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Could Joe Kelly be the next Red Sox Closer?

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“I still feel like that’s where I’m gonna be for the rest of my career.” Joe Kelly’s recent comments have made it clear how he feels about Boston. Are the Red Sox going to grant him his wish of being with the team the remainder of his career? With Eduardo Nunez and Steve Pearce both locking themselves in with Boston for 2019, the money is starting to go on the books. Craig Kimbrel returning is seeming more unlikely by the day. So, going forward, the champs are going to need someone to hold down the back end of the bullpen. And I’m not saying Joe Kelly is the answer, but he’s definitely an admirable candidate.

Joe Kelly has firmly planted himself in Red Sox lore. From fighting Tyler Austin and the Yankees in April to pitching tough as nails in October, to dropping the puck at a Bruins game in November. Kelly has been endearing himself to the fans all season long, myself included. How can you not love this guy and the attitude he brings?

Admittedly, Kelly did struggle in the dog days of summer. Every time he came in the game, he was allowing inherited runners to score or giving up runs left, right and center. If he struggles like that in the ninth inning of games, in Boston, the seat will get hot real quick. So is it worth paying Kelly a good chunk of change to close out games? Personally, I think it’s a safe bet. He obviously won’t command the 4-5 years at 70+ million that Kimbrel likely will. This is huge for a Red Sox team who’s trying to make other moves.

Joe Kelly Has The Boston Mentality

He’s never been short of confidence. Having this persona, allows him to be a guy with the guts to get the job done in the tough moments. Closing out games in one of the biggest sports markets isn’t easy. It requires these aforementioned guts to get the job done. The light shines brighter than in almost any other city in America. Putting money in the wrong place for the man to fill the job could be costly.

Despite the temporary summer struggles, I’ll take the grit of Joe Kelly any day of the week. If he comes back it would almost certainly be as the closer. Many other teams in the league could use an upgrade at the position and likely could also pay more than Boston can. Selling Kelly on having the closer’s role would likely be a huge factor in pleasing Joe, and keeping him with the Red Sox for the foreseeable future.

There are other options on the table via trade and via free agency. If the Red Sox choose to spend their money in other ways, I could see Matt Barnes also taking over the reins. Whatever ends up happening, if Joe Kelly does in Boston it’ll be as the closer. After October, I think that should be a comfortable feeling.

 

WINTER CLASSIC – Going Back Outdoors

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Going Back Outdoors

Photo courtesy: NHL

 

The game may be a couple months away but the preparation and excitement have begun.

The Bruins and Blackhawks officially announced the jerseys they would be wearing for the annual outdoor game on New Years Day.

Bruins chose the brown and gold version

Photo courtesy: Adidas

The brown-and-gold jersey pays homage to the team’s 1930’s era uniform. The classic “B’’ logo is the logo that was chosen.

Additional details include a list of the years that the team has won the Stanley Cup, each year has been set within a shamrock as a nod to Notre Dame Stadium and is emblazoned onto the interior neckline.

Blackhawks going with black and white 

Photo courtesy: Adidas

The jersey pays homage to 1934, the year the team won its first Stanley Cup and it also includes the six years that the team has won the Stanley Cup emblazoned onto the interior neckline, paired with the classic hash marks of Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame Stadium is the venue.

Photo courtesy:
Notre Dame

The stadium holds up to 80,000 and the game will be played on January 1, 2019. This will be the third time the Bruins play in the Winter Classic,  the first as the road team. Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium were the two previous games.

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Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers

Game preview: Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers

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The Boston Bruins arrive in Edmonton after losing last night to the Calgary Flames, snapping a four game winning streak. Tonight marks the first home game for the Oilers as they play at the Rogers Place. Edmonton is coming off an exciting comeback win when they defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-4 this past Tuesday. Oilers captain Connor McDavid set an NHL record as he registered a point in the Oilers nine goals so far this season.

This past Tuesday, he was instrumental in the OT win over the Jets. However, McDavid will be tasked to shut down one of the NHL’s top lines-the BMP line.

boston bruins vs oilers 2018

(Photo Credits: Matt Stone/ Boston Herald)

The Oilers are looking for a win against the B’s after their 4-1 loss to Boston on October 11th. They have won their last two games as they’re coming off a three-game road trip in the US. McDavid leads the team with nine points with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins not far behind with six points.

Connor McDavid

(Photo Credits: NHL.com)

The Boston Bruins top first line has been on fire, producing and leading the team in assist and goals. So far, the BMP line has netted 15 of the 24 goals Boston has posted. Patrice Bergeron, who is the current NHL First Star of the Week, leads the line with six goals and seven assists. Brad Marchand has two goals and nine assist while David Pastrnak has seven goals with three assists.

So far in 17 games against  Edmonton, all three players from the top line have a total of five goals and seven assists.

boston bruins vs oilers 2018

(Photo Credits: AP Photo)

Coach Bruce Cassidy has also been looking towards other lines to drive more to the net as lack of production from the rest of the team has been a bit concerning. After last night’s game, one of the remaining issues is the amount of turnovers happening on the ice. Defensive issue and puck giveaway seems to be a problem that has plagued the team.

“We now we have a line that’s going to deliver that every night. We went home and we did get some of that much better balance. You hope that continues. It didn’t tonight”-Coach Bruce Cassidy

Tonight, back-up goalie Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight as he posted a win against the Oilers last week. Halak had a 25-save effort previously against Edmonton. Halak has turned 73 of 76 shots. Tuukka Rask made 23 saves last night against Calgary and is 0-3-1 against his last five starts against Edmonton. Since his last four games played, his record is 2-2-0 with a .875 save percentage.

PUCK DROP: Tonight at 9:00pm EST.

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, 98.5 RADIO

PASTRNAK: Bruins and NHL Superstar on the Rise

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David Pastrnak is the superstar that Bruins and NHL fans adore.

Photo courtesy:
NHL.com

Whether it is his highlight goals or the pregame camaraderie he has with fans. He is must watch hockey and a personality that is making his popularity grow within the NHL.

His most recent goal versus the Oilers is just another example of his offensive skill and talent when it comes to putting the puck in the net and also having the fans raise to their feet as the excitement builds up of another highlight goal. He seems to always have one or two memorable goals a year. Whether it’s his end to end rushes or his stick-handling in traffic, you know if 88 in black and gold has the puck in space the possibilities are endless of his ability to score..

Great as a teammate 

His coaches have mentioned this off-season he had trained and practicing hard on his defensive duties. He is a player that understands the harder he works to round out his game the more important he will be for his teammates on the ice and also in a leadership role to the younger players on the team. David also has the personality where he always has a smile on his face and does what he can to keep the room in an upbeat mode regardless the situation.

A fan favorite 

Photo courtesy:
Bruins.com

As has been mentioned, during pregame skate he always finds fans along the boards to take pictures and have fun with whether it be a home or road game. Pastrnak also makes sure when he does score a goal to make the fans part of his celebration whether it be a hand to his ear or jumping on the glass with excitement.

There are many Pastrnak #88 jerseys around and with his ability and personality be sure to jump on the wagon now before he becomes an NHL superstar.

Photo courtesy:
Bruins.com

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Bruins versus Edmonton

Boston Bruins Win 4-1 Against Oilers

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Game Two at The Garden

There were hits, glass shattering, and highlight reel goals last night at the Garden as the Boston Bruins hosted the Edmonton Oilers. And that wasn’t even the story of the day leading up to the game. Some fans in Bruins nation scratched their heads as Ryan Donato was listed as a healthy scratch, while newbie (to the team) Joakim Nordstrom was bumped up to the second line. Was the move going to pan out? Safe to say, Coach Bruce Cassidy knows what he’s doing. Like most young players, the shuffling would serve as a good way to re-assess what the team needs for Donato to work on. For the young winger, it would mean a chance to watch the game and gain a better perspective on his own skills.  And having someone fast as Nordstrom would add that important element needed in the Krejci line.

OILERS STRIKE FIRST

In the first opening period at 3:43, McDavid would score putting Edmonton first on the board. The Bruins drew a powerplay that led to a beautiful and nasty Pastrnak goal that tied the game at 1-1. Boston would extend their lead when Brad Marchand netted a wrist shot at 14:37. About 37 seconds later, Nordstrom would score his first goal as a Bruin, cushioning the lead 3-1 by the end of the first.

The second period saw some rough hits courtesy of the Black and Gold. Bruins Defenseman Kevin Miller threw gloves down and fought Oilers left wing Jujhar Khaira. Center Sean Kuraly had a huge hit about 10 minutes into the second, sending Oilers Matt Benning over the boards, shattering the entire glass. Edmonton did try to rally back when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tried to squeak one in at 7:42 but Halak made the save with Zdeno Chara clearing the puck. With 35 seconds left in the third, Patrice Bergeron would score an empty-net goal, making the final score 4-1.

QUICK STATS

Boston Bruins defeat Edmonton Oilers

(Photo Credits: Mary Schwalm / AP )

Bruins Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves while Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot made 28 saves. The power trio of Pastrnak, Marchand, and Bergeron all scored one goal last night along with Joakim Nordstrom. Matt Grzelcyk tallied up two assists for the night. Oilers Conor McDavid scored the only goal of the night for his team. The Bruins had 32 shots on goal while the Oilers had 26 shots. The win over Edmonton extends Boston’s winning streak to three games.

Next Up: The Bruins will host the Detroit Red Wings this Saturday afternoon at the Garden with puck drop at 3:00 pm

 

For more Bruins news, follow me on Twitter @pastagrll88

 

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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Bruins Going Vintage for Alternate Jersey

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Photo courtesy:
SOURCEFRIAS

The Boston Bruins are going to possibly have two new jerseys for the upcoming 2018/19 NHL season 

Photos have leaked of the Bruins’ Winter Classic jersey for their outdoor game this New Year’s Day. The team is going with brown and gold with the solid B for the logo. The game is at Notre Dame Stadium versus the Chicago Blackhawks.

Photo courtesy:
Icethetics.com

1980/90’s version jersey on the horizon

As for the alternate jersey, reports have surfaced that Zdeno Chara was seen wearing the 1980/90’s version with the Gold B block logo at training camp in Warrior Ice Arena. As reported and mentioned by Jimmy Murphy on his Twitter page, the team has not confirmed the jerseys as of yet and there is still the chance that the “Pooh Bear” version becomes a possibility also. It indeed does look like the Bruins will be adding to the jersey collection for this season with the Winter Classic and alternates.

Vintage seems to be what teams are going for this season, as the Devils, Ducks, Oilers and Coyotes are sporting their throwbacks.

Photo courtesy: Icejerseys.com

Photo courtesy:
Icejerseys.com

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Who Would You Want at Your Side for a Bar Fight: Boston Sports Edition

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Patriots: Rob Gronkowski -By @Boston_sports18

If I had to pick a Boston athlete to win a bar fight, it’s got to be Gronk. Rob grew up in a house with four brothers, and each has gone pro. They pushed each other every single day, making Rob an absolute beast.

The Gronkowski’s

Getty Images

Gronk’s father had them all on a training regimen at an early age. This eventually led Gronk to become arguably the best TE the NFL has ever seen. He has incredible blocking skills and unmatched work ethic. While running with the ball after the catch, forget about bringing him down without a cheap shot to the knee. He’s known for swatting linebackers and corners off of him like annoying mosquitoes at a BBQ. Gronkowski finished one block to the point he actually threw the defender off of the field into the media section. “I had to throw him out the club,” Gronkowski said after the game. THIS IS THE GUY I WANT.

Bar fight Champion

Keith Bedford Boston Globe

Besides Gronk’s football toughness, I’m pretty sure he can hold his own at the bar. He’s also good friends with WWE star Mojo Rawley, who Gronk has actually been training with. Last year Gronk even stepped into the ring. He got into a three-point stance and clotheslined another wrestler. Real or fake, Gronk is an animal and would be my top choice of Boston athletes to have in a bar fight. Tough, big and known to party. For me, this is an easy choice. It’s Rob Gronkowski.

Bruins: Zdeno Chara -By @TheBigBlue30

If I am picking any Boston sports athlete to win a bar fight, it is without a doubt Boston Bruins defenseman and Captain Zdeno Chara. At 6’9″ and over 250 pounds, Big Z is a physical powerhouse. If you follow him on Instagram, you would know how much of freak of nature the guy really is. His workouts put superheroes to shame, whether he is climbing up a 30-foot rope and back down in the blink of an eye, riding the Tour de France every summer, or shoulder pressing over 400 pounds. Chara is a physical specimen, unlike any other human being. The scary part, however, is that Chara’s physique and fitness are the least of people’s worries. His father is a former Olympic Roman Greco wrestler, which Big Z has been practicing since a young age.

On top of all that the guy is a genius. He earned a financial planning diploma from Algonquin College in Ottawa in 2015, and took classes at the University of Harvard over this past summer. There is a reason why nobody in the NHL fights Zdeno Chara. Just ask former NHL winger David Koci, who Chara beat so bad in a fight you would have thought he was making a blood donation to the Red Cross. In conclusion, if you don’t pick Zdeno Chara for a bar fight, you are just downright stupid.

Celtics: Marcus Smart -By @jackbuffett_

If I’m picking one player from the Celtics to have my back in a bar fight, I have to choose Marcus Smart. No matter what situation I’m getting into, if he’s on my side, he’s going to fight. Doesn’t matter how many guys, how big, how menacing, Smart will challenge each and every one of them. Ever seen an altercation during a Celtics game? Every time, without fail, Smart is either the one causing it or the first one to a teammate’s defense. It also helps that Smart is the most all-out hustle player on the team, so I’d assume he’d take the same attitude in a bar fight. Smart is an incredibly passionate player. Some players on the court are always emotionless- that’s never him. No matter what he’s doing, he’s going to get super into whatever that activity is. It also helps that Smart is built like a tank at 6’4″, 225 pounds, and absolutely ripped. If I get one phone call to fight some guys at a bar, it’s to Marcus Smart.

Red Sox: Joe Kelly -By @_porchie

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Tyler Austin #26 of the New York Yankees fights Joe Kelly #56 of the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

If I were to pick any Boston Red Sox player to be on my side in a bar fight there would only be one option. Joe Kelly would totally have my back! Did you see not only the way he taunted Tyler Austin, but throw him down and was ready to beat him down. If it wasn’t for Aaron Judge that man would probably not be alive right now! He has the fire and intensity that I would want in my corner 100%. That’s why my pick is Joe Kelly.

Claude Dielna Working Out | Photo Credit | Claude Dielna

  Revolution: Claude Dielna -By @Marbies3762

While Claude Dielna is only 6’0″ tall and only weighs 190 pounds, he can pack a punch. Anyone who follows him on Instagram knows when he isn’t at practice he is in the weight room. There are plenty of taller guys on the Revs that could be good picks as well, but none are as good as Claude. He has a much different work mentality than everyone else on the team. When he leaves practice, he trains at home. If he isn’t playing in a game, he is training. When Claude goes to Chipotle, he orders double meat. Every game he plays, he out muscles and throws guys to the ground. In a bar fight, there’s no doubt that Claude would go off. The guy is jacked. Without a doubt, when it comes to bar fights, he’s the guy I want by my side.

Bruins and Blackhawks Winter Classic Jerseys Have Been Leaked

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Photo courtesy:
NHL.com

2019 NHL Winter Classic

The Bruins and Blackhawks recently announced their logos for the 2019 Winter Classic.

Tonight, both teams’ jerseys were leaked. Per Icethetics.com, these will be the jerseys both teams will wear.

Boston is going with dark brown and yellow, replacing the black and yellow they wore as their NHL 75th Anniversary jersey in the 90s. It is also an updated version of the uniform they wore in the 1930s. As has been the case in the past few games, the Winter Classic patch will be on the shoulder.

Photo courtesy:
Icethetics.com

The Chicago Blackhawks are wearing a black and white jersey for the outdoor game. It is a version they wore during the 1920s and 30s.

Photo courtesy:
Icethetics.com

The game will be played at the home of Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on January 1st, 2019.

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