WILMINGTON, Mass. -- The old worn, torn and discolored black, white and gold Boston Bruins jacket was a symbol of unity and togetherness during the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup-winning season.
Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference purchased the jacket on eBay late last season. After each win, it was presented to a Bruins player who had a key role in that night’s victory. That player wore it in the locker room and kept it in his stall until the next win, when he would select a new teammate for the accolade.
As Ference explained to the 17,565 fans in attendance during a pregame ceremony on Opening Night last October, the jacket symbolized the respect, hard work and commitment to winning that each player on the 2011 championship team shared.
The players decided to retire the jacket by giving it to Mark Recchi, who officially announced his retirement after last season.
“He taught us what it meant to be champions and how to become champions,” Ference said during his speech.
Recchi accepted the ragged piece of history. Like a true teammate, the future Hall of Famer had the jacket framed and returned it to the Bruins, and it now hangs in the hallway that leads to the team’s workout facility behind the locker room at TD Garden.
That’s where the jacket will stay.
After the Bruins' practice on Monday at Ristuccia Arena, where the Bruins are preparing for their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals, Ference was asked if he had purchased another item for this year’s playoff run.
He said the thought has crossed his mind, but that a token item doesn’t make the team better.
“It’s about the environment that you create throughout the whole year, and if it happens this year, it happens,” Ference said. “If it’s anything forced, [it’s not the same]. That’s why teams talk about road trips, but it’s not the road trip itself, it’s the stories, the inside jokes and the stuff that happens that you can laugh about. It’s that stuff that gets you through and creates an environment for the year.
“When you have something like the jacket, something that will lighten up the room after a game, or something like that helps. Now it’s a pretty intense time of year, it’s a piece of the puzzle, but it’s about the whole atmosphere than one single thing to rally around.
“It was an ingredient in the bigger picture. If something good comes up, it comes up. If not, it doesn’t destroy the thing.”
Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference purchased the jacket on eBay late last season. After each win, it was presented to a Bruins player who had a key role in that night’s victory. That player wore it in the locker room and kept it in his stall until the next win, when he would select a new teammate for the accolade.
As Ference explained to the 17,565 fans in attendance during a pregame ceremony on Opening Night last October, the jacket symbolized the respect, hard work and commitment to winning that each player on the 2011 championship team shared.
The players decided to retire the jacket by giving it to Mark Recchi, who officially announced his retirement after last season.
“He taught us what it meant to be champions and how to become champions,” Ference said during his speech.
Recchi accepted the ragged piece of history. Like a true teammate, the future Hall of Famer had the jacket framed and returned it to the Bruins, and it now hangs in the hallway that leads to the team’s workout facility behind the locker room at TD Garden.
That’s where the jacket will stay.
After the Bruins' practice on Monday at Ristuccia Arena, where the Bruins are preparing for their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals, Ference was asked if he had purchased another item for this year’s playoff run.
He said the thought has crossed his mind, but that a token item doesn’t make the team better.
“It’s about the environment that you create throughout the whole year, and if it happens this year, it happens,” Ference said. “If it’s anything forced, [it’s not the same]. That’s why teams talk about road trips, but it’s not the road trip itself, it’s the stories, the inside jokes and the stuff that happens that you can laugh about. It’s that stuff that gets you through and creates an environment for the year.
“When you have something like the jacket, something that will lighten up the room after a game, or something like that helps. Now it’s a pretty intense time of year, it’s a piece of the puzzle, but it’s about the whole atmosphere than one single thing to rally around.
“It was an ingredient in the bigger picture. If something good comes up, it comes up. If not, it doesn’t destroy the thing.”
The regular season is over and the real season is set to begin. The Bruins (49-29-4, 102 points) will attempt to become the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the Detroit Red Wings accomplished the feat in 1997 and '98.
The Bruins host the Washington Capitals (42-38-8, 92 points) in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals series that begins Thursday in Boston.
Although the Capitals didn’t clinch a playoff spot until the final full week of the season, they have the skill and potential to be a difficult first-round opponent. The deep and balanced attack of the Bruins, however, should prevail. Here’s our scouting report to show why the Bruins will win this series in six games:
Despite the fact that Tuukka Rask is likely to start the playoffs on the shelf due to the groin injury he suffered March 3, the Bruins still have the reigning Vezian Trophy winner Tim Thomas, who finished the season strong with a record of 35-19-1 with a 2.36 GAA and .920 save percentage and was looking like the Thomas opponents have grown to dread down the stretch. With his playoff experience and knowledge of what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, the Bruins have a huge edge in goaltending. The Capitals lost starter Tomas Vokoun for the season to a late-season groin injury suffered in the 4-3 shootout win over the Bruins on March 10, and will have to lean on back-up Michal Neuvirth (nine career playoff appearances) and rookie Braden Holtby (who has no NHL playoff experience).
Edge: Bruins
The Capitals' blue line is built more like an offense, with many of their defensemen having the potential to be just as dangerous as a sniper or playmaker up front. But the flip side is that those defensemen aren’t as strong in their own end and will take risks that can lead to turnovers and odd-man rushes the other way. That’s why the Capitals allowed 2.76 goals against per game. While the Bruins had their share of turnovers during their midseason funk in January and February, they have one of the strongest defensive groups in the NHL. Of course, Norris Trophy candidate Zdeno Chara is the leader on the blue line, but with the likes of Dennis Seidenberg, Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference as a supporting cast and eight solid defensemen total, it’s no surprise the Bruins were the sixth-stingiest team in the NHL, allowing only 2.43 goals per game. With Thomas in goal, the B's are a very difficult team to score on.
Edge: Bruins
The Capitals themselves will tell you they underachieved this season on offense, scoring fewer goals (2.66 per game) than they allowed, but there is no arguing the pure skill of Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and now the added depth they have in forwards Jason Chimera, Marcus Johansson, Brooks laich and Joel Ward. For that reason, this forward group cannot be overlooked. They have the potential to catch fire in the playoffs, and when Backstrom is healthy they’re a different squad -- as witnessed when he returned at the end of the season and they clinched a playoff spot. On the other hand, the Bruins were the third-highest-scoring team in the NHL. With six 20-goal scorers, they have one of the most balanced attacks in the league and they’re also a very sound forward group defensively. This will probably be the most intriguing positional match-up in the series.
Edge: Even
While he won’t be a Jack Adams Award winner or even candidate for coach of the year, Claude Julien deserves loads of credit for once again guiding this team through some murky waters and helping it overcome the challenges of being defending Stanley Cup champions. Julien has now led the Bruins to the playoffs in all five seasons he has been behind the Boston bench, and his even-keeled approach has them in position for a shot to repeat. On the Caps' bench, Dale Hunter took over the coaching reigns in late November after Bruce Boudreau was fired. The coaching change didn’t have the immediate impact the Caps were hoping for, as the team still stumbled through most of the season and barely made the playoffs. Hunter is entering his first playoff series as an NHL coach, so experience could be a huge factor here
Edge: Bruins
Last season the Bruins were able to win the Stanley Cup despite having the worst power play for a Stanley Cup champion in NHL history. The power play has fared better this season, scoring at a 17.2 percent clip and ranked 11th in the NHL, but it still isn’t potent enough to be a major threat and the Bruins will rely on their strong 5-on-5 play to produce offense. The Capitals actually had a worse power play this season, scoring at a 16.7 percent clip and ranked 18th in the NHL. But with all the offensive skill they have on the blue line and up front, they get the nod here.
Edge: Capitals
The penalty kill and strong defensive play have always been the bread and butter of Claude Julien’s teams here in Boston, and once again the team had a solid penalty kill this season with an 83.5 success rate and ranked 11th. The Capitals, meanwhile, were 21st on the penalty kill with an 81.6 success rate.
Edge: Bruins
All Stanley Cup champions have a common edge over any opponent: experience and knowing what it takes to survive the mental and physical grind of the playoffs. With the Bruins having that and the Capitals proving to be playoff busts in recent seasons, the Bruins get the nod here. This Bruins core knows what it takes, and that will play a major role in this series.
Edge: Bruins
Capitals vs. Bruins this season: Mathieu Perrault: 4 GP; 3 G-1 A-4 P; Marcus Johansson: 4 GP; 2 G-2 A-4 P; Michal Neuvirth: 1 GP; 1-0-0; 2.58 GAA; .905 save percentage
The Bruins have a 6-4 edge in these two teams' playoff history. The Capitals won the last series they played against the Bruins, taking the 1998 Eastern Conference quarterfinals series in six games and going on to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost to Detroit. The other series was in 1990, when the Bruins swept the Caps in the Wales Conference finals before losing to the Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.
The Bruins host the Washington Capitals (42-38-8, 92 points) in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals series that begins Thursday in Boston.
Although the Capitals didn’t clinch a playoff spot until the final full week of the season, they have the skill and potential to be a difficult first-round opponent. The deep and balanced attack of the Bruins, however, should prevail. Here’s our scouting report to show why the Bruins will win this series in six games:
Goaltending
Despite the fact that Tuukka Rask is likely to start the playoffs on the shelf due to the groin injury he suffered March 3, the Bruins still have the reigning Vezian Trophy winner Tim Thomas, who finished the season strong with a record of 35-19-1 with a 2.36 GAA and .920 save percentage and was looking like the Thomas opponents have grown to dread down the stretch. With his playoff experience and knowledge of what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, the Bruins have a huge edge in goaltending. The Capitals lost starter Tomas Vokoun for the season to a late-season groin injury suffered in the 4-3 shootout win over the Bruins on March 10, and will have to lean on back-up Michal Neuvirth (nine career playoff appearances) and rookie Braden Holtby (who has no NHL playoff experience).
Edge: Bruins
Defense
The Capitals' blue line is built more like an offense, with many of their defensemen having the potential to be just as dangerous as a sniper or playmaker up front. But the flip side is that those defensemen aren’t as strong in their own end and will take risks that can lead to turnovers and odd-man rushes the other way. That’s why the Capitals allowed 2.76 goals against per game. While the Bruins had their share of turnovers during their midseason funk in January and February, they have one of the strongest defensive groups in the NHL. Of course, Norris Trophy candidate Zdeno Chara is the leader on the blue line, but with the likes of Dennis Seidenberg, Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference as a supporting cast and eight solid defensemen total, it’s no surprise the Bruins were the sixth-stingiest team in the NHL, allowing only 2.43 goals per game. With Thomas in goal, the B's are a very difficult team to score on.
Edge: Bruins
Forwards
The Capitals themselves will tell you they underachieved this season on offense, scoring fewer goals (2.66 per game) than they allowed, but there is no arguing the pure skill of Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and now the added depth they have in forwards Jason Chimera, Marcus Johansson, Brooks laich and Joel Ward. For that reason, this forward group cannot be overlooked. They have the potential to catch fire in the playoffs, and when Backstrom is healthy they’re a different squad -- as witnessed when he returned at the end of the season and they clinched a playoff spot. On the other hand, the Bruins were the third-highest-scoring team in the NHL. With six 20-goal scorers, they have one of the most balanced attacks in the league and they’re also a very sound forward group defensively. This will probably be the most intriguing positional match-up in the series.
Edge: Even
Coaching
While he won’t be a Jack Adams Award winner or even candidate for coach of the year, Claude Julien deserves loads of credit for once again guiding this team through some murky waters and helping it overcome the challenges of being defending Stanley Cup champions. Julien has now led the Bruins to the playoffs in all five seasons he has been behind the Boston bench, and his even-keeled approach has them in position for a shot to repeat. On the Caps' bench, Dale Hunter took over the coaching reigns in late November after Bruce Boudreau was fired. The coaching change didn’t have the immediate impact the Caps were hoping for, as the team still stumbled through most of the season and barely made the playoffs. Hunter is entering his first playoff series as an NHL coach, so experience could be a huge factor here
Edge: Bruins
Power play
Last season the Bruins were able to win the Stanley Cup despite having the worst power play for a Stanley Cup champion in NHL history. The power play has fared better this season, scoring at a 17.2 percent clip and ranked 11th in the NHL, but it still isn’t potent enough to be a major threat and the Bruins will rely on their strong 5-on-5 play to produce offense. The Capitals actually had a worse power play this season, scoring at a 16.7 percent clip and ranked 18th in the NHL. But with all the offensive skill they have on the blue line and up front, they get the nod here.
Edge: Capitals
Penalty kill
The penalty kill and strong defensive play have always been the bread and butter of Claude Julien’s teams here in Boston, and once again the team had a solid penalty kill this season with an 83.5 success rate and ranked 11th. The Capitals, meanwhile, were 21st on the penalty kill with an 81.6 success rate.
Edge: Bruins
Intangibles
All Stanley Cup champions have a common edge over any opponent: experience and knowing what it takes to survive the mental and physical grind of the playoffs. With the Bruins having that and the Capitals proving to be playoff busts in recent seasons, the Bruins get the nod here. This Bruins core knows what it takes, and that will play a major role in this series.
Edge: Bruins
Notable individual stats
Bruins vs. Capitals this season: Patrice Bergeron: 4 GP 0 G-5 A-5 P; Brad Marchand: 4 GP 3 G-2 A-5 P; Tim Thomas: 3 GP 1-1-1; 2.29 GAA; .921 save percentageCapitals vs. Bruins this season: Mathieu Perrault: 4 GP; 3 G-1 A-4 P; Marcus Johansson: 4 GP; 2 G-2 A-4 P; Michal Neuvirth: 1 GP; 1-0-0; 2.58 GAA; .905 save percentage
Recent playoff history
The Bruins have a 6-4 edge in these two teams' playoff history. The Capitals won the last series they played against the Bruins, taking the 1998 Eastern Conference quarterfinals series in six games and going on to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost to Detroit. The other series was in 1990, when the Bruins swept the Caps in the Wales Conference finals before losing to the Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.
WILMINGTON, Mass. -- As the Boston Bruins prepare for their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals, the entire hockey world is aware that Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara will be matched up against the Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin.
Bruins blueliner Andrew Ference talks about the challenge of defending Ovechkin and the Capitals, along with Boston’s preparation for the playoffs:
Bruins blueliner Andrew Ference talks about the challenge of defending Ovechkin and the Capitals, along with Boston’s preparation for the playoffs:
WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas says he well rested and ready for the team’s Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup against the Washington Capitals, which begins with Game 1 on Thursday at TD Garden.
The reigning Vezina and Conn Smythe winner, Thomas played all 25 playoff games last season and knows what to expect. Bruins coach Claude Julien gave Thomas an extended rest last week before he played in the season finale against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. In fact, when the Bruins traveled to Ottawa last week, Thomas, along with teammates Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, stayed in Boston.
The reigning Vezina and Conn Smythe winner, Thomas played all 25 playoff games last season and knows what to expect. Bruins coach Claude Julien gave Thomas an extended rest last week before he played in the season finale against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. In fact, when the Bruins traveled to Ottawa last week, Thomas, along with teammates Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, stayed in Boston.
Rask participates in full practice
April, 9, 2012
Apr 9
12:44
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Boston Bruins backup goaltender Tuukka Rask participated in the team’s full practice Monday morning at Ristuccia Arena, and though he was a little cautious, he said he felt good afterward.
Rask has been sidelined since March 3 after he suffered a groin/abdominal injury and only returned to the ice last week. If Rask is not ready for the first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals, the Bruins have Anton Khodobin to fill that backup role.
Rask was on the ice approximately 30 minutes before the start of practice and was working with goaltender coach Bob Essensa, along with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides.
“Good,” Rask said, when asked how he felt. “It was good to get back on the ice with the guys and stop some shots.”
He explained that he was able to do “pretty much everything” and admitted the last five-plus weeks have been very difficult not being able to help the team.
Rask has been sidelined since March 3 after he suffered a groin/abdominal injury and only returned to the ice last week. If Rask is not ready for the first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals, the Bruins have Anton Khodobin to fill that backup role.
Rask was on the ice approximately 30 minutes before the start of practice and was working with goaltender coach Bob Essensa, along with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides.
“Good,” Rask said, when asked how he felt. “It was good to get back on the ice with the guys and stop some shots.”
He explained that he was able to do “pretty much everything” and admitted the last five-plus weeks have been very difficult not being able to help the team.
WILMINGTON, Mass. -- While the Boston Bruins are practicing at Ristuccia Arena, their first-round opponent, the Washington Capitals, are also preparing for the quarterfinal matchup at their practice facility in Arlington, Va.
The Capitals have recalled goaltender Dany Sabourin from the Hershey Bears to serve as the likely backup to Braden Holtby.
Sabourin, a former Bruin, was 18-12-5 with a 2.76 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in 37 games for the Bears this season.
The Capitals have recalled goaltender Dany Sabourin from the Hershey Bears to serve as the likely backup to Braden Holtby.
Sabourin, a former Bruin, was 18-12-5 with a 2.76 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in 37 games for the Bears this season.
Chiarelli: 'It's going to be a good test'
April, 8, 2012
Apr 8
4:25
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- While the players were given a much-needed day of rest, the Boston Bruins management and coaching staff were hard at work to prepare the team for its Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup against the Washington Capitals, which begins Thursday at TD Garden.
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli conducted a 20-minute conference call Sunday afternoon and discussed his thoughts on the regular season and his expectations for the playoffs. Here are some of his points:
Q: Did the team reach expectations this season as defending Stanley Cup champions?
Chiarelli: "We knew we were facing some challenges this year and we took every effort to try and deal with them in advance, prepare for them in advance and whether we addressed them or not, we got through the season and I’m satisfied. The season itself felt really like three different seasons, the start, the great stretch and the mediocrity I think in the middle, or the latter portion. The good finish is what I’ve grown accustomed to so I don’t put that as an additional part, so those kind of lines were drawn into segments.
"Having said all that, it seems whenever I describe a season I always talk about ups and downs, so that’s part of what happens in the season and we certainly saw that this year. I was very happy to see our last eight or nine games where I felt the group -- players and coaches -- really bared down and paid attention to detail and were able to focus on getting the momentum and I feel we’ve captured that. I see kind of right through the lineup, I see, I think, guys clicking. I’m happy that where we are now, all seasons are up and down unless you have some record-breaking season. I’m satisfied that we got through it and we are where we are now.”
Q: What do you think the team’s chances are to repeat as Cup champions?
Chiarelli: “I feel good about our team. I think we have more skill because I think our skill has matured from last year. It’s so tight, I mean you've got to get some luck along the way, but I think we’ve got as good a chance as any to come out of the East. We’re facing a pretty formidable foe to start. We haven’t matched up well against Washington and we kind of caught them when we were in a bit of a down swing each time it seems. So it’s going to be a good test to start.”
Q: Are you disappointed to play Washington in the first round?
Chiarelli: “I’ve gotten over the hoping to play somebody thing over the years. At some point, you’ll have to play these teams and beat them. Often times, the season matchup doesn’t translate into the postseason matchup. The record shows we haven’t played as well against Washington, and for that reason it will probably be a tough opponent. Not disappointed, just ready to move on and face them as tough opponents. Ottawa would have been just as hard.”
Q: What did you take away from the games against the Capitals this season?
Chiarelli: “Aside from the last game, I don’t think we played very well against them. We went through a pretty long stretch when we were average and I think we played them twice in that stretch. I’m not going to give you our matchups. The big thing is [Zdeno] Chara against [Alexander] Ovechkin. Chara takes pride in shutting down Ovechkin, so I think obviously you’re going to see that matchup. They have some good skill, some real good shooters and it’s important to keep those guys on the outside inside. There’s a preliminary game plan for you.”
Q: How will having Nicklas Backstrom back in the lineup will help the Capitals?
Chiarelli: "Backstrom’s certainly one of their best players, if not their best sometimes. He missed almost all the year, so you don’t have the 100 percent Backstrom, but the lesser percent of Backstrom is still a really good player. He’s able to slow the game down a bit, distribute pucks to other shooters. They have their skill, and he’s going to enable their skill and the shooters.”
Q: What’s the biggest challenge the Bruins face against the Capitals?
Chiarelli: "I think we have to shut down their skill. Between Ovechkin, [Alexander] Semin, Backstrom, they've got good skill in the back end. They’re a high-end skill team, and I think it’s really important we play the gaps tight in all three zones with these guys. And we can do that. That’s the biggest thing, and we have to get pucks on their goalie. If it’s the goalie that’s been playing, Braden Holtby, I think he’s a good, young goalie, he’s just inexperienced so we have to get traffic and pucks there.
Q: Does Holtby present a challenge for the Bruins?
Chiarelli: “I think at the start that’s what it would be, and over the past years we’ve seen young goalies steal series, so that can happen too. Generally speaking, when a goalie is inexperienced going into the playoffs there’s some nervousness, so you have to be opportunistic and get at it right away.”
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli conducted a 20-minute conference call Sunday afternoon and discussed his thoughts on the regular season and his expectations for the playoffs. Here are some of his points:
Q: Did the team reach expectations this season as defending Stanley Cup champions?
Chiarelli: "We knew we were facing some challenges this year and we took every effort to try and deal with them in advance, prepare for them in advance and whether we addressed them or not, we got through the season and I’m satisfied. The season itself felt really like three different seasons, the start, the great stretch and the mediocrity I think in the middle, or the latter portion. The good finish is what I’ve grown accustomed to so I don’t put that as an additional part, so those kind of lines were drawn into segments.
"Having said all that, it seems whenever I describe a season I always talk about ups and downs, so that’s part of what happens in the season and we certainly saw that this year. I was very happy to see our last eight or nine games where I felt the group -- players and coaches -- really bared down and paid attention to detail and were able to focus on getting the momentum and I feel we’ve captured that. I see kind of right through the lineup, I see, I think, guys clicking. I’m happy that where we are now, all seasons are up and down unless you have some record-breaking season. I’m satisfied that we got through it and we are where we are now.”
Q: What do you think the team’s chances are to repeat as Cup champions?
Chiarelli: “I feel good about our team. I think we have more skill because I think our skill has matured from last year. It’s so tight, I mean you've got to get some luck along the way, but I think we’ve got as good a chance as any to come out of the East. We’re facing a pretty formidable foe to start. We haven’t matched up well against Washington and we kind of caught them when we were in a bit of a down swing each time it seems. So it’s going to be a good test to start.”
Q: Are you disappointed to play Washington in the first round?
Chiarelli: “I’ve gotten over the hoping to play somebody thing over the years. At some point, you’ll have to play these teams and beat them. Often times, the season matchup doesn’t translate into the postseason matchup. The record shows we haven’t played as well against Washington, and for that reason it will probably be a tough opponent. Not disappointed, just ready to move on and face them as tough opponents. Ottawa would have been just as hard.”
Q: What did you take away from the games against the Capitals this season?
Chiarelli: “Aside from the last game, I don’t think we played very well against them. We went through a pretty long stretch when we were average and I think we played them twice in that stretch. I’m not going to give you our matchups. The big thing is [Zdeno] Chara against [Alexander] Ovechkin. Chara takes pride in shutting down Ovechkin, so I think obviously you’re going to see that matchup. They have some good skill, some real good shooters and it’s important to keep those guys on the outside inside. There’s a preliminary game plan for you.”
Q: How will having Nicklas Backstrom back in the lineup will help the Capitals?
Chiarelli: "Backstrom’s certainly one of their best players, if not their best sometimes. He missed almost all the year, so you don’t have the 100 percent Backstrom, but the lesser percent of Backstrom is still a really good player. He’s able to slow the game down a bit, distribute pucks to other shooters. They have their skill, and he’s going to enable their skill and the shooters.”
Q: What’s the biggest challenge the Bruins face against the Capitals?
Chiarelli: "I think we have to shut down their skill. Between Ovechkin, [Alexander] Semin, Backstrom, they've got good skill in the back end. They’re a high-end skill team, and I think it’s really important we play the gaps tight in all three zones with these guys. And we can do that. That’s the biggest thing, and we have to get pucks on their goalie. If it’s the goalie that’s been playing, Braden Holtby, I think he’s a good, young goalie, he’s just inexperienced so we have to get traffic and pucks there.
Q: Does Holtby present a challenge for the Bruins?
Chiarelli: “I think at the start that’s what it would be, and over the past years we’ve seen young goalies steal series, so that can happen too. Generally speaking, when a goalie is inexperienced going into the playoffs there’s some nervousness, so you have to be opportunistic and get at it right away.”
The NHL has released the schedule for the first round of the playoffs, with the Bruins opening their series with the Washington Capitals on Thursday (7:30 p.m.) at TD Garden.
Game 2 of the series will be Saturday at 3, then the scene shifts to Washington for Games 3 and 4 on Monday April 16 and Thursday April 19.
If necessary, Game 5 will be Saturday April 22 at 3 p.m. at the Garden. Game 6 would be the next day in Washington (time TBD) with Game 7 back in Boston on Wednesday April 25.
Game 2 of the series will be Saturday at 3, then the scene shifts to Washington for Games 3 and 4 on Monday April 16 and Thursday April 19.
If necessary, Game 5 will be Saturday April 22 at 3 p.m. at the Garden. Game 6 would be the next day in Washington (time TBD) with Game 7 back in Boston on Wednesday April 25.
Lucic, Julien on how B's snapped funk
April, 7, 2012
Apr 7
10:55
PM ET
By
James Murphy | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- After Boston closed out the regular season with a 4-3 shootout win Saturday, the consensus in the dressing room was that as soon as the Bruins sensed the playoffs on the horizon, they pulled out of their midseason funk.
“There was a bit of a worry when we couldn’t even put two wins together, winning one, losing two, wining one, losing one,” winger Milan Lucic said. “The fact that we were able to regroup and get things going again is more of a confident feeling and we’re looking forward to the challenge that’s coming up ahead.”
A huge wake-up call might have been when the Bruins allowed the Ottawa Senators to surpass them in the division and conference standings in early March.
“I’m not going to say it’s impossible or doesn’t do a single thing,” Julien said of looking up at the Senators in the division and conference standings in early March. “I don’t think we liked seeing ourselves in the seventh spot, but the one thing that really helped us through it is, I think we started sensing the playoffs were getting close, and we knew that we had to play better to be a good playoff team.”
Julien believes that it was a mental battle at times for his team and once they realized that time was winding down and the playoffs were coming they became mentally tough again.
“As I said numerous times, I think it was more of a mental struggle this year than anything else. ...
"These guys are well-conditioned athletes, so physically, it’s never an issue, but ... if your mind tells you you’re tired, you’re going to look tired. If your mind tells you you’re not, you’re going to perform with better energy, and I think right now it’s a big mental obstacle that we had to overcome this year. ...
"I think once the excitement of the playoffs started getting closer, we started seeing the playoffs around the corner and all of a sudden we started getting excited again.”
“There was a bit of a worry when we couldn’t even put two wins together, winning one, losing two, wining one, losing one,” winger Milan Lucic said. “The fact that we were able to regroup and get things going again is more of a confident feeling and we’re looking forward to the challenge that’s coming up ahead.”
A huge wake-up call might have been when the Bruins allowed the Ottawa Senators to surpass them in the division and conference standings in early March.
“I’m not going to say it’s impossible or doesn’t do a single thing,” Julien said of looking up at the Senators in the division and conference standings in early March. “I don’t think we liked seeing ourselves in the seventh spot, but the one thing that really helped us through it is, I think we started sensing the playoffs were getting close, and we knew that we had to play better to be a good playoff team.”
Julien believes that it was a mental battle at times for his team and once they realized that time was winding down and the playoffs were coming they became mentally tough again.
“As I said numerous times, I think it was more of a mental struggle this year than anything else. ...
"These guys are well-conditioned athletes, so physically, it’s never an issue, but ... if your mind tells you you’re tired, you’re going to look tired. If your mind tells you you’re not, you’re going to perform with better energy, and I think right now it’s a big mental obstacle that we had to overcome this year. ...
"I think once the excitement of the playoffs started getting closer, we started seeing the playoffs around the corner and all of a sudden we started getting excited again.”
BOSTON -- Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas is the reigning Vezina and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and after playing a total of 59 regular-season games in 2011-2012, he says he’s ready for the postseason.
Thomas was one of the main reasons the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011, and coach Claude Julien believes his netminder is entering the 2012 playoffs in the right frame of mind.
“I don’t think he’s a tired goaltender,” Julien said. “I think he’s mentioned it, and I don’t see him being tired right now, and I’ve seen Tim tired before, and I see the signs, but he’s certainly not tired. And, if anything, he took the whole week off and avoided him traveling to Ottawa, which gave him even more rest. We’ve got a few days here to work on our game and get ourselves sharpened up, and that includes him.”
Thomas was one of the main reasons the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011, and coach Claude Julien believes his netminder is entering the 2012 playoffs in the right frame of mind.
“I don’t think he’s a tired goaltender,” Julien said. “I think he’s mentioned it, and I don’t see him being tired right now, and I’ve seen Tim tired before, and I see the signs, but he’s certainly not tired. And, if anything, he took the whole week off and avoided him traveling to Ottawa, which gave him even more rest. We’ve got a few days here to work on our game and get ourselves sharpened up, and that includes him.”
Julien endorses Chara for Norris Trophy
April, 7, 2012
Apr 7
10:36
PM ET
By
James Murphy | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- Zdeno Chara had some ups and downs in January and February, mirroring the Bruins’ inconsistency.
But the Bruins captain turned his game up a notch down the stretch, helping his team get back on track and helping himself get back into Norris Trophy contention.
Chara finished the season with a career-best 52 points and plus-33. Following the Bruins’ 4-3 shootout win over Buffalo in the regular-season finale, Chara wasn’t campaigning to win his second Norris Trophy, but he was happy with his season overall.
“I just try to play hard every game and to do my best,” Chara said. “For the whole season I think I did a pretty good job. I just try to do my best and shut down people and play strong defensively but this season I was able to help the offense and did my thing.”
But while Chara may have been humble, head coach Claude Julien had no problem putting in his vote for his captain. Julien made some valid points on why Chara should get the nod for the Norris.
“Oh, absolutely,” Julien said without hesitation. “There’s so much -- and I know coaches preach for their players -- but, to me, a Norris Trophy defenseman has to be a good all-around defenseman, and Zdeno’s plus/minus speaks for itself. He plays the top players on every team every night, and look how well he’s doing in the plus/minus.
“Offensively, he’s got the best stats he’s ever had, and defensively, obviously, he’s done a great job at shutting down other players. I think that especially in the last month, he’s been playing some of his best hockey I’ve ever seen. So, to me, he’s deserving because he’s a complete defenseman, and that’s what it should be.
“I mean, to each his own. We’ve seen people preach for guys that have high stats, mixed stats, and I guess, D’s that really love to go on the offense, so if we’re looking for an offensive defenseman award, let’s make it that, but if it’s the Norris, it’s for a good all-around defenseman, and in my mind, it’s Zdeno Chara.”
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Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesZdeno Chara was his usual hard-hitting self in the season finale.
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesZdeno Chara was his usual hard-hitting self in the season finale.Chara finished the season with a career-best 52 points and plus-33. Following the Bruins’ 4-3 shootout win over Buffalo in the regular-season finale, Chara wasn’t campaigning to win his second Norris Trophy, but he was happy with his season overall.
“I just try to play hard every game and to do my best,” Chara said. “For the whole season I think I did a pretty good job. I just try to do my best and shut down people and play strong defensively but this season I was able to help the offense and did my thing.”
But while Chara may have been humble, head coach Claude Julien had no problem putting in his vote for his captain. Julien made some valid points on why Chara should get the nod for the Norris.
“Oh, absolutely,” Julien said without hesitation. “There’s so much -- and I know coaches preach for their players -- but, to me, a Norris Trophy defenseman has to be a good all-around defenseman, and Zdeno’s plus/minus speaks for itself. He plays the top players on every team every night, and look how well he’s doing in the plus/minus.
“Offensively, he’s got the best stats he’s ever had, and defensively, obviously, he’s done a great job at shutting down other players. I think that especially in the last month, he’s been playing some of his best hockey I’ve ever seen. So, to me, he’s deserving because he’s a complete defenseman, and that’s what it should be.
“I mean, to each his own. We’ve seen people preach for guys that have high stats, mixed stats, and I guess, D’s that really love to go on the offense, so if we’re looking for an offensive defenseman award, let’s make it that, but if it’s the Norris, it’s for a good all-around defenseman, and in my mind, it’s Zdeno Chara.”
Video: Bergy focused on play, not opponent
April, 7, 2012
Apr 7
10:26
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron should be the top candidate for the Selke Trophy this season as the league’s top defensive forward.
But the team’s assistant captain is not focused on individual awards. Bergy wants a chance to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
After the Bruins’ 4-3 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday at TD Garden, Bergeron said it’s going to be an intense challenge, but as long as the team plays its game, a deep run could be possible.
But the team’s assistant captain is not focused on individual awards. Bergy wants a chance to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
After the Bruins’ 4-3 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday at TD Garden, Bergeron said it’s going to be an intense challenge, but as long as the team plays its game, a deep run could be possible.
Video: David Krejci ready for Cup run
April, 7, 2012
Apr 7
10:22
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- David Krejci was a major contributor when the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
The team’s top-line center finished this season with 23 goals and 39 assists for 62 points and says he’s ready for the 2012 playoffs and a chance to repeat as champions.
He spoke with ESPNBoston.com after Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres in the season finale:
The team’s top-line center finished this season with 23 goals and 39 assists for 62 points and says he’s ready for the 2012 playoffs and a chance to repeat as champions.
He spoke with ESPNBoston.com after Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres in the season finale:
Rapid reaction: Bruins 4, Sabres 3 (SO)
April, 7, 2012
Apr 7
7:23
PM ET
By
James Murphy | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins erased a two-goal, third-period deficit and beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in the shootout to close the regular season with 102 points. Patrice Bergeron scored the shootout winner and had three assists, Tyler Seguin had two goals and Brad Marchand scored for the Bruins. Brad Boyes had two goals for the Sabres, and Jason Pominville also scored for Buffalo.
Bergeron the Bruins' MVP this season? Patrice Bergeron is a definite candidate for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best two-way forward this season, but he has to be considered a candidate for the Bruins’ MVP as well. Bergeron had three helpers and got the shootout winner on Saturday to finish the season with 42 assists and 22 goals. Bergeron has been the key cog on the Bruins' most consistent line with Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin as his wings. In a season that had some ups and downs, the quiet leader led by example and carried the Bruins when they needed it most, just as he did on Saturday.
Seguin showing he’s ready for real season to begin: If his final regular-season game is any indication, Seguin intends to continue his breakout season in the playoffs as well. Seguin scored two goals to finish the season with 29 lamplighters and looks poised to have an impact in the postseason after being a frequent healthy scratch in the playoffs in his rookie season.
Thomas back in: After watching the last two games from home, Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was back between the pipes for his final tune-up before the playoffs begin next week. Thomas was solid making 26 saves and stopped all three shootout shots he faced. Thomas appears ready to help the Bruins make another run at the Stanley Cup.
McQuaid, Boychuk, Krug and Rolston sit; Mottau, Paille play: Defensemen Adam McQuaid (eye), Johnny Boychuk (knee) and Torey Krug (healthy scratch) and forward Brian Rolston sat out Saturday’s game while defenseman Mike Mottau and forward Daniel Paille were back in the lineup. Here’s what the lineup looked like:
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Rich Peverley
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
Benoit Pouliot-Chris Kelly-Jordan Caron
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton
Zdeno Chara-Dennis Seidenberg
Andrew Ference-Joe Corvo
Mike Mottau-Greg Zanon
Tim Thomas
Anton Khudobin
Julien unsure on Rask's playoff status
April, 7, 2012
Apr 7
3:46
PM ET
By
James Murphy | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON – Bruins coach Claude Julien has said all week that he is optimistic that goalie Tuukka Rask – out since March 3 with a groin injury – will be practicing with the team next week and ready for the playoffs. But prior to the Bruins’ regular-season finale with the Sabres, Julien told the media he wasn’t so sure.
“No, I don’t have a handle on that to be honest with you,” Julien said of Rask, who has been skating with the training staff this past week. “He’s progressing but there could be setbacks as he progresses. It’s hard for me to predict, though, because if everything goes well you say ‘Well, there’s a chance,’ but at one point if he stalls a little bit and everything stays the same then you’re saying ‘He won’t be ready for the start,’ so it’s hard to tell. Nobody knows. I don’t and neither do our medical staff.”
If Rask is unable to go at the start of the playoffs, recent call-up Anton Khudobin – who made 44 saves in a 3-1 win at Ottawa Thursday – will back up Tim Thomas.
“No, I don’t have a handle on that to be honest with you,” Julien said of Rask, who has been skating with the training staff this past week. “He’s progressing but there could be setbacks as he progresses. It’s hard for me to predict, though, because if everything goes well you say ‘Well, there’s a chance,’ but at one point if he stalls a little bit and everything stays the same then you’re saying ‘He won’t be ready for the start,’ so it’s hard to tell. Nobody knows. I don’t and neither do our medical staff.”
If Rask is unable to go at the start of the playoffs, recent call-up Anton Khudobin – who made 44 saves in a 3-1 win at Ottawa Thursday – will back up Tim Thomas.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Joe McDonald
Joe McDonald, a native Rhode Islander, joined ESPNBoston.com as a Bruins and Red Sox reporter in February 2010. He has worked at the Providence Journal since 1992, covering the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, PawSox and Providence Bruins over the past nine years. Ask a question in our next Bruins mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
James Murphy
James Murphy has covered the Bruins and the NHL for the last nine seasons. In addition to being in his second season with ESPNBostoncom, Murphy has written for NHL.com, NESN.com, Insidehockey.com and Le Hockey Magazine. He also hosts the "Hockey Prime Time Show" heard every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on "NHL Home Ice" XM 92 and Sirius 207 as well as hockeyprimetime.com. Ask a question in our next Bruins mailbag
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