Tag Archives: NHL

March and April Are Going to Test the Bruins

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.

Leading the Charge- Bruce Cassidy

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Bruce Cassidy- a New Coach for a New Era

The Bruins were down 2-1 in their recent game against the Calgary Flames Tuesday night at the Garden. Boston was on a power play when forward David Pastrnak got called on a slashing penalty and with their power play cut short, the Bruins knew something had to change. For Head Coach Bruce Cassidy, that meant changing up the lines. This was a move that needed to be done. And boy, did it work.

Veteran David Backes joined Bergeron and Marchand with Pastrnak playing alongside Riley Nash and Danton Heinen. For the rest of the night, the B’s controlled most of the game to come back and win 5-2 over the Flames. Decisions like this demonstrate just how well Cassidy knows his team and why he is exactly what Boston needed.

Out with the Old, in with the New

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

There’s been so many stories and media hoopla over the firing and return of Claude Julien. Along with some strong sentiments from a few disgruntled loyal Julian fans, Sweeney and Co. held their ground, knowing it was time for change. Enter Bruce Cassidy, former head coach of the Providence Bruins. The Bruins were on the brink of not making it into the playoffs and Cassidy had to salvage what was left of a mediocre season.

He did.

The Bruins began to win. They hustled, they picked up speed. Out went the old “dump and chase” game and in came the speed drills. Because Boston lost some of their key players to injuries during their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, Cassidy did something that Julian hadn’t done. He give adequate ice time to the rookies. For some, like Charlie McAvoy and Sean Kuraly, it would be their NHL debut. Even though the Bruins lost that fought series, it was clear that Bruce would be the man for the job.

Growing Pains

Sometimes you have to learn from your mistakes and for Cassidy; it’s just something that comes with the territory. In a game against the Ducks, a goal by David Pastrnak was called off sides and after a coach’s challenge, the call was upheld. The Bruins had lost their time out and the Ducks would score an offside goal, however Boston couldn’t do anything. It was an unfortunate scenario that placed Cassidy in the awkward position of admitting his mistake.

“It’s disappointing because clearly that was a good foot offside. It’s a tough way to give up a goal, but that was a decision I made, and it was the wrong one.”

After winning his first four games with Boston, this would be his first loss as new interim coach. The season would be far from over and, as we all know, this was just the taste of things to come.

Here Come the Bruins

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Young, fast, and red-hot. These are a few words sports analysts are using to describe this season’s Bruins team. After a shaky start this season, Boston lost many top players to injuries; it was time for the young guys to step up. The Bruins have been steam rolling over their competition and unlike his predecessor, Cassidy isn’t afraid to put players in vital positions.

“We expect that every night out of these guys. We also have other guys that can pick them up, so it’s like they have to carry the team. But they are making their contributions”.

As a result of Cassidy’s coaching, the Bruins are now second to the Lightning in the division and the league, yet this was a much different story in the beginning of the season. As the team began to bond and build their chemistry, something special happened; the Bruins were winning. Most importantly, this team was starting to have fun.

For players like Pastrnak, Cassidy had to send a subtle message reminding him to handle the puck better. And it worked as the right winger came out of the penalty box ready to go and netting a shot on goal.

Cassidy is making good decisions and with tough match-ups coming up, is it possible for this Bruins team to win the Stanley Cup? With a new coach that isn’t afraid to make changes, chances are looking pretty good for the black and gold.

If I Were NHL Commissioner

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If I Were NHL Commissioner

In the 2015-16 season we were blessed with the implementation of 3 on 3 over-time. This makes for a far more exciting five minutes of bonus hockey and really gives the more skilled players an opportunity to showcase their talent. It just takes one player to lose his man or turn the puck over and then it’s an odd-man rush coming the other way. And when I say “odd-man rush” this even includes the occasional 3 on 0. Changes like this really rejuvenate the game of hockey and keep things interesting, and the following are some of the changes I’d make if I were commissioner of the NHL.

Fans Design Alternate Jerseys

If the fans are the ones putting down $200+ on an authentic jersey, don’t you think maybe they should have a say in what it looks like? Each team should hold an offseason contest where fans submit jersey designs to the team, ownership picks their top 10, and the fans vote on which one they like the most. Whichever one gets the most votes will become that teams 3rd jersey just for that year. The teams would need to do this very early in the off-season in order for Adidas to have adequate time for production, but it’s something that the fans would love.

Continuous 3 on 3, No Shootouts

Shootouts can be fun, but it’s no way to end a hockey game. Think about it: if the teams are tied after 65 minutes, it was probably a pretty hard-fought, competitive game. Games like this shouldn’t be decided by anything other than hockey. Especially with OT now being twice as exciting since we’ve gone to 3 on 3, there’s even more of a reason to keep it going. It was only eight years ago that the Rangers and Flyers went to a shootout in Game 82 that decided each team’s playoff fate, and that’s not how it should be.

Amateur contracts for NCAA players

The NCAA would never give into this, but imagine how cool it’d be if drafted NCAA players could sign unpaid, amateur contracts with their NHL team for up to five games. This would allow players to play in the remaining games for their NHL teams once the NCAA season ends. And since they’re not getting paid, they can keep their amateur status and remain eligible for next year’s collegiate season. Think of it as an unpaid internship with the team that drafted them. Like I said, the NCAA would never allow this to happen. They’ve always been very strict on things like this and are committed to keeping the NCAA entirely amateur. But it would add a ton of excitement to what would’ve been a lot of meaningless late season games.

Not Every NHL Team Should Have to Be Represented at the All-Star Game

This isn’t T-ball. If they’re not good enough, they’re not good enough. Noah Hanifin over Phil Kessel in the Metro? No way. Kessel was 11th in league scoring with 47 points at the time and still got snubbed. Roster spots shouldn’t be taken up with mid-level guys who are the “least bad player” on their team. What about Oliver Ekman- Larsson? The guys a minus-40! The Coyotes are absolute trash and they deserve to be treated as such. It’s the pros. Nobody on their team was good enough for the All-Star game, and that’s the way it is. Let’s make sure they’re all worthy from here on out.

And finally…

Let them play in the Olympics. Everybody not named Gary Bettman wants to see it happen, including all the players. Just think of all the picturesque moments that we’ve seen at the last few Olympic games. Lundqvist winning the Gold medal, Crosby’s Golden goal, the T.J. Oshie shootout- the list goes on. The NHL tries to talk up the World Cup of Hockey in order to fill the void, but it’ll never be the same. The tournament just has no legacy.

No kid ever went to bed at night dreaming about his World Cup of Hockey gold medal. If you’d ask me, I think the World Cup was completely forced and done almost entirely to soften the blow of the players not being able to play in the Olympics. But unfortunately for Gary Bettman it didn’t work and the fans are still mad- obviously. It goes to show how much more focused the league is on making money than giving the fans and the players what they want.

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.

Adam Mcquaid’s Return Could Help the Bruins More Than You’d Think

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The issue with being a shut-down defenseman is that they’re often-times underappreciated. Today’s NHL showcases more skill and speed than ever before, and the fans will always be more drawn to the big-name players. This makes the stay-at-home guys even more prone to flying under the radar, but let’s not forget about Adam McQuaid. He was sidelined for three months after breaking his fibula, but the return of the fourth longest tenured Bruin could help the team down the stretch.

McQuaid’s Intangibles

Standing at 6’4- 212lbs, the Cornwall, Prince Edward Island native has always been one to lay the body and protect the front of the net. He’s absolutely tough as nails and has racked up 51 fights at the NHL level. He can throw hands with just about anybody in the league, and it shows in his record.

According to www.hockeyfights.com, he’s a career 49-9-20 between his time in the OHL, AHL, and NHL. The fans also love that he never wastes time getting in the punches. With fighting gradually becoming less and less prevalent we often see two guys square up, latch on, and tap out after 15 seconds of nothing. McQuaid’s more into the run and gun approach, and the second he’s toe to toe the hands are flying. Some of his more notable take downs even include guys like Matt Martin, Nikita Zadorov, and John Scott. Having the willingness to scrap heavyweights like this is respectable enough, but having the ability to come out on top is beyond impressive.

Playstyle

Although McQuaid’s style of play is centered around toughness and physicality he’s also proven his defensive worth. His career plus-60 rating is highlighted by his efforts during the Bruins Stanley cup winning season. He finished his rookie season as a plus-30 and was a pleasant surprise throughout the cup run. His career rating is even more impressive considering that he isn’t out on the ice for many goals for, emphasizing how little he is on for goals against. Coach Bruce Cassidy describes him as “a hard-nosed defensive defenseman who can make a good first-pass decision”.

Cassidy continued to mention McQuaid’s presence in the locker room, adding that “he’s a great guy. His teammates all love him (and) he’s a big part of our identity”. Fellow defenseman Kevan Miller has also praised McQuaid’s company in the locker-room. “He’s just a great person, but an even better teammate” Miller says. “He’ll block a shot and do anything for the team”.

Oct 5, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) attempts to block a shot by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith (2) during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Penalty Kill

He’s also been a key piece of the Bruins’ penalty kill throughout his entire career. The best penalty killers are usually those who exhibit the most tenacity and fearlessness, which is right up McQuaid’s alley. This led to his broken fibula after being on the receiving end of a Ben Hutton slap-shot. But McQuaid isn’t going to change his game. “I don’t see anything changing”, he said. “I can choose between getting hurt every once in a while and missing some time, or playing a different style and probably not playing at all”.

McQuaid’s game does have its flaws. He’s most effective when he keeps things simple, and at times he tries to do too much. This has led to some costly turnovers over the years, leaving fans frustrated. He also won’t produce much offense, with a career high of just 15 points. But I’ve said throughout the year that the Bruins are winning because of their combination of skill and toughness. McQuaid’s return will only add to that. He’s a perfect second or third pair defenseman who will do anything for the team. He’ll eat up 18 minutes a night and will continue to be reliable on the penalty-kill. Just his mentality and veteran presence alone should help the Bruins down the stretch.

Cover image courtesy of CBS Boston.

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.

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.

Grzelcyk Quietly Having Great Rookie Season

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Grzelcyk as a Prospect

So far, this season the Bruins youth movement has been on full display. One rookie who’s been very good but hasn’t been talked about is Matt Grzelcyk. The BU product has quietly played very well for the Bruins this season. He was not highly regarded like fellow rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy, but he has impressed scouts. Grzelyck has shown quick feet and good offensive ability. If he keeps playing like this, then by seasons end he will not be flying under the radar.

Photo Credit: Charles Krupa

Grzelcyk’s Performance So Far

Grzelyck has had two stints in Boston this season. In the second, he replaced Adam McQuaid and he has given the Bruins more than expected. McQuaid returned from his injury just before Christmas, but Grezelyck has not been sent down. This is a testament to how well the rookie has played. In 29 games this season he’s notched one goal and five assists. He is undersized but that has not affected his game and he has not seemed over-matched. The Bruins have received at least a point in seventeen straight games with Grzelyck a big contributor. Cassidy has also shown his trust in the rookie by placing him on the second power-play unit.

Photo Credit: Boston Bruins.com

Second Half Expectations for Grzelyck

Tonight, the Bruins play the Anaheim Ducks in their first game since the All-Star break. Going forward as the playoff push begins, these games will become harder and more tiring. This will be a big test for Grzelyck and his fellow rookies as fatigue sets in and points will be at a premium. Grzelyck has been exceptional so far but as rookie at some point he will struggle. When or if that happens, he will need to to minimize his struggles. He’s shown that he can play at the NHL level but now he must show that he can step up in a playoff push.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

What a Solid Ending Could Mean

The Bruins have high expectations for the BU product. Lile McAvoy is expected to help anchor the Bruins blue line for the foreseeable future. For the Charlestown native that would be a dream come true. So far, this season he’s lived up to the hype and much more. He may not have the same ceiling as McAvoy but the Bruins could do a lot worse.

Claude Julien’s Impact on Boston

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Claude Julien’s Legacy in Boston

Last year Claude Julien’s ten year run as the Bruins’ head coach ended midseason. The team was struggling and looking like they would miss the playoffs for the third straight year. Julien’s tenure in Boston didn’t end well. Since then as the Canadiens’ coach he hasn’t had much success against his former team. This year the Bruins won all three games against their arch rivals and former coach. Even though Julien’s tenure ended unsuccessfully he still had a run of success in Boston that won’t be seen for some time.

Photo Credit: Kevin Paul Dupont

Claude’s Success

During his ten years in Boston Julien won 419 games while losing only 246. Julien has the most wins as a coach in Bruins history. In ten years his teams made the playoffs seven times. He guided the Bruins to the Stanley Cup twice, winning it all in 2011. Before Julien came to Boston the Bruins were struggling. His hiring saw a new era for the Bruins in which expectations were raised. Before Julien came to Boston the Bruins missed the playoffs for two straight years. Once Julien came aboard the Bruins didn’t miss the playoffs until the 2014 season.

Photo Credit: Kevin Harriman

His Faults

Even though Julien was extremely successful in Boston he had his faults. Young players tended to struggle under him. Julien emphasized defense over offense unlike current Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. Julien preferred the dump and chase method while Cassidy encourages his forwards and defenseman to be aggressive. As the NHL has become faster paced Julien attempted to combine his methods with the new style of play. He was unsuccessful and as a result he faced a lot of criticism from Bruins fans. As Julien and the Bruins struggled it became clear a move needed to be made.

Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/ Getty Images

Final Thoughts

Julien’s tenure in Boston didn’t end as it started. That does not change the success he had and how he changed the franchise. From 2010-2013 the Bruins were one of the best teams in the NHL. They appeared ready for multiple championship runs under Julien but fell short. That does not change the success Julien had in Boston and how he changed the expectations of the franchise