Tag Archives: Hockey

A Healthy Rask Will Be Key for Bruins

Final Stretch

As the season winds down, it will be crucial that the Bruins keep Tuukka Rask fresh. This will allow him to be at his best in big games down the stretch and in the playoffs. That is why Anton Khudobin’s play becomes critical for the remainder of the season. Rask and the Bruins have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since the 2013-2014 season. This year they are one of the best teams in the league and seem poised to break that streak. Being able to rest Rask will be essential, something the Bruins have not been able to do in the last couple years.

Rask’s Backups

Over the last three years Rask averaged over sixty games a year. This has been because of inconsistent play by his backups. The Bruins ideally want him to play 50-60 games during the regular season. Before last season the Bruins suffered two consecutive late season collapses, causing them to miss the playoffs. As a result, Rask has received criticism for not being clutch when the Bruins need him the most. Last year Khudobin had an amazing second half but struggled in the first half. This caused the Bruins to rely on Rask more than they would have liked. So far this year Rask’s numbers are better and Khudobin has had a career year. At times he made his own case to be the number one goalie. This has brought out the best Rask and caused him to elevate his play.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

Rask down the Stretch

If the Bruins are to make a deep playoff run, they will need Rask at his best. He has shown in the past when he is healthy he can be the difference maker for this team. When he is playing at his Vezina form the Bruins are a hard team to beat. Last year in the first round of the playoffs the Bruins were without two of their top four defenseman. This affected the whole team, and everyone had to step up. This year the Bruins improved their depth at the deadline in case injuries occur.

Photo Credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

The last part of the regular season will be a huge test for this team. They are young and surpassing most expectations placed on them before the season started. They are a contender, but the last half of the season will determine just how far this team could go. A healthy Rask will be essential come playoff time and he will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong.

March and April Are Going to Test the Bruins

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Up to this point in the regular season the Boston Bruins have had a relatively strange schedule. Currently they are in a stretch were they play four games in 16 days. That’s not something most NHL teams enjoy. But just as the old saying states: what goes around comes around. Unfortunately for the B’s March is coming around.

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Up to This Point

The Boston Bruins have played 55 games thus far, the second least amount in the NHL. Every time we check the standings it seems the B’s always has two or more games in hand on the opposition. This is mainly due to their relatively light schedule they have had the luxury of enjoying. They played 13 games in November, 14 in December and a measly 11 games in January. Although the Bruins have been the beneficiary of a lax schedule they still have had their share of back to backs. The Bruins have played seven sets of back to backs up to this point in the season. It’s actually rather odd how many significant gaps between games the Bruins have had. All in all the light workload has been huge for this B’s team as both the old and young players have been able to stay relatively healthy.

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What’s to Come

Do not get used to multiple days without hockey. Things are about to make a dramatic turn in the Bruins schedule. Throughout the entirety of March and April the Bruins have two days off in a row only once. Starting off with a grueling March schedule consisting of 16 games in the thick of the playoff race. The rest of the way the Bruins practically play a game every other night. Just as stated earlier, what goes around comes around. Every team plays 82 games, and the Bruins are about to feel the wrath of the NHL schedule.

Many people have been debating whether or not this Bruins team could win the Stanley Cup. The next two months will tell show us everything we need to see. The NHL playoffs are relentless and March is going to be the Bruins first taste of that. Let’s see how Chara and the young kids hold up when the miles start to add up. The Bruins are about to find out what it takes to win.

Cover image courtesy of causewaycrowd.com.

Northeastern Huskies Beanpot Champions

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“For the first time in 30 years, the Northeastern Huskies are college hockey’s Beanpot champions. Can you believe it?” – Joe Castigilione, probably.

David Versus Goliath

For as often as this biblical phrase is part of sentences, it truly fits the Huskies and Terriers rivalry. From a historical standpoint alone, Boston University is the favorite to win the Beanpot every season. After all, thirty Beanpot Championship trophies and banners in their trophy case back that up. Not to mention their incredibly hot goalie, Jake Oettinger, and their nine game unbeaten streak coming into the game, Boston University is in familiar waters. On the other hand, 2018 is a different season.

As I stated in the previous Beanpot article, Northeastern is the favorite this year. The number 12 ranked Northeastern Huskies came into the Garden, the favorites to win it all. At the present time, Matthews’ Arena is home to one of, if not the, best lines in all of College Hockey. Right wing Dylan Sikura, center Adam Gaudette, and left wing Nolan Stevens are making what is most likely their last season together a memorable one. To say nothing of Cayden Primeau, who carriers a 1.97 GAA, and a .925 SV%. Northeastern’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are keeping the Dog House rocking all season long. Stevens, Gaudette, and Sikura put 61 goals in the net this season. This is no cakewalk for the Terriers.0 BU is also hurt by the absence of Jordan Greenway who looks to become an American hero in the Olympics this year.

The Game

“I am sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Terriers have. Screw ‘em! This is our time. Let’s go out there and take it!” – Jim Madigan’s pregame speech, probably.

In what was one of the most entertaining open periods in college hockey history, the 2018 Beanpot did not disappoint. BU immediately took the lead. While the first Terrier goal did not count due to goaltender interference, Boston University quickly scored again. Cayden Primeau wass kicking himself after sending the puck into his own net. Logan Cockerill was credited with the goal. As a result, Northeastern jacked it up a notch, as Nolan Stevens took advantage of a BU penalty. Throughout the game Primeau stood tall, making 38 saves in the contest. Adam Gaudette will live forever in Beanpot legend as his hat-trick was the difference maker in this one. Gaudette also continued to write Northeastern history as he became the all-time school leader in power play goals.

Jim Madigan obviously understands the importance of the Beanpot. He is a Huskie through and through, from a player to a coach. After the game, Coach Madigan’s quote embodies this, “The first thing I thought about was ‘Hey we’re finally over the hump’’’. For now, Northeastern is the best college hockey program in Boston. While that itself is impressive, they know the season is not over, and they want to continue to make history.

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

Cover image courtesy of The Boston Globe.

Bruins Interested in Ryan McDonagh

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The New York Rangers have made it clear to the other thirty NHL teams that they will be looking to sell at the deadline. Rick Nash has been the main focus of must trade rumors due to his expiring contract. However, over the weekend Elliot Freedman reported that the Bruins may be in on Ryan McDonagh. The 28 year old defenseman has one year remaining on his contract, and by far is the biggest name on the block right now.

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Should the B’s Be Interested?

This question is genuinely laughable. Of course they should be! Outside of Hank Lundqvist, McDonagh is the Rangers’ best player. The Rangers captain is one of the best and most dependable defensive defenseman in the NHL. In more than half of his NHL seasons, the veteran defenseman has received Norris consideration (five out of eight). In his eight seasons McDonagh has never had a negative plus minus and has never finished with anything below a +11. Any team who looks at themselves and genuinely believes they have a shot at a title should be blowing up the Rangers’ phone. At the young age of 28 McDonagh is the exact type of player a contending team needs. A tough grind-it-out defenseman with offensive capabilities and great leadership qualities.

What Is It Going to Take?

Now the real question about Ryan McDonagh is what is the price to land him. It has been reported that the Rangers would be willing to trade their captain but at the right cost. From what I have been hearing the Rangers are going to have to be blown away by a team. Which means at minimum a first round pick, a high level prospect, and some cap compensation can be expected to make the money work. For the Bruins that would be roughly their upcoming first rounder, and a player like Jake Debrusk to get the deal done. Someone like Adam McQuaid would probably go in the deal to balance some of the money. As well as clear a spot on the backend for McDonagh. Unlike most players who are traded at the deadline.

McDonagh is signed for another year after this one which makes him a very valuable asset for a contending team. The Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to make a very strong push for the veteran defenseman. The Lightning are all in and may be more willing to pay the lofty price. It is going to be up to Sweeney to try to compete with the Lightning both on and off the ice in this case.

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Verdict

Don Sweeney should call and get a feel for what the Rangers are doing. They may be asking high but will be expected to accept less. But Tampa Bay has shown great interest, and there seems to be some traction there. So it seems unlikely the B’s are going to be able to get McDonagh for anything less than full price. In that case I want nothing to do with that deal. The cost is just too much for a team in the B’s that still has some growing to do. Plus another defenseman would be nice, but is not a necessity. I would lean towards the smaller trades such as Patrick Maroon, who seems to be the guy right now out of Edmonton. Sweeney needs to realize that the plan is the next five years, not five months.

Hey Boston Sports Fans, It’s Time to Wake Up

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Since the Patriots’ devastating loss in Super Bowl LII on Sunday, Boston has been in a state of what I like to call “sports grief”. Numerous fans tune out all media and sports radio in order to avoid the heartbreaking reality. However, do not fret Boston- hope for another championship lives on. Allow me to introduce you to the Boston Bruins who are currently playing like the best team in the NHL.

What You Have Missed

It has probably been a bit of time since you last gave the Bruins your full attention. While the Patriots were dominating the sports news cycle, the Bruins have been quietly making a name for themselves. The Bruins are currently trailing the division-leading Lightning by one point with one game in hand. Their 74 points has them placed second in the entire NHL (33-11-8) and they have shown no signs of slowing up. Last night’s 6-1 dismantling of the New York Rangers marked the Bruins 18th win in their past 23 games.

On the second night of a back to back in two cities the Bruins played a complete game against a lackluster Rangers team. Boston is 27-4-4 in its last 35 contests. After back to back road wins the Bruins are a remarkable 10-0-2 in their last twelve road games. They have secured a ridiculous 22 out of 24 points away from the Garden and last lost on the road in early December.

How the Bruins Have Done It

How are the Bruins dominating the sport of hockey you may ask? That is the great part; it’s been a team effort. Defensively the Bruins are a well oiled machine. They allow only 2.31 goals per game, which leads the entire National Hockey League. This outstanding defense has the Bruins second in the NHL in goal differential with a +48.

They are led by Vezina candidate Tuukka Rask, who has been the best goaltender in the NHL for the past two months. Rask has not lost a game in regulation since November 26th and is riding a personal 21 game point streak (19-0-2). Rask is tied for sixth in the NHL in save percentage (.925%) with none other than Anton Khudobin. The Finland native is currently third in the NHL in GAA and tied for sixth in wins with 22. After being benched earlier in the season, Tuukka has responded with a bang leading the Bruins to the top of the NHL standings.

Leadership

Offensively the Bruins have been absolute juggernauts. The Bruins rank fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.27) and third in the Eastern Conference. Led by the Hart Trophy candidate Patrice Bergeron, who already has 24 goals on the season, and should be on pace to surpass his career high 32 goals. Nothing seems to slow this team down, whether it’s injuries, breaks, or suspensions. Whatever it is the Bruins just steam roll through it. Not many teams could lose their best offensive player to a five game suspension and go 4-1 in that stretch. Somehow someway the Bruins always come out on top and get the job done. They are playing like a true team mainly because of one of the best lead by example players in all of sports in Bergeron.

Relentless Nature

Maybe the stat of the year is the Bruins are 13-10-4 when allowing the opponent to score first. Including winning their past two contest against Detroit and New York where they trailed 1-0 in both games. It gets even crazier when being outshot by the opponent the Bruins are 12-3-4. In one goal games the Bruins have an insane .900 winning percentage (9-1-0). Even though the Bruins have a habit of getting of to slow starts they are still outscoring their opponents 48-39 in the first period. As the game goes on the B’s only get better. In the second and third periods the Bruins are outscoring their opponents 122-77, a plus 44 goal differential. Closing has not been a problem for the young players either. The Bruins have not lost in regulation when they lead after the second period (26-0-2).

The way this team has played the past few months it’s not unrealistic to expect them to win at least two rounds. Mainly because as of right now this team has no weaknesses. Wake up Boston sports fans, because the Boston Bruins are demanding your attention.

Huskies and Terriers Set For A Dogfight

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How many dog puns can I make? With just three days removed from the Super bowl and Opening Day still 50 days away, we turn to college hockey and the Beanpot to help put us in a better mood. The Semi-finals fell on Monday, just as our Super Bowl hangovers were starting to go away. The Northeastern Huskies took on the Boston College Eagles, not Philadelphia. The Boston University Terriers battled the Harvard Crimson. Both were some of the best college hockey games put on television this season. Not to mention, cured some of our Super Bowl depression.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Huskies vs. Eagles

For one of the first times in Beanpot history, Northeastern University came in as one of the favorites to win the whole thing. If they could do that, it would be their first Beanpot title since 1988, and just their fifth in history. Northeastern has not be able to fight off the other Boston-based teams. Boston University has been champions an astounding 30 times. Boston college is right behind them with 20 championships. Harvard scoots in with 11.

The past is in the past and Northeastern is in it for the long haul. They are currently ranked 15^th, in the NCAA. The Huskies also play one of the best goalies in college hockey, Cayden Primeau. In what was a thrilling game, Northeastern defeated the Eagles 3-0. Regardless of BC’s high powered offense, Primeau was able to stop all 37 shots. The big 3 kept doing what they have been doing all season for the Huskies: putting points on the board. Adam Gaudette, Dylan Sikura, and Nolan Stevens each scored.

Watch the highlights here.

Take allllll the time you need, fellas #GoNU pic.twitter.com/2wzVwLB3Ra

— Northeastern Men’s Hockey (@GoNUmhockey) February 6, 2018

Crimson vs. Terriers

It took two overtime periods, but Boston University was finally able to wash the Crimson away.Ty Amonte’s double-overtime goal ended the game 3-2. Terrier goalie Jake Oettinger kept Boston University in the entire game despite constant threats from Harvard. Harvard defenseman John Marino’s penalty allowed Logan Cockerill to get the points going putting BU ahead. At the end of the second period, Ty Pelton-Byce tied the game with a beautiful assist from Ryan Donato.

Thirty-two seconds into the third period, BU Captain Brandon Hickey put the Terriers ahead once again. Nonetheless, Harvard immediately answered back less than two minutes later. Jack Badini is a bad man and tied the game up. The rest of the game saw highlight saves from both Jake Oettinger, and Harvard net minder Merrick Madsen. Following a series of chance after the chance, the two teams found themselves with tired legs in the second overtime period. Three minutes in, Ty Amonte took the puck across the country and slammed the door closed for the Terrier victory.

Wednesday Night

Boston University will be looking to mimic 2015 magic when the Terriers barked down Harvard in the semifinals and chased Northeastern out of their yard to win the whole thing. The number 30 carries special meaning for both these teams. It has been 30 years since Northeaster’s last Beanpot championship in 1988. Could the Terriers add another to their already 30 Beanpot Championships? If this game were a history test, BU would pass with flying colors. In their last 20 Beanpot matchups, Boston University has taken a bite out of the Huskies 18 times. However, this is 2018, not 2015. This season Northeastern broke their leash and defeated the Huskies twice. Boston University will not have much time to recover and rest following the slobbering game versus Harvard. This will be a truly excellent game to watch.

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn @TA_CawHawkey

Should Boston Express Interest in Rick Nash?

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News has recently come out that Rick Nash being placed on the trading block. Earlier today it was reported that Nash submitted a list of twelve teams that he would approve a trade to. While Nash could still be potentially traded to any of the other eighteen teams he would have to waive his no trade clause. With the trade deadline coming up on the 26th of February you can expect quite a few teams to kick the tires on the 33 year old left wing. But should the surging Boston Bruins be one of the teams to make a call?

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Track Record

Do the Bruins have a need for Rick Nash? Not particularly considering the production that they have been receiving up and down the lineup. However, adding a veteran forward with plenty of playoff experience under his belt is never a bad move. Nash is his 15th NHL season originally drafted number one overall in the 2002 NHL draft. The veteran left winger is one of the most respected players in hockey. This should make his transition to another team even a rival pretty smooth.

In 1041 career games Rick Nash has put up 431 goals and 736 points for Columbus and New York. In eight of those seasons Nash posted 30 or more goals. It is pretty safe to say the winger is capable of putting the puck in the net. His production began to fall off after a monstrous season in 2014-2015 where he netted 42 goals. In each of the past two seasons Nash has not been able to eclipse the 40 point mark. Even with Nash beginning to decline the veteran left winger still possess a special scoring touch.

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Why the Bruins Should Look into a Trade

When you have a team that is as hot as the Bruins it can be tempting to leave things as they are. But Sweeney should still be looking into making a key trade to give the Bruins a better chance at a title this season. If the cost is right of course. Although the Bruins have a great mix of youth and experience on the roster, adding a player with Nash’s postseason experience could only benefit the team. Rick Nash has played in 77 postseason games and has posted a solid 41 points. His stats do not jump off the screen he is definitely battled tested.

Thanks to the excellence of the forward group if the Bruins were to acquire Nash he would be able to play with very little pressure. As the games get tighter and become more physical the young players may begin to struggle. Even if that does not happen the depth that Nash could provide matchup wise is very valuable. Of course this is all based on if Rick Nash would be willing to even come to Boston. If the cost is not to high this is definitely the type of player that could help the Bruins in May and June.

Dick Umile: A Look Back on a Storied Career

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Dick Umile, head coach of the UNH Wildcats will be retiring following the end of this season. Umile has been a head coach at the University of New Hampshire for 28 seasons. In 22 of those seasons he coached the Wildcats to winning record. Umile has always been a Wildcat; he was a player from 1969 till 1972. During his time on the ice, Umile talied 60 goals and 84 assists. As the captain of the Wildcats, Umile led them to the ECAC Semi-Finals for the first time in school history.

Umile was drafted by the Saint Louis Blues following his senior season, however he was out of professional hockey by 1975. Not to mention, he is 12^th all time in UNH history with a 1.66 points per game average. His coaching career at UNH began in 1988 as an assistant coach. He took over for Bob Kullen as head coach in 1990. As head coach he has accumulated 586 wins, good enough for 9^th all time among Division 1 head coaches. Not bad.

Watertown High School

Dick Umile is a native of Melrose Massachusetts. At Melrose High School, Umile excelled at hockey and football. Melrose High honored Umile by inducting him into their athletic Hall of Fame. His hockey career at Melrose was quite memorable; three-time all-star, all-scholastic captain, as well as a three-time Middlesex League Champ. As a captain; Umile used his skills as a motivator and a team player to win in high school. Umile transferred his experience as a high school player to a high school coach.

The Watertown High School Red Raiders were enthused to announce Umile as head coach of the hockey team in 1975. Defense and hustle were a part of Umile’s strong suit. With this in mind he took great care in demanding them from his players. When Watertown hired Umile, they were in the basement of the Middlesex league. Umile’s knowledge for the sport and the respect he commanded from his players put them in awe. The Red Raiders’ play increased significantly. By teaching his boys what the word “team” was all about, they got better every year, culminating into a state championship in 1985. Umile proved his worth as a coach by taking a basement dwelling group of individuals into a dominant state championship team. Watch his Watertown High induction ceremony here.

Head Coach

Dick Umile’s success at the high school level attracted the attention of several college coaches. Mike McShane, former teammate of Umile at UNH, was the new head coach for the Providence College Friars. McShane knew the knowledge Umile possessed for the game of hockey and brought him to the college level. Umile went on to return to the University of New Hampshire following the 1987 season. Bob Kullen, who stepped aside due to a rare heart condition brought Umile back home. Umile served as assistant coach for two seasons until Bob Kullen tragically lost his battle with the rare heart condition.

Umile’s first season under the helm, 1990-1991, was the Wildcat’s first winning season in seven long years. That year is dedicated to Bob Kullen. This also lead Umile to his first Hockey East Coach of the Year Award, which is now named in Bob Kullen’s honor. Umile has led the Wildcats to twenty 20+ wins in a single season, four NCAA Tournament appearances, ten Hockey East regular season titles, as well as making it all the way to the championship games in 1999 and 2003, only to lose in heart-breaking fashion. Umile is a six time Bob Kullen Hockey East Coach of the Year Award winner. The college hockey world will miss Umile behind the bench, but are forever grateful for his contributions.

Cover image courtesy of WMUR.com.

Boston’s Contributions to Miracle on Ice Still Remembered 38 Years Later

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“11 seconds, you got 10 seconds. The countdown going on right now! Morrow up to Silk, 5 seconds left in the game! Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”.

These words spoken by legendary broadcaster Al Michaels are forever engraved in the history of USA hockey. The call came in the closing seconds of what may be the greatest upset in the history of sports. The political ties made it much more than a hockey game. Known as the miracle on ice, the United States’ upset the USSR on the night of February 22nd, 1980. That game forever changed the image of USA hockey.

Even 38 years later it still doesn’t add up. How did a team of American college kids beat a team who lit up the NHL All-Stars 6-0? I mean, you’d think if anybody could beat the Soviet Red Army it’d be the NHL All-Stars. However even with the Eastern and Western conferences combined, it was still no contest. Known primarily for their intricate passing plays, the Soviets showed the world a whole new style of hockey.

Their domination only further enforced the communist propaganda of the USSR. The Red Army only lost one Olympic contest in the past 16 years, taking home the gold on all four occasions. The odds were completely stacked against the Americans, but their perseverance and determination embodied everything that we still stand for as a nation. This team really did serve as a catalyst for the entire country and it couldn’t have been done without the four rag-tag Boston boys.

Dave Silk

Born in Scituate, Silk played high school hockey at Thayer Academy in Braintree prior to joining BU in 1976. His impact on the Terriers was noticed as he put up 65 points in just 34 games as a freshman, leading BU to their fourth consecutive ECAC title. His domination earned him the New England Rookie of the Year honors and it only continued throughout his collegiate career. Even despite another stellar season on the score sheet (27-31-58), Silk’s Sophomore year was highlighted with a National Championship victory over BU’s archrival BC Eagles.

This production was enough for the New York Rangers to take Silk in the 1978 amateur draft, although he did not sign with the team until after the Olympic games to preserve his amateur status for the tournament. He put up five points in the seven games at Lake Placid. From there the dynamic forward went straight to New Haven, Connecticut to begin his professional career in the AHL. After another brief stint in the “A” during the 1980-81 season, Silk was called up to New York. He finished his rookie season with 26 points through 59 games and solidified himself as an NHL player.

Silk eventually retired from the NHL in 1986 after having played for New York, Boston, Detroit, and Winnipeg. He put up solid numbers, finishing with 113 points in 249 NHL games. His career will forever be highlighted by his role in the miracle on ice.

Jack O’ Callahan

The hard-hitting defenseman out of Charlestown attended Boston Latin High School prior to BU. Joining the Terriers in 1975, O’ Callahan played a vital role in BU’s three consecutive ECAC championships. He was about the average size for a defenseman but had a very physical style of play. O’Callahan was ruthless in his own zone and was always one to clear out the front of the net. The hard edge that he had to his game led to 283 penalty minutes over his four years at BU. However it definitely made his movie character an audience favorite. He missed the first two Olympic games with a knee injury, but suited up for the remaining five.

“OC” was drafted by Chicago after his sophomore year at BU. He began his professional career with the New Brunswick Hawks immediately after the miracle. After just one full season in the American League O’Callahan made his NHL debut in 1982. He was a reliable defenseman with Chicago and remained a physical presence on the Hawks until he was traded to New Jersey. He retired in 1989 after playing parts of two seasons with the Devils, finishing with a career stat line of 27-104-131 in 389 NHL games.

Jim Craig

Craig grew up in a North Easton house with three brothers and four sisters. He admitted that he started playing goalie because he wanted to play with his brothers but didn’t know the rules. He fell in love with it and got plenty of practice from his brothers and the other kids in the neighborhood. Craig starred at Oliver Ames High School in North Easton and began his BU career in 1976. During his freshman season his mother, who was a heavy smoker, was diagnosed of cancer. She passed away in 1977 right as his dad lost his job. This took a huge toll on the family of nine. Even with his struggling family Craig posted a 29-4-2 record through three seasons at BU and played big role in the 1978 National Championship win.

He was taken by Atlanta in the fourth round of the 1977 draft and signed immediately after the miracle in 1980. After playing four games in the tail end of the season Craig was traded to Boston for the 1980-81 season. He played in 23 games posting a 9-7-6 record and wouldn’t see the NHL again until the 1983-84 season. After thirty games in Minnesota his NHL career came to an end. He finished with a career record of 11-10-7 and a goals against of 3.78.

Mike Eruzione

The “Massachusetts Miracle Man” played for his hometown of Winthrop all throughout his youth and high school hockey days. He then played a post-grad year at Berwick Academy in Maine and joined the Terriers in 1973. He helped lead the Terriers to an ECAC championship title in each of his four years at BU, highlighted by a 64-point senior year. This was enough to get the attention of the WHA’s New England Whalers and he was taken in second round of the 1974 WHA draft. He never played in the WHA or the NHL. He spent two years playing semi-professionally, but didn’t want a prolonged NHL career. Despite negotiations with the New York Rangers, Eruzione felt that he had already reached his peak by scoring the miracle on ice clinching goal.

He hung up the skates at just 26 years old and worked as a color commentator. Eventually Eruzione returned to his hometown of Winthrop and coached his son’s youth team. He was also an assistant on the boys’ varsity team, and seems content with not going pro. It’s crazy that the guy who scored the biggest goal in the history of hockey never played in the NHL.

Cover image courtesy of mentalfloss.com

Don Sweeney Defined by Moves He Never Made

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It’s hard to criticize a team with a 29-10-8 record, but Don Sweeney has left room for improvement. The Boston Bruins have been a winning machine as of late going 14-0-4 heading into Tuesday’s match-up against the Anaheim Ducks. That is the team’s longest point streak since 1968-1969. Yet even the recent run of success cannot hide what could potentially be an all time mistake by Bruins GM Don Sweeney.

2015 NHL Draft

Hours before the 2015 NHL Draft the Boston Bruins held the 13th, 14th, and 15th overall picks. These picks were acquired by trading away Milan Lucic and Martin Jones to the Kings and Sharks respectively. Everyone covering the team was adamant that Sweeney had plans to move multiple, if not all, of those picks. It turned out Sweeney planned to move up in the draft to take defenseman Noah Hannifin out of Boston College. However, due to lack of execution and a last-minute change of mind Sweeney’s plan fell through.

As a result Sweeney decided to use all three of those draft picks due to the dismay of Bruins fans. Don Sweeney selected defenseman Jacob Zboril, left wing Jake Debrusk, and right wing Zachary Senyshyn. Only Jake Debrusk has made an impact at the NHL level. In a solid rookie campaign so far he has posted 11 goals and 25 points. Meanwhile Zboril and Senyshyn have not been able to get a sniff at the NHL level. Senyshyn has had struggles even cracking the Providence lineup. The Bruins’ entire rebuild has and will continue to be centered around that draft. If only one of those picks turns into a real player then Sweeney is going to feel the heat for it.

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Matthew Barzal

The bigger story from that draft is what could have been. At 16th overall the New York Islanders selected center Matthew Barzal out of the WHL. If you do not know who that is, Barzal is currently leading all rookies in scoring and is in contention for the Calder Trophy. Barzal has been opening eyes around the league scoring 51 points in 52 games and is on pace to finish with 84 points. Barzal also currently has more points than anyone on the Bruins team to add some salt to an already sensitive wound. With Bergeon, and Krejci both on the wrong side of thirty it would have been nice to have an elite offensive center in the Bruins organization. Instead Sweeney decided to reach for Zboril and Senyshyn, who have provided nothing for the Bruins.

Brock Boeser

Another member of the 2015 Draft who is tearing up the league is Brock Boeser. He went 23rd overall to the Vancouver Canucks out of the USHL. Boeser just made a name for himself nationally at the NHL All Star game by winning the MVP over some of the league’s best players. True hockey fans have known who Boeser is for months. The rookie right wing has been lighting the lamp all over the ice with 28 goals and 48 points. The shot this kid has is absolutely insane. He can pick a corner from any spot on the ice. While the Bruins have some good offensive players none of them have the potential that Boeser has. He may have the highest offensive potential of any rookie in the NHL. The scary part is the rookie can only get better going forward which should have Bruins fans furious.

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What Could Have Been

Think about it like this: if Sweeney was a better evaluator the Bruins could have had a line of Debrusk/Barzal/Boeser. Anyone who would not want to see that is insane. Maybe Zboril and Senyshyn will turn into legit players, or maybe they will not. But Barzal and Boeser have already proven they are going to be superstars. While the Bruins are a good team they could have been a great team. The two picks that never happened could define Sweeney’s legacy when it’s all said and done.

Cover image courtesy of CBS Boston.