bruins 4 - redwings 1

Manny Fernandez got the start (maybe a surprise, given that he'd played the previous game) as the Bruins battled the reigning Stanley Cup champions last night. The Bruins were outplayed for the half of the first period, but took advantage of some shaky goaltending to gain momentum and draw first blood.

Michael Ryder set up Blake Wheeler on a two-on-one at the twelve minute mark, and four minutes later Phil Kessel doubled the lead.

In the second period, when Patrice Bergeron rushed the Redwings' defenseman, stripped the puck and set up Kobasew for the third goal, Ty Conklin's night was over. He was pulled and Chris Osgood took over, with similar results. David Krejci beat him for the Bruins' fourth goal and the Bruins were able to cruise to their ninth straight home win. This is the second straight game where the Bruins chased the opposing teams' goalie.

This game was a particular test for the Bruins, as it featured the second-place team in the East against the second-place team in the Western Conference, and with the win, the Bruins finish November with a 11-1-1 record, their best month since December, 1978.

Of Note: Phil Kessel's point streak extends to 9 games; Fernandez's win streak extends to 6 games; Matt Hunwick's 6 game streak comes to an end.

bruins 7 - islanders 2

Last night's game was a very interesting one, and satisfying for Bruins fans.

Despite the very cool third jerseys the Bruins were rocking (see image), things in last night's game looked a little dismal to start - the Bruins gave up a goal less than 2 minutes into the game, when a wrister beat Manny "MF" Fernandez on his glove side. However, it is the no-quit attitude of this B's club that differentiates from Bruins teams of recent years, and Boston kept bringing their hard pressure game to the Islanders, eventually pulling themselves back into the game. The Bruins took a 2-1 lead into the third period before opening the gates of Hell on the Islanders.

Manny Fernandez stopped a breakaway from (former Bruin) Bill Guerin, and the B's immediately rushed down the ice and scored. 10 seconds later, they scored again, creating some distance between the two teams. The Bruins never really looked back from there, scoring 5 goals in the final frame.

Michael Ryder scored twice, and Phil Kessel, David Krejci, Blake Wheeler, and Dennis Wideman all had a goal and an assist for the cause. Marc Savard drew two assists, placing him second in the league for assists, and tying (with three other players) for second in the league for overall points (in both cases, behind Evgeni Malkin).

Of Note: Last night was Milan Lucic's 100th NHL game; Phil Kessel's point streak extends to 8 games; Matt Hunwick's point streak extends to 6 games; Manny Fernandez's win streak extends to 5 straight games; and finally, the Bruins home-win-streak extends to 8 games...their longest home-win-streak since 2002.

The Bruins play again tonight against the Detroit Redwings.

sabres 3 - bruins 2

The Bruins let the Sabres jump out to a 2-0 lead and ended up trying to play catch up because of it.

Generally, the B's play an attacking style of game, forechecking and pressing the play into their defensive system (which naturally then fuels the offense). Because of this aggressive style, the Bruins were able to overcome their sluggish first-period play, and began mounting a comeback - clawing back into the game with goals from Matt Hunwick and Phil Kessel.

However it was a shorthanded goal from Jochen Hecht, scored 30 seconds after Hunwick tied the game, that finished the Bruins night.

This was the first time in the last 10 games, where the Bruins have finished without gaining at least a point, but Kessel extended his point streak to 7 games.

Image swiped from Flickr, here.

bruins 3 - canadiens 2 (SO)

In a game where Patrick Roy "came home" to partially make amends for how he departed from Montreal, where Georges Laraque shadowed Milan Lucic, trying to instigate a fight that would somehow make amends for Lucic's pummeling of Komisarek on November 13th, and where the Canadiens tried to make amends for their big loss against the B's in their last game, only one reconciliation stands out - the Bruins, this year, are making amends for last season's losses against the Habs.

I watched part of the game at home, and part of it in my favourite watering hole, surrounded by the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge faithful. They cheered every hit, every shot (and there were a lot in the third, where Boston was outshot 18-5), and ultimately the tying goal from Koivu. And rightly so, I should add.

However, when Blake Wheeler potted the lone goal in the shootout, I was the only one in a crowded bar clapping. Ever to their credit, the Habs fans simply turned and glowered...no swearing in either official language or throwing of things in my direction. At least, not that I noticed in my minor revelry.

When Thomas ultimately stopped Koivu, the last of the three shooters, there was only one voice cheering in the thick silence of the bar, above the announcers on RDS. Despite how it may sound, I wasn't trying to be "showy" about the B's win - I was just very pleased to see them continue their winning streak against their oldest rivals.

In the win, I think Tim Thomas' comments aptly summed up my feelings:

"To come in here and get a win feels really good, especially in a shootout. I've seen Saku score on that last shot and him being the one walking off the ice with his arms raised and all happy. I was happy to be the one with my arms raised and all happy."

And so, a sense of making amends for previous games, and perhaps continuing to reconcile this season's play against les Habs with last years'.

The Bruins now retain sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference, and are within three points of San Jose for first in the League.

The Bruins play again on Wednesday, against the Sabres.

david krejci goal

I watched tonight's game on the laptop, so I couldn't really see the wonder and splendor of some of the Bruins' highlights. In particular, David Krejci's slow-motion set up on the three-on-one to make it 3-1 struck me as fun.

I enjoyed the tenor of what Coach Julien had to say of Krejci's play:

He controls the play so well, and he also controls the pace of it too, and I’ve seen players in the past, that they were extremely good at that. I remember J.F Sauve from the Nordiques was one of those guys that would make those plays, slow things down...they’re gifted with the stick, and they find seams, and [Marc Savard] does it at times for us, too, but, you know, David’s a good player, and he’s just starting to grow into the type of player that we all expected him to be.

(Also, thank you to the Boston Bruins PR team for supplying me with post-game information, after each game, now. These stat packs are a great asset to a writer, and I appreciate it)

bruins 4 - panthers 2

Given the amount of attention that will be paid to the Bruins game here tomorrow night (coupled with the retirement of Patrick Roy's 33 at the Bell Centre), it would be pretty easy for the Bruins and Bruins faithful to overlook tonight's match against the Panthers.

But a strong effort from the Bruins managed to secure another home win for the Black, White and Gold.

Marc Savard, David Krejci and Dennis Wideman all left the game for short spells with injuries, but fortunately returned and continued to make their presence felt. Savard had a goal and an assist, while Krejci and Wideman had a goal and assist respectively.

I should mention that while I harbour no ill feelings in particular toward the Panthers, I take great pleasure in watching (former Hab) Richard Zednick lose. I don't really know why...I think it's because of the playoffs in 2001-2002...which had some good moments too.

At any rate, this was a solid, up-tempo game from the B's, and brings them within two points of first in the Eastern Conference with three games in hand.

The image is taken from Flickr, where a fan has posted some images. Thanks!

bruins 7 - sabres 4

Like many Bruins fans, I'm fair chuffed about the team's winning streak, but I am also wary of any signs that a calamitous slide may be on its way. Last night's game against the Sabres certainly started in a way that suggested that the wheels may be loosening, en route to falling off completely.

Starter Manny Fernandez (henceforth known simply as the MF) allowed 3 goals on 6 shots, and the Bruins found themselves down 4-2 early in the match. However, the MF was able to regain his focus, and the team was able to staunch the bleeding and mount a comeback.

The comeback was pretty monumental. Savard and Chara each potted a goal to even the score, and then continued to produce. Chara added a second goal, and Savard ended the night with 4 points, bringing him to 600 points in his career, while simultaneously saving my ass in the hockey pool. After being down 4-2, the Bruins scored 5 unanswered goals and came out with the win.

The Bruins are now 7-0-1 in their last eight games, and have enjoyed their longest winning streak since 2002. As I say, like all prudent Bruins fans, I'm cautious about this streak, but when a team can fall behind and keep battling as they have, finding ways to win as they go, it's hard to not feel good about their effort.

Note: Chuck Kobasew is back from his "lower body" injury, and in 7 games this year, he has had four multiple-point nights. The Bruins have killed off 33 of 35 penalties in the last 8 games (94.3% on the PK). They retain first place in the NE Divsion, and are two points out of First in the Eastern Conference.

bruins 3 - maple leafs 2

Last night's tilt against the Maple Leafs may not have been the Bruins best outing in this recent winning streak, but it was another part of the winning streak.

In Claude Julien's 100th game behind the Bruins bench, the B's took advantage of some defensive breakdowns and (at times) soft goaltending to grab a "W" from the Maple Leafs. Phil Kessel opened the scoring for the Bruins, Matt Hunwick got his first NHL goal (see image, above), and Michael Ryder finally scored again, on a beautiful toe-drag-to-top-shelf goal that reminded Bruins fans why he was picked up in the off-season.

The Bruins have made it a bit of a tradition to beat the Leafs, having won the vast majority of games through last season and this, but the more important point is that they held on for the win, despite some craaaaazy pressure from the Leafs, and five shots ringing off the goal posts through the game.

The win brings Boston's record up to 11-3-4 (first in the Division), and Tim Thomas again retains top-spot in the NHL Goalie Rankings.

Perhaps NOW Thomas can get the All-Star Nomination he deserves?

brian burke rumours

Note the Canadian spelling of "rumours" above. It could be an important distinction in this post, perhaps.

Brian Burke, recently of the Anaheim Ducks, has left his management position to seek other pastures. From media reports, those pastures are either coloured with the Blue-and-White of the Toronto Maple Leafs, or the Black, White and Gold of the Boston Bruins. From reports I've seen, the position that Burke would be slotted into with the Bruins would be that of President - above GM, but below whatever personal advisers the Jacobs family rely on for macro-decisions.

Burke has assets going for him: he's very bright, he's outspoken and opinionated (which often works well in a hockey marketing context), he's a lawyer (helpful with contract negotiations), he has a Cup ring with the Ducks, and he is American, which is a welcomed characteristic for most US-based hockey fans (and one I can totally understand - how many Canadian basketball fans changed allegiances with Steve Nash's trade?).

However, Burke's sudden availability is, to me, a moot point. While the Bruins were very interested in Burke's services a few seasons ago when the club was consistently missing the playoffs (74 and 76 points in 2005 thru 2007) and prone to questionable player moves (anyone from Zhamnov to Grosek, not to mention the Thornton trade), they seem to have righted the ship. Or, at the very least, be on track to improve their lot.

The additions of Don Sweeney and Cam Neely to the management core, as well as vastly improved General Management and Coaching duties through Chiarelli and Julien, respectively, have brought Bruins fans a more competitive, more engaging, and ultimately, more entertaining club than we've had in years.

Burke inherited a Ducks club rich in assets that were brought in by Bryan Murray. Though, to his credit, Burke won the Cup.

However, my years living in British Columbia and watching the Vancouver Canucks rattle around through jersey changes, lineup gaffs, and an endless roster of goalies - many of whom who would go on to be Number One keeper elsewhere - leads me to be very wary of Burke's influence on a team...especially one so dear to my heart, in the process of rebuilding and strengthening.

In short, I don't feel we need Burke, even though he's available. His skills are perfect for a club careening recklessly into the guardrails, who need a strong hand to push them in the right direction. This would be the Bruins from a few seasons ago. The current Bruins team now has leadership throughout their management team, and, to their credit, throughout their on-ice lineup, as well.

Bruins fans, I beseech you: Let Burke go to Toronto - I promise you it is for the best, if only for more Burke-versus-Strachan or Burke-versus-Lowe hyjinx.

rangers 3 - bruins 2 (SO)

The Bruins jumped out to a 2-0 lead against the Rangers last night, and played a hard fought game, only to have their lead eroded late in the third period. When Marcus Naslund scored with 53 seconds left in the game, the Rangers gave ample evidence of why they retain first place in the Eastern Conference - simply stated, they find ways to win.

After an overtime that saw Marc Savard ring one off the post, the game went to a shoot-out - which is often the Bruins nemesis, having gathered 5 losses in 6 attempts in shootout situations.

Finally, it was Chris Drury who sealed the Bruins fate, beating (a visibly frustrated) Tim Thomas in the one-on-one showdown.

The B's should probably feel pretty good about gaining at least a point against the Blue Shirts, but obviously, giving up the lead could suggest larger problems. If it were not for the team's overall effort against the Rangers, and their hard play this season, this breakdown could perhaps be seen as an ominous portent of a slide. But there's something resilient about this team, and for the first time in many seasons, the players, coaches and management all seem to be pulling in the same direction, even in losses.

The Bruins are going to lose some games, but if they can do so while still playing well, and continue to win more games than they lose, then I believe the club to still be in solid running for a hard-found Eastern playoff birth. Which, at this point in the Bruins team-development, is still the aim each year.

The Bruins are back on the ice on Monday evening, against the Maple Leafs.

bruins 6 - canadiens 1

The Bruins faced their oldest and bitterest rivals last night, in a game that showed just how motivated this young squad can be. Having lost all regular season match-ups against the Canadiens last season, and finally falling to the Habs in the seventh (heartbreaking) game in last year’s playoffs, the B's had ample reason to bring their best effort to last night's match.

And their best effort was indeed impressive.

This Bruins team is at their best when they use their speed and grit on the forecheck to create opportunities from their opposition's mistakes. It may read like a sports cliche, but it really is true - the Bruins created their own success last night by aggressively bringing their own game to the Canadiens.

The B's took advantage of errant passes, defensive breakdowns, and in one case, a "brain-cramp" from Hab goalie Cary Price (who played the puck in the no-go-zone behind the net) to jump out to an early lead. Coupled with their strong play the Bruins also had timely luck - they scored with only a few seconds left in the first period - to really break the back of the Canadiens' offense. From there the Bruins were able to keep their energy up, and give the hometown fans something to cheer (and jeer) about.

Manny Fernandez was solid in nets, improving to 4-0-1 in his last five starts. The Bruins retain sole possession of first place in the NE Division, and have won 8 of their last 9 games.

Of note: I have heard precious little from the millions of Canadiens fans I am surrounded by here in Montreal...the opposite of what I had to deal with all last year.

Also of note: Mike Komiserak has a lot less to say with Milan Lucic's fists in his mouth (see image above).

It is extremely satisfying to see the Bruins so completely dominate a game, especially against their long-time rivals.

There are some highlights here.

bruins 2 - blackhawks 1 (SO)

The Bruins collected another 2 points last night, in a spirited affair against the Blackhawks. The two teams entered the game with the same record, and a similar trajectory of being clubs on the rebound after several seasons of ineffectual play. Both clubs have a mix of bright young stars, a few grizzled veterans and, in Khabibulin and Thomas, goaltending that is often spectacular.

Early in the game, Colin Fraser decided to tangle with Zdeno Chara after a crease-side shoving match, and was knocked unconscious by the Bruins captain, with a single, gloved punch. Ouch. Chara went on to have a solid game, keeping forwards to the outside in his own zone, and setting up Marco Sturm's goal for the Bruins lead.

Jonathan Toews scored for the 'Hawks, and the game remained deadlocked (despite some craaaazy chances) through regulation and overtime.

In the shootout, Bruins defensive-expert PJ Alexsson tallied the game winner, in a surprising inside-out-to-top-shelf-backhand that showed an offensive upside seldom seen in this potential Selke Award candidate.

With the win, the Bruins improve to 7-1-0 in their last 8 games. They also retain first place in the Northeast Division, and jump to second overall in the Eastern Conference.

Good times. Now, don't get cocky.

bruins 3 - sabres 1

In the late 80s, I hated the Buffalo Sabres.

When the Bruins were unrolling a team with top stars that would reach the Finals in 1987-1988 and again in 1990-91, they seemed to always be losing to the Sabres during the season.

And while the Bruins ended up vaulting over the Sabres in both the playoff rounds for the seasons mentioned above, I still grew to use the Sabres as a barometer of how good the Bruins really were. The Sabres provided a guage of whether the Bruins were "the real deal" or not (I still do this the Bruins play the Thrashers or Canadiens).

And though the game has changed and the Sabres are no longer a specific measurement of Bruins success for me, last night's 3-1 win was significant for showing what the Bruins are capable of:

• With the win, the Bruins pulled themselves into a tie with Buffalo for 1st place in the Eastern Conference;
• The Bruins improve to 7-3-3, and have won 3 straight at home;
• Manny Fernandez got the start and proved himself to be a more-than-reliable 1a or 1b keeper in tandem with Tim Thomas;
• Chuck Kobasew returned to the Bruins lineup, after missing every game since the opener with a broken leg. He immediately made an impact, registering a goal and an assist.

The Bruins have, over the course of their most recent run, been competitive in every game and been fun to watch. Given how effort has brought the wins for this team, I just hope that the effort continues.

The Bruins play Chicago on Wednesday.

The image above is of PJ Axelson and Manny Fernandez, photo by Lisa Hornak.

bruins 5 - leafs 2

Well, the Bruins made up for their horrible game from a few nights hence, with a more resilient effort against the Maple Leafs.

Despite a third period lag, where they B's were vastly outshot and needed to kill off a 5-on-3 disadvantage, the Bruins were able to rely on the stellar - and need I say All-Star-Nomination-Warranting - performance of Tim Thomas, and the first career hat-trick by Blake Wheeler.

Wheeler, who was apparently not quality enough to play for the Phoenix Coyotes (wha...?) added a well-timed empty-net goal to his evening's output, registering his first 3-goal game for the Bruins.

Of note, Wheeler also changed his uniform to Number 26 before last night's game. By wearing 26, he joins the company of such Bruins luminaries as Don Awrey, Mike Milbury, Mike Knuble, and Bill Goldsworthy. Good company to keep, and given his luck wearing the number, probably a good sweater to keep too.

Honourable mentions for last night's game: Mark Stuart, who laid out Jason Blake and sent him flying into the players bench, and Sean Thornton, who brought a surprisingly soft set of hands to last night's game.

Good show. The Bruins improve to 7-3-3 with last night's win.

does murray linger on?

Former Bruin forward, Glen Murray, bought out by the Bruins this past summer, may be entitled to his full contract value after all, sources are saying.

The issue will revolve around whether Murray left the club with a pre-existing ankle injury (in which case he's entitled to full contract value), or whether he told the Bruins (and other clubs) that he was perfectly healthy.

The whole scenario seems reminiscent of that of Alexei Zhamnov, who signed to the B's for big money in 2005-2006, played a total of 24 under-whelming games, and still received his full contract over several seasons. A situation that (coupled with some dubious management decisions) hamstrung the Bruins' salary cap for two seaons.

Now finally free of the Zhamnov contract, and seemingly free of a rapidly-aging former sniper and his full contract, the Bruins may be forced to pay up, despite apparently operating in good faith with Murray.

It is an especially tricky situation, given that the Bruins currently sit with only about $680, 000 in cap space....and the persistent rumour that they are pursuing free-agent Brendan Shanahan.

The Bruins play the Leafs this evening.

summer with zee

Since the Bruins have had a few days lay-off (ominous words in such troubled financial times) I thought I'd post about "Summer With Zee", a documentary I saw on the NHL Network last week.

This past summer, Bruins cap'n Zdeno Chara climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, as a fundraising effort for the Right to Play organization.

Chara is typically shown to be a semi-human, test-tube created man-giant with a supernatural impetus to work out. So it was refreshing to me to see him in a more honest light, talking openly about what he's gained from sport and his effort to give back. He came off as humble and generous, I found.

Coupled with Andrew Ference, the B's may have the most socially aware back line (to say nothing of their plus minus). I'm sure the opposition will respect that as they try to gain the zone...

You can watch "Summer With Zee" here.

And do as I did: enjoy watching someone climb a mountain as you eat potato chips.

bruins 5 - stars 1

The Bruins, in their most successful incarnations, have been a team that combines the nimble skills of the elite, with the back alley services of the brawler. At their best, the Bruins have had players that can dangle and score, create amazing opportunities with their passing, and also level the opposition with hard checks and, when necessary, bare-knuckle fighting (sometimes these skills are all found in the same player – a la Cam Neely, Phil Esposito, or perhaps in time, Milan Lucic).

Last night’s home game against the Stars showed the Bruins at their (historical) best, against their polar opposite. In a game that saw 146 minutes in penalties, the B’s faced down the “agitator” antics of Sean Avery and Steve Ott with guts and camaraderie. When Ott delivered a low-bridge hit on Stephane Yelle, or Avery ran Milan Lucic from behind (or any number of other cheap plays through the game), they were met with the willing fists of Bruins stalwarts Sean Thornton, Shane Hnidy and Milan Lucic, but also the unlikely pugilists Marc Savard and Andrew Ference.

Ott and Avery were repeatedly invited to back up their questionable (borderline league-suspension) play with their fists – again, a characteristic of “old-time hockey” and quality NHL clubs of the past – but these two players instead chose to cover up and not be drawn into a fight that would be the logical outcome of their cheap shots. It is a decision that has been noted by media, opponents, and even teammates:

“I don’t know what’s going on here. If this is what we’re going to be about here, just give me a front office job right now.” -- Future Hall of Famer Mike Modano, as quoted here.

However, in the end, the Dallas club received a fitting justice, losing badly to a Bruins team that retained its composure and defended each other. Given the Bruins’ recent history with teams taking liberties with its star players, resulting in concussions and hundreds of man-games lost, it was heartening to see the Black, White and Gold show heart and stick together, while also filling the net.

The highlight of the night, for me at least, saw Andrew Ference fighting Sean Avery. Ference is one of the few NHL players that I can personally relate to (environmentalist, bike enthusiast, social activist, smaller defenseman), but through last season I was always a little disappointed by his play in the defensive zone. This season he seems to have stepped his game up considerably, looking assured and solid with his defensive play, and while he wasn’t able to deliver the K-O that I feel Avery most deserves, Ference showed himself to be a dyed-in-the-wool Bruin, landing a series of lefts (before Avery’s slew-foot take-down), and trying to get past referees to deliver more.

This kind of action shows the heart of Ference as he develops into a more complete player, the cohesiveness of the Bruins as they become a more formidable, tougher team, but probably most significantly, an entire NHL (and its fans) recognizing the gutless, selfish play of Avery, Ott, and a Dallas club that fosters and apparently accepts such behavior.

Also of note, Krys Barch taking on Sean Thornton - it is unfortunate that Barch is left to clean up the mess that his teammates start, but cannot finish.

november 1, 1924

On this day in 1924, the Boston Bruins became the first American team to join the NHL. While I am not an American, I am obviously pleased to celebrate this event, and can see the significance in the larger fabric of NHL history.

The Bruins joined the league and played their first game against the Montreal Maroons, winning 2-1. The Bruins would then go on to a truly dismal 6-24 record, showing that it was tough being a Bruins fan, even in the ‘20s.

Interestingly, the arena that the Maroons played in stood directly across the street from my old house, on avenue Mont-Royal, au coin de St-Urbain. The space is now occupied by an enormous and crass grocery store, but if you are shopping for produce and look up, you can see two seats from the original Maroons arena. These seats serve as a small reminder of the historic legacy of hockey in this town, but also an ominous indication of the role that business has always played in the NHL.

Happy 84th Birthday, Bruins.