The Bruins: Looking Ahead

The joyful exuberance doesn't have to stop, but as the hockey games have stopped, we can look forward to next season. And there's quite a bit to look forward to. The core group of guys will return. In other words, Tim Thomas will return. Will he duplicate his awe-inspiring performance from this past season? That might be tough. There's no reason to think that he won't be close to it, though, and I'd bet on him having at least one more top quality year left.

Chara, Seidenberg, Ference, Boychuk, and Mcquaid all return. Thankfully. And Tomas Kaberle is an unrestricted free agent. Thankfully. I doubt the Bruins will make any efforts to keep him here. The defense is the strongest part of this team, apart from Thomas. The Bruins don't need to improve much here. The whole idea of a "puck-moving defenseman" has always bugged me. Offense comes from forwards, defensemen can contribute to that, but it shouldn't cost them defensively. I like defensive defensemen that can also play the puck.

I wouldn't mind Kampfer being the #6 defenseman, but I imagine the Bruins will bring in a more experienced hand. And it probably won't be a big name, or a "puck mover."

In the forwards department, the Bruins will likely say goodbye to Michael Ryder. Although he sporadically provided memorable playoff moments, his lack of consistency has been the one consistent part of his career. Mark Recchi is also gone, going out with ring #3.

The top line of Krejci-Lucic-Horton should remain intact. The word from Horton's camp is that he's not experiencing any post-concussion symptoms. So let's be optimistic and assume that this line returns.

Marchand and Bergeron are on the 2nd line and will need a winger. Peverley is the ultimate utility guy and can slot in there. But I'd rather have Peverley on a grinding 3rd line with guys like Chris Kelly.

The Bruins have some cap room available. They have $52.2 million committed to players, and the cap will be $64.3. So that's $11.1 million they'll be able to commit to filling the few roster holes they have. There might be more, depending on what happens with Savard.

I'd like to see them acquire Erik Cole, who is a free agent. Every time the B's play the Hurricanes, Cole impresses me. He's a hard player, he can score (26 goals last year, 184 in his career), and he plays the power play. He's solid. He'll turn 33 in November. He's not a game changer by himself, but I think if he's on a line with Marchand and Bergeron, all three of them become very good players.

The 4th line of Paille, Campbell, and Thornton is a sturdy group, with Paille and Campbell providing invaluable PK minutes. And we all know what Thornton can bring.

I'd like to see Seguin start the year in the AHL, getting plenty of ice time to learn the NHL style of play. I also wouldn't mind him being on the 3rd line with Peverley and Kelly.

Brooks Laich might be the best free agent that the Bruins look at. He can play wing, and he can turn that power play around. I personally think Cole, at a lower price, is a better value.

As we saw in the playoffs, the game isn't played on paper. For the Bruins to repeat, they need the same quality defense and goaltending. They could use a more potent offense, so long as it doesn't lose it's physicality. Scorers get cold. Forecheckers don't.

The whole idea of needing a 40 goal scorer to win is a bit flimsy. Let's look at the 40 goal scorers from last year:

Corey Perry
Steven Stamkos
Jarome Iginla
Daniel Sedin
Ryan Kesler

Iginla's team didn't even make the playoffs. Perry's was out after Round 1. Stamkos made the East finals, we know about Sedin and Kesler. That's a wide range of team results from these 5 guys. Having elite scoring threats is nice, but they can get cold, they can get shut down. Relying on offensive production isn't enough. The Bruins need to improve by adding grinders who can also score.

-The Commodore

How Severe Was Pacioretty's "Severe" Concussion?

I know that every concussion is different. But in the aftermath of the Chara-Pacioretty incident, we heard that the Montreal winger had a "severe" concussion. That one word made us in Boston think about Patrice Bergeron's concussion, and of course Marc Savard's. Then the Canadiens estimated that Pacioretty would be out for the rest of the year, once again using that word "severe."

Maybe there's a language problem here. Perhaps "severe" loses something in translation from English to French. Because now it seems as though Pacioretty could be back for the playoffs. It's either a medical miracle, or the concussion wasn't as bad as we were led to believe.

On 98.5 yesterday, Mark Recchi accused the Canadiens of embellishing the injury report in an effort to get Chara suspended. There's no way to prove that, but the Habs definitely did want Chara disciplined, and they were very quick to give their diagnosis of Pacioretty's head injury. Too quick. It takes more time to properly diagnose the severity of a concussion.

There's a history of this kind of exaggeration in Montreal. I remember in '02 when Kyle McLaren obliterated Richard Zednick.

After that hit, the injury reports were extravagant as media outlets fueled fan rage. Some said he'd broken his neck, some said he'd fractured his skull. While he did wind up with a concussion and a broken nose, his injuries were not nearly as severe as Montreal's media had proclaimed, and which the team did nothing to deny.

There's that "severe" word again. I don't know if the Habs were scheming to get Chara suspended. But they weren't striving for accuracy when they immediately deemed Pacioretty's concussion to be "severe." And the truth is, they did want Chara "severely" punished.

I don't like the Canadiens. I don't like their diving players. I don't like their whining fans. I don't like their media. I don't like their organization. I don't like Pacioretty, either. I'm glad he'll soon be back on the ice so he can be slammed into the boards again.

-The Commodore

Bruins 3, Flames 1

The Flames were hot coming into this game. They hadn't lost at home in regulation since January 3rd. They'd won three straight (scoring 17 in those games), and were 11-1-2 in their last fourteen. But the Bruins matched them. And thanks to some fortunate bounces, and the best goalie in the NHL, the B's continued their winning ways.

New acquisitions Rich Paverley and Chris Kelly were solid. And the Bergeron line once again was the Bruins' best. Marchand's 19th goal of the season came off an exquisitely lucky bounce, but that bounce came after some hard-nosed forechecking by Bergeron, and crafty passing by Recchi. Good things happen to good players.

I liked Seguin skating on a line with Thornton and Campbell. He's not just playing out there, he's fighting. He's fighting to keep the puck, to take it, and ultimately he's fighting for ice time. He probably won a little bit last night.

At times, the Bruins struggled to make plays coming out of their own zone. They just couldn't connect on their passes. I think that among the top teams in the NHL, the Bruins might be the worst at passing the puck.

Thankfully, they have Thomas, who looked much crisper after a few days off. Thomas is a candidate for the Hart Trophy (MVP) because he covers for so many of his teammates' mistakes. He's like a Gold Glove first baseman who saves his infielders from throwing errors. His robbery of Olli Jokinen was beyond human.

Thomas will have a few days off as the Bruins trek further west to Vancouver, home of the #1 team in the NHL: The Canucks. Who boast a 21-4-5 record at home. They're #1 in goals scored, and #1 in goals allowed. Bruins @ Canucks, late night Saturday.

-The Commodore

Bruins 6, Avalanche 2

The Marchand-Bergeron-Recchi line continued its hot-streak, combining to score 4 goals Saturday afternoon in Denver. At least one of these three guys had a hand in all 6 Bruins goals. Marchand scored his 11th and 12th, including his NHL leading 4th shorthanded goal. Lucic also scored twice, his 18th and 19th. The production from Marchand and Lucic is a big reason why the Bruins offense is markedly better than last year's.

The B's have scored the 7th most goals in the NHL. Did you know that? I didn't until I looked it up. The 37 goals they've scored in their last 8 games have boosted their position a bit. But even a few weeks ago, they were in the middle of the pack, so they weren't too bad. Last season, they were 2nd to last in goals scored. They've improved from 2.5 goals per game, to 3.1.

Has the offense "turned the corner?" In some ways, yes. What interests me, however, is how well the offense plays when they're not scoring goals. An offense can contribute to victory without scoring many goals. An offense that takes care of the puck, has consistent breakouts, and spends time near the opponent's goal (and far from their own) is how close games against tough opponents are won. I'd still like to see more of that when this team faces the likes of Montreal and Philadelphia.

Colorado is not a tough opponent. Although holding them to 2 goals is praiseworthy, especially since the first one pinballed around before sneaking over Thomas. Thomas, by the way, was brilliant. His play kept the Avalance from making this game too interesting.

Savard got hurt on a clean hit by Matt Hunwick. His face was pinned against the boards by Hunwick's shoulder, and with Savard's post-concussion struggles, the Bruins are being understandably cautious. No news yet on his condition, although he's returned to Boston, and it doesn't look like he'll play tonight.

Bruins in Los Angeles late night tonight. The Kings are 12th in the West, but have a good home record. To take 4 points from this short West coast swing would be excellent.

-The Commodore

Bruins 3, Hurricanes 2

Typically, I'm more impressed with 3-2 wins than 7-0 blowouts. Let me amend that. I'm not impressed with 3-2 wins against the Islanders, but against playoff caliber teams like Carolina, they're more consequential and important than the 7-0 variety.

This was a grinding game. The Hurricanes played physically, and the Bruins answered. Especially Tim Thomas. If Crosby weren't having such an obscenely good season, Thomas would be my pick for the Hart Trophy (MVP). He made a season high 43 saves in this game. 37 of those came in the 1st and 2nd periods.

The two goals Thomas did allow came after Wheeler failed to clear the puck on a penalty kill, and after some "physical play" (interference) allowed Carolina to retrieve an airborne puck after a strange bounce.

The Recchi-Bergeron-Marchand line has become a dynamic offensive weapon. Not only has Bergeron been red hot, but Marchand scored his 10th, and I think he'll surpass 20 this season. He's a true player. He plays physical, he puts himself in the right place, and he's fundamentally sound. With he and Bergeron finishing well, Recchi's playmaking ability has been allowed to shine. Recchi won the faceoff (after Bergeron was chased) that led to Marchand's goal. And Recchi made a deceptive drive with the puck that set up Lucic's goal.

By the way, that was Lucic's 17th goal of the season, tying his previous career high. He scored it as he's scored most of his goals this year, by putting himself in the right place at the right time. He's a much smarter player than he was as a rookie, and he's applying that newly developed awareness, which is resulting in goals.

It's amazing that the Bruins are playing so well while Horton, Savard, and Krejci are in the middle of cold streaks. It's a testament to the play of Tim Thomas, the defense, and guys like Bergeron and Marchand. By the way, is anyone aching for Andrew Ference to return from his upper body injury? I'm not. The 6 defensemen the Bruins played last night suit me just fine.

The Sabres come to town Thursday night, and it's a good chance to continue this hot streak.

-The Commodore

Bruins 4, Penguins 2

It's like deja vu. I hate using a French word on the heels of a loss to Montreal, but why not? The Bruins blew a 2-0 lead up there, then fall behind 2-0 to Pittsburgh, only to come from behind in the last few minutes. It's also reminiscent of November, when the Bruins rallied and beat the Penguins 7-4.

Mark Recchi knows when I'm thinking about criticizing him. I was considering doing so again. And again, he comes up with a big goal that shuts me up.

This game turned around much earlier than that, although there was no way to know it. After being penalized, and watching the Bruins give up a goal, Recchi was once again sent to the box. He even got an extra 2 for arguing. His teammates mounted a solid kill, keeping it a 2-0 game. I remember Savard in particular playing with intensity.

The B's got desperate late in the 3rd and ramped up their attacks. They earned a power play, and were seconds away from seeing it squandered when Chara blasted a knuckling slapshot past Fleury, who had been playing a hell of a game to that point.

12 seconds later, Bergeron makes a terrific pass to a driving Marchand, who knocked in his own rebound to tie it. Bergeron's been a force on offense, and has been ever since I started criticizing him. He's tallied 5 goals and 9 assists in his last 12 games. At the moment, he's the Bruins' most productive forward.

The Penguins have been struggling, and were without Crosby. Nevertheless, the Bruins showed good character in this win. They didn't give up when they fell behind 2-0. They didn't give up when Fleury stopped their best shots. They played with passion when they had to, and earned a nice win.

They host Ottawa tonight. They've got to start taking care of business within the Division, and they need to start winning at home. They can do both tonight.

-The Commodore

Bruins 4, Lightning 3

During the 3rd period, I was thinking of criticizing Mark Recchi. I was going to call him slow, past his prime, and even call him the Fred Taylor of the Bruins. I should consider badmouthing Recchi more often, because every time I think about doing it, he scores a big goal.

This was an impressive victory. The Bruins went down to play the #2 team in the East, on the road. That team was very hot, by the way. And were highly motivated (because of how badly the Bruins beat them previously).

It was a North-South, back and forth kind of game. Which isn't really the Bruins' forte. Thankfully, they capitalized on their power play opportunities. And the defensemen got involved. Kampfer had his first career goal, and Seidenberg had 2 assists.

I'm a big fan of Steve Kampfer, although he still needs to develop. Against the Panthers, his turnover directly led to a goal. And last night, some miscommunication with Thomas nearly led to another. If he works these kinks out down in Providence, he could return in 2010-11 as a very good defenseman. And one that can also contribute on offense.

Speaking of young players, Brad "Rudy" Marchand scored his 5th goal of the season, and his career. That 4th line has scored 15 goals this year. That's a nice bonus from that trio.

Thomas had one of his more forgettable nights in goal. He was a bit overly aggressive, and wasn't his fastest moving from post to post. He'll probably get the next game off, at least I think he should.

The Bruins are in Atlanta Thursday night, which might be interesting after that pre-Christmas line-brawl. So far, this road trip has gone very well. And the B's have maintained that focus and determination they showed last week against Atlanta.

-The Commodore

Bruins 3, Sabres 2 (OT)

While watching the 3rd period, when the Bruins were trailing 2-1, I was going to mention in my recap how Mark Recchi hasn't done much for the offense this year. And how that entire line of Recchi-Bergeron-Wheeler was comprised of non-scorers. And just like every other time I've dared to doubt Recchi, he reminds us that senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.

Recchi's tip-in goal was the culmination of a well-executed comeback. A comeback that was sparked by a Buffalo turnover of Favre-ish proportions which gave Horton a gift goal, and a comeback made possible by Tim Thomas, who also got a one-punch TKO on Patrick Kaleta.



Thomas caught the charging Kaleta flush with a left jab. He also made 28 Saves, including a ridiculous poke-check in the OT that allowed the game to continue.

Nathan Horton has returned as a goal scoring threat. He's scored twice in the last 2 games, and has 4 points in the last 3. At the start of the season, his quick release, and his best-on-the-team accuracy helped propel the Bruins to an 11-5-1 (8 goals, 10 assists in that period) record. And since his drought began on November 20th, the Bruins went 3-3-2 (1 goal, 1 assist for Horton).

Thursday night, the Bruins host the Islanders, who a firm grip on the NHL's worst record, so hopefully the B's can take advantage. Because after that, there's a tough stretch of games.

-The Commodore

Breaking News: Bruins Resign Recchi

NESN is reporting the Bruins have reached a one-year agreement with unrestricted winger Mark Recchi. Although he is 42 years old he still holds a vital role to this team. He is one of the better powerplay guys I have ever seen. He knows how to make traffic in front of the net, and always seems to be scoring on tip-ins, which is great for a team that struggles putting th puck in the net.

Anyways, he is my favorite player on this team, and I am so pumped that he is back. In 21 years Recchi has 563 goals and 922 assists (1485 points), and will be in the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to hang them up.

Recchi Wants To Play Another Year

Before the season started Recchi stated that this was probably going to be his last year. At age 42, who can blame him? But after being a dominant force for the Bruins once again he seems like he has changed his tune. He even went as far as to say that he still thinks he has a lot in the tank, and his kids that want him to keep playing. The only thing holding him back? His wife...of course.

Well eventually I bet he tells his wife to go fuck herself, and plays another year. Recchi is the man, and I would love him to be back another year. At his worst he is a great option on the power play, and for a young team like the Bruins it is great to have a guy like this on your squad. Plus, Boston is going to be short on money this offseason, so this could be a nice cheap signing.

Bruins 5, Leafs 2

Remember that hubris I alluded to a few days ago? That overconfidence the Bruins sometimes get when they get a 3 goal lead, or they sweep the Canadiens? We saw a bit of that last night. The good news is, they woke up just before it was too late to wake up.

How valuable has Mark Recchi been to this team since coming here from the Lightning? In 48 games wearing Black & Gold, he's scored 17 goals. Not bad for a guy who we all thought would only contribute experience to the Bruins' playoff equation.

It looks like Rask is the #1 goalie for right now. Thomas wasn't awful in that 7-2 loss in Montreal, but some injury problems and perhaps a bit of stress from performing perfectly with nothing but losses to show for it; seem to have caught up with him. Plus, Rask is the hot hand. His GAA in 12 games is 1.98, and his SV% is .931. You don't pull a goalie when they're performing like he is.

And don't worry about Thomas, either. This isn't the first time he's been pushed aside, although this is still temporary. And Thomas won the Vezina last year after only appearing in 54 games.

The Bruins have won 7 of 9, so I get to include a pic of Jeri Ryan, a.k.a. Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Voyager.



Bruins @ Islanders Saturday night.

-The Commodore

Bruins Sign Mark Recchi

This news made my day...

Mark Rechhi has just signed a 1 year deal with the Bruins for $1 million. This is according to WEEI. Great move by the Bruins. Yes he is old, but he really showed that he is fantastic on the powerplay, and when the Bruins signed him you could see his leadership made a difference. Recchi really enjoyed him time here, and I am so glad he is sticking around for 1 more year. Recchi had 61 points last season.

Bruins Get Mark Recchi

The Bruins have pulled off a trade that is sending Mark Recchi to Boston. No word on what the Bruins are sending to Tampa, but according to multiple sources it won't be much.

The 41 year old Recchi has scored 13 goals and 32 assists this season. I think this a great pick up for the Bruins. Recchi will give them a much needed veteran presence going into the playoffs, while also helping out on the powerplay.

**UPDATE**

Recchi and a 2010 second-round pick to Boston. Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums to the Lightning.