Tag Archives: NHL

Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes

GAME PREVIEW: Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes

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The Boston Bruins are looking to bounce back as they face the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at the PNC Arena. Boston is coming off a shut-out loss to Montreal. Coach Bruce Cassidy noted that Krug “practiced in full” and will be ready for tonight. With the news that defenseman Torey Krug will be back in the lineup, Boston will also be adding another player to the injury list.

INJURY UPDATE

Boston Bruins torey Krug

(Photo Credits: ESPN.com)

Krug has been out for a month after an ankle injury he sustained in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. With Krug in, expect Steven Kampfer to possibly be out of the lineup.

Matt Grzelcyk will be out to night as he sustained a lower-body injury. He did not skate Monday morning. Both Jeremy Lauzon and Colby Cave were recalled from Providence on an emergency basis. Cave currently leads Providence with 10 points: five goals with five assists. Charlie McAvoy skated on Friday but did not skate Monday. David Backes continues to practice and skated in full-contact, however he won’t be playing tonight. He is expecting, hopefully, to play against Nashville this coming Saturday.

THE ‘CANES

Boston bruins vs hurricanes

(Photo Credits: Jim Davis/The Boston Globe)

Carolina are second in the Metropolitan Division with a 6-4-1 record. They currently sit behind the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team had a recent game loss against the New York Islanders 2-1 after a two-game winning streak at home.  They will be looking to end their three-game home-stand on a high-note. Center Sebastian Aho has 11 assists in 10 games with four goals. He also leads the team in points (16).  The ‘Canes currently lead the NHL in shots per game. The last time the Bruins were at the PNC they were behind Carolina 4-1, however made a thrilling comeback and beat the Hurricanes 6-4. David Pastrnak scored three goals in his first ever career hat-trick.

sebastian aho

(Photo Credits: GREGG FORWERCK/NHL VIA GETTY IMAGES

BOSTON

The Bruins are currently in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with a 6-3-2 record. The first line is still the most productive line as both Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak lead the team in points. Brad Marchand leads the team in assist (11) while Pastrnak leads with 10 goals. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak will start in net.  The Slovak-native is coming off a recent shut-out win against the Philadelphia Flyers.

GAME TIME START : 7:00pm.

WHERE TO WATCH:  NESN

Boston Bruins defeat the Flyers 3-0

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

BREAKDOWN

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

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers

(Photo Credit: MICHAEL DWYER / AP)

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

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

Bruins Vs Flyers

(Photo Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki)

QUICK STATS

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

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

Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers

Game preview: Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers

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

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

boston bruins vs oilers 2018

(Photo Credits: Matt Stone/ Boston Herald)

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

Connor McDavid

(Photo Credits: NHL.com)

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

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

boston bruins vs oilers 2018

(Photo Credits: AP Photo)

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

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

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

PUCK DROP: Tonight at 9:00pm EST.

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, 98.5 RADIO

PASTRNAK: Bruins and NHL Superstar on the Rise

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

Photo courtesy:
NHL.com

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

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

Great as a teammate 

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

A fan favorite 

Photo courtesy:
Bruins.com

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

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

Photo courtesy:
Bruins.com

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS 

 

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara

Boston Bruins vs Sabres: Redemption in Buffalo

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

Photo Credits: AP

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

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

WON PUCK BATTLES

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

FINAL MINUTES

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

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

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

Bruins forward Brad Marchand after the game:

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

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

 

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Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko Signed; Bruins Announce More Training Camp Transactions

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The Boston Bruins announced Friday afternoon that they had signed 18-year-old Czech forward Jakub Lauko to a three-year entry-level contract. He will be playing for the Huskies Rouyn-Noranda team in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League).

Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko signs with the Boston Bruins (Photo Courtesy: Instagram @jakub_lauko)

The young forward played in two preseason games where he netted two goals with a plus-one rating.  He recently played for the Czech team Pirati Chomutov (Czech Extraliga). Some quick stats: In the Under-18 World Junior Championship, he had three goals and three assists for six points in seven games. With the Under-17 team, he netted seven goals and 11 assists for a total of 18 points in 20 games. For the Pirati Under-16, team Lauko potted 26 goals with 35 assists in 24 games.

Jakub Lauko’s three Extraliga goals in 2017-18

Czech left wing Jakub, a prospect for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored three goals as a 17-year-old playing for Chomutov in his country’s top men’s league. Lauko also participated in both the 2018 World Juniors and World Under-18 Championship. NOTE: HockeyDraftCentral does not own any of this footage, which belongs entirely to its original rights-holder(s).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUkuxTyzIak]

 

More Training Camp Moves

Swedish player Jakob-Forsbacka Karlsson along with Jakub Zboril, Ryan Fitzgerald and Jordan Szwarz will be sent down to Providence (AHL). Goaltender Zane McIntyre is placed on waivers. With pre-season speculation as to who would fill the open third-line center spot and with “JFK” being sent to Providence, the race has tightened. Both Sean Kuraly and Trent Frederic are two players that Coach Bruce Cassidy will be looking to slot that spot. The St. Louis, MO native has 13 games under his belt while playing for the Providence Bruins last season.  He posted five goals with three assists. With the Under 20 World Junior Championship USA, he played seven games and scored five goals.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOLcZmVXdrs]

 

Kuraly already spent some time on the third line with some ice time during last seasons Playoff run. In 12 games he netted two goals, including a spectacular double OT goal in Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators. During the regular season, he played 75 games, with six goals and eight assists.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgE2K_UU7GA]

Jeremy Lauzon

Latest Training Camp Transactions: Boston Bruins

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

Back to Europe

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

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

Zach Senyshyn

(Photo Credits: Patrick Smith/ Getty Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Providence Bound

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

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

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

Boston Bruins: 2018 Season Preview

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Photo courtesy:
Matt Stone

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy:
Charles Krupa

Important games this season 

Oct. 3 at Washington

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

Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa

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

Oct. 27 vs. Montreal

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

Nov. 10 vs. Toronto

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

Nov. 29 vs. Islanders

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

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

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

Apr. 6 vs. Tampa Bay 

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

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

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Bruins Going Vintage for Alternate Jersey

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Photo courtesy:
SOURCEFRIAS

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

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

Photo courtesy:
Icethetics.com

1980/90’s version jersey on the horizon

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

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

Photo courtesy: Icejerseys.com

Photo courtesy:
Icejerseys.com

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Adam McQuaid

Bruins Trade Adam McQuaid to New York

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As The Bruins gear up for their exhibition game in China, news hit that Boston officially traded defenseman Adam McQuaid to the New York Rangers. The news has hit social media and reactions have pretty much stated the same thing: the Bruins lost a tough player. For Coach Bruce Cassidy, this move felt a little more personal:

“It’s tough to see him go…10 years we’ve been together, going back to Providence. Today was a tough morning. We’ll miss him.”

With the trade, Boston has acquired defenseman Steven Kampfer, a 2019 fourth round pick, and a conditional 2019 seventh round pick. According to NBC’s Joe Haggerty, GM Don Sweeney “wasn’t worried about losing McQuaid’s toughness and fighting ability” as Boston has “team toughness.”

Image result for Adam Mcquaid fighting

Putting emotion aside, what exactly is Boston getting in losing a player that spent his entire 11 year career in Boston? McQuaid had one year left on his contract ($2.7 million). For the brass, that amount may have been a lot to pay for the 31-year-old player. With the amount of young guys and the depth being built up in Boston, McQuaid may not have had a regular spot on the roster. From a business perceptive, it makes sense to let go of a player like McQuaid, who’s been plagued with health issues over the season. It will also free up some cap space for the Bruins. But for many fans, losing someone like McQuaid is a tough sell.

LONE WOLF

Adam McQuaid

(Photo Credits: Don McPeak-USA Today Sports

Though he was originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005, McQuaid was sent shipped out to Boston. There, he played in Providence for three seasons. He officially joined the varsity team in 2009. He became a solid, reliable blue-liner; McQuaid was there to not only help Rask out, but defend teammates when the need arose. He was also instrumental in helping Boston win the Stanley Cup in 2011. He played throughout the series except for two games, ending with a plus 8 rating and four assists in 23 postseason games. McQuaid was good when the Bruins needed him. He played a career high of 77 games when he was healthy (healthy being the key word). Some quick NHL stats: McQuaid has played 462 games with 13 goals, 53 assists and 652 penalty minutes.

RETURN TO BOSTON

Image result for steven Kampfer

29 year old Kampfer returns to Boston having made his NHL debut with the Bruins during the 2010-2011 season. He played in 38 games for Boston. The Bruins traded Kampfer to the Minnesota Wild in 2012 in exchange for Greg Zanon. Kampfer had also played for the Florida Panthers prior to being shipped to New York. For the Rangers, he netted one goal and two assists. Some quick stats: Kampfer has played appeared in 166 NHL games and 249 in the AHL.  At 5’11, 195 lbs., the defenseman will have his work cut out for him. He will likely spend time between Providence and Boston.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Boston is going to miss McQuaid, who was a big presence on the ice. As mentioned beforehand, with this move, Boston is saving some money (Kampfer also comes with a $650k cap hit). Quaider was one of the last tough guys who wasn’t afraid to drop his gloves or take a skate to the neck. And for the guys in the locker room, he was a great teammate. Sad to see you go Quaider and all the best in New York.

Once a Bruin, always a Bruin.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5riK4nPTEc&w=560&h=315]

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojfu69PNeqs&w=560&h=315]