Tag Archives: Bruce Cassidy

Bruins comeback

Bruins Comeback From 2-0 Defecit To Stun Arizona

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With the injury to Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have been without one of their deadliest weapons.  Tuesday night that did not matter as the Bruins new top line was magical.  After a sloppy first period, the Bruins found themselves in a 2-0 hole.  Things looked grim as the B’s had yet to come back from a two-goal deficit this season.  With their backs against the wall, this team that has already dealt with tremendous adversity, came roaring back.

The Bruins first goal came courtesy of Danton Heinen.  He buried a beautiful backhanded feed by JFK in front of the net.  Heinen’s goal ignited a Bruins comeback that Arizona could not stop.  The Bruins then took control due to their newly formed first line.  The trio of David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak accounted for the Bruins next three goals as the Bruins took a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

Top Line Leads Bruins Comeback

Over the past few games, Bruce Cassidy has placed David Krejci on the first line.  Against Arizona, Krejci was in vintage form as the Bruins top line looked unstoppable.  They single handily took control of the game as Marchand tallied two goals, and Pastrnak got his 21st of the season.  The trio played as if they had been together all season.  At a time where the Bruins need everyone at their best, Krejci, Marchand, and Pastrnak carried the team.

After a crazy second period, both teams remained scoreless in the third period.  The Bruins, while sloppy at times with the puck, did enough to hold off Arizona.  It was not the Bruins prettiest game but they battled adversity and found a way to win.  They also avoided any injuries after a scary sequence in the first period.  David Backes took a skate to the face but returned at the start of the second period and finished the game.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

After four days off the Bruins will return to the ice on Friday night for a tilt against Pittsburgh.  They will look to increase their win streak to four and continue to rise in the standings.

For more Bruins news Follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

Bruins Fall to Florida 5-0

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Cracks are starting to expose themselves when it comes to the Bruins as evident in the recent shutout loss to Florida. In a listless game against the Panthers, Boston had struggles early on and by the 2nd, the wheels fell off.  But if there’s anything positive that can be said about this team; they know how to make comebacks. Much like last season amidst all the injuries, the Bruins found their stride and went on a tear. They were the team that did it when they weren’t expected to do it. Last night Coach Bruce Cassidy had this to say:

I didn’t like the first at all, to be with honest with you. Our goaltender kept us in. Our goaltending has been very good all year, so we’ve been able to bounce back from it…some of our younger players had their hand full.

(Photo Credit: NHL Bruins Twitter)

Florida’s goaltender Roberto Luongo had missed the last five games and recorded his 77th shutout win last night in the 5-0 win against the B’s.  Luongo is now ninth on the list for the NHL all-time career shutouts.  After a stalemate in the first period with neither team scoring, the Panthers pulled the trigger and controlled the second period, scoring four goals.  Mike Hoffman scored first at 4:21 in the second after knocking in a loose puck past Jaroslav Halak.  Mike Matheson made it 2-0 at the 13:13 mark.  Jonathan Huberdeau added another goal giving Florida a cushioned-lead over the Bruins, making it 3-0. Hoffman once again scored during a power-play off a one-time with seconds left in the period making the score 4-0.  Evgeni Dadonov hit another nail in the coffin when he scored a power-play goal in the third period at 14:36, making the final score 5-0.  Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 39 saves while Luongo made 33 saves in net.

NEXT UP

The loss marks the fifth shutout for the Bruins this season as Florida out shot Boston 44-33. The team will be looking for another bounce back this Thursday when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning, who currently lead the Atlantic Division with a 21-7-1 record.  Boston currently remain (by a thread) in the 1st wildcard position with a 14-9-4 record.  David Backes spoke with the media after the game:

Coach Bruce Cassidy also spoke with the media after the game to express the same sentiment that has been shared by many: lack of defense:

“Our team defense wasn’t good enough.  Poor gaps all night.  Didn’t move the puck on the back-end nearly crisp enough…We do have some young guys learning their way.  Can’t use that as en excuse.  Once you’re up here, you have to be able to make the plays that are expected of you and we didn’t do that tonight”

The Bruins face the Tampa Bay Lightning this Thursday night with puck drop at 7:30 pm at the Amalie Arena.

 

Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

Bruins second line

Bruins Second Line Catching Fire

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So far this season the Bruins have been decimated by injuries. As a result, their lineups have been in constant flux. Matters only got worse last week when Patrice Bergeron was ruled out for at least the next month. Despite the injuries, head coach, Bruce Cassidy has not had to worry about Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci who are playing their best hockey of the season. With the injury list growing the Bruins second line has carried this team when needed most.

Coming into the season, expectations were high for David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. With Krejci’s vision and DeBrusks scoring touch, the two were expected to form a formidable second line. After struggling early on they are starting to meet expectations. In the Bruins, last five games DeBrusk has three goals. After scoring only three goals in October, he has seven this month including two multi-goal games. Even when DeBrusk isn’t scoring he has been more aggressive offensively and created scoring chances.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Bruins Second Line Stepping Up When Needed Most

Additionally, DeBrusk’s improved play is partly due to Krejci who is having a bounce-back year. Through 24 games, the veteran center has 17 assists after recording just 27 last season while battling injuries. He has been particularly good of late recording ten assists in the Bruins last eleven games. The Bruins center is on pace for sixty plus points for the first time since 2015-2016. Against Toronto, the Bruins second line was shutout however they still were aggressive offensively.

DeBrusk had a career-high seven shots on net and had the third most ice time on the Bruins. Danton Heinen and Krejci also saw considerable ice time finishing with the fourth and fifth most. They almost tied the game in the third period, however, a post denied Danton Heinen of his third goal this season. Although they were unable to capitalize they created scoring chances that in most nights would have resulted in goals.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Expectations Going Forward

Having a productive second line will be key to the Bruins success. It will make them a deeper team and put less pressure on their top line. With Krejci and DeBrusk at their best, they have not just been productive but dominant at times. The Bruins have shown that they can be a very good team in spite of their injuries. That is in large part due to Krejci and DeBrusk who have played their best hockey as injuries mount around them. Depth was what made this team success last season and it has again lead to their improved play.

Follow me on Twitter @JamieGatlin1217

Boston Bruins

Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks

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The Boston Bruins host the Vancouver Canucks tonight at TD Garden with puck drop at 7:00 pm.  The B’s are looking to start a win streak as they’re coming off a 2-1  victory against the Dallas Stars. In a good solid effort, the Bruins held off the Stars that forced an overtime with Brad Marchand scoring the winning goal. Tonight’s game marks the second of four games being played in Boston. The team will be looking to win some points these next few games and bring some good momentum before they begin a long road trip starting next week in Colorado. So far, the Bruins are 3-3-3 on the road and 5-1 at home.

QUICK NOTES

boston bruins vs canucks

(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Vancouver is currently tied for first place in the Pacific Division posting a record of 9-6-1.  19-year-old forward Elias Pettersson leads the team with 16 points and has 10 goals in 10 games.  Center Bo Horvat isn’t far behind with 11 points in 16 games, netting seven goals.  Pettersson has recently been named NHL’s Second Star of the Week as he continues to shine for the Canucks. Vancouver will be looking to recover from a 3-2 loss against the Detroit Red Wings, which snapped their four-game winning streak. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy is hoping for another win as the team lost the first of two meetings against Vancouver.

Cassidy also confirmed that backup goalie Jaroslav Halak will start in net tonight against the Canucks. The Bruins first line continues to dominate as Patrice Bergeron leads the team in points (20), David Pastrnak with 17 points while Brad Marchand has 16 points. Rookie Urho Vaakanainen skated Wednesday as he still recovering from a concussion he sustained a few weeks ago in Ottawa. Cassidy was asked during press about a possible return date for Vaakanainen:

“I don’t have the timeline yet. This is part of his process to get back in the lineup, skating. Hopefully, he’ll join us soon…Friday will be a good measuring stick, if he gets back with us, then he’ll be a lot closer. Just happy he was out there”

In other injury news, Kevin Miller was also skating Wednesday before practice since suffering a hand injury. No current update on defenseman Charlie McAvoy‘s return. For Wednesday practice here were the lines:

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak

Norstrom-Krejci-DeBrusk

Heinen-Backes-Bjork

Wagner-Kuraly-Acciari

Goaltenders:

Jaroslav Halak

Tuukka Rask

 

GAME START: Tonight at 7:00 pm

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN

boston bruins vs canucks

(Photo Credits: Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Boston Bruins defeat the Flyers 3-0

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The Boston Bruins continue with their win streak in a shutout 3-0 against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Garden last night. Despite a slow first period played by both teams, the Bruins came on top despite a chippy game.  Captain Zdeno Chara netted two goals and after a frustrating start to the season, winger Jake DeBrusk netted a goal from a Krejci pass. The night, however, belonged to goaltender Jaroslav Halak who made all 26 saves for his second shutout of the season. Halak, so far, has proven to be a solid back-up to Tuukka Rask. The 33-year-old Slovak native is 4th in the league for best GAA (goals against average) and tied for first for shutout wins.

BREAKDOWN

Real clean first period, not with the puck, but in terms of not allowing chances. In the second, he (Halak) had some big saves for us when we needed them, timely, and here we are with the win”-Coach Cassidy

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers

(Photo Credit: MICHAEL DWYER / AP)

After a quiet first period, things started to pick in the second for the Bruins. Halak got a workout between the pipes making 11 stops, robbing the Flyers’ Claude Giroux of two potential goals, frustrating the captain.  After the second save by Halak from Giroux, Zdeno Chara blasted one in net from a one-time fed by Danton Heinen, getting the Bruins on board 1-0. DeBrusk gave the Bruins a 2-0 lead after netting a power-play goal at 17:28 (Krejci with the assist).  The Flyers were 0-3 with the man advantage. With the assist from Halak, Chara scored an empty-net goal with 23 seconds left in the third. The Flyers had some missed chances when Jordan Weal tried to net a goal on a 2-on -1, while Giroux tried multiple times to score. Goaltender Brian Elliot made 22 saves in net for Philadelphia.

The third period saw some confusion as both teams drew multiple penalties that had both teams with players in the box. Bruins’ Steve Kampfer and Flyers’ Scott Laughton got into a brawl in the third period.

Bruins Vs Flyers

(Photo Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki)

QUICK STATS

The Bruins are 4-0 at home and are the only NHL team to have that record. Chara is now the third defenseman in NHL history to score multiple goals in a game at age 41 or older. With defenseman Urho Vaakanainen out with a concussion, Providence player Jeremy Lauzon made his NHL debut last night for the Bruins. With a slew of injured d-men, Boston recalled the 21-year-old for last’s night game. He played pretty comfortably with 11:25 TOI (Time on Ice).

The Bruins play the Montreal  Canadiens this Saturday with puck drop at 7:00 pm @ The Boston Garden.

DeBrusk

DeBrusk Rounding Into Form

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Last season, Jake DeBrusk solidified himself as a key piece to the Bruins future. In 70 regular season games, he had 16 goals and 27 assists. He was dangerous on the powerplay recording nine points including two goals. In the playoffs, DeBrusk was even better and played like a veteran. Through the Bruins first four games, he had played well but had nothing to show for it. That all changed in the Bruins 8-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

DeBrusk’s Improved Play

In the Bruins victory, the former first-round pick got his first two goals of his sophomore campaign. The chances have been there this season but until Saturday luck had not been on his side. It was a welcoming sign for a Bruins offense that has been carried by their top line. In order for the Bruins to be successful, they will need DeBrusk to be productive. After five games it appears that he is rounding into form.

DeBrusk

Photo Credit:  Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bruins season is still young DeBrusk has been at his best over their last two games. He has been placed on the left side due to the Bruins experimenting with Joakim Nordstrom on the second line. As a result DeBrusk has played away from his natural wing. The move has not negatively affected his play but improved it. He has not made mistakes with the puck and played his most complete games. This is the role he played in Game 7 against Toronto last season when he had two big to help the Bruins advance.

Line Changes Going Forward

While this move has been effective but there could still be changes made. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy will continue to tinker with the lines before all four are set. Krejci and DeBrusk will most likely stay together the only question being who becomes their right wing. While Nordstrom has boosted the second line, he has also helped the play of the Bruins sophomore winger.

DeBrusk

Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald

Regardless of who has been on the right wing, this season DeBrusk has played well. He may not have the stats to back it up but many players are still trying to find their groove. DeBrusk is the Bruins’ best scorer other than the Bruins that dominate first line. He has proven to be successful regardless of what is going on around him. He finally has the monkey off his back and in what should be a special season for the young winger.

For more Bruins news follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara

Boston Bruins vs Sabres: Redemption in Buffalo

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Boston Bruins forwards Brad Marchand (63) and David Pastrnak (88) celebrate a goal during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in Buffalo N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Photo Credits: AP

Last night the Boston Bruins beat the Sabres 4-0 after having a disastrous showing the night before against the Washington Capitals. The black and gold brought more physicality, won more puck battles and had a good amount of zone time down in Buffalo’s end. The season opener saw the Bruins play with a lack of effort, but thanks to the core group of veterans, they were able to bounce back the next night.

Captain Zdeno Chara put the Bruins up on the board in the first at 6:33, making it 1-0. Taking a pass from winger Brad Marchand, Chara was able to capitalize and finish the quick sequence. David Pastrnak drew a slash penalty that gave the Bruins the power play leading to a Ryan Donato goal, making it 2-0 in the first period.

WON PUCK BATTLES

With the start of the second period, the Bruins kept pushing forward as Buffalo tried to play catch up, putting up some minutes down Boston end. The second period also saw Sean Kuraly skating up the ice with a potential breakaway goal that was stopped in net. Charlie McAvoy blocked a hard shot forcing him off the ice for a few moments. David Pastrnak netted his first goal of the season late in the second, while Marchand and Krecji picked up the winning assists.

FINAL MINUTES

With about five minutes left in the third, the Sabres pulled goalie Carter Hutton, giving them an extra man advantage. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the Bruins would put the nail in the coffin as Patrice Bergeron scored an empty net goal making the final score 4-0. Bruins newly acquired back-up goalie Jaroslav Halak continued to play solid with a calm demeanor in net, making 32 saves in his first shutout of the season. Brad Marchand ended the night tallying up four assists.

Coach Bruce Cassidy did not have the team skate Thursday morning, instead they underwent a film session to discuss what needs to be fixed prior to the game against Buffalo. He put a specific emphasis on the need to put more effort on ice.

“It was big. We talked about it and obviously that’s our job to lead this team. Another home opener and we knew that we had to be playing way harder than we did (on Wednesday night)-Zdeno Chara

Bruins forward Brad Marchand after the game:

“We had a pretty good game. We didn’t have a great third but Jaro did a great job shutting the door.But it’s great to get a good win after a night like (Wednesday) night, on a back-to-back with the travels. It was good, but we still have a lot to work on and improve upon. We’ll take the positives from this and keep working.”

The Bruins will play the Ottawa Senator in Boston for their season opener this Monday @ 1:00pm

 

Follow me on Twitter@ pastagrl88

Torey Krug

Boston Bruins: Torey Krug Injured; Latest Camp Transactions

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EARLY TOUGH BREAKS

Yesterday it was announced that Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will be out following an ankle injury he sustained during the pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Following the game, there was speculation as to whether or not Krug would be ready for the opener on Wednesday. Things didn’t look too good for the 27-year-old as he was seen leaving the arena in a camwalker boot. For Bruins fans, it’s sorta of a déjà vu as Krug also suffered an ankle fracture during the end of the playoff loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. General Manager Don Sweeney also stated that Krug will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

 

Image result for torey krug

(Photo Credits: NBC Sports)

OPENING THE DOOR

Not exactly the best way to start a season, but it’s certainly not the first time this Bruins team has faced injuries early on. Last year, Boston seemed to be hit by one injury after another. As the story goes, many analysts weren’t exactly positive about the team and chalked it up as a rebuilding phase. And if you followed closely last season, the Black and Gold (with all those first-year guys) made the Playoffs. Last year’s team was all about the explosion of youth and the chemistry that the team developed; something that will hopefully carry over to this year’s team. With Krug out for a few weeks and Matt Grzelcyk nursing a lower-body injury, the reality of Urho Vaakanainen making it on the varsity team is no longer a long shot.

“He’s got poise and patience, and he’s a great skater that covers a lot of ice. He’s got to continue to get stronger and understand the physicality that he’s going to face if and when he plays. Has he passed other players? Well, he’s performed better than some other players and those players have had injuries during that time period as well. So the jockeying begins as it does at every position. He’s made the most of the opportunity he’s been given, so good for him.”-GM Don Sweeney

OTHER NOTES

Image result for PETER CEHLARIK

Photo Credits: The Canadian Press

In other Bruins news, GM Don Sweeney also announced yesterday that both forward Peter Cehlarik and center Trent Frederic have been assigned to the Providence Bruins (AHL). Frederic has recently been in the “running” for that third center line spot. Cehlarik, for his part, has been making a push to crack a spot on the Bruins roster. During the preseason, Cehlarik played four games and netted one goal with four assists. As injuries creep up, (which will happen) we may see both Cehlarik and Frederic come up from P-Bruins and fill a slot.

And lastly, Patrice Bergeron looks to be ready for the season opener. The 33-year-old center has missed all preseason and China games to rehab from a groin surgery. Coach Bruce Cassidy offered some good news:

Jeremy Lauzon

Latest Training Camp Transactions: Boston Bruins

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In one weeks time, the official NHL season will be underway and the Bruins are cleaning house, so to speak. In the past few days, the Boston Bruins have announced some recent Training Camp transactions. Many prospects will return to their European club while others will play in Providence (AHL). In case you missed it, here are some recent moves made by General Manager Don Sweeney.

Back to Europe

On September 24th, the Bruins announced that they will be sending 18-year-old defensemen Axel Andersson back to Sweden. He will be playing for team Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Hockey League. Andersson is coming off an impressive showing during pre-season, playing alongside veteran defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara. Andersson had netted a goal in a 4-3 overtime loss against Detroit recently, a game that was memorable for the young Swedish player:

It was crazy game for me as an individual. I got beat up…got 18 stiches…had a nose bleed and stuff like that, but it was fun. It was worth it when I scored.

Zach Senyshyn

(Photo Credits: Patrick Smith/ Getty Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Providence Bound

Forward Zack Senyshyn, Cameron Hughes, Emil Johansson, and Joona Koppanen have been assigned to the Providence Bruins. Martin Bakos will also miss the rest of preseason due to injury. As the Bruins get closer to finalizing their regular season roster, many prospects are still vying for that vacant spot on the third center line. Expect those players (Jack Studnicka, Trent Frederic and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson) to be fighting for that spot as they play against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, who is also vying to move up to the Varsity team, will also be playing on Monday.

On Tuesday, the Bruins announced further transactions with a few players being placed on waivers. Winger Anton Blidh, Colby Cave, Cody Goloubef, Mark McNeill and Jordan Szwarz have all been placed on waivers. Connor Clifton, Karson Kuhlman, and Jeremy Lauzon will be sent down to Providence.

As of right now, there are 32 players left on the roster. The Bruins and their coach will be looking to lighten up their roster even more come next week.

Boston Bruins: 2018 Season Preview

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Photo courtesy:
Matt Stone

The Boston Bruins season is about to begin, with the team and fans alike expecting a deep run to the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins ended last season with a second-round playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even with the elimination, fans were happy and excited for the road ahead with the promise of the young crop of players who seemed to show promise.

Going into this season depending on Bergeron’s health, the Boston Bruins will still have one of the strongest lines with Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak together. Bruce Cassidy has matched up Danton Heinen with David Krejci during the preseason to hopefully get two strong lines to begin the season. Donato and DeBrusk are still showing they belong; if they can keep up last season’s pace, there will be a good balance of scoring that could make this Bruins team tough to handle offensively.

Defensively, they are still able to depend on Zdeno Chara. Also with players like Grzelcyk, McAvoy, and Krug, they offensively can add some points from the back end. The depth will help them throughout the season when injuries occur with Moore and Miller most likely the other defensemen who will start the season.

Photo courtesy:
Charles Krupa

Important games this season 

Oct. 3 at Washington

The Boston Bruins open the NHL season versus the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. It is also the night they raise their banner.

Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa

The Bruins will be on home ice for the first time in a matinee game on Columbus Day.

Oct. 27 vs. Montreal

This is the first matchup between the two rivals this upcoming season. This is the Red Sox versus Yankees version of the NHL.

Nov. 10 vs. Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired John Tavares and this is the first time the Boston fans see him as a division rival.

Nov. 29 vs. Islanders

Rick Middleton becomes the 12th Boston Bruins player to have his number raised to the rafters on this night.

Jan. 1 at Chicago (Winter Classic – Notre Dame Stadium)

Original Six franchises meet in this year’s 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, the Bruins face the Chicago Blackhawks. This will be the third time the Bruins take part in the outdoor game.

Apr. 6 vs. Tampa Bay 

The B’s last game of the season is versus the Lightning, Tampa knocked them out of the playoffs. This game could also have implications in the standings.

  • Longest road stretch: 5 games – Feb 15 to 23, against the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Golden Knights and Blues.
  • Longest Homestand: 6 games – Feb 26 to Mar 9, against Sharks, Lightning, Devils, Hurricanes, Panthers, and Senators.
  • The All-Star Break is Jan. 25-28, with the game being played on Jan. 27 at SAP Center in San Jose.
  • The Bruins play four matinee games at home this season.

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