Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff 
Unfortunately, I have been so busy at the paper, that I have not had a chance to make it to a Devils game or practice yet this season, but I figured I chime in on the Bruins. The Black and Gold currently sit in 4th place in the Eastern Conference even though they are tied for points with New Jersey and Carolina.
If the Devils and Hurricanes weren't leading their own division they would actually be sitting behind the Bruins because the Black and Gold have the same amount of
points in less games. All three teams have 35 points, just four points behind Conference leading Ottawa. The Bs are also the only team in the NHL, yes the entire
league, that has not lost back-to-back games in regulation. While the Patriots continue to win every weekend and the Celtics only having lost just two games
so far, the Bruins are quietly putting together a nice start to their season without having one of their more offensive powers - Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron is still
sidelined with a Grade 3 concussion and it's uncertain when he will make his way back to the ice. 
Center Marc Savard is leading the league in assists with 29 and of course is leading the team with 35 points, while Chuck Kobasew leads the team with 12 goals. Ironically,
injuries have not affected the Bruins as much as some would have thought. Along with Bergeron being sidelined, Shawn Thornton and Andrew Ference have both been
out 16 games with injuries. Goaltender Manny Fernandez has only played four games and Tim Thomas just went down with groin injury last week causing GM Peter Chiarelli
to trade for Alex Auld. Auld won his debut with the Bruins and has now won the first game for the four teams (Canucks, Panthers, Coyotes and Bruins) he has played
for. Ever so quietly, the Bruins are putting together quite a successful season and this hockey fan couldn't be happier. So, did you guys miss me - your favorite Hockey Krishna? Have you taken the time to watch some of the games this year? Did you think the Bruins would be anywhere near the top of the standings and how long can they stay?
I certainly DID miss your interviews with the Lowell Devils players - nudge, nudge - and I'm delighted to see you back in the blog talking about the crown prince of sports!
Yes, welcome back Gayle. Poor Terri was getting tired of trying to engage me in serious hockey talk!
Thanks for missing me lol.
Terri, I will try and get out and interview some of the Devils players after the holidays are over.
Teddy, sorry you got roped into carrying the hockey talk, load for me ... I'll try and get here more often, things have just been crazy busy for me lately.
Welcome back Gayle.
Haven't really had time to sit down and watch too much Bruins hockey. They seem to be getting along with "smoke & mirrors" right now. That roster really is paper-thin especially with the injuries but I guess the main difference this year is that when they do play a stinker (like they have in all games vs Montreal) they actually come back in the next game and play halfway decent. That was NOT the case the last few seasons.
If not for Tim Thomas (pre-injury) they'd be in real trouble IMO. The glipses I have seen I am seeing lots of defensive mistakes that give the other team golden opportunities in front of the B's net only to have Thomas turn them aside. Now- as I said- I am just catching 5 minutes here and there when I can and maybe just happen to be tuning in at the right (or wrong if you're the Bruins' defense) and catching these mistakes but they do disturb me as it hasn't just been one of the D that have made these mistakes - it seems like it's all or most of them that have made mistakes in their own end. Maybe this summer they can just draft defensemen??
If they can tread water with Auld (if he had been available in the offseason I'd have preferred a minor deal to pick him up then instead of Manny) until Thomas comes back maybe they can stay up in the top 5 or 6 in the East. Still think they're in trouble in the playoffs but, by the look of it, they should make them which is a start for this team.
Hey good to have you back gayle...Thank god, teddy was horrible while you were gone... the man knows nothing about hockey
Gayle - Can you find something out for me?
There’s been some discussion of how Jamie Lagenbrunner got the nickname of “lipper” instead of “langs” or some other type name..The blog writer for the Devils got this response from Jamie..
The story of "Lipper"
Shari asked for it, so here's the answer straight from the "Lip" himself this morning.
Langenbrunner said the nickname "Lipper" came from Grant Marshall during a friendly poker game when Jamie was a first-year pro at a Stars summer rookie camp. "I was winning and Marshie got mad," Langenbrunner said. Apparently, Marshall tried to call him a variety of names, but the only thing decipherable that came out was, "You Lip, Lipper".
"That was it," Langenbrunner said. "It kind of stuck...I guess I was lipping off a little bit."
Kind of a funny story and a lot of people aren’t buying it…Can you get Marshall to confirm or add to this story??
Hey can someone tell me what the bruins record is?
Thanks for the welcome backs everyone ...
I'll answer the easiest question first ... The Bruins record is 16-10-3...heading into tonight's game against the Thrashers
MLF - if I can ever get to a Devils game or practice I will try and talk to Grant Marshall about "Lipper" and see if he will confirm it.
db - You are missing some good hockey if you are only catching 5 mins here and there.
I agree their defense is not the greatest, especially with injuries - but they are playing a lot more aggressive this season and when they are on, they are on. Chara is second in the league among defensemen for PIM - that is a big change from last year. I think that come the trade deadline - they need to get a top d-man in my opinion.
I don't think Thomas has been the saviour of this team, in fact there have been games where he's looked down right awful ... the team as a whole is what's winning games, they are playing together and it's showing.
Wow, it feels great talking hockey again!
Sorry Gayle but between my 16 month-old and wife who likes to skim the channels for anything BUT sports it's about all I can manage :-) When the season gets closer to the end I'll try to ramp up my watching a bit. Caught a little of last night's game and they looked okay vs Atlanta while I was watching.
The problem is that EVERYONE who is any good will be looking for top D-men around the deadline. They need to think about making a deal sooner rather than later even if they have to give up more than they may around the deadline- better to have the guy and improve their position than wait.
Problem with Chara with that many PIM is that HE cannot help in killing those penalties. Great to be more aggressive but he may have to hold back on occasion just so that he's on the ice more. Not saying to totally change his style back but to think about modifying his play in close games or at particular, critical times.
I would love to see them keep it up and at least feel like they are BUILDING something- on the right track so far...