Recently in Between the Posts Category

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

What exactly was that last night because it certainly didn't look like two NHL teams in Washington, it looked more like the old women's Beanpot games when Boston University had just a club team and they had to face BC, NU or Harvard. The worst part is, I couldn't even bring myself to change the channel because I kept hoping my team could stage a great comeback and at least salvage a point. Talk about being delusional.

The Bruins did not look like a team riding a six game winning streak when they faced off against Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals last night, they looked more like a bunch of misfits that couldn't do anything right. Alex the great recorded a five point night with a hat trick and two assists leading the Caps to the 10-2 destroying of the Black and Gold. The way the Capitals undressed the Bs last night was more embarrassing then BC and NU's games against the Red Sox last week.

The question is now, which team will show up to face the Florida Panthers tonight at the TD Banknorth Garden? We already know that Alex Auld will start the game instead of Tim Thomas. But will the power play units show up tonight? How about the defense? Captain Zdeno Chara is having a career year in goals and points and is a leading candidate for the Norris Trophy, but which "Big Z" will show up tonight? The one that had fans cursing his signing last year or the one that had eight goals in 12 games?

Last year around this time, the Bruins spiraled themselves right out of the playoffs, are we about to see a repeat of that? I don't think so. I think this team definitely has the resiliency to not allow that to happen two seasons in a row. One thing is for sure, the Eastern Conference is so tight right now that losing a handful of games can cause even the mightiest of teams to be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

So, why do I keep holding on? Do I truly believe in this team? The answer is simple - yes, I do. I think this team has a lot more to offer than what transpired last night in the Nation's capital. What's your take? Are the Bruins doomed to repeat last season's woes or are are they strong enough to bounce back? Am I completely delusional?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Wow, I miss talking about hockey! Did you guys miss me?

My focus has been completely on the Bruins, who returned home from their best February road trip (4-0-1) since 1996 to shut out the Division leading Ottawa Senators 4-0 on trade deadline day.

The Bruins stood "pat" and did not make a move on the final day trades were allowed in the NHL - but for me, I'm okay with that. I like what this team has to offer. While I don't think they are perfect and still have small holes, I just don't think giving up a lot of the youth and future would have been worth it. From what I understand Atlanta was asking way too much for the rental of Marian Hossa and let's be honest did anyone think that Brad Richards would waive his no-trade clause to come to Beantown? Nope, didn't think so.

I like the core, youth and coaching staff of this team. Youngsters Milan Lucic, David Krecji, Vladimir Sobotka and Mark Stuart have all chipped in during the team's many injuries and continue to make their presence known on the ice. Whether they were winning face offs, scoring goals, blocking shots, laying out some big hits and even clinching victories with shoot out goals, each one of them has contributed in some way.

How about Glen Metropolit? Was there anyone in Boston that thought the center would be contributing as much as he has with 11 goals and 16 assists? But more importantly it's been the penalty kill of Metropolit and PJ Axelsson that helps put the duo on the map. You want proof? Just look at the highlights from the Tampa Bay game on Feb. 23. On the penalty kill, Metropolit intercepted the puck at his own blue line and broke into the offensive zone while being hooked all the way to the net and not only did he have the presence of mind to drop the puck back, but Axelsson picked up the puck and slapped a goal past Johan Holmqvist to secure Boston's 5-3 win to end the road trip.

From Marc Savard, Zdeno Chara and Marco Sturm to Chuck Kobasew, Aaron Ward and Phil Kessel the Bruins have shown they can battle back from tough losses. In fact the longest losing streak was 6 games dating back to Dec. 18 - 29, which during that time it wasn't until the games on Dec. 22 and 23 that the Black and Gold suffered their first back-to-back regulation losses on the season. At that time in the season the Bruins were the only team to yet lose back-to-back games in regulation. Boston is currently riding a four game winning streak and look to extend it to five when they host the "new look" Penguins on Saturday for the matinee match up.

I may have blinders on when I look at this team, but the way the Bruins completed the road trip and dismantled the Senators Tuesday night, I have faith in this team. The defensemen were throwing their bodies in front of the net trying to capture the loose pucks and prevent Ottawa's powerhouse offense from getting good looks on second attempts - that's playoff hockey, not regular season hockey.

With 20 games left to play, I think this team knows what's at stake and they are not ready to collapse like they did last year. I honestly think this team has too much pride, desire and chemistry to allow that to happen.

Adding to the excitement of the recent successful road trip, good news came out of the Bruins practice facility - Patrice Bergeron had started skating on Sunday. Granted it was only for 10 minutes, but seeing the center on the ice for the first time since he suffered a Grade 3 concussion on Oct. 27, just the tenth game of the season, was such a great sight for this Bruins fan. Bergeron has upped his ice time to 20 minutes and looks forward to making it to 30 in the near future.

While no timeline has been given for Bergeron or even Andrew Alberts, also out with a concussion, to return to the team; both players have been on the ice recently and are making strides. As a fan, I want Bergeron and Alberts to take their time and not rush their rehabilitation. The team needs Bergeron no doubt, but they have been holding their own and sticking around in the playoff hunt. But honestly, what a big boost it would be for this team to have Bergeron return in time for the playoffs.

Told you I missed talking about hockey! What do you guys think? Should the Bruins have made a move at the trade deadline? Do they have what it takes to make the playoffs? If they do, how far will they go? Com'on I know you missed me ... let's talk some hockey!

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Okay, first I have to ask ... is Capitals GM George McPhee drinking the same thing as Islanders GM Garth Snow? I mean I love Alexander Ovechkin and all, but a 13-year contract for $124-million? Ovechkin is 22-years-old now and will be 35 when his contract expires. This is the second longest contract behind Rick DiPietro's 15-year deal. I don't think any player deserves more than a five to seven year deal. Why sign then for life all at once? I don't care how good you are - 13 and 15 years are too much in my book.

The starters for the NHL All-Star game were announced Tuesday and Bruin blueliner Zdeno Chara was named to the Eastern Conference squad. Friday the rest of the Eastern team will be announced. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas and center Marc Savard are the only two other members of the team that might have the chance to join their captain for the festivities.

Sunday was the 18th Annual Bruins Wives Carnival and my parents were nice enough to get me a VIP Ticket for Christmas and I have to say - BEST Christmas present I have received in a long time! Thanks mom and dad!

When I arrived at the TD Banknorth Garden and made my way up to Legends the first thing I saw was the Stanley Cup - yes the Bruins were given permission by the league to have the Cup on site for the day.

After the tears welled up in my eyes as I read the names of the 1971-72 Stanley Cup Champion Bruins I was simply in awe of being that close to the most coveted trophy in all sports. And yes, I am as superstitious as the player which means NO I did not touch it. I did however have my picture taken with not once but three times including once with Johnny "Chief" Bucyk and Ray Bourque.

It was a great day to be a hockey fan, unfortunately Patrice Bergeron and Andrew Alberts were not there because of injuries, Alex Auld was with his wife after the birth of his son Sam, and Shane Hnidy was also abset from his first Carnival because he was looking for a place to live after being traded from Anaheim for a sixth round 2008 draft pick and Brandon Bochenski Along with Bucyk and Bourque, Cam Neely was also on hand for the "retired numbers" portion of the Carnival.

The Bruins Foundation also gave each of the VIP ticket holders a pair of complimentary club seats to Tuesday night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, which I gave the other ticket to my dad. The Black and Gold may have lost the game 1-0, but for this hockey fan it sure was great watching Chelmsford native Keith Aucoin play on the Causeway Street ice.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Wow, now that was a hockey game!

I honestly didn't think the game was going to end in the fashion that it did and I think the fans at the Tsongas (attendance announced was 985, but I would've guessed under 500) expected to go home having seen Lowell get shut out for the second straight game.

But midway through the third not only did Ivan Khomutov score his sixth of the year to avoid the shut out, but with in six minutes Lowell had battled back to tie the game and Frank Doyle made the saves to earn his club at least the point.

"I saw so hard they were working and knew I had to come up with the next big save to give us a chance," Doyle said.

Doyle did just that stopping the eight shots he faced in the third period and over time.

In the shootout, things got a bit confusing.

If you have never seen a shootout in the AHL, the first thing you need to realize is the rules are different than they are in the NHL. First, there are five rounds, not three and secondly, you don't use your whole bench if the shooutout goes to extra rounds, you use the same five players who took shots in the first five rounds. Make sense? Good.

Ryan Murphy scored on his first shootout attemp giving Lowell the 1-0 lead and Frank Doyle made saves on the first four shooters he faced.

Then it happened. Referee Terry Koharski signaled "NO GOAL" on Springfield's fifth and final attempt, only to have him change his mind less than 30 seconds later - the goal was allowed and the Devils had to be called back to the ice from their locker room... confused again?
I certainly was!

It wasn't until after the game that I found out Koharski called it a "no goal" because he thought the puck crossed the goal line on a second shot - meaning a rebound. Koharski was informed by one of the linesman that the puck crossed the goal line because of Doyle's momentum, a fact Doyle agreed with.

“It’s kind of a tricky call but in the end it’s probably the right call,” Doyle said. “I made the save but my own momentum ended up kicking the puck back, I think he made the right call.”

Kleinendorst called the game an emotional rollercoaster but was happy to at least get a point.

“We’re happy with the point,” Kleinendorst said. “I’m not thrilled to be down three to nothing in the third period, at home, in a game that we felt we should have won, not happy about that. But we battled back and worked hard to tie the game, yeah that makes me happy. It’s a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster really, but all in all a good point. ”

It was a great hockey game, unfortunatley Lowell didn't get the two points.

The Devils next game is Friday night in Philadelphia, when they take on the Phantoms at 7:05 p.m.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

The Falcons added to their lead scoring two second periond goals from Jean-Francois Jacques and McDonald. Rob Schremp has played outstanding for Springfield assisting on all three Falcon goals.

Jeff Deslauriers continued to shutout the Devils stopping all 13 shots in the middle frame.

By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Springfield took the early lead less than five minutes into the opening period as Colin McDonald beat Frank Doyle for his seventh goal of the season.

The goal came just over a minute after Ryan Flinn clanked one off the post when he caught Doyle out of position.

Nicklas Bergfors almost tied it up for the Devils when he stole the puck behind the Springfield net as Jeff Deslauriers misplayed the puck and left his net wide open. Deslauriers made it back just in time to get a stick on the puck, preventing the goal.

Overall the Devils are playing decent hockey despite being outshot in the period 10-8.

By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Hey hockey fans! Out at the Tsongas for the first time this hockey season covering the Devils(12-18-3-2) as they take on the Springfield Falcons (16-14-3-3)

The Devils had a four game winning streak snapped on New Year's Eve when they were blanked 3-0 by Portland.

Springfield is also coming off a loss on Dec. 31 when they fell to the Porvidence Bruins 3-2 in OT.

This is the sixth game out of the 10 game series between the two clubs with the Falcons leading the series with 4-1.

Starting in net for Lowell is Frank Doyle (9-11-1). Jeff Deslauriers (11-10-3) gets the start for Springfield.

Be back during the first intermission with an update.

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?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

First I would like to disclose that I was at the Bruins game the night of Game 5 in the ALCS and I was at the Bruins game on the night the Sox hosted the Rockies for Game 2 of the World Series and I was at the Garden today for the Bruins game against Philly. (Teddy - do you still want to kidnap me and force me into counseling?)

Anyway, the first two games proved to be excellent games all around - both resulted in wins for the Black and Gold and the second had Zdeno Chara dropping the gloves for the first time in a Bruins uniform.

The third game started off great, but with 3:53 left to play in the opening stanza - the game dramatically changed for this Bruins fan.

Patrice Bergeron was hit from behind into the boards by Flyers D-man Randy Jones.

Bergeron simply crumbled to the ice and did not move as Jones continued to pursue the puck. It took a few moments for the refs and players to realize Bergeron was not moving. I think I was as motionless as Bergeron was. Sitting in the stands directly above where the hit took place all I could see was Bergeron's skates - and they were not moving.

Play was stopped for 15-minutes as medical personnel worked on the 22-year-old center; cutting away his jersey and shoulder pads before strapping him to a backboard and lifting him on a gurny.

With his legs taped together and his arms folded across his chest; Bergeron was led across the ice with his teammates showing support by skating along side him and tapping their sticks. Both Bruins and Flyers fans showed their support by standing and cheering for the young center. Jones was given the gate with a 5-minute boarding major and a game misconduct.

That was it for me, I could barely get excited for the penalty shot Phil Kessel was awarded in the second period - which he did not score on.
All I could was scroll my Blackberry looking for updates on Bergeron, in between phone calls from friends and family asking if it was a clean hit or not. For the record, I personally think it was a dirty hit. Bergeron was clearly facing the boards and Jones left his feet.

The Bruins fell to the Flyers 2-1; but honestly I could have cared less - all I wanted was updates on Bergeron.

My spirits finally started to lift after reading the statement from Dr. Bertram Zarins:

“After initially losing consciousness on the ice, Patrice has regained consciousness and has been taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is undergoing a series of tests.

We will continue to monitor Patrice and await the final results of his medical studies."

No doubt about it, Bergeron was very lucky the concussion and broken nose was all he suffered for injuries and no doubt his family, teammates and fans will rejoice in knowing the young center is going to be Okay.

As for Jones, he issued this statement while the game was still ongoing:

“Words really can't express the way that I feel right now,” Jones said. “I am very apologetic for the hit and what I did. It was not intentional. It is something that I have never done before and it is not part of my character. I am extremely sorry. I hope he does OK and everything works out for him. I wish him nothing but the best in his recovery.”

Best wishes to Bergeron and his family for a speedy recovery from this Bruins fan.

Now that this Bruins fan can breathe a sigh of relief, I'd like to get back to Chara's fight against Chicago's David Koci.

Chara took exception to Koci poking at Tim Thomas after the Bruins netminder covered the puck in front of the crease.

Koci had his nose broken last week when he exchanged punches with Toronto's Wade Belak. Chara not only reshattered Koci's nose; the 6-foot, 9-inch defenseman split open Koci's forhead as well. The Garden ice crew literally had to scrape the blood off the ice before play could be resumed.

As for the rest of the game, Phil Kessel undressed Chicago's defense twice with beautiful moves before beating Blackhawk goalie Nikolai Khabibulin for his fourth and fifth goals in the young hockey season.

It may still only be the first month of the hockey season but the Bruins are off to a good start with a record of 6-4-0 and sitting in second place behind Ottawa in the Eastern Division.
The Black and Gold are 3-1 at home and 3-3 on the road. Next up - Buffalo, who is struggling this year after losing Chris Drury and Daniel Briere to free agency, comes to town Thursday night. The Sabres are 4-5-0 thus far and are in last place in the Eastern Division.

Have the Bruins intrigued your interest enough to watch a few games, once the World Series is over? I can say after watching every game and being at three of the first four home games - this is not the same team that was on the ice last year. This team is harder to play against and fun to watch.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

When the Bruins headed out West for their season opening five-game roadtrip; not too many people thought they would come home with a winning record - but guess what ... they did.

The Black and Gold will open up at home on the 18th with a 3-2-0 record.

Opening up with a 4-1 loss against Dallas on Oct. 5 had some thinking the Bruins were not going to fair well on the rest of the trip - but that's probably because no one (besides me and a few other die hard hockey fans) actually watched the game.

Dallas got extremely lucky on the first two goals and Marty Turco played outstanding in net for the Stars. The other two goals for Dallas were complete defensive breakdowns and can not be blamed completely on Manny Fernandez.

It wasn't a bad game persay; the Bruins just happened to run into some bad luck and a very solid goaltender.

From Dallas, the Bs took on Phoenix the very next night with Tim Thomas getting the start in net; Boston prevailed 3-1 for their first win of the young season- next stop Anaheim for a date with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Ducks.

Thomas was again in net and the Black and Gold struck first with a Chuck Kobasew goal just 1:05 into the game.

Unfortunately, the Bruins couldn't hold the lead and ended up losing 2-1. Still, not too shabby for the young Bruins team. One factor to keep in mind is Marc Savard missed his first game since the 2003-04 season due to a groin strain.

The next game was extremely entertaining if you like to see a lot of scoring (14 goals) with the Bruins coming out on top of the 8-6 tilt against Los Angeles.

Phil Kessel in his sophomore campaign notched his first NHL hat trick; rookie Milan Lucic got his first career NHL goal; Savard returned to the ice after missing one game and had 5 points (goal, 4 assists) to show just how important he is to Boston's offense.

Unfortunately, with all of the offense, the Black and Gold apparently forgot they had to play on both sides of the ice and completely left Fernandez to tend to the Kings himself- resulting in him giving up 6 goals.

The Bs final stop on the roadtrip took the team to San Jose where they met Joe Thorton and the Sharks.

Marco Sturm returned to the HP Pavillion for the first time since the November trade that brought him to Boston two-years ago. He made good work of being back with two assists.

Patrice Bergeron put the Bs on the board first and showed exactly why he plays with a soccer ball- he kicked the puck to himself before lifting it up over a sprawling Evgeni Nabokov.

The 1-0 lead would stand until just over 38 seconds left in the game when Milan Michalek took a pass from Joe Thornton to tie the game.

The tie did not last long, 26 seconds to be exact. Aaron Ward beat Nabokov for the game winner as he caught a jumping Sturm in his arms before they fell to the ice.

Thomas made 26 saves to earn his second win of the season.

Some observations of the Bs first five games of the season:

***Both power play units for Boston showed to be successful recording six goals. Savard showed how important he in quarterbacking the first unit earning four power play assists and one goal.

***Julien has stuck with his lines early in the season showing he has faith in his decisions and his teams. With the exception of moving Lucic up to the third line with Kessel and David Krejci and PJ Axelsson being moved to foruth-line duty with Shawn Thornton and Glen Metropolit. Consistency - so far, so good.

***The offense the team wants from Bergeron and Savard seems to be moving along so far. Bergy has three goals and two assists for five points in the clubs first five games; while Savvy has a goal and six assists for seven points in only four games played. The club as a whole recorded 14 goals in the five game trip.

***The youngsters are making some noise as well. Along with his first career hat trick, Kessel has five points in five games; Lucic has two points but more importantly has shown his strength on the ice by getting into two fights.

***The team showed up to play every single game and for 60 minutes. The defense - as long as they don't forget to play it - seems to be more solid than some of the skeptics thought.

***Thomas is fighting for the right to say he is the No. 1 netminder on this team going 2-1 in his three games played with a 1.34 GAA and .957 SV percentage. Manny on the other hand in his two starts comes home to Boston with 1-1-0 record; 5.00 GAA and .796 SV percentage. Again the numbers to me although accurate, do not portray the type of goalie Manny is - he did play the Kings game when the defensive side of the Bruins never showed up. Manny gave up 10 goals in his first two starts; while Thomas gave up four.

My guess is Thomas will get the start for the home opener this Thursday night when the Black and Gold take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Starting Manny in front of an already shakey fan base may not be the best decision for Claude Julien.

I still think this team is going to suprise a lot of opponents and fans. Did anyone think (besides me) that the Bruins would return from the five-game roadtrip with a winning record? Has your view of the team changed?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

I am truly excited to see the Bruins hit the ice Friday night and yes, I will be watching the Black and Gold; not the Red Sox.

Before I get to my thoughts on this year's Bruins team I figured I'd recap from the last preseason game the Bs played against the Islanders.

Wow, now that was a long third period... just kidding.

The Black and Gold looked solid for the first two periods and honestly they looked pretty solid in the third, but mistakes are what cost them the game. One thing is for sure I could hear the guys on the ice from the 9th floor and the communication out there seems pretty good this far.

Unfortunately communication and play broke down as the Bs lost 4-2.

Marc Savard said it best after the game, "I think the boys are ready to go on a mission and that's how we have to look at it. We gotta be on a mission one game at a time."

Here's how I see the Bruins season unfolding this year....

GOALTENDING:
Last year Tim Thomas got the bulk of the starts and desperately needed help; this year he has the help when the team traded Petr Kalus and a 2009 fourth round draft pick for Manny Fernandez.

Last year's stats:

THOMAS: 66 Games played; 30-29-4; 3.13 GAA; NHL Career: 108 Games played; 45-43-14; 2.99 GAA
FERNANDEZ: 44 games played; 22-16-1; 2.55 GAA; NHL Career: 293 Games played; 125-113-32; 2.47 GAA

GRADE: C +
The goaltending has defintely been up graded from last season and knowing what Thomas did for the Bs last year and now the addition of another Manny in Boston.

DEFENSE:
The boys on the blue line weren't necessarily up graded; they didn't need to be. What they needed was a coach to let them play their game.
Look for Zdeno Chara to play a more physical game this year. Considering Andrew Ference, Aaron Ward and Dennis Wideman didn't start playing with the team until February - look for them to gel better with their teammates and be a lot more productive. Andrew Alberts grew a lot last year playing along side Chara, look for him to keep it rolling this season.

GRADE: B -
As long as everyone stays healthy, the Bs defense will be much stronger under Claude Julien's reign.

FORWARDS: These are the lines as I'd like to see them come Friday night.

Peter Schaefer-Savard-Glen Murray
Marco Sturm-Patrice Bergeron-Chuck Kobasew (Milan Lucic)
PJ Axelsson-Phil Kessel-David Krejci (Brandon Bochenski)
Jeremy Reich-Glen Metropolit-Shaen Thornton

If Murray stays healthy and Schaefer continues what he did in Ottawa, look for Savard to reach the 100 point plateau this season.

Bergy and Sturm played well together from the night Sturm first laced up the skates for the Black and Gold when he arrived via the trade, which I'd still like to forget. Kobasew came to the team in February, again via the trade but only played 10 games with the Bs due to an elbow injury.

Axy, Kessel and Krecji played phenomenal together in the last preseason game. Kessel and Krejci bring speed and finess to a third line while Axy brings leadership, experience and a strong sense of checking.

The addition of Thorton to this team automatically gives the Bs something they were lacking last year - toughness.

GRADE: A
I know some of you think the Bruins still have holes, but I disagree. Look for the top two lines to be a lot more consistent this year.

COACHING:
Where do I start? Many people think Claude Julien is the next coach to be fired by the Bruins, but I see him much differently.

He is a coach that knows how to deal with veterans as well as the young players.

In 238 NHL games coached, Julien posts a 119-86-10-23 record. Let's not forget he led the Montreal Canadiens to their best record in ten years in 2003-04. Julien was the coach behind the bench in 2004 when the Canadiens upset the Bruins in the first round of the playoffs.

Julien has been preaching, along with General Manager Peter Chiarelli, that the team needs to be "harder to play against."

GRADE: A
Look for Julien to secure not only his job but also Chiarelli's as he leads the Bruins to the post season after a two-year absence (I am not counting the year of the lockout).

OVERALL: B -
The Bruins will be fighting with Buffalo for the second and third spot in their own division - Ottawa takes the division easily this year. The Bs will finish the season with nearly 90 points and be seeded somewhere between 6-8 for the post season.

Do I think they will win the Stanley Cup, nope. That pick goes to Joe Thornton and the San Jose Sharks this year.

There you have it. My thoughts on the "current" Bruins team that open their season with a five game roadtrip spanning over the first two weeks of the season. Do y'all think I have blinders on or have I changed your mind?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Vs.

Glenn Murray gave the Bruins the 2-1 lead just 1:14 into the second period on a beautiful feed from Marc Savard.

Mike Comrie tied the game just about five minutes later.

Mark Stuart is not only fighting for a spot on the big club; he took on Bill Guerin for the second fight of the game.

Fernandez is back in net for the Bruins for the third period along with DiPietro for the Islanders.