SB Nation - Johnny Boychuk

Savard's hat trick helps Bruins skate past Toronto 7-2 in #81's return to The Hub

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:44:37 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

10 days ago: Boston Bruins' Marc Savard, center, celebrates his hat trick in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Boston. The Bruins won 7-2. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Browse more photos »

The Bruins were able to skate past the Toronto Maple Leafs with ease in a game that featured 9 goals and plenty of rough stuff. This game was supposed to be all about the Leafs off-season addition, but it was former Leafs property Tuukka Rask and newly-extended Bruin Marc Savard who shined the brightest tonight. Savard recorded his third career hat trick, while Rask (31 saves) continuously shutdown the Leafs all night long.

The Bruins jumped out to an early lead 5:28 into the game when Derek Morris' shot from the blue line was tipped by Patrice Bergeron and then deflected again by Marco Sturm for Sturm's 9th goal of the season.

Shawn Thornton and Colton Orr dropped the gloves immediately on the ensuing face-off. The heavyweight bout fittingly ended in a draw. The only losers in this one were the hometown fans that were exposed to Colton Orr's creepy 'stache.

The Leafs' attempt to swing the momentum with fisticuffs didn't pay off as the B's found the back just moments later at 6:01 when Marc Savard jumped on a juicy rebound just lying in the slot and put it home for the early 2-0 lead.

The rough stuff continued a few moments later when Mark Stuart and Jamal Mayers shed the mittens as they were trailing the play. Mayers landed some quick shots and took Stuart down to the ice. Stuart got back up and wanted to continue the bout, but the linesmen quickly stepped in. Somehow the combatants only received 2 minutes each for roughing.

The Bruins extended their lead to 3-0 2:09 into the second period after #81 turned the puck over in his own zone and Zdeno Chara uncorked a slapper from the blue line that deflected off the stick of Leafs defenseman Francois Beauchemin and past Joey MacDonald.

Early in the middle period, Blake Wheeler pushed Ian White from behind into the endboards. A few shifts later, Colton Orr tried to send a message to Blake Wheeler and jumped him. Orr was tagged with 2 minutes for roughing and two minutes for interference for his actions.

The B's made it 4-0 with a power play goal with 5:15 remaining in the second period. Michael Ryder had the puck in "Gretzky's office" and a fed a pass out to Marc Savard, who found the back of the net for his second of the night.

After giving up 4 goals on 23 shots in the first two periods, Joey MacDonald was lifted in favor of Vesa Toskala to start the third period.

Mark Recchi's 550th career goal made it 5-0 Bruins at 6:36 of the third period. Patrice Bergeron weaved his way through the Leafs defense and left a short pass for Recchi near the crease before Recchi directed the puck past Toskala for the milestone marker.

Johnny Boychuk's first NHL goal on a one-time slapper made it 6-0 at 12:26 of the third period.

The Bruins struck again just 19 seconds later when Marc Savard's shot from the right wing half wall found the back of the net for his 3rd career hat trick and a flurry of hats came raining down on the ice at The Garden.

Steve Begin and Jamal Mayers squared off as soon as the puck drop after Savard's goal. Mayers got in a few early scoring blows, but Begin scored the takedown.

Toronto finally got on the board with 4:14 remaining to take the shutout away from Tuukka Rask. Matt Stajan set up behind the net and sent a pass to Niklas Hagman at the right circle, who beat Rask for the first time on the night.

Andrew Ference and Lee Stempniak got into after Stempniak ran Johnny Boychuk from behind and Ference came to the aid of his teammate. Ference and Stempniak each received double minors for roughing, while Wayne Primeau received a 10 minute misconduct, presumably for being the third man in on the altercation.

The Leafs cut the lead to 7-2 with 2:02 left in the game as Mikhail Grabovski deflected a Luke Schenn shot past Rask to account for the final score.

Final - 12.5.2009	1	2	3	Total
Toronto Maple Leafs	0	0	2	2
Boston Bruins	2	2	3	7

Complete Coverage >

Notes:

- #81 was booed and jeered by The Garden fans every time he touched the puck tonight.

- #81 finished the night with 16:28 of ice time and was a -3 on the night with 1 shot on goal and 2 take-aways, including one that led directly to Zdeno Chara's goal.

- Is there anyone left out there that doubts that Tuukka Rask is ready to play at the NHL level?

- Marc Savard became the first Bruin since #81 to record a hat trick.

- Zdeno Chara was +4 on the night with a goal and an assist

- 5 Bruins had multi-point games (Savard, Chara, Bergeron, Sturm and Bitz)

- Patrice Bergeron dominated in the face-off circle again tonight winning 75% of his 20 draws.

- Tuukka Rask got his 2nd assist of the season on Mark Recchi's 550th career NHL goal.

"Obviously, we didn't play well tonight. I didn't play well. I don't know what else to say... There was pressure, but that was probably the worst game I have played in a while."

- #81

"I love our fans, so give it to him more. I could care less"

- Shawn Thornton on B's fans booing #81

- In a scheduling quirk, the Bruins will meet the Maple Leafs again at TD Garden on Thursday night. The B's are off until then, but the Leafs will travel home for two games against the Thrashers and Islanders before heading back to Boston for a re-match with the B's.

3 Stars (as selected by 98.5 The Sports Hub)
1st Star: Marc Savard (Hat Trick)
2nd Star: Patrice Bergeron (2 assists, +2, 75% on face-offs)
3rd Star: Tuuka Rask (31 saves on 33 shots, assist)

Bruins look to bounce back as they host #81 and the Maple Leafs

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:48:25 -0000

More photos » by NATHAN DENETTE - AP

Browse more photos »

The Bruins will try to bounce back from an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night when they host #81 and the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at TD Garden in a match-up that NESN is referring to as "Kessel-Mania I".

Know Your Enemy

Toronto Maple Leafs (8-12-7)

Head Coach: Ron Wilson

Season Series: First of six meetings this season

Leading Goal Scorers:

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Niklas Hagman	13	6	19	-2	19

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - #81	10	5	15	5	11

Goaltending:

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Jonas Gustavsson	16	821	6	5			43	3.14	429	386	.900	0

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Vesa Toskala	10	537	1	4			35	3.91	259	224	.865	0

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Joey MacDonald	5	279	1	3			13	2.80	134	121	.903	0

Injury Report

Boston Bruins Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Milan Lucic	ankle	11/26/2009

Toronto Maple Leafs Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Vesa Toskala	groin	12/01/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Mike Van Ryn	knee	09/30/2009
John Mitchell	knee	11/24/2009
Carl Gunnarsson	elbow	12/01/2009
Jonas Gustavsson	heart	12/03/2009

Notes:

- Former Bruin Joey MacDonald will likely get the start in goal for the Leafs tonight.

- I would like to see the Bruins start Tuukka Rask in goal against the team that drafted him. The Bruins didn't hold a morning skate, so we won't know until game-time who the starter will be.

- Toronto actually has a winning record on the road (6-5-4)

- The Bruins will wear their 3rd jerseys tonight for the 5th time this season.

- The Bruins have recalled defenseman Johnny Boychuk from Providence.

- I'm predicting a 65/35 boo to cheer ratio for #81 from the Garden crowd tonight.

- #81 got into a tickle fight with Kris Russell on Thursday night

- The puck drops at 7:00 and the open thread start right here at 6:30.

- For more on the Leafs and tonight's game (and revised colonial history), check out Pension Plan Puppets

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Leafs Fan YouTube Video

Gameday Preview: Boston Bruins @ Dallas Stars (7:30p CDT)

Brandon Worley — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:47 -0000

Next Game

Boston Bruins (2-3-0)
@ Dallas Stars (2-0-3)

Friday, Oct 16, 2009, 7:30 PM CDT
American Airlines Center

Local TV: FS-SW
Radio: KTCK The Ticket

Opponent's Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder

Complete Coverage >

This game could have been much bigger.

Last season, Steve Ott and the Dallas Stars put together an embarrassing performance as the team came unraveled while being dominated by the Bruins. Ott and Sean Avery joined forces to incite the entire city of Boston, leading Mike Modano to say after the game "If that's what we're going for, then they need to find me an office job."

Boston went on to post the second best record in the NHL, with players winning the Vezina, Norris and Adams trophies. Dallas missed the playoffs.

With Steve Ott out and Avery gone, the game has lost some of its revenge muster but this will still be a good test for a Stars team that is looking to build on the momentum gained from Wednesday's big win over Nashville. This weekend is the first true test for this Stars team, as they will be facing the Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks on back to back nights.

Full preview after the jump.

The Dallas Stars:

Steve Ott and Mike Modano are still out with their respective injuries, although Modano is getting closer to returning. The Stars have a had a good week on the ice, combining spirited and focused practices with a great performance against Nashville as they scored four goals in the first nine minutes en route to 6-0 rout.

This team is starting to pull together under Crawford and is looking like they're finally grasping the system he's preaching. After years of playing shutdown, defensive hockey led by a team of veterans, the Stars are redefining themselves with a new identity.

"I don't think anyone was questioning it at the time, I think we all felt we could compete that way," said defenseman Stephane Robidas. "But if you look at the game and where it is going, the young teams skate hard and skate fast. Look at teams this year ... Pittsburgh, Chicago, Boston, Washington ... the Dallas Stars."

That's right, he said it – the Dallas Stars. But with the Stars boasting a lineup that typically features eight players who are 25 or younger, Dallas has entered a new era. And with the players buying into coach Marc Crawford's system of aggressive skating, the Stars don't look old and slow. What's more, they seem to have forged an identity pretty quickly.

"It's a fun way to play, it's an effective way to play," said center Mike Ribeiro. "What's not to like?"

Marty Turco will be in net tonight, with Alex Auld expected to get the start tomorrow against Chicago.

Projected lines:

No word yet on whether it's Fistric or Woywitka in.

The Boston Bruins:

The Bruins are reeling a bit this season, as the goaltending has not been the same as it was last year. Boston hasn't seen a lot of turnover from the team that put up 116 points and a +78 goal differential, yet they're struggling this season. Whether it's the pressure to live up to high expectations, or just a simple bump in the road is yet to be seen. With Boston having four days to rest before tonight's game, expect an energetic and intense team to come in the AAC looking to get back on the right track.

From Stanley Cup of Chowder:

Some might think that the smell of elephant feces emanating from TD Garden this week is a result of the Bruins recent play, but it turns out "The Greatest Show on Earth" is in town and the "mediocre show on ice" is on the road. The Bruins will travel to Dallas tonight to take on the Stars before heading to Phoenix to play the Coyotes. The B's will try to bounce back from a disappointing opening home stand (2-2-0). Meanwhile, the Stars will try to do something other than lose in OT or the shootout (2-0-3).

There were plenty of fireworks last time these two teams met almost a year ago on November 1, 2009 when they combined for 146 PIMs. Two of Dallas' main instigators in last years donnybrook will not be in the lineup tonight. Dallas cut ties with Sean Avery and Steve Ott is (conveniently) hurt. Matty Niskanen is still around though and I'm sure Jack Edwards can't wait for someone to re-arranged his face to the point where he "isn't a pretty little boy anymore"

Projected Lines:

Key Injuries:

Dallas: C Steve Ott (oblique) and C Mike Modano (ribs) are out.

Boston: D Dennis Wideman (shoulder) is out.

Bruins can't survive Avalanche 4-3

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:07:15 -0000

More photos » by Steven Senne - AP

2 months ago: Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, of Finland, top, is unable to stop a shot into the net by Colorado Avalanche's Scott Hannan, bottom, in the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Boston, Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Browse more photos »

The Bruins may have had a bit of a tryptophan hangover after having too much turkey for Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. The Bruins came out of the gate sluggish, giving the Avalanche an early 2-0 lead. The B's made the game close, but the Avs ultimately handed the B's a 4-3 loss.

The Avs got on the board first, when Milan Hejduk scored a powerplay goal 6:15 into the game with Matt Hunwick in the box for a hook.

Colorado would strike again just 37 seconds later when Scott Hannan found the back of the net off a rebound from a long shot by David Jones to spot the Avs an early 2-0 lead.

The Bruins spent 5:02 on the powerplay in the opening period, but just couldn't seem to convert with the man advantage and filed off the ice to the dressing room down 2-0 after one.

The Bruins pulled to within one at 7:45 of the second period. Patrice Bergeron set up behind the net and fed a pass out front to Mark Recchi at the left circle, whose quick shot beat Craig Anderson for his first goal of the season.

The B's evened the game up 2:25 later with a goal in transition. Micheal Ryder threw a puck on net from the right wing boards and Blake Wheeler batted the puck out of mid-air while driving to the net for his second goal of the season.

The Bruins PK woes continued when Marek Svatos put back his own rebound with 6:28 reamaing in the second to give Colorado a 3-2 lead.

The special teams problems continued for the B's on the power play. With the Bruins on the man advantage with 3:10 left in the middle period, they coughed up the puck in the neutral zone when 3 black jerseys collapsed on the puck, which sprung David Jones in on a breakaway. Jones fired a hard wrister from the slot that beat Rask for the short-handed goal and a two goal lead.

Michael Ryder pulled the B's to within one at 6:24 of the third period on a backhander off a rebound in front.

The Bruins showed a lot of intensity and controlled the play for most of the third, but it was too little, too late as the Bruins dug themselves into a hole early and were not able to stage another comeback.

Final - 10.12.2009	1	2	3	Total
Colorado Avalanche	2	2	0	4
Boston Bruins	0	2	1	3

Complete Coverage >

Notes:

- Milan Lucic and Kyle Quincey got into a bit of a wrestling match after the final whistle.

- Special teams play continues to be a major issue for the B's. The Bruins were only able to kill off 1 of 3 Avs powerplays today and were 0 for 5 today.

- Patrice Bergeron was 72% from the dot (13 of 18)

- Johnny Boychuk was +2 and recorded 4 hits in his '09-'10 debut.

- Colorado blocked 21 of the 53 shots that the Bruins directed towards goals (32 shots on goal).

- The Bruins return to action on Friday night when they travel to Dallas to take on the Stars

Bruins set to host Capitals in season opener

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:46 -0000

More photos » by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP

Browse more photos »

The Boston Bruins will begin their '09-'10 campaign when they host Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals tonight at the TD Garden (7:00, Versus, 98.5 FM The Sports Hub). The B's and Caps were the class of the Eastern Conference last year, finishing 1st and 2nd respectively in the East and will both look to start the season off on a high note. Off-season additions Derek Morris and Steve Begin are expected to make their debuts for the B's.

Know Your Enemy

Washington Capitals (50-24-8, 108 pts; 2nd in East in '08-'09)

Leading Scorer in '08-'09:Alex Ovechkin (56 G-54 A-110 Pts)

Key Additions: Mike Knuble (RW) & Brendan Morrison (C)

Key Departures: Sergei Federov (C), Viktor Kozlov (RW), Brent Johnson (G), & Donald Brashear (LW)

Projected Lines:

Injury Report

Boston Bruins Injuries

Probable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Marco Sturm	groin	09/30/2009
David Krejci	hip	09/30/2009

Washington Capitals Injuries

Doubtful

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Eric Fehr	shoulder	09/30/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Tomas Fleischmann	leg	09/15/2009

Projected Starting Goaltenders

Tim Thomas

#30 / Goalie / Boston Bruins

Height: 5-11

Weight: 201

Born: Apr 15, 1974

After winning the Vezina last season, Tim Thomas hopes to build off his success last year. He enters the '09-'10 season as the definitive #1 goaltender for probably the first time in his NHL career.

Semyon Varlamov

#40 / Goalie / Washington Capitals

Height: 6-2

Weight: 209

Born: Apr 27, 1988

Varlamov, who changed the spelling of his name from Simeon to Semyon during the off-season, hopes to make a name for himself after showing a lot of promise in limited time with the Caps last season. Varlamov emerged in the playoffs, appearing in 13 games with a 2.53 GAA and .918% save percentage.

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing YouTube Fan Video

Notes:

- David Krejci (hip) is expected to play. The Bruins send Vladimir Sobotka down to Providence, leaving them with just 12 forwards.

- The Caps cut Chris Bourque earlier this week and he was picked up on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

- The Bruins are hosting a Fan Fest event prior to the game outside The Garden from 4:30-6:30

- Don't forget tonight's game is on Versus, which unfortunately means we won't get to see one of the best parts about NESN broadcasts: Mike Milbury and Gord Kuzak acting creepy around Kathryn Tappen.

- The public skate (open thread) will start at 6:30. For those of you that are new to the site, during every game we hold an open thread where can join in and discuss the game with other B's fans. I usually start these about 30 minutes before game time and they run through the end of the game.

- For more on the Caps, check out Japers' Rink

Twas The Night Before Puck Drop

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:26:14 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

2 months ago: Boston Bruins hockey players stretch after a team practice at the TD Garden in Boston Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 as they prepare for their season opener against the Washington Capitals on Thursday. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Browse more photos »

From the blog that brought you "Twas The Night Before Hockey Christmas" and "Twas The Night Before Game 7" comes the same tired old gimmick one more time:

Twas the night before puck drop and we got a new name for the house
The B's are back on the map, but still Simmons' ex-spouse.
Some are thinking that this could be "The Year of the Bear",
While others are still bitching that Kessel won't be there.

The puckheads were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Lord Stanley danced in their heads.
This summer the B's learned the reality of the cap,
Now there's the matter of a Cup drought to snap.

When out on the web there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to Puck Daddy I flew like a flash,
Ovie's got a tramp stamp, how deliciously white trash.

The Garden PA will start blaring "Time to Go"
While Tuukka and Johnny question if they can make it in "The Show".
When, what to my wondering eyes should disappear,
But a soft miniature forward, traded for picks and some Canadian beer.

The Legendary Fred Cusick has left us, now it's just Jack & Brick
Gone is"The Voice of the B's", now we put up with Jack's lame schtick .
More rapid than eagles his obscure references they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and hyperventilated all game!

"Now Timmy! now, Zee! now, Ryder and Bitz..'n...
Bergy! Krejci! Savvy and some new guys to mix in!
To the top of the standings!..or will the paper lion fall?
One things for sure: this team knows how to brawl!

As the leaves start to fall, the pucks start to fly,
The expectations for this team are set pretty high.
So up to the The Garden went the Lucic Crew,
With hopes of seeing a fisticuff and maybe a goal or two.

Rabid Black & Gold fans ready to tear off the roof
We hear Rancourt's still around, but we need the proof.
All summer long we wanted to hear that sweet sound,
A better anthem singer will not be found.

He was dressed all in his tux, from his head to his foot,
While some balcony dwellers are covered in ashes and soot.
Man, it feels good to have the B's back,
Now, it's time to start things off on the right track.

PC is trying to make all forget about Harry
Will Varly crack just like CAAAAREY?
The B's didn't think Phil was worth the dough,
Neither do I, but then again what do I know?

The Bruin were never getting the new Shark with the missing teeth,
but the rumors circulated around the web like a wreath.
What really went down with the firing of Paul Kelly?
Hey, why can't I find Versus on my tele!

Behind the Caps' bench, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A look at the bandwagon jumpers all "Rockin' the Red",
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Ovie spoke barely an English word, but went straight to his work,
And started filling the Verizon Center seats, but some think he's a jerk.
If it's like last year, the Caps are admirable foes.
Perhaps I should just stick to prose!

The B's will play hard right to the final whistle,
From crafty passes to point shots like a missile.
The future of the this team looks bright,
"Let's Go Bruins!" Let's start this off right!

Bruins NHL roster starting to take shape

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:32:40 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Browse more photos »

The Bruins made some steps today towards finalizing their roster for the start of the NHL season. The team sent Jamie Arniel, Kevin Regan, Andrew Bodnarchuk, and Jeff Penner down to Providence. Also, for the first time in training camp, Bruins head coach Claude Julien held separate practice sessions, one for NHL players and one for prospects and depth players. The lines and D-pairs for today's big club practice were as follows:

Milan Lucic - Marc Savard - Marco Sturm
Blake Wheeler - David Krejci - Michael Ryder
Mark Recchi - Patrice Bergeron - Chuck Kobasew
Shawn Thornton - Vladimir Sobotka - Byron Bitz

Matt Hunwick - Derek Morris
Andrew Ference - Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart - Johnny Boychuk

Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Note: Zdeno Chara and Steve Begin were given the day off and replaced in practice by Johnny Boychuk and Vladimir Sobotka. Julien indicated that Sobotka and Boychuk would have normally skated with the sub-NHL group.

Injury Report: Blake Wheeler (stitches after puck struck him in the face) and Marco Sturm (groin discomfort) both left practice early today. Neither player is expected to miss any time.

"It was just important to put our team -- four lines and six D's together -- and go from there. It allowed us to have a better-quality practice because the players kind of know what we're looking for out of them. We picked up the pace as well."

- Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien about today's practice via Boston.com

Claude Julien will likely have his opening night lineup (or something close to it) on the ice Saturday when the Bruins host the Columbus Blue Jackets at The Garden for their final preseason tune-up.

2009-10 Boston Bruins Season Preview

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:23:06 -0000

I was planning on writing my big season preview closer to the start of the regular season, but James Mirtle and the SBN Hockey crew decided to have 2 blogs write season previews for each the 15 days leading up to the start of the regular season (one from the East and one from the West each day). The order was determined by alphabetical order, so here is your early edition Bruins season preview.

2008-09 Season Recap

The B's surpassed all expectations last season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with a regular season record of 53-19-10 (116 points) and regaining mainstream relevance in the Boston sports landscape. Goaltender Tim Thomasand defenseman Zdeno Chara both had career years in '08-'09, winning the Vezina and Norris respectively. 08-09 also saw the emergence of several young players including David Krejci (22-51-73), Phil Kessel (36-24-60), Blake Wheeler (21-24-45), Matt Hunwick (6-21-27, +15), Milan Lucic (17-25-42, 1 broken pane of glass) and Mark Stuart (5-12-17, +20). Offseason signing Michael Ryder proved the doubters wrong by potting 27 goals, while playmaker Marc Savard led the team in points (88) and assists (63).

The Bruins roared into the first round of the playoffs by dismantling the hated Montreal Canadiens in 4 games. However, the Bruins would hit a roadblock in the second road when the ran up against the Carolina Hurricanes. The B's took the Canes to 7 games, but ultimately Carolina would advance...on a goal from Scott Walker of all people.

Who's In

The Bruins didn't dive head-first into the free agent market this offseason but they were able to make a few additions that should help the hockey club.

Derek Morris (D, free agent signing)
The Bruins seemed to be lacking that highly-coveted puck-moving defenseman last season and struggled at times trying to start the attack from their own end of the rink. Hopefully, Derek Morris can be that guy for the B's this season.

Steve Begin (F, free agent signing)
Steve Begin was the guy that B's fans loved to hate when he was wearing Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge, but they will probably love him now that he is in Black & Gold. He a Grade A pest that will create traffic in front of the net and provide plenty of grit. Begin will likely fill the role vacated by Stephane Yelle...only with a little more nasty.

Tuukka Rask (G, call up)
The much-heralded goaltending prospect will likely get a crack at being a full-time NHL player this season. The 22 year old Finnish puckstopper will likely be the backup to Tim Thomas this season.

Dany Sabourin (G, free agent signing)
The Bruins signed Sabourin to give the Bruins some depth at the goalie position. It's never a bad thing to have another goalie with NHL experience.

Marco Sturm (LW, return from injury) and Patrice Bergeron (C, return from injury)
OK, so Sturm and Bergeron aren't technically additions to the team but it will be nice to have these guys healthy and back in the line-up.

Other Depth Additions: Matt Dalton (G), Trent Whitfield (C), Andy Wozniewski (D), Drew Larman (C), Drew Fata (D)

Who's Out

Aaron Ward (D, traded to Carolina)
The veteran defenseman was shipped back to his former team in a salary dump move. I have to say I am going to miss Ward Wednesdays on Toucher & Rich.

Steve Montador (D, signed with Buffalo)
The Steve Montador experiment didn't go exactly as planned.

Shane Hnidy (D, signed with Minnesota)
I can't say I am really sad to see The Sheriff leave town.

Phil Kessel (F, RFA/expected to be traded or sign elsewhere)
All summer long there has been a lot of speculation regarding Phil Kessel's future in Boston. At this point, it looks like #81's days in The Hub could be numbered.

Manny Fernandez (G, UFA/still looking for a team)
The oft-injured veteran goaltender was contemplating retirement after the Bruins let him walk at the end of the season, but decided to test the free agent waters. So far, there has not been any nibbles for Manny.

P.J. Axelsson(LW, UFA/signed with Swedish team)
The Bruins decided not to re-sign the long-tenured Bruin and P.J. returned to his home country. Axelsson's game started to decline a bit in the last few years, but his presence on the PK will be missed.

Stephane Yelle (C, UFA/signed with Carolina)
Yelle was solid defensively and at the dot last season, but I think others can fill this role just fine.

Team Strengths

Like most Claude Julien teams, the Bruins are strong in their own end of the rink and play a puck possession game, however that doesn't mean that they can't put the puck in the net. The Bruins are returning a solid nucleus of young talent with an extra year of experience under their belts. On paper, their goaltending is the strongest it has been in years, but this is the first time that Tim Thomas has been called upon to be the definitive starter. Hopefully, he can prove that last season wasn't a fluke.

Team Weaknesses

Last season, the Bruins did not fair well when they ran up against a team that forechecked aggressively. The Bruins need to do a better job off creating offense from the defensive zone and moving the puck. Derek Morris could help them out in this area. Depth on blue line could be an issue for the Bruins at some point during the season. Other than the top 6 defensemen, the B's don't have a lot of D-men with NHL experience. Also, if Kessel is sent packing, the Bruins will need to find a way to make up for his 36 goals. The penalty kill also took a big hit when PK specialist P.J. Axelsson left for Sweden.

Depth Chart

This is what the lineup could look like this year:

Milan Lucic - Marc Savard - Michael Ryder
Blake Wheeler - David Krejci - Mark Recchi
Marco Sturm - Patrice Bergeron - Chuck Kobasew
Shawn Thornton - Steve Begin - Byron Bitz/Vladimir Sobotka

Zdeno Chara - Derek Morris
Andrew Ference - Dennis Wideman
Matt Hunwick - Mark Stuart

Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Depth/Minor League Forwards: Mikko Lehtonen, Jamie Arniel, Zach Hamill, Drew Larmen, Jeff LoVecchio, Jordan Knackstedt, Brad Marchand, Matt Marquardt, Trent Whitfield, Levi Nelson, Yannick Riendeau

Depth/Minor League Defensemen: Johnny Boychuk, Drew Fata, Andy Wozniewski, Andrew Bodnarchuk, Adam McQuaid, Jeff Penner, Zach McKelvie

Depth/Minor League Goaltenders: Dany Sabourin, Kevin Regan, Adam Courchaine, Matt Dalton

Predictions

This is the part I hate most about writing a season preview, because everyone can look back a few months from now and tell him how much of an idiot I am. I'm going to say that the Bruins will finish 3rd in the East (1st in the Northeast).

I'm looking forward to another great season of Bruins hockey and I hope you will all join me here at Stanley Cup of Chowder all season long.

Poll

So, what do you think? How will the Bruins finish in the East this year?

1st

118 votes

2nd

107 votes

3rd

48 votes

4th

14 votes

5th

3 votes

6th

3 votes

7th

1 votes

8th

2 votes

Miss Playoffs

3 votes

299 votes | Poll has closed

My Day at Training Camp By: Tim Morrison

timmorrison23 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:06:51 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

3 months ago: Boston Bruins' Milan Lucic skates during team NHL hockey practice, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Browse more photos »

Just wanted to chime in with my thoughts and impressions of the a.m. session of training camp today. Got to the Garden at about 930, which was perfect for me because I was able to snipe one of the complimentary breakfasts that the lovely folks at the Garden provided. Once I finished that I headed down to the loge and took my seat, with my trusty notebook and pen in hand. From loge 10 row 4 here are my thoughts:

-During warm ups the players were doing sprints, Tim Thomas tripped over the blue line and got a good laugh out of the crowd.

-1st Drill: Breakaways, Adam Courchaine(G) looked very sharp, he turned aside all the shots he faced. Recchi andRyder both looked sharp even though they basically played 3-bar and hit all the posts.

-2nd Drill: 1-1 Breakouts, Bergeron was flying all over the place, his stick handling and skating legs looked to be in midseason form all morning. Johnny Boychuk (D) looked very solid as he broke up Ryder and Wheeler a few times, Chara tried to lineup Ryder and pin him to the boards but missed and got a good laugh from the crowd. Jeff Penner(D) looked a little bit rusty, he got beat pretty badly by Wheeler and Bergeron.

-3rd Drill: 5-2 Powerplay (5 players on offense, 2 defenseman), Lucic and Bergeron were clicking really well, they put a few pretty ones past Matt Dalton (G), Ryder may have the hardest wrist/snap shot I have ever seen, he uncorked a few eye openers from the top of the slot. Rob Kwiet (D) looked very strong, active with his stick and very good on his skates.

-4th Drill: 2-2 Puck Battles, Chara hammered Lucic with a big hit in the corner, woke the crowd up a bit. Boychuklooked strong again here, he played very physical with any forward he was matched against.

-5th Drill: 5-5 Offensive Zone play, Courchaine looks sharp here again, he gets very big in the net. Bergeron was all over the place again, had a lot of good looks and almost scored a few. Mark Stuart played very well here, had a good scrum with Recchi in front of the net.

After that things kind of quieted down, a lot of fans began heading for the exits. All in all it was a good take, there was maybe 200 people there. I thought a few of the younger guys looked pretty good while skating with the "big boys".

Players that stood out to me:

Bergeron, Ryder, Wheeler, Kwiet, Stuart, Boychuk, and Chara

More Bruins show up in Wilmington

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:29:49 -0000

Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe is reporting that more members of the Bruins have arrived in The Hub to participate in informal skates at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington. 16 players were on the ice in Wilmington today, including new arrivals Matt Marquardt, Andrew Bodnarchuk, Milan Lucic, Steve Begin, Andrew Ference, Dennis Wideman, Byron Bitz, and Johnny Boychuk.

The Bruins will open up rookie camp on Saturday when the Bruins youngsters will head to Kitchener, Ontario to participate in a rookie tournament, before joining the big boys on Saturday, September 12th when the veterans begin training camp.

SB Nation - Johnny Boychuk

Savard's hat trick helps Bruins skate past Toronto 7-2 in #81's return to The Hub

Bruins look to bounce back as they host #81 and the Maple Leafs

Boston Bruins Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Toronto Maple Leafs Injuries

Questionable

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Gameday Preview: Boston Bruins @ Dallas Stars (7:30p CDT)

Next Game

The Dallas Stars:

Dallas Stars Current Lines

The Boston Bruins:

Bruins Projected Lines & D-Pairs

Key Injuries:

Bruins can't survive Avalanche 4-3

Bruins set to host Capitals in season opener

Bruins Projected Lines & D-Pairs

Capitals Projected Lines & D-Pairs

Boston Bruins Injuries

Probable

Washington Capitals Injuries

Doubtful

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Tim Thomas

#30 / Goalie / Boston Bruins

Semyon Varlamov

#40 / Goalie / Washington Capitals

Twas The Night Before Puck Drop

Bruins NHL roster starting to take shape

2009-10 Boston Bruins Season Preview

So, what do you think? How will the Bruins finish in the East this year?

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

Miss Playoffs

My Day at Training Camp By: Tim Morrison

More Bruins show up in Wilmington