« October 2008 | Main | December 2008 »
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
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| Boston Bruins | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Statement Game? Bruins Take Down Defending Stanley Cup Champs
9th Straight Win At The Garden
Manny Being Manny: Wins 6th Straight Game
Kobasew & Krejci: 6-Game Point Streak
Bruins Birthday Present: B's Beat Wings On My 24th Birthday
New Alternate Jerseys Record: 2-0-0
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| Boston Bruins | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| NY Islanders | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
B's Win 8th Straight Home Game On Black Friday
Ryder Comes Alive: Leads Bruins With 2 Goals
7: Number Of Bruins Players To Have A Multi-Point Game
Fernandez Wins 5th Straight Game (Season Record: 6-1-1)
B's Power Play Continues To Click: Score On 3 Out Of 4 Chances
Continue reading "Black Friday Beatdown: B's Sink The Isle" »
"The great hockey fans of Oshawa obviously have not forgotten Bobby Orr.
The Generals officially retired Orr’s No. 2 Oshawa jersey in a stirring 50-minute ceremony before their game against the Peterborough Petes Thursday as a crowd of 6,253 fans crammed into the GMC to salute quite simply the greatest General of them all.
The present day Generals were obviously inspired as they played one of their better all-round games of the season, defeating the Petes 5-1 to complete a perfect night for Oshawa fans.
Tyler Taylor, Kory Nagy, Brett Parnham, Jeff Hayes and Jeff Brown scored the goals and Neil Conway made 31 saves to lead the Generals. Pat Daley spoiled Conway's shutout with less than mkinutes remaining, but that didn't spoil the electric atmosphere that was in the building right from the start of the evening.
From the moment he entered the arena in a 2009 GM Hybrid car, until Hockey Night in Canada icon Don Cherry and other guests saluted him with speeches and gifts, Orr smiled and choked back tears a few times before he addressed the crowd moments before a banner bearing his face and number was hoisted to the rafters.
“I’m thrilled to be back, I have a lot of friends here in Oshawa ,” Orr said. “This is where my career started and to be honored like this here, well I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
“I came here at 14 and I was well looked after. Anytime you are honored in this manner it’s a thrill, it really is, and something I’ll always remember.
“I’m so happy I did it.”
Cherry was a surprise guest, unbeknownst to Orr until he walked onto the ice to an enthusiastic reception of his own from the delighted crowd.
“He’s the greatest player in hockey history, period,” Cherry said. “A great hockey player has to be able to score, to pass, to skate, to hit, to fight…Bobby Orr could do everything.
“You really had to have seen him play to understand just how great he was. He changed the game with the way he played. Boy, he was really something special.”
Orr came to Oshawa as a 14-year-old sensation and made an immediate impact, being selected to the league second all-star team in his rookie season despite playing against players four and five years older.
In the final of his four seasons with the Generals, he led the team to the league title and a berth in the Memorial Cup before starting his illustrious NHL career.
Despite being hobbled by knee injuries and numerous surgeries, Orr was the greatest defenceman of his generation. He captured the Norris Trophy eight consecutive seasons and was a nine-time All-Star. The only defenceman to win the Art Ross Trophy as scoring champion – he did it twice – Orr also won the Hart Trophy three straight times and compiled a remarkable 915 points in just 657 regular season gamees.
He led the Bruins to two Stanley Cups and was the tournament MVP at the 1976 Canada Cup, in what would turn out to be his swan song. Immediately upon his retirement he became the youngest player ever to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame at the age of 31.
The Generals travel to Ottawa Friday to play the 67's and return home Sunday at 6:05 p.m. to face the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors at the GMC." -Roger Lajoie
Marc Savard has been the butt of a lot of his teammates jokes when talking about the musical tastes within' the Bruins locker room. Savard was even kicked off the job of creating the B's pregame playlist due to his random techno and Britney Spears songs he tossed in the mix last season. This subject though has become a hot topic lately during player interviews, so much so that Boston Globe staffer Meredith Goldstein decided to see what the fuss was all about. Meredith held an experiment, in which she put Savard's iPod to the test and set it on shuffle to see what came up. This is what she saw and this is where I will leave it to you guys to start the discussion on these songs...
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
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| Boston Bruins | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Derek Roy Scores Twice Against Thomas, 1st Star Of The Game
Hunwick Strikes Again (3rd Of The Year)
Kessel Scores 11th Goal Of The Season
Krejci Makes Crucial Error In Front Of Thomas, Results In Goal
Thornton Downs Peters In 2nd (B's Only Highlight?)
GAME QUICK HITS:
GAME PREDICTIONS:
(post your predictions in the comments section)
BRUINS BLOGROLL GAME PREVIEWS:
Marc Savard is hands down the most unappreciated and overlooked man in the NHL, but not in Boston. Savvy was on fire in the last 11 games putting up 14-points and a plus/minus of +9 (3 goals & 11 assists). This earned him the honor of being named the NHL's First Star of the Week last week. But Savard hasn't had just one good week this year but a good season. He has the second most overall points and assists in the league and also finds himself ranked third in plus/minus. This is no surprise considering he has ranked in the top 25 point leaders in the league since the lockout (2007-2008 22nd, 2006-2007 9th & 2005-2006 9th). Even with all of this Savard continually flies under the radar but his contributions don't go overlooked by the fans.
Michael Ryder needs to start producing, even if that means toe dragging every time he touches the puck. Ryder is tied on the team for the 3rd most shots on net yet still only has 3 goals to show for it. We brought Ryder to Beantown as a way to turn around his career and help Boston become a bigger scoring threat. One of these things happened, but had nothing to do with Ryder. Boston is a tough town to play in no matter what sport. And if Ryder continues at this same pace up until the All-Star Game, fans could start to turn on him. And if history tells us anything, that could mean Ryder's days in the Black & Gold are numbered.
Stats don't lie! Many people are still doubting the Bruins as a legitimate contender in Eastern Conference and questioning if they really have what it takes to make and then advance in the playoffs. Well with a quarter of the season down, I think the B's resume so far can speak for itself. First off, the Bruins are sitting atop the Eastern Conference with 32 points (tied with the Rangers but have two-games in hand on them) and 14-3-4 record. And then for production, well how does 6th overall in the league in GF/G (goals for per game), 2nd lowest in GA/G (goals against per game) and 9th on the PP (power play) sound?
Why Shane Hnidy, why? Hnidy, I understand the concept of trying to shoot the puck off the backboards in hopes that it will create a rebound in front of the net. But when is enough, enough? Throw the puck on net and cut this junior league shit out. On top of shooting, he has been careless in the defensive zone in my opinion and doesn't look to make any type of impact on the ice that is noticeable. I think it's about time we give Matt Lashoff a shot.
If offense wins games and defense wins Championships, then where does that leave the goalies? Well currently Boston's goalies are winning back fans. Boston's "new" goaltending duo of Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez have been unstoppable in the last 11 games posting a 9-1-1 record. Tim Thomas has continued his impressive start to the year allowing only 15 goals in his last 8 starts while maintaining a .941 save percentage and 1.83 goals aganist average. As for Manny Fernandez, he has held his own posting a 3-0-0 record in his last 3 starts. Because of them the B's have been on 9-1-1 run and the fans have noticed. The attendance at The Garden has been steadily growing and media interest in the team has multiplied by 100 percent.
Injuries have hurt the Bruins right off the bat this year when Chuck Kobasew went down in the first game of the season with a fracture in his right ankle. He has since bounced back and is now producing but that doesn't mean the injury bug has left. Since then both Marco Sturm (day-to-day with an upper body injury) and Andrew Ference (out til mid-January with a broken leg) have gone down for the Bruins. Even though the loss of Ference was a huge hit to the Bruins defense, there has been a single bright side to this in the form of the B's depth, which has been able to make these injuries seemingly unnoticeable.
Matt Hunwick has been in savior disguise. In the absence of Andrew Ference, Hunwick has stepped up. In his 9 games with the big club this season he has put up 5-points (2 goals & 3 assists) and maintains a +9 plus/minus. While watching his minutes per game rise, it will be interesting to see how Hunwick deals his new calling with the Bruins and the pressure that comes with it.
Last time I created this breakdown, I had Marco Sturm on watch list due to his lack of production. Well before he went down with an injury The Sturminator was becoming more like a point machine every game, putting up 5 goals and an assist in 8 games. Mainly due to his demotion to the 3rd line, where he immediately clicked with line mates Blake Wheeler and David Krecji. Sturm's offensive presence has been missed and we hope that he can continue where he left off.
The Bruins penalty kill has been a beast. Only 10 games ago the Bruins were almost ranked dead last with the man down, only to see themselves climb and claw their way to the 12th best overall success rate on the PK.
"9-0-1 in November, the Bruins' strength is in a balanced attack, with guys like Chuck Kobasew (eight points, plus-7 in eight games in November), David Krejci (2-6-8, plus-6 in 10 games in November) and Blake Wheeler (3-3-6, plus-6 in 10 games in November) filling in the gaps. Key Injuries: LW Marco Sturm (upper body)."
Hello First Place! After an impressive week that saw the Bruins go 4-0-0, the Bruins are now in first place in both the Northeast Division and Eastern Conference. All this has been done without Marco Sturm and Andres Ference who are both out with injuries. There is a lot to say about this team and how they have been playing that can't be summed up in only a few words. So tomorrow I will bring you the second edition of "Hub Hockey's +/- Breakdown" (view the first ever Hub Hockey's +/-: 10 Games In...)
This week Tim Thomas was recognized as the hottest player in the NHL this season. Thomas has basically lead the league in goals-against average and save percentage all year while posting an impressive 9-2-3 record. In front of Thomas the Bruins as a whole have been just as impressive, sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference. Now with all of this Timmy still was not named to the All-Star Game. But at least the public knows who the rightful starter should be when questioned today via a poll on the NHL's official website.
Who should start in goal for the Eastern Conference at the All-Star Game (results as of 4:40PM on 11/24/08)?
70.67 % 7.76 % 13.82 % 7.76 %Savard The Incredible
Also, Marc Savard was named the NHL's 1st Star of last week after posting an impressive 8-points (two goals, six assists) in his last four games. Savvy currently ranks second in the league in assists and third in both points and plus/minus. I'm happy to see that Savard is finally getting some recognition for his play. He has ranked in the top 25 point leaders in the league since the lockout (2007-2008 22nd, 2006-2007 9th & 2005-2006 9th) and yet has continually flew under the radar. Well even if the league doesn't show it, Boston sure loves Savard. Congrats!
"Boston, MA – Today, Monday, November 24th, the Boston Bruins unveiled their new Reebok Third Jersey System (jersey and socks). At 2:00 p.m. ET the club will hold its Third Jersey On-Sale Event in the Boston Bruins Pro Shop.
The Third Jersey System includes a new jersey and new socks, and is predominantly black. The jersey itself is black with gold trim at the neck, and has two gold stripes and one white stripe on the arms. The Bruins secondary logo, which is featured on the shoulders of the primary Bruins jersey, is featured on the chest of the third jersey. Alternately, the Bruins primary logo (the Spoked-B) is located on each shoulder. The socks are black with two gold stripes and one white stripe.
The first time the Bruins will wear the new Third Jersey System will be “Black Friday” at the Garden, as the team will wear their new third jersey for the first time on the “busiest shopping day of the year” on Friday, November 28 when the B’s host the Islanders at Noon. Not only will the team be wearing their new predominantly black Third Jersey System for the first time, but the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative black t-shirt, and all fans are encouraged to come to the TD Banknorth Garden wearing black attire for the game. The Day After Thanksgiving matinee has been a Black & Gold tradition since the 1990-1991 season.
The Third Jersey On-Sale Event will be headlined by Bruins players Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Milan Lucic, Phil Kessel, Marc Savard, Tim Thomas and Blake Wheeler, who will all be working with the Pro Shop staff behind the counters from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET. The players will assist customers with all of their shopping needs, as well as sign autographs for anyone who purchases one of the new third jerseys." -Boston Bruins Official Press Release
BRUINS THIRD JERSEY SCHEDULE:
MY OPINION: I actually really like the new alternate jerseys. You got to think about the previous third the Bruins had been wearing. Everyone remembers the "Pooh Bear" jerseys, which struck fear into the eyes of 8-year old's everywhere. Those things were terrible and looked like they were designed by a kindergarten class as a group project. But now they unveil the new third jerseys which actually have some pretty cool elements.
First off, the jersey is fully black and basically sticks to the B's current jersey setup. The logo's are simple and just a reverse of the current home/away jerseys. And I like that it was kept simple and the Bruins didn't try anything too extreme. Overall I would give it a 7.5 to an 8. They could have got a full 10 if they went the route that Providence did last season though.
Friday The Toucher & Rich Show broadcasted live from the Makers Mark Crossing Bar which is located in North Station or the basement of The Garden. Anyways, the guys had a whole lineup of Bruins and Bruins alum come on the show including Aaron Ward, Milan Lucic, Shawn Thornton, Marc Savard, Shane Hnidy, and Cam Neely. For just a glimpse at what was going on, you can take a look at the pictures from the event here. But for those of you who were unable to tune into the show on WBCN 104.1FM, I am here to save you. Below is the audio from each players interview, and believe me when I say you should listen to them all because this is some of the best radio I have heard in a long time. No dumb questions about the same old shit, but just a bunch of guys "shooting the shit".
I'd like to thank everyone associated with The Toucher & Rich Show for putting on this event on because this is the stuff that real fans want. Thanks guys!
Also, I want to apologize for not having the complete Shawn Thornton interview, as I was a little late pressing the record button.
(To listen to the audio from all of the interviews please click the "continue reading" link below.)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | SO | F | |
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| Boston Bruins | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Thomas Stones 3 Straight Shooters To Seal Win In Shootout
Georges Laraque Who?: Lucic Quiets Montreal With Goal
Hunwick Scores, 5-Points In Last 4 Games
Make That 2 Straight Against The Canadiens
Bruins Now 9-0-1 In November
I am happy to finally be able to say that the Bruins and Habs are tied in their season series at one a piece. The Bruins ended their regulation losing streak against the Habs at 12-games back on 13th when they cruised to a 6-1 victory at The Garden. Tonight the two divisional rivals face-off for the second time this season in Montreal, where the B's lost earlier this season in the shootout after an incredible comeback in the 3rd period. This time around though the Bruins are on a 3-game win streak and haven't lost a game in regulation yet in November (8-0-1). On top of this the Bruins are not only in first place in the Northeast Division (leading the Habs by 6-points) but also sit atop the Eastern Conference as well.
The game itself will be it usually back-and-forth battle that only the Bruins and Habs can produce. Everyone is talking about the possibility of seeing Lucic take on big Georges Laraque in a battle for the leagues top fighter. I personally don't see this happening. The last time these two team meet BGL challenged Lucic only to be rejected. This I think was a smart move by Lucic, the Bruins were ahead in the game and he did not want to give the Habs any type of momentum swing. Also, Laraque has done little to nothing for the Habs this season. He is getting slower and looks like a mini-mite out there. Why would Lucic (a crucial part of the Bruins offense) want to take himself out the of the game and risk the chance of hurting himself for someone like that? Sorry BGL, players like you just need to hang up your skates because your a dying breed.
Anyways, I see the Habs edging out the Bruins tonight on their home ice (I mean I can't pick the Bruins to win every game this season). The Habs will come out strong and grab an early lead and hold on to it all night. I still think the B's have a good chance at this game and I hope they prove me wrong. But after the amount of players we saw take a walk to the dressing room last night and counting in that the Canadiens are well rested, I predict a Habs win. Either way look for another crazy game.
GAME QUICK HITS:
GAME PREDICTIONS:
(post your predictions in the comments section)
BRUINS BLOGROLL GAME PREVIEWS:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
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| Boston Bruins | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Florida Panthers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Savard & Bergeron Lead Bruins With Goal And Assist Each
Kessel Gets 10th Goal Of The Season
Hunwick Continues Incredible Play: Plus-3 Tonight
Thomas Makes 30 Saves While Grabbing His 8th Win
Bruins 8-0-1 In November
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