik Cole a Bruin.

Cole has reportedly discussed the deal with friends, suggesting that he could be moving to Boston before the Mar. 4 deadline.

Other reports point to Jordan Leopold being brought to Bean Town.

Both moves could definitely help the Bruins. However, the price must be right: Losing some of Boston's top prospects may be more costly in the long run.

No matter what the price is, there is always a gamble when it comes to team chemistry.

Boston's locker room is one of the strongest in all sports and adding any new element this late in the season is a risky venture, however, there's no reason to doubt GM Peter Chiarelli yet, as he has done nothing but improve this hockey club since taking on the position.

Looking Forward

Every team hits speed bumps in the course of the NHL's 82-game season and the Bruins have officially reached that point.

What separates the elite teams from the rest is the way they respond after hitting their low point.

Boston has a chance to do just that tonight in Carolina.

The rest of February's schedule works in Boston's favor, climaxing on the 29^th against Washington.

Boston will have a chance to once again reaffirm their spot at the top of the Eastern Conference.

What Was Once So Certain: Rask, Fernandez, and the Future of the Bruins' No. 2

Wayne Whittaker — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:23:39 -0500

For many of the fans packed into the Garden on Saturday afternoon, it came as quite a shock when PA announcer Jim Martin announced Tuukka Rask as the starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins matinee match up against the New York Rangers.

Prior to today's game, the 21-year old posted a 2-1-1 record in the big leagues with a 3.26 goals against average and a .886 save percentage. To say fans may have felt uneasy about this decision would be an understatement.

But after a remarkable performance (good for 35 saves and his first NHL shutout) Rask has proven himself worthy of a permanent slot on the Bruins' roster.

How did this all come about? Just last month the tandem of Thomas and Fernandez were tearing up the NHL stat sheets, leading the Bruins to the top of league. It all comes down to two words, "general soreness."

The curious bout of soreness has kept Fernandez from practicing with the B's, forcing Tuukka Rask to be called up from Providence on an "emergency" basis.

Rask watched from the bench for the last few games, as starter Tim Thomas played eight consecutive games. But when coach Claude Julien gave Thomas the day off, Rask was more than eager to make the most of this opportunity.

"You don't want to fail because if you fail you don't know when you're going to get another chance." The Finn goaltender explained in a post-game interview.

In the American Hockey League, Rask sits in 13th place for top goaltenders (2.46 GAA, .918 save %) after leading the Providence Bruins to the best record in the AHL one year ago.

Shall We Initiate The Rumors?

It seems as though since October there have been Thomas/Fernandez trade rumors. Both goaltenders are in the last year of their contracts, and will enter (unrestricted) free agency at the end of the season.

Thomas has surpassed all reasonable expectation for the season. In 31 starts the University of Vermont alumni has posted a .932 save percentage and a 2.15 goals against average.

Fernandez has heated up after a slow start, with .928 save percentage and 2.07 GAA in his 19 starts.

However the injury bug has struck Fernandez again. This coming after he missed most of the 2007-2008 season with a knee injury. There is speculation that the pesky knee is the issue once again.

Throughout the season it has become apparent that Boston loves Thomas. Contract negotiations have already started between the net-minder and the team, and if there is a way to keep Thomas in Boston, the powers-that-be will find it.

That being said, there has been much debate as to what to do with Fernandez. Do the Bruins keep him through the season and let him walk? Or should general manager Peter Chiarelli opt to trade the 34 year old before the March 4 deadline?

And while Rask has been solid in Providence (and now in Boston), consistency is the key. Can Tuukka Rask be successful whenever called upon? How does the rookie handle pressure? These questions and others must be on the back of The Management's mind.

It's a tricky situation Boston finds itself in. And there's no easy answer. Though I will say this: it seems silly to have an NHL-caliber goaltender playing in Providence, while a five million dollar backup sits out with a slew of nagging injuries.

Next Stop: Montreal

The Bruins will face the Habs in a Super Bowl Sunday matinee. And despite Rask's remarkable performance on Saturday, don't expect him to get the start.

When it comes to Bruins/Canadiens hockey, better leave it to the seasoned veteran. The Boston Globe has confirmed Thomas as tomorrow's starter.

There's no better hockey city than Montreal. And there's no better rival than the Montreal Canadiens. Tomorrow's game promises to be the highlight of Super Sunday.

The Gang's All Here: Healthy Boston Bruins Team Spell Trouble for Opponents

Wayne Whittaker — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:53:58 -0500

What a pleasant surprise.

Just one week removed from scrapping out a win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Bruins returned to the ice looking like a new team.

With the return of Andrew Ference, Milan Lucic, and Patrice Bergeron, the B's were able to topple the threatening Washington Capitals in OT.

In his first game back since suffering a concussion in December, Bergeron had an impressive assist while logging 17 minutes of ice time.

But the news gets better.

Phil Kessel has been cleared to play and is expected to make his return tomorrow night against the New Jersey Devils.

The Bruins' leading goal-scorer has been out since mid-January with an embarrassing bout of mono.

With Kessel's return, the Bruins can be classified as "healthy" once again. Although Michael Ryder sat out yesterday's game with "flu-like symptoms," he is expected to return by Saturday.

A Big Week

After taking down Alex Ovechkin and the second-place Capitals, the Bruins set their sights on the red-hot New Jersey Devils, who come into Boston riding a six-game win streak.

There will be little time for rest for the Battling B's as the Rangers make the trip to the Garden for a Saturday matinee. And then it's off to Montreal for hockey's version of Super Sunday with an afternoon battle against the arch rival Canadiens.

Chiarelli Smells Something Bruin'

With the March 4 trade deadline approaching, many insiders believe Boston General Manager Peter Chiarelli is working on at least one deal.

Some names that have been thrown around as possible trade candidates include Manny Fernandez, Chuck Kobasew, P.J. Axellson, and a few forgettable Providence Bruins.

All of these players have played key roles in Claude Julien's system, and it would be a shame to see any of them go. For now though, Bruins fans must have trust in the GM (who is currently in talks with owners Jacob and Charlie Jacobs about a possible contract extension of his own).

A Quick Kudos

A quick congratulatory kudos to Byron Bitz, who registered his first NHL fight last night, against seasoned veteran Donald Brashear. According to the score card on www.hockeyfights.com, it was a draw. But the rookie stood tall against one of the best fighters in the league.

Crisis Averted: How the Bruins' Latest Speed Bump Will Help The Team

Wayne Whittaker — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:57:15 -0500

After a tough week, the battered Boston Bruins head into the All-Star break tied with the San Jose Sharks for first place in the NHL.

That's the good news.

The bad news is that the Bruins performances as of late have been lackluster. Barely squeaking out a win against the 26th-place Toronto Maple Leafs, and losing to the 25th-place St. Louis Blues in a game that Boston had won with two seconds left.

So, should we run for the Panic button? Not yet. There is a reasonable explanation for this little slump.

Injuries.

Patrice Bergeron, Marco Sturm, Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic, and Andrew Ference are all out of the lineup for Boston; with Aaron Ward just rejoining the team after re-aggravated a leg injury.

We all know Sturm won't be back this year, but Boston should see the return of Bergeron, Lucic, and Ference soon after the All-Star break.

As for the B's leading scorer, Kessel's already missed one week with mono, and is expected to miss at least three more.

Captain Zdeno Chara shed some insight after Wednesday's game, “It’s that time of the year that you’re going to face some adversity, some challenges.”

Adversity is something that Claude Julien's Bruins are used to. After losing Bergeron early last year, the resilient Bruins marched into the playoffs and pushed the first seed Montreal Canadiens to the brink of elimination before losing in game seven.

B's Bounce Back

After losing back-to-back games for the second time this month, the Bruins were looking at a third straight loss while heading into the third period against a Maple Leafs team that outplayed the B's heavily in the first two periods.

But Dennis Wideman and Zdeno Chara helped tie the game up before Michael Ryder gave the Bruins the win in dramatic fashion with a shootout goal.

"We just lost the last couple of games, and we wanted to make sure we felt good about ourselves heading into the break,” Coach Julien said when asked about the importance of the win last night.

Injuries have taken a toll, and while the Providence call-ups have helped patch up some of the wear-and-tear, it's become quite obvious that while minor league depth is a great quick fix, there's no replacement for a healthy roster.

With six days off between games, there's a good chance many key players will return to action. And just in time.

The next four games are all intense match-ups against playoff-caliber hockey clubs.

The Bruins will look for this season's first win against Alex Ovechkin's Washington Capitals next Tuesday. Their sights then turn to the red-hot New Jersey Devils.

Follow that up with weekend match-ups against the New York Rangers and those hated Habs of Montreal, and you couldn't ask for a better time for a rest.

There's no sense in worrying just yet. Soak it in Boston; the Bruins are in first place. This has been a great season so far, and the results speak for themselves. Add in a few more healthy players, and there's no reason to think the B's won't finish the season just as powerfully as they dominated the first half.

The Ties That Bind: The Bruins' Chemistry Equation Can't Be Beat

Wayne Whittaker — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:29:42 -0500

Long before Mike Milbury's job was writing wry witticisms for forgettable Bruins' pregame shows, he was a hockey coach. Milbury, surprisingly enough, was the last coach to lead the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals.

This was 19 years ago.

And at the core of that classic team was a tandem of goaltenders with contradicting styles and a unified goal. Reggie Lemelin and Andy Moog shared the blue crease for most of the regular season and portions of the playoffs in the 1989-1990 season.

The battling B's are in a similar situation today, with both Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez playing at an All-Star caliber.

General manager Peter Chiarelli will have an interesting decision to make when this season ends, when both goaltenders enter free agency.

But it sure doesn't look like there will be a move before then. With his sights on the playoffs, Chiarelli has mentioned the importance of having two strong goalies down the long road towards Lord Stanley's Cup.

Goalie 1 and 1A (neither position designated to either player) have put up spectacular numbers thus far.

Tim Thomas ranks second in the NHL with a 2.04 goals against average, and a .935 save percentage. While Manny Fernandez posts 2.07 GAA and a .928 save percentage, good for forth in the NHL.

Trading either Thomas or Fernandez could be costly mistake for the Bruins. Even with Tuuka Rask waiting in the wings, the young Bruin can't compete with the 1-2 knockout goaltender combination this team has found.

Wait, We Have Injuries?

It may be hard to believe, but Eastern Conference leading Bruins are dealing with some pretty serious injury issues.

-Marco Sturm will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery last Tuesday.

-Patrice Bergeron has returned to practices, but there is still no timetable for his return to on-ice action.

-Aaron Ward left the game after a borderline hit from behind against the B's arch nemesis Montreal Canadiens Tuesday and is expected to miss at least the next two games.

-Andrew Ference continues to make progress after suffering from a broken leg in a previous meeting with the Habs. And although he is said to have had a "minor setback", the Bruins can expect him back shortly after the All-star break.

-Milan Lucic has been mysteriously absent from recent contests, with the team citing an "upper body injury". The twenty year old said he could be back within the next few games when questioned after yesterday's practice in Wilmington, MA.

-Phil Kessel was placed on Injured Reserve with mono. Chiarelli said he could miss two weeks to a month, but knowing Kessel's work ethic (he missed 12 games with cancer...) he'll be back as soon as he can.

Even with this seemingly endless list of setbacks, the Bruins have yet to stumble. The call-ups from Providence have fit into coach Claude Julien's system quite well.

6'3" power forward Byron Bitz has been impressive since taking the drive up to Causeway Street.

Old faithful, Vladimir Sobotka has filled his role quite well, with the exception of last week's game against Ottawa where he was a plus/minus of -2 in just under ten minutes of ice time. But don't expect that trend to continue for one of Boston's most reliable back-ups.

Looking Ahead

After extending their hold of the Northeast Division to 12 points with a win over the Canadiens Tuesday, the Bruins hit the road for a couple of games.

As for the rest of January, Ovechkin's Capitals will get a visit from the Bruins twice this month, split between Washington and the Garden.

But the highlight of this month's schedule actually carries over into February with a huge last weekend. The Bruins will face the New York Rangers on the 31st of January, and then travel up to Montreal for the next installment of this heated rivalry.

The first half of the season has come to a close. So far the Bruins have played as well as they ever have, and it's hard to imagine that changing over the next few months. Julien's boys will look to take momentum into the playoffs, as well as a President's Trophy.

Boston Bruins Overachievers Flying Under the Radar

Wayne Whittaker — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:52:40 -0500

As if fans of the Boston Bruins needed another reason to déteste the Montreal Canadiens.

The city of Montreal will be hosting this year's NHL All-Star game.

Unsure of how many Canadiens' players would be on the roster, the (ever-classy) Hab-faithful took matters into their own hands by using automated computer programs to rig the outcome.

Suffice it to say that 60 percent of the Eastern Conference's starting lineup will have very little traveling to do come Jan. 25.

The Canadien fans, however, can not be faulted for the snubbing of one particular player from the All-Star roster. The NHL didn't feel Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was an All-Star caliber player, and neglected to put his name on the ballot.

Two other notable names are missing from the starting lineup—Marc Savard and Zdeno Chara, whose combined contributions have helped the Black and Gold find a place to stay: The top of the Eastern Conference.

Oh Captain, My Captain...

There's no denying the impact of Zdeno Chara's on-ice presence. The towering defenseman is currently in possession of a plus/minus rating of plus-17, racking up seven goals and 15 assists in the 40 games he's played thus far.

If that weren't enough to solidify his role as the Boston Bruins' captain, the leadership he displays on ice rivals that of any player who wears the "C" on their sweater.

When the Buffalo Sabre Boris Valabik decided to push around the Bruins leading scorer Phil Kessel, it took no more than five seconds for Chara to come to the defense of his teammate.

No Longer A "One Zone" Player

Marc Savard is arguably the most underrated player in the National Hockey League.

Check the stats, Savard is currently tied for the best plus-minus in the league (with fellow Bruin Dennis Wideman). He's also sitting in forth place in points, behind heavy-hitters Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, and Sidney Crosby.

Last year former Bruins general manager Harry Sinden called for the trade of Savard, saying:

"I'm not a fan of his. He's one of these guys who has batting average but no runs batted in. You know what I mean? He gets a lot of points. He's a good player, I'm just not a fan."

I don't think it comes as a surprise to many Bruins fans that Sinden has (once again) been proved very wrong.

"I'd rather look ugly making a save than look pretty being scored on."

We've all heard the story of Tim Thomas—the blue collar goaltender who could win the award for "most likely to be the subject of a Bruce Springsteen song." He's fought for what is rightly his, and proved the critics and cynics all wrong en route to becoming one of the elite goaltenders in professional hockey today.

Thomas provided the foundation on which GM Peter Chiarelli has built the Bruins of today.

Imagine knowing that if you let in three or more goals in an evening, you may not play the next game. That's the kind of pressure that has been put on Thomas, who has been sharing the netminding duties with Manny Fernandez. But time and time again, Thomas is the difference-maker.

41 Down, 41 To Go...

Tomorrow night the Bruins will closeout the first half of this NHL season with a game against the Ottawa Senators. The hub of hockey is buzzing over the potential of this team.

Fans have come to expect the Killer B's to give 100 percent ever night. And looking ahead, there's no reason to expect anything less.

The Trio of Chara, Savard, and Thomas may not be starting the All-Star game, but at this pace, they may be starting in a Stanley Cup Finals game. Which do you think matters more to them?

Boston Bruins Aspire for Big Year in 2009

Wayne Whittaker — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:27:11 -0500

2008 was a success for the Boston Bruins.

A late-season surge led to an exciting seven-game series against the Montreal Canadiens in the '07-'08 season.

Coming into the '08-'09 season, expectations were high, and have been far surpassed by the outstanding play of the (once again) Big Bad Bruins.

Always looking forward, Coach Claude Julien jumbled the lines a bit in the B's last win against Pittsburgh, demoting Milan Lucic to the third line and putting veteran P.J. Axelsson alongside center Marc Savard and sniper Phil Kessel.

Why mess with success?

“I guess it’s just preventing things from getting stale." Coach Julien replied when questioned about the curious move.

The Bruins' January schedule is highlighted by the match up against the Montreal Canadiens on the 13th. The Habs may feel a sense of desperation as the two teams battle for the Northeast Division (which the Bruins currently hold a 12-point lead over their bitter rivals).

Also on tap for Boston are some big games against the Eastern Conference rival Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.

In other words, the B's should have their hands full. And if they wish to continue the success they've had in recent months they will have to battle hard not only in the games listed above, but also in the possible "trap" games against teams like Toronto, Minnesota, and Carolina.

However. don't expect Zdeno Chara and company to come out soft against any team.

"We just want to win every game," the towering Bruins captain said while addressing the media after Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh, "The stats and the history is one thing, but playing every game the best we can is another thing. After each game we want to look forward instead of back on whatever the record is."

First up for Boston is Pittsburgh in the second game of a home-and-home battle on New Year's Day in the new Garden. The slumping Pens will have to step up their game if they want to have a shot against this year's team to beat in the East.

The injury bug has bitten the B's, but strong depth down in Providence has allowed the continued dominance by the Bruins. With Aaron Ward back in the lineup and Petteri Nokelainen, Andrew Ference, Patrice Bergeron, and Marco Sturm all working toward a quick return, the new-comers Martin St. Pierre, and Matt Hunwick shouldn't get too comfy in the locker room.

2009 has the potential to be a very big year for the Boston Bruins. Will the cup drought on Causeway Street finally come to an end? We'll have to see if the Killer B's can say true to their New Year's resolution.

Band Of Brothers: A Look at the Boston Bruins Team Chemistry

Wayne Whittaker — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:08:02 -0500

"We went to war." Shawn Thornton was absolutely right about that.

In perhaps the most memorable game of the season thus far, the Boston Bruins battled and bruised the Dallas Stars on the first of November.

At that point, the Bruins' roster had already been a tight-knit group for nearly a year, but it took several cheap shots by the abysmal duo of Sean Avery and Steve Ott to form an unbreakable bond within the Boston Garden's locker room.

Johnny Come-Lately

There's no denying that whenever a player becomes part of a new team, there's a certain amount of time it may take to incorporate that new face into an already tight unit. But, once a few eyebrows have been raised, confidence begins to build, and the seamless transition between individual and team occurs.

Last season, it was Shawn Thornton, Shane Hnidy, and Milan Lucic who successfully proved themselves. This year, Matt Hunwick, Blake Wheeler, and (a healthy) Manny Fernandez have had the task of stepping up their game to earn the respect of their peers.

Once that bond is made, every player defends their teammates whenever necessary.

And when someone like Avery barrels into the knees of Milan Lucic, a response is called for. Marc Savard answered, plowing into a vulnerable Avery and initiating a pig pile.

The Stars weren't the only notable foe to find out just how tight this team is. If you look at any game where there has been a questionable hit by the B's opponent, you'll find a fitting response by one of Boston's towering figures on the ice.

With sheriffs like Lucic, Chara, Ward, Stuart, Hnidy, and Thornton on the ice, the Bruins' opponents may want to reconsider following through with their borderline hit. If not, they may have a few new bruises to show for their effort.

Breaking Down The Bruins Breakout: Watch Me Jumpstart...

Wayne Whittaker — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:41:59 -0500

It’s hard to believe that only two years ago the Boston Bruins were a sub-.500 hockey club, sitting at the bottom of the Northeast divisional standings. Only one year ago, the Bruins were amidst a losing streak that would last until the last day of 2007.

Today, to say that things have changed would be an understatement.

The Bruins are currently atop of the Eastern Conference, and poised to continue their dominance. The objective of last season was simple: to make Boston a tougher team to play against.

Seven games against the top seeded Montreal Canadiens in the first round of last season’s playoffs successfully crossed that goal off of the Bruins’ to-do list.

This season, the bar was set higher.

Boston flew out of the gate strong, surpassing expectations and clawing their way to the top of the standings. Looking forward, the entire hockey world is wondering if the Killer B’s are threatening to make a run at the cup, or if they will fizzle out as the season progresses.

As We Go Up, We Go Down

Unlike the dozens of teams that have hinted towards success before falling short of their potential, this Bruins team’s depth rivals any team in the NHL.

When defenseman Andrew Ference went down with a fractured tibia, an organization that may have gone into “panic mode” in years past could confidently call upon Providence’s Matt Hunwick to fill out the battered blue-line.

And Hunwick is not the only player in the minor’s poised to make a major impact. Vladimir Sobotka, Jeremy Reich, Peter Schaefer, and Tuuka Rask all saw substantial ice time in Boston last season. All three could be called upon if needed.

Worth the wait

Acting as a strong foundation for the Bruins defense is the stellar goaltending combination of Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez—a duo of thirty-somethings that have proven all the cynics wrong on their way to sparking the resurgence on Causeway Street. Not since the days of Lemelin and Moog have Boston’s nets been so bulletproof. As NESN commentator Jack Edwards put it, “there is no backup, just goalie one and goalie 1A”.

Boston’s leading goal scorer, Phil Kessel, is also surprising a few people as he is “finally” meeting the expectations set for him when he started playing in the NHL two years ago.

The pressure that was put on Kessel may not have been fair for the forward, who is just old enough to watch a hockey game in a bar. The 21-year-old is two goals from matching his career high of 20 goals, and on par to break last year’s team-scoring leader (Marco Sturm) 27-goal mark before Martin Luther King Day.

Looking Ahead

December’s schedule is rather light for the black and gold, and Claude Julien and company hope that the Washington speed bump will be the only setback until the New Year. Key match-ups for December include a trip to New Jersey (where the Bruins hope to open an early Christmas gift) on the 23rd, and the showdown in Pittsburgh on the 30th.

Looking into 2009, Boston has to look to secure their spot in the top of the Eastern Conference. Even though the Bruins have a relatively comfortable lead over Montreal in the division, the B’s must continue to beat their divisional rivals for the remainder of the season. The next time the two teams meet is January 13 at the Garden.

Nearly 30 games into the season, Boston is out to its most promising start since Milan Lucic’s first birthday. The hub of hockey is buzzing as the sky is seemingly the limit for this Bruins team.

Boston Bruins: Keys to Success in December

Wayne Whittaker — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:44:18 -0500

Breathe. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, it is only Dec. 1.

Yes, the Boston Bruins are in first place in the Eastern Conference. Yes, the Bruins are ranked within the top three teams in the league in almost every power ranking known to man. Yes, this is the best start on Causeway Street since 1983. And yes, our Boston Bruins are arguably the most interesting team in Boston (a city with a surplus of championship quality sports teams).

Relevant once again, will the Bruins and their fans finally be able to bask in the glory of it all? Not for another 58 games, at least, when the regular season comes to a close. And even then, if this pace continues, there will be little time for basking before round one of the playoffs starts.

So let's take a step back. Forget the 11-1-1 month of November, and look to the 0-0-0 month of December.

With only one divisional matchup on the schedule until three days into 2009, the fate of the Northeast Division is out of coach Claude Julien and Co.'s control. But that does not make the games from here to New Year's Eve any less interesting.

The Numbers Game

Eight of the 13 games this month are against teams that I will classify as "non-threatening" as the B's take on Atlanta (three times), Tampa Bay (twice), Toronto, Florida, and St. Louis. If the season ended today, none of these teams would make the playoffs.

Teams like New Jersey and Carolina are both clinging to seventh place in the East and have the potential to squeak out wins if the Bruins take them lightly.

And of course, Washington and Pittsburgh are always threats.

The Three Keys for the B's

1. Stay Confident, but Not Cocky

After the Bruins tossed aside the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings, Captain Zdeno Chara had this to offer:

"We can beat anybody in this league and we can play against anybody. But obviously we've got to keep going and we've got to push forward. We can't be satisfied with the results we have."

This is absolutely the right attitude to have and the kind of attitude that should be expected.

The Bruins have concrete reasons to feel confident in their ability to win hockey games. They are currently the hottest team in the league and are playing the best hockey Boston has seen since the Reagan administration.

But that is no reason to take your opponent lightly. If the Bruins fall into this fatal form of hibernation, December could be colder than expected for the now red hot B's.

2. Keep It Simple

There is an expression as old and worn out as Harry Sinden that says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Bruins have had success thus far by sticking to Julien's defensive system, all the while not straying from the offensive fore-check.

If Chuck Kobasew, Phil Kessel, and David Krecji can continue their hot streaks, Boston will find itself with more offensive guns than were ever expected.

Beyond the K's on the roster, foundation players Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard must continue their dominance if the Bruins can continue their own.

3. Stay Healthy

The blueline took a hit when Andrew Ference went down. Luckily, Peter Chiarelli had an ace in the hole with Matt Hunwick.

Marco Sturm's presence has been missed, but thankfully not in the form of offensive productivity.

The Manny Fernandez deal of '06 is looking better and better, especially with Tim Thomas listed as questionable with an "illness." Fernandez (who was given the unfortunate nickname of "Iron Man-ny" by the Bruins official website) has been acting as a Thomas impersonator in his last few starts, flashing a .918 save percentage and winning his last six straight.

The only downside to Fernandez's play is that he is still a bit terrifying to watch (shades of the '06-'07 Thomas), with his hot/cold switch constantly in flux. (Remember the four goals in the first period he let up against the Sabres last week? Yeah, so do I.)

Exhale. It is okay to feel confident, even jubilant. After all, the Boston Bruins are the team to beat in the East. And if the Black and Gold stay true to themselves and fixed in their winning ways, Julien's New Year's resolution could just be four words, "more of the same."

Boston Bruins Gaining Momentum and Respect: From a Whisper to a Scream

Wayne Whittaker — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:20:14 -0500

As we pass the quarter mark of the NHL's 2008-2009 campaign, the Boston Bruins stand out as the biggest surprise in the East.

Standing tall above the rest, two points ahead of the New York Rangers with two games in hand (and more importantly six points above archrival Canadiens), Claude Julien's fore-checking Killer B's can no longer be overlooked.

Grounded by Tim Thomas' sporadic-sprawl-style net-minding, the Bruins have brought a resurgence of faith to the Hub of Hockey.

And while no one is booking the duck boats for a late spring tickertape parade just yet, there's no denying that the seed of hope has been planted in the minds of all die-hard fans who have suffered through the years of disappointment dating back to before the lockout...of 1994.

Ten games into November and still undefeated in regulation, the Bruins have a reason to be confident in their abilities. Offensive weapons Savard, Sturm, Kessel, Bergeron, and Ryder are assisted by the youth movement on Causeway Street.

The peach-fuzz powerhouse of Lucic, Krejci, and Wheeler can't help but make Bruins fans feel confident about the team's future. The blue-line bruisers, led by Chara, Ward, Wideman, and Ference, have been huge factors in helping the Bruins surrender the least amount of goals against in the league.

Throw in a few sheriffs (Thornton, Hnidy) and veterans (Axelsson, Kobasew), and you have what appears to be a winning formula.

After years of turmoil, trust is finally being reestablished between management and the fans.

General Manager Peter Chiarelli's best (and boldest) move occurred in the 2007 season. He opted to forego a late-season rental of hot-shot Hossa in favor of a team chemistry that rivals any locker room in major sports. And with Vice President Cam Neely overlooking the development of this club, fans have a reason to trust again.

Spoken at a whisper if spoken at all, fans are quietly making their Stanley Cup predictions. Truly all that can be said is that although there may be rough patches, injuries, and doubts, if the Boston Bruins continue to play this style of hockey—with as much control and conviction that the hockey world has witnessed thus far—the Cup drought in Beantown may be coming to an abrupt end.