Hub Hockey

Hits Of The Year?

Leafs Hand The B's 3rd Straight Loss

Game Seven
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
October 20th, 2008 @ 7:00PM

	1	2	3	F
Boston Bruins	2	0	0	2
Toronto Maple Leafs	0	2	2	4

(credit: Associated Press Photo)

Bruins Lose 3rd Straight, Panic Button?
Bergy Scores His First Of The Season
B's Let Up 2 Goals While On The PK
Bruins 0-2 At Home, Still Searching For First Home Win

Je Ne Comprends Pas Le Français

Was just making my daily rounds of all things Bruins, and I stumbled across this on the Bruins official website. Honestly, whats worse than having to read about the Bruins losing in another shootout? Reading about the Bruins losing another shootout in French.

Who's The True Number One?

(click picture to see full image)

Bingo Was His Name-O!

W-A-R-D-O, W-A-R-D-O, W-A-R-D-O, and Wardo was his name-O!. Aaron "Bingo" Ward called into the Toucher & Rich show today for the fan favorite weekly segment, "Ward Wednesday".

This week during the interview the guys talked about "Psycho Ward" and his recent happenings, mainly his feuds with opposing teams fans. I guess Aaron Ward isn't a fan of the "plus sized" ladies in Buffalo either. But who really is? Ward also confirmed the Ottawa "water bottle incident" and how there is video or photographic proof out there somewhere. Go to the Ward Wednesday audio page for the full interview and also to find out why Ward is now known as "Bingo" to his team.

Also, thanks to the Toucher & Rich Show and the show's producer B-Real for the shout-out on today's show.

Aaron Ward's Quote Of The Week:

"We're playing the last game there (Buffalo) last year and we win 3-2 and as it quiets, there's probably about 10-15 seconds left, I turn around to her and say "Hey Honey, didn't you miss the 7 o'clock Weight Watchers meeting?"" -Aaron Ward

Seriously? Another Shootout Loss

Game Six
Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres
October 21th, 2008 @ 7:00PM

	1	2	3	OT	SO	F
Boston Bruins	1	1	0	0	0	2
Buffalo Sabres	0	1	1	0	1	3

(credit: Getty Images)

Poor 3rd Period Leads To A Shootout Loss
Manny Shows Poor Puck Handling & Positioning, Still Has Decent Game
"Big Money" Wides Scored His First Goal Of The Season
Kessel Nets 6th Goal In 6 Games

TSN Week Two Power Rankings

(credit: TSN.ca)

"Goaltending could be an area of concern, but the Bruins have a nice mix of productive veterans and up-and-coming young talent right now. Key Injuries: RW Chuck Kobasew (leg)."

The Bruins make a huge leap from the 18th spot on last weeks power rankings, all the way up to 9th. Fianlly, a well deserved bump for the B's. The Bruins have been playing some great hockey so far this season but haven't been able to pull it all together for the wins. But the offense has been on fire and the defense is finally coming together. Also, after the last three games the goaltending is starting to tighten up. Hopefully with another week the Bruins can keep on climbing.

The Organization That Cares?

(Bruins SWAG from Opening Night versus the Pittsburgh Penguins)

Opening Night Player Intro (Mark Who?)

Here is the video footage from last nights Opening Night player introductions, as well as some bonus footage of the National Anthem sung by none other than Bruins legend Rene Rancourt. The reason why I am posting this is because of the now "infamous" Mark Stuart skip job.

Here is a short little recap for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about. During the player introductions last night the Bruins P.A. announcer skipped Mark Stuart (45), going from Aaron Ward (44) to David Krejci (46), during the numerical player introductions. But why should I explain this when nobody knows what happened better than Stuart himself:

"I was ready to go, but then they called 46," "So I figured, 'Oh, they skipped me, but I'll be next.' But they kept calling the other guys. So I just went all the way back. Then I was thinking maybe I should walk around to the locker room. But nobody told me what to do. So I decided to run out there and give it the old salute." -Mark Stuart (H/T Bruins Blog)

"They Grow Up So Fast"

In the wake of another great game played by the Bruins two "young guns", I decided this was appropriate. Also, too many other sites have recapped last nights game and I needed to do at least something.

But seriously, talk about overcoming a sophomore slump. Kessel has been on fire through the first 5 games, netting 5 goals and totaling 6 points. Not to mention the completely different player he has become on both ends of the ice. His defensive presence has become noticeable every night and he is using his head for once when he handles the puck. I mean so far he has been in all the right places at all the right times. Simply put he is finally becoming what us fans have been hoping for since the Bruins took him in the draft. Talk about a turn around too, when fans were calling for him to be traded at mid-season and after the Bruins loss to the Habs in the playoffs last season.

But I can't forget about Krejci. Krejci has been doing all the right things since being named to the Bruins roster. The kid is a powerplay dynamo and has even been compared to Bergeron as of late. I don't think we should start making that comparison but Krejci is without a doubt in the top-4 goal threats on this team. Hopefully though this play can continue from both Kess and Krejci and the Bruins can continue to not only impress us, but the rest of the league.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-
Phil Kessel	5	5	1	6	2
David Krejci	5	2	3	5	2

Bruins Shootout Woes Continue

Game Five
Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
October 20th, 2008 @ 7:00PM

	1	2	3	OT	SO	F
Boston Bruins	0	1	0	0	0	1
Pittsburgh Penguins	1	0	0	0	1	2

(credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Geno Drops The B's, Nets The Shootout Winner In The 5th Round
Kessel Scores Again (Also Only Bruin To Score In The Shootout)
Lucic & Wheeler Looked Rusty
Thomas Looked Solid From Start To Finish

Welcome Home!

The Bruins are finally home today to play the Penguins in what is sure to be a great game. I'm heading into town in a few to grab some early drinks. So I'm sure I will see a bunch of you out there, so if you see a group of 6 people and a few are wearing Hub Hockey shirts then come on over and say "Hi".

Here are some questions that hopefully tonight will answer:

• Patrice Bergeron returns home! After being out most of the season last year due to an injury received at the Garden, the Causeway faithful will once again see the "prodigal" son in black & gold at home. Will Boston see a "Garden Level" welcoming on Opening Night?
• Andrew Ference vs. Sidney Crosby: Round 2?
• Can Tim Thomas get into a rhythm after an impressive game against the Habs?
• Can Phil Kessel, Marc Savard, Michael Ryder & David Krejci continue their unstoppable offensive force?
• Will the B's win their 3rd home opener in a row?
• Will the defense continue to improve and come together to form what the organization has been trying to put together over the last 3 years?
• Will this younger/faster team be able to shutdown the Cindy and Malkin show?
• Can the Bruins improve to 3-1-1?

After the game I will try to get a recap up as quick as I can. Also, I was going to write an in-depth preview for today's game but due to a late wake up and slight hangover I am leaving it up to my good friends over at The Jumbotron and Stanley Cup of Chowder who wrote some great pieces (the "Trons" photoshop skills have been impressing me ever since they came around).

Go Black & Gold...

"The Diving Dames" Of Boston?

Michael Ryder is still trying to get use to not playing for a soccer team. Ryder spoke on the real issue that the Bruins are not receiving any penalty calls their way this season. So far the Bruins have the fewest man-advantage chances, with 14, in the league This really is no issue yet since the Bruins have only played 4 games. But one can only hope that this is not a sign of a pattern to come. So far this season the B's have been on fire with the man-advantage. If they are not scoring goals then they are setting up future chances by switching the momentum to their side.

I mean starting the season on the road is no cakewalk and the Bruins have handled themselves pretty well. But come on, don't make it harder on the Black & Gold by turning them into a  bunch of diving Canadiens.

"The refs must not like us or something," joked Michael Ryder. But the right wing acknowledged that teams draw penalties when putting pressure on opposing defenders. "That's when they use their sticks," said Ryder. "We control the puck a lot when we play. It's just that the penalties haven't been called yet." -Fluto Shinzawa of The Globe

Axelsson Heading Home?

According to a Swedish blog P.J. Axelsson could be heading to Sweden next season, if not sooner (H/T to Krm500 from the HFBoards for finding this). I crudely translated the post below:

"Per Johan "Pebben" Axelsson on the way to Frölunda

According to very reliable sources Per Johan "Pebben" Axelsson is on the way home to Frölunda Gothenburg. The challenge comes from several sources including from people working in Frölunda, which makes this rumor is very interesting. As far as I know, there are no fortified date for when he plans to come home but it will be this year, according to sources.

Obviously, it can be amended for that's still in the NHL so it may very well be that he stay there if Boston or another club wants to keep him.

What can he do to keep Frölunda? Plenty is the answer!

He has a really great Frölunda heart even though he has played so far in the NHL and his routine and defensive qualities can be very good for the Indians. We follow this with interest."

I don't know how much truth could be behind this rumor but it is interesting none the less. I especially don't see Axelsson leaving the B's mid-season but weirder things have happened.

I know P.J. was a scratch last game and has been bounced around the B's lineup all year but I would never imagine this. Plus, he is off to a great start this season with 3-points in 4 games. I guess the only reasoning behind this (if true) could be the fact that trade rumors involving Axelsson were being tossed around all offseason due to his hefty salary. And even though P.J. has a no-trade clause, there are still ways around that. Plus the cap relief and opportunity to bring up another prosepct would be more than welcomed. While the negatives are that we could loss a career Bruin, great defensive forward and setup man. I'm torn on this one... What are all your thoughts?

Hub Hockey's Plus/Minus Rundown

(AP Photo/The Canadian Press,/Sean Kilpatrick)

The Bruins finished up their season opening four-game road trip last night with a impressive victory over one of their divisional rivals, the Ottawa Senators. On top of winning, the B's looked solid end to end for the first time this year and were the team that us fans have been hoping for all offseason. Most impressive though has to be the 2-1-1 record the Bruins have posted while still not playing at home yet (last time in the NHL to play it's home opener).

So on the day before the B's bring hockey back to the Causeway Street crowd at the Garden, I want to list Hub Hockey's "Plus/Minus" of the Bruins through the first four games.

+ The Bruins currently have 15 goals through four games this season ranking them at 5th overall in GF (GF = goals for/games). The Bruins new "dynamic duo" of Marc Savard and new Bruins Michael Ryder have combined for 14-points in 4 games. Also, in his 3rd season Phil Kessel has got off to a great start with 4 goals in as many games.
- While goals have been coming in bunches for the Bruins, the same can be said about their opponents as the Bruins have let up 13 goals so far and rank 19th in the league in GA (GA = goals against/games). With shaky performances in their first games this season, Thomas and Fernandez seem to have shaken off the rust and now look like a solid tandem.
+ This season the Bruins heart has even been a question. Putting their bodies on the line, the Bruins rank 11th in blocked shots deflecting 72 shots so far. Big Z leads the team with 12 blocked shots (when your 6'9" you better be leading the time).
- When there are only 30 teams in the entire league and your team is ranked 29th on the penalty kill, then you know you have a problem.
+ On the other side on the penalty though the Bruins have been successful, currently ranked 11th overall. And even when the Bruins don't score on the power play, they have still changed the games momentum in their favor.
+/- During the offseason the Bruins signed Stephane Yelle to solve issues in the faceoff circle and help solidify the Bruins defensive core. His defense is incredible so far but his poor percentage in the faceoff circle (39%) is one for concern. But Yelle is a veteran and hopefully will find his way out of this slump. Usually the more chances he gets the more comfortable he will feel.
+/- Giveaways and takeaways have yet to be a problem as the Bruins look to be in the middle of the pact, if not better, in both categories (19th & 13th respectively). But when your on the brink of average to poor, then I guess some concern needs to be addressed. Wheeler is on this radar.

Aaron "Tie Domi" Ward?

"A weird little scene played out late in the second period and at the start of the third. B’s defenseman Aaron Ward went to the penalty box on a hooking minor at 18:53 of the second and was immediately subjected to an expletive-filled tirade from a fan.

“I’m sure it’s going to be on YouTube,” Ward said. “He was sitting there and he just launched a barrage of (curses). He doesn’t stop. So I took a bottle of water and sprayed him, which incensed him. He just kept coming. Finally, I said, ‘Fraz (referee Kerry Fraser), get him out of here.’ So Fraz came in and talked to him.

“I don’t know what happened, but (Fraser) said, ‘You know what? Let’s be professional about this. Let’s pose for a picture with him. So he came over and took a picture and everything was smoothed over.”" -Stephen Harris of The Boston Herald

I will be looking for any videos or photographs from this incident and post them as soon as I find them. But this event just proves that Wardo is the classiest Bruin of all time. Imagine if after Milbury climbed into the stands and beat that fan with his own shoe, if he went back and posed for a picture with him? Anyways, I guess this just makes Ward's new nickname stick: "Psycho Ward".

Bruins Dissect Sens In Impressive Victory

Game Four
Boston Bruins @ Ottawa Senators
October 18th, 2008 @ 7:00PM

	1	2	3	F
Boston Bruins	1	2	1	4
Ottawa Senators	1	1	0	2

(credit: Getty Images)

B's Grab Points In 3 Out Of The 4 Road Games, Return Home Monday
Kessel Continues To Impress, Nets 2 Goals
Lucic Scores First Goal Of The Season
Manny Solid In His First Win
Streaking Savard, 9 Points In 4 Games

Sorry To The "Tron"

Yesterday I went to a wedding and was unable to post on last nights game so I linked you guys to a great Bruins site, The Jumbotron. Well I guess in my rushed and brain-dead state I made a mistake by saying...

"Anyways, for some top notch pre-game/post-game notes please visit The Jumbotron, who never seems to amaze."

What I meant to say was "never seems to NOT amaze", but in my rushed state I made a typo. Let me apologize to The Jumbotron here for all to see because they are a great affiliate of ours and really post some amazing stories and personal insight. Hope you guys understand and accept.

Wedding Bells = Day Off

Well I will keep it simple, I will not be able to post anything today (Saturday) since I will be at my aunt's wedding. I'm only a lowly usher but I guess that's important. So in return Hub Hockey will be offline until Sunday morning, so that means no game day posts or recaps. Don't worry thought because I will jump right back into things when I get home Sunday but until then your on your own. Other than saying the Bruins will be visiting the Ottawa Senators with a puck drop set for 7:00PM, there is not much more I can write tonight.

Anyways, for some top notch pre-game/post-game notes please visit The Jumbotron, who never seems to amaze.

Go Black & Gold...

B's Opening Night Fan Fest

(credit: Bruins.com)

"Kick off the season the right way, join us for Fan Fest prior to our Home Opener on Monday, October 20! Fan Fest will be held in the West Garden Lot from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Boston Bruins Alumni will be in attendance, as well as the Bruins Ice Girls and Blades! Get here early and enjoy live music, interactive games and giveaways, the first 1,000 fans will walk away with a limited edition Bruins T-shirt." -Bruins Official Press Release