Tag Archives: NHL Bruins

The Bruins Answer the Bell Once Again

The 2018 Boston Bruins answer the bell when it matters, no matter what. Want to play run and gun hockey? They have the skill to beat you 6-5. If the game is a grind it out defensive battle, then fine by this team. They will still beat you 2-1. What about handling injuries to key players in the middle of a playoff push? Nope, that cannot slow this team down either. They just beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0 on the road.

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Looking Back

The Bruins had a few noticiable concerns ahead of their anticipated matchup with the division-leading Lightning. Coach Cassidy was publicly critical of the Bruins’ defensive performance in the past week. He was especially critical following Thursday’s loss to the Panthers. Add the fact that the Bruins’ top two defensemen, Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy, were out of the lineup. Along with one, if not the best, defensive forward in hockey, Patrice Bergeron. Just as Bruce Cassidy has done all season long, he pushed the right buttons ahead of the daunting matchup. Cassidy made sure to address the Bruins defensemen who have been battling for playing time. Making it clear that this was their shot to earn playing time and trust.

Results

The Boston Bruins did not let a chance to prove doubters wrong once again go by. As shorthanded as they were, the were facing a Lighting team averaging an NHL best 3.54 goals per game. Many expected the Bruins to take a loss. Yet they went into Tampa and completely stifled the best offensive team in hockey, and earned an extremely impressive 3-0 victory. Tuukka Rask, who has been under a microscope as of late, played a solid game all around, making key saves when the Bruins needed them most. Rask looked relaxed and energized in net. He was on top of his angles and had great anticipation all game long. Going forward the Bruins should try to alternate starting goalies every game, but it is definitely a good sign to see Rask step up.

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Tampa Bay has been the class of the East all season long. If the Bruins plan on going deep in the playoffs, then it is very probable that a matchup with Tampa will occur. To see this team answer the bell like that on the road against better team is really eye-opening. Right now I’m taking the Bruins in a seven game series over any team. This team has that it factor and it’s going to show in April when they answer the bell once again.

Jake DeBrusk- Playing Where It Counts

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Bad timing always seems to befall teams, especially during the most important part of the season. For the Bruins, it’s something that they’ve become somewhat experts on. With their roster being filled with many first-year guys, you knew that this team would be going through some growing pains. As the team would experience one injury after another, it seemed Boston couldn’t catch a break.

ENTER DEBRUSK

The Bruins not only had those nagging injuries to deal with. On top of this, they were trying to find their style and voice on the ice. Early on there was a concern about whether or not this team would ever bounce back. But as they say, you gotta keep the faith, because things have a way of turning around. One trip out west would change the course for the Black and Gold. Something special was happening. The Bruins (now healthy) started to win, play gritty and are on pace to being in the playoffs. The biggest thing about this team that has been discussed so many times is the surge of the young players. One, in particular, is starting to make not only important plays but scoring the winning goals- Jake DeBrusk.

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

A GOOD START

A second-generation NHL player, DeBrusk quickly made noise early on after he was signed to an entry-level contract back in 2015. He was assigned to Providence after two seasons in the WHL and posted 49 points with 19 goals and 30 assists. In the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs, Debrusk scored six goals and finished with nine points. Some impressive numbers led to DeBrusk earning a spot in the Bruins training camp. As one of the young stars many were talking about prior to this season, DeBrusk would score his first NHL goal against the Nashville Predators. He would be one of many rookies that would score their first goals- a precursor of what was to come out of this Bruins team.

FINDING HIS PLACE

By mid-season, the Bruins have found themselves on an upswing and after a trip out west. Consequently, the team started to develop one of the most important things it needed: chemistry. After a few mediocre seasons that was still playing under an old Julien system of dump and chase, the youth movement was just beginning to bubble. A new coach in Bruce Cassidy, a bunch of young hot studs mixed in some wise veterans and you have the perfect concoction of what it takes to be competitive. Ever tweaking his lines, Cassidy placed DeBrusk alongside David Krejci and Ryan Spooner (prior to the trade). The young 19 year old found himself playing in the regular lineup averaging around 15 minutes on the ice every night.

BY THE NUMBERS

A quick look at Debrusk’s stats shows that the young winger isn’t afraid to get involved and help his teammates. There have been instances where DeBrusk had a tough game and was subsequently benched for a few shifts. Since his debut on October 5, 2017, DeBrusk has averaged seven or more assists each month. He currently ranks fifth behind Torey Krug with 39 points. And as the Krejci line is proving to be a powerhouse with the addition of forward Rick Nash, Jake DeBrusk is there, setting up some nifty plays.

TOUGH LOVE

It can be hard being a young player among the big boys in the league. Sometimes when you hit a rough patch, it’s time for a quick reset. For someone like Jake DeBrusk, he’s learning to take some needed criticism. Recently, Coach Bruce Cassidy wasn’t too happy with how his young winger was playing and sat him the next few shifts.

Some players don’t respond well to taking some time out. Others like DeBrusk take it and become better. And he did. DeBrusk came out off the bench to tie a recent game against Montreal. He also drove to the net and was there when Brad Marchand scored the OT winning goal. Five shots total that game, and the Bruins swept the Montreal Canadiens. As he put it:

“You don’t want to miss shifts with anyone… But at the same time, I understood why and I was eager to get back out there and try to help the team win.”

At the midseason mark where the Bruins started to turn things around, it was DeBrusk again that put some much-needed effort. After being a healthy scratch in a game against Toronto, (again some tough love from Cassidy) the winger would respond with two goals and four assists in his next five games. Sometimes all you need is a little reminding that you need to get the puck more.

MOVING FORWARD

In the NHL business, you got to play your best players and for someone young like Jake DeBrusk, you have to earn your stripes to be in the lineup. There’s no doubt that this kid can play, and it’s hard to remember that he’s only 19 years old. In a recent back to back game against the Chicago Blackhawks, DeBrusk connected with his linemates, David Krejci and Rick Nash. He certainly made his mark, being there when Krejci needed him. In a 7-4 win over Chicago, the Czech forward scored two goals, and forward Brian Gionta scored as well. DeBrusk got the assist on those power-play goals:

“…We’re just trying to read off each other and at the same time try to know where we’re going to go..obviously tonight it clicked and hopefully we can build on that.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

With fifteen games left in the regular season, every play, assist and point is crucial. The Bruins have come a long way, exceeding every expectation. With key players out on injury, Boston closed out a perfect home stand series posting a 6-0 record. When most teams start to fray at the seams, the Bruins continue to push through. Every line pulls their weight. For Jake DeBrusk, whose racking up points in his last eight games, he continues to be there for his linemates.

“The whole year I’ve been trying to build… so just trying to keep it going and understand how valuable it is to be out there and who I’m playing with”

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrl88

Deadline Moves Make Boston Bruins’ Ceiling Much Higher

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The 2018 trade deadline has come and gone, and to the surprise of many the Boston Bruins made a big splash. Don Sweeney went out and acquired Rangers star forward Rick Nash. In exchange the Bruins sent back center Ryan Spooner, Matt Belesky, Ryan Lindgren, and a 2018 first round pick and a 2019 seventh round pick. The cost is a bit high, but there is no denying that this trade makes the Bruins substantially better. But how much better does this make the team, and what’s their ceiling now?

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Rick Nash’s Impact

It was on full display last night against Carolina- Rick Nash makes the Bruins a much better team. Nash potted his first goal as a Bruin as well as saving a goal with a great individual effort. Basically the Bruins traded Ryan Spooner for Rick Nash on their current roster. Anyone who watches the game of hockey knows that Ricks Nash is just an all around better player. Nash has always been a bit of a disappointment in his career, never really living up to the hype he had coming in as the number one overall pick. But on the Bruins Nash is not tasked with being the guy he is a second line winger. This could benefit Krejci more than anyone else, as he thrives when he plays alongside a big talented winger.

Maybe the biggest asset that Nash provides to the Bruins is his flexibility. Now Bruce Cassidy has a ton of flexibility up and down the lineup. If the Bruins get into a high tempo game, Cassidy can roll three offensive lines that can keep pace with the opposition. But if the game starts to get heavier, Krejci and Nash are more than fit to handle the grind it out atmosphere. On top of that, Cassidy can bump up Backes to the Krejci line to create a real heavy proven line.

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Ceiling

The Bruins acquired a few other smaller players at the deadline. Trading for Nick Holden, Tommy Wingels, and signing Brian Gionta. On the surface these moves like rather insignificant moves in the big picture. But each of these three players are proven veteran players with playoff experience. A team who intends on making a deep playoff run is bound to lose a few bodies to injury. Adding veteran depth instead of being forced to call up a player from Providence who would not be ready for the moment. Sweeney is ramping up for a deep playoff run and has made all the moves he can to help this team win.

Unfortunately for the Bruins they have a gauntlet that lie ahead of them. Toronto in the first round followed by a potential matchup against Tampa Bay. Who could be waiting in the conference finals? Washington, who has owned the Bruins, or Pittsburgh, the two time defending Stanley Cup Champions? The Bruins’ ceiling is way higher now then it was a week ago or even a few days ago. But the road to the cup is grueling. The Bruins ceiling is a Stanley Cup, but whether or not they can hit that remains to be seen.

The Bruins Are Making Some Moves

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The Bruins look to make a playoff push with the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching

Early Sunday morning, Don Sweeney made his move- a somewhat aggressive one. The Boston Bruins signed Rangers Rick Nash in exchange for Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, Ryan Lindgren, a 1st round draft pick and a 7th round pick in 2019.

For some fans, this move is either great or terrible and judging from comments online, fans are split. I want to hate this trade, but in truth, I think it’s smart. Believe me, I’ve haven’t always been a Sweeney fan, but you have to give him credit. After all, he’s a big reason why the Bruins have so many young prospects. And in the NHL, that’s what you need in order to be competitive. The big thing for me is that he found a team willing to take on Belesky’s contract and letting Spooner go means that the Bruins will have some wiggle room in their salary cap, which is good news for Boston.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

It’s no secret that the Boston Bruins look like serious contenders for the Stanley Cup (even though a recent road trip is leaving a sour taste in their mouths). As we’re nearing the end of the NHL regular season, Sweeney and Co. had to add some missing pieces to help bolster their defense and give David Krejci what he needs: a big forward. The Bruins needed a power forward player and they now have that with Nash (along with David Backes). And in a post season run, Boston will absolutely need to be physical. At 6’4, 211 lbs, Nash can certainly make a big impact on the Krejci line. Coach Cassidy had this to say:

“Very dynamic. He’s hard to stop, contain one-on-one,” Cassidy said. “He’s got good speed. Protects the puck well. Gets to the net. Knows how to get to the net. Good hands around the net.”

BY THE NUMBERS

In addition, the Bruins would only have to retain 50% of Belesky’s contract. And yes, there are many fans who think trading Spooner and giving up a top prospect like Lindgren was too high of a price to pay. But think of it this way: realistically, Ryan Spooner didn’t have much time left on his contract and the Bruins more than likely wouldn’t resign him after he becomes a free agent. In all fairness, Spooner had started to play really well this season and put up some good numbers.

But let’s face some tough truths here- his career wasn’t really going anywhere in Boston. For the past few seasons, Matt Beleskey hasn’t exactly been stellar. However, finding a team to absorb his contract was a challenge. Luckily, the Rangers answered that call, which leads back to my original point of the Bruins now having some good wiggle room in their salary cap.

RETAINING THE YOUTH

Throughout this season, the message was clear. This Boston Bruins team is exceeding all expectations, despite some recent tough losses. In order to rebuild your team, you need to get some young players along with a coach that’s going to lead them to the playoffs. The Bruins have a good amount of young prospects that are playing their first year in the NHL and plenty that are being developed in the AHL and college level.

Players like Jake Debrusk, Danton Heinen, Sean Kuraly, Matt Grzelcyk, and Charlie McAvoy. They’re good. Like really good. And if you want them to continue to wear the spoked B, you need to pay the price. So for those thinking these recent trades are not going to work to the Bruins advantage, you have to look at the big picture. As a fan, I would rather see someone like McAvoy here in Boston for many seasons, even if it means losing someone like Spooner.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Don Sweeney was able to do something amazing in these recent trades. He was able to make good moves without giving up a lot. And yes, there was some early worry that Jake Debrusk would be traded for Ryan McDonough. I do have to admit again that I was a bit relieved when reports indicated that Sweeney wasn’t too interested in changing up the chemistry that this team has built. Even President Cam Neeley had some thoughts on the dynamic of this team:

“It’s a great group of guys, it really is,” said Neely. “They’re all pulling on the same rope. The chemistry seems to be really strong right now. It’s another thing we talk about is the chemistry of this group. Historically, you’ve seen things happen at the deadline where, maybe teams after the fact, say ‘We made too many moves and it disrupted the chemistry’. So that’s something we’re cautious about.”

The Rangers also got a pretty good deal that will help rebuild their team and the Bruins got a proven veteran player that can score. A perfect mixture of veteran and flourishing youth is what the Bruins have now. And they wouldn’t want it any other way.

. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

It’s Crunch Time for the Bruins

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As teams continue to put pressure on the Boston Bruins, can the Black and Gold continue to tough it out?

I’ll be first to admit, I wasn’t sure if the Boston Bruins really needed to make a trade. But I had to take a hard look at their recent playing effort. The one thing about this team, which has been an issue these past few years, is the depth of their defense. As the trade deadline nears, most teams are looking to rebuild and that means making some changes. Recent rumbles throughout league would have the possibility of Jake DeBrusk going to Rangers in exchange for Ryan McDonough.

Yes, the Bruins need a top D-man, and Chara won’t be around forever. And yes, Carlo should be better than he is. Lacking that depth is being exposed in their recent road trip. We knew this was going to be tough test of just how good this team is and after a pretty bad showing against Vancouver, reality was starting to set in. If they want to be in the playoffs, they would have to play smarter, faster, and tougher.

Staff photo by John Wilcox/The Boston Herald

Quick Change

After losing 6-1 against a low standing Vancouver team, the Boston Bruins had to bounce back. A win against Calgary gave another shot of confidence that the team needed. The Bruins went back to the basics while working on what needed to be polished. Tuesday’s night game against the Oilers was another test. Edmonton hasn’t been playing great this year, yet somehow managed to find their pucks behind the Bruins’ net. A quick look at some stats and you’ll see that Boston plays under .500 when they are two goals behind. The black and gold found themselves in a hole, which they had to dig themselves out of. Something had to change and with a stroke of genius, Coach Bruce Cassidy led the charge. With the third period getting underway, the Bruins were set to make a dramatic comeback. And they did. David Krejci skated alongside David Backes and Danton Heinen. Backes retrieved the puck from Edmonton, passed to Heinen which set up Krejci to score the winning goal. Because of the stellar comeback win for the Bruins, the question of whether the B’s can play gritty was answered.

Production

The thing about this year’s Boston Bruins team is the production from their lines, particularly the 4^th line. While the 1^st line of Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak has produced huge numbers for the team- let’s take a look at the 4^th line. With Tim Schaller, Noel Acciari, Sean Kuraly, this line has been very productive for this team. Cassidy put that line out in the crucial minutes of the third period and sure enough, that move worked. The Bruins scored. In a bold move, Cassidy switched up his center and Riley Nash played alongside Jake DeBrusk and Ryan Spooner. After some great puck movement, Charlie McAvoy’s shot hit off Nash, who beautifully back passed to Matt Grzelcyk and the Bruins tied the game.

Photo Credit/Getty Images

Coach Cassidy had this to say about the fourth line:

“Offensively, they’ve done a real good job chipping in.They’re over 20 goals even strength as a line. That’s pretty good for a fourth line that doesn’t see any power-play time. It was a big one by Noel tonight, typical goals. Again for Noel, going to the net, willing to pay the price, be around there. Very, very happy for those guys …I think they’re well liked by the group, so when they give you energy, it just gets the whole team going [and] they’ve done it more than once for us this year.”

Boston Bruins David Krecji scores game winning goal

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Looking Ahead

March is going to be a tough month for the Bruins. After finishing their Canadian road trip, they’ll be back home for the next five games. With the newly acquired Rangers defenseman Nick Holden, the Bruins are looking to add some jolt to their defense. The black and gold will need to work on their back-end, make smart trades (if needed) and keep pushing. Cassidy will have to switch up lines and the young guns will need to play through their growing pains. Boston hasn’t exactly made the greatest decisions when it comes to making trades however, fans will have to trust the process. This could possibly mean losing a young player and that can be hard to swallow, given the amount of talent this team has and the chemistry they’ve built.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Bruins need to stick to the basics, drive hard to net and continue to get pucks in. Other teams will be gunning for a spot in the playoffs and the pressure will be on. One thing is for sure, this team is and has been exciting to watch. Because of the comeback win in Edmonton, this team continues to prove once again just how special they are. Cassidy keeps making the right calls, the team has found their stride and Holden is someone we could use. If everything falls into place, the Bruins will get far into the playoffs. Finally, does this team need another player like a McDonough or even a Lucic? From this writer’s perspective, Boston doesn’t really need to make another trade, but I’ll leave that to the experts.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

Bruins Acquire Holden from Rangers

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Bruins Acquire Holden

Yesterday the Bruins acquired a defenseman from the New York Rangers, but his name is not Ryan McDonagh. The Bruins traded for Nick Holden from the Rangers in exchange for Rob O’Gara and a third-round pick in the 2018 draft. So far this season he has three goals and nine assists. O’Gara didn’t seem to have a future with the Bruins. He has spent the majority of the season in the AHL and has only appeared in eight games for the Bruins.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner- USA TODAY Sports

Rangers Fire Sale Begins

Holden is not the number one defenseman Bruins fans wanted. In a letter to fans the Rangers management hinted at a rebuild. They are expected to explore trades for some of their top players including Rick Nash and McDonagh. The Bruins were seen as a landing spot for McDonagh, but the cost would have included talented forward Jake Debrusk. By setting the market at a third-round pick for Holden the Rangers could get more for their other players. While Holden struggled in New York this year there is hope he could rebound in Boston.

Photo Credit: John Wilcox

How Holden Fits on the Bruins

In New York Holden was used as a top defenseman. In Boston he won’t be asked to fill that role, which could make him more effective. He is expected to be used on the third defensive unit. Last year Holden had a career year finishing with 11 goals and 23 assists.

The Bruins made this move to improve their depth. Last year the Bruins lost Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo to injuries at the end of the season. As a result they had to play Ottawa in the playoffs without two of their top four defensemen. Holden isn’t game changer, but he provides the Bruins with needed depth that they didn’t have last year.

Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/ Getty Images

What Else Will the Bruins Do?

With the NHL trade deadline five days away, teams will be busy. The Bruins have needs but will be reluctant to part with their young players. They shouldn’t be expected to make big moves but small ones to improve depth. In the offseason Sweeney trusted the youth. Now that the kids have arrived, and surpassed expectations Sweeney will be cautious to break up this team’s chemistry. The Bruins sit one point behind the Tampa Bay Lighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference and won’t sacrifice the future for the present.

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.

Patrice Bergeron- Fire on Ice

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After losing in a recent game against Anaheim, the Bruins were looking to bounce back. In their next game, they had their chance for redemption when they faced the St Louis Blues. The Bruins are getting into the latter part of the season where every point is crucial. Boston scored three goals-all coming from key veteran players: David Krejci, David Backes, and Patrice Bergeron. In this article, we take a look at one of the league’s most humble player.

THE ART OF THE DRAW

If you want to win a faceoff, you put Patrice Bergeron on the ice. The Boston Bruins centerman led the NHL in faceoff wins with 1,015 in the 2013-14 season, and he’s widely considered one of the best in the league. The finest two-way players in the NHL, Patrice Bergeron is not only methodical in his gameplay, he’s a consummate player. With a team-first attitude, the quiet forward makes a lot of noise on the ice. So much so that Bergeron earned NHL’s Second Star for January. Currently, Bergeron boasts a 57% faceoff win and has 11 goals in his last 14 games played. He also is now first on the Bruins’ roster in goals.

As being part of NHL’s most formidable line, Bergeron just keeps piling up numbers, even without his sidekick, Brad Marchand. With Marchand serving a five-game suspension, Patrice kept the first line productive with himself, David Pastrnak and Danton Heinen. Being with a responsible player like Bergeron has served them well, as both Pastrnak and Heinen scored critical goals. The B’s posted a 4-1 record without Marchand, showing once again how cohesive the black and gold have been. And if you’re wondering just how respected Bergeron is around the league, there’s serious talk about nominating the four-time Selke Winner as the league’s MVP. Not only does he have the backing of the Bruins organization, he has a fan in Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill:

“Bergeron, for me, has probably been the best player in the league for the season up to now…There are others like (Tampa Bay’s Nikita) Kucherov that you could make arguments for, but I think he has had as big an impact on winning as anyone in the league.”

Not only is the future Captain an all-around player, he’s one tough player. And playing against an ill Bergeron doesn’t exactly bode well for any opponent. Ask the Carolina Hurricanes, who had the misfortune of playing against Bergeron; he netted 4 goals in a recent game- an impressive feat considering he wasn’t feeling too well. Back in 2013 during a Stanley Cup playoff run, Bergy played with a separated shoulder, a hole in his lung, and a fractured rib. Most athletes wouldn’t dare play through those type of injuries, yet for someone like Bergy, there’s no questioning his dedication to the sport.

FUTURE CAPTAIN

For every young Bruins player on this years roster, they have found themselves in a somewhat enviable position. Not only do they look to Captain Zdeno Chara’s wisdom from his many years of playing 1400 games to be exact-but they also have Bergeron to look to. Sadly, there will come a time when Chara will hang up his skates, leaving a lasting legacy in Boston. For Patrice Bergeron, becoming the Bruins new Captain would be the natural step, as Chara passes the torch to his successor. For the organization and fans, there could not a better leader than Patrice- tough, smart and classy.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter: @pastagrl88

From Russia With Love- Anton Khudobin

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Every player on every line has so far stepped up and pushed through the many injuries that have plagued this team so far this season. For once in a very long time, this Bruins team has major depth on the bench. One of the biggest surprises this season for the Bruins is their newly found tenacity amongst personnel. For one particular player, this year has proven to be his shining moment. Enter Anton Khudobin, Russia’s import to the Boston Bruins.

ENTER THE DOBINATOR

Despite the loss on Tuesday night, Anton Khudobin has been on fire lately. Up until Tuesday’s game, Khudobin has not lost in regulation and is currently boasting a .924 save percentage (eighth on the leaderboard). The 31 year old Kazakhstan goalie has also done something equally impressive: giving competition to the Bruins’ number one goalie, Tuukka Rask. By mid-November, Boston started to get their team healthy again. Anton Khudobin was given the chance to finally play between the pipes. The Bruins enjoyed a four game winning streak and with Khudobin in net helped bolster the confidence of team. As for the fans, they got to see a goalie who was excited to play some good hockey. It was hard not to to notice how Anton’s energetic enthusiasm translated in his style of play. As Coach Bruce Cassidy puts it:

“Doby is always going to have a bit of energy, for lack of a better word, in there and more movement than most. You know, he’s not your typical technically robotic goaltender…”

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

For Tuukka Rask, watching Khudobin play those games has earned top praise from the Bruins goalie early on in the season, especially when Rask was struggling early on.

“Doby played a heck of a game. The results have been there. I haven’t been able to get wins in the past three starts. So it’s understandable. Obviously, we look at every game whether it’s a win or loss and take the positives and learn from the negatives.”

BEING THANKFUL

For a young Anton Khudobin, playing hockey was always the one thing he wanted to do. Playing for the home town team, the coach decided to move to a different city, far from Kazakhstan where the Khudobin’s lived. This meant leaving their life, giving up everything so that their son could play. Khudobin played for the Russian National team which beat the United States in the final. For the young goalie, the dream of playing in the NHL soon came true. After being drafted to the Minnesota Wild and playing for a Canadian Junior team, he came to Bruins in 2011. He became a free agent and ended up playing for the Hurricanes and the Ducks before returning to Boston.

With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, there’s a question on whether or not the Bruins resign Khudobin. No matter what happens, there’s no question about Anton’s love for playing and winning at the sport.

“The ‘W’ is always great. No matter what the score, whether it’s 8-6 or 9-7. If you win then you win. Nobody talks about losers. Everybody talks about winners, right?” … if you win, then you’re on the horse, and if you don’t then you’re under it. It’s great to get one …and so now hopefully it’s not going to roll like it did last year.”

Gear up Anton, you may get a cup soon enough.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrl88

Despite Point Streak Bruins Still Have Plenty to Prove

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Yes the Boston Bruins have earned a point in eighteen straight games. But with thirty-five games left on the schedule the Bruins still chasing the Tampa Bay Lightning. There are still a quite few hurdles for the B’s to clear. Up to this point the B’s have proved that they need to be taken seriously. However, let’s look at some concerns the team has even with this point streak.

Composure

This may seem like nitpicking, and it probably is. But could cockiness become a problem for such a young Bruins team? Maybe, while the Bruins have plenty of proven veteran leadership up and down the roster there is a cocky feel around this team. That is what a huge streak can do to a team. While having some swagger on your team is a good thing it can become flat-out arrogance if you let it. Especially when the puck starts bouncing the wrong way for you and all of a sudden you have lost three out of four. That is where Bruce Cassidy, Patrice Bergeron, and Zdeno Chara are going to have to make their presence felt. It has not been a problem up to this point, but lets see what happens with the confidence of the young kids if the team starts to struggle, if that ever happens.

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Workload

This may be the biggest concern surrounding a complete team like the Bruins. Young and old players have different ways of handling a full 82 game schedule. The All-Star break is the last real lull for a hockey team during the grind that is the NHL regular season. With this being the first full season for players like Charlie McAvoy, Jake Debrusk, Anders Bjork, Matt Grezyleck, it will be interesting to see how their legs hold up down the stretch. Also the Bruins’ best defenseman from start to finish this year has been Zdeno Chara, who is forty years old. Chara is leading the Bruins in TOI with 23:26 minutes per game. That is a lot of pressure to keep on the veteran.

With the playoff run really starting to heat up teams are going to give their best every night. That means harder hitting, tougher puck battles, and more emphasis put on every single point. With the Bruins in a tight division race it will be interesting to see if the team can hold up under the pressure. Going on a point streak is one thing, but building off of it is something completely different.