Was just doing some thinking about how much pleasure i get seeing the boys do well so i thought i would share some thoughts with my fellow Bruin lovers.
Soak it up, I mean really take some time and think about how nice it is to see the group of players/management we have right now. It doesnt happen often. The players are all good people, the right type of players who battle hard and out work opponents (no coasters for the most part). When you cheer for a team the way im guessing most of us, certainly I, do you get emotionally attached. It doesnt matter if the B's go on for another 15 seasons without making playoffs I will still be cheering for them. They are my team, I have identified with them. They are part of my life. When they lose it hurts, when they win its like a small high.
We could be fans of any other team (NYI, CLB, MTL) but they would all be in worse spots than the Bruins. We, for whatever our individual reason, are lucky enough to be attached to this squad right now and I think its a fortunate thing.
Most threads on here tend to be of the negative nature. Krejci plays bad for a couple games and everyone instant reacts and wants him gone, Boychuk makes one mental error in a game and people get mad and want him traded, Seguin cools off a bit and the "bust" crew comes out. It may be because that is what gets people talking/posting/arguing but when the hockey that we get to watch is this good I think we need to recognize this and take a minute to appreciate the total effort of everyone involved.
I learned from my sports loving Uncle that things balance out. Players that start seasons putting up ridiculous numbers usually come back down to earth and the other way around as well. Teams that start like hot-fire usually cool off. Whether it's due to injury, strength of schedule, or just running cold I think it is realistic to expect us to cool off a little in the future. When, or crossing fingers *IF* that happens to us its gonna be tough. So embrace this period of time right now and thoroughly enjoy the product because it wont always be like this.
Also on a side note, as a fan base let's rise above the trolls. Don't go on the main board being cocky/arrogant/obnoxious when it comes to the Bruins. We have a sick team, best in the league right now and are the defending champs. Let's make an effort to stay classy, be proud! but be smart. I guess what I'm saying is as a fan base let's be Bergeron's not Lapierre's.
Was just doing some thinking about how much pleasure i get seeing the boys do well so i thought i would share some thoughts with my fellow Bruin lovers.
Soak it up, I mean really take some time and think about how nice it is to see the group of players/management we have right now. It doesnt happen often. The players are all good people, the right type of players who battle hard and out work opponents (no coasters for the most part). When you cheer for a team the way im guessing most of us, certainly I, do you get emotionally attached. It doesnt matter if the B's go on for another 15 seasons without making playoffs I will still be cheering for them. They are my team, I have identified with them. They are part of my life. When they lose it hurts, when they win its like a small high.
We could be fans of any other team (NYI, CLB, MTL) but they would all be in worse spots than the Bruins. We, for whatever our individual reason, are lucky enough to be attached to this squad right now and I think its a fortunate thing.
Most threads on here tend to be of the negative nature. Krejci plays bad for a couple games and everyone instant reacts and wants him gone, Boychuk makes one mental error in a game and people get mad and want him traded, Seguin cools off a bit and the "bust" crew comes out. It may be because that is what gets people talking/posting/arguing but when the hockey that we get to watch is this good I think we need to recognize this and take a minute to appreciate the total effort of everyone involved.
I learned from my sports loving Uncle that things balance out. Players that start seasons putting up ridiculous numbers usually come back down to earth and the other way around as well. Teams that start like hot-fire usually cool off. Whether it's due to injury, strength of schedule, or just running cold I think it is realistic to expect us to cool off a little in the future. When, or crossing fingers *IF* that happens to us its gonna be tough. So embrace this period of time right now and thoroughly enjoy the product because it wont always be like this.
Also on a side note, as a fan base let's rise above the trolls. Don't go on the main board being cocky/arrogant/obnoxious when it comes to the Bruins. We have a sick team, best in the league right now and are the defending champs. Let's make an effort to stay classy, be proud! but be smart. I guess what I'm saying is as a fan base let's be Bergeron's not Lapierre's.
You never know what you have until its gone.
Wasn't too long ago this team was absolutely horrible.
The Dave Lewis era, or was it error?
The first lines usually had decent talent, then the 2nd through 4th lines
were a bunch of ahl'rs. Pulling scraps off the heap and throwing a B's
jersey on them. Signing a bunch of has beens, and hope they turn
back into what they once were.
Wasn't too long ago this team was absolutely horrible.
The Dave Lewis era, or was it error?
The first lines usually had decent talent, then the 2nd through 4th lines
were a bunch of ahl'rs. Pulling scraps off the heap and throwing a B's
jersey on them. Signing a bunch of has beens, and hope they turn
back into what they once were.
These are the good ole days!
Whilst it was no doubt more extreme in the Lewis era (before my time as a B's fan), the current management style hasn't changed all that much. We're still signing players that could be called 'scraps' by some teams - certainly Corvo and Pouliot fit into the category of trying to mould a player that has struggled to fit in at one team, and giving them another chance. The difference is of course we have a fantastic team system which everyone buys into.
I think Pouliot has the potential to be a very very good player in Boston - possibly twice the player he was in Montreal. Sometimes its just a matter of environment.
We have the luxury of having a deep team which doesn't require star players to be at the top of their game in order to be successful. If Krej or Lucic are invisible for a few games, it rarely has an impact on results. Invariably other lines find ways of scoring instead.
Whilst it was no doubt more extreme in the Lewis era (before my time as a B's fan), the current management style hasn't changed all that much. We're still signing players that could be called 'scraps' by some teams - certainly Corvo and Pouliot fit into the category of trying to mould a player that has struggled to fit in at one team, and giving them another chance. The difference is of course we have a fantastic team system which everyone buys into.
I think Pouliot has the potential to be a very very good player in Boston - possibly twice the player he was in Montreal. Sometimes its just a matter of environment.
We have the luxury of having a deep team which doesn't require star players to be at the top of their game in order to be successful. If Krej or Lucic are invisible for a few games, it rarely has an impact on results. Invariably other lines find ways of scoring instead.
They have a luxury of being a deep team with arguably no "stars" IMO outside of elite talents like Z/Timmy and Bergy who is an elite talent of a different sort.
Which in turn leads the kind of shallow fan who follows a team because of its centerpiece forward to conclude that our run is somehow a fluke, or that we're a boring defensive team because we don't have that one guy that when he's out there with the puck on his stick you know you're supposed to get excited.
And then there's Seguin. We could ultimately have that franchise forward while keeping the rest of this core intact (with Tuukka in net hopefully) going forward for the next 3-5 years. The idea that there's upside beyond this situation we're in right now is ridiculous and amazing.
These are great times to be a B'S fan, just shows you what competent management can do, we have one of the best in the business in Chia, ably supported by President Neely. They have us set up to be a major contender for years, a place where other players will want to come play.
I think we're a few steps north of "competent" right now. Bringing Neely on board seems to have been a stroke of genius by Jacobs, because now the master bean counter has to answer to a hockey mind and the alchemy there is creating some really strong moves. If we'd had an owner that was into the game Neely might not be necessary, but in the absence of that he was critical.
The Peverley and Kelly signings showed that the team is now able to identify its weaknesses and the available players who can fill them. That's a critical ability.
I think we're a few steps north of "competent" right now. Bringing Neely on board seems to have been a stroke of genius by Jacobs, because now the master bean counter has to answer to a hockey mind and the alchemy there is creating some really strong moves. If we'd had an owner that was into the game Neely might not be necessary, but in the absence of that he was critical.
The Peverley and Kelly signings showed that the team is now able to identify its weaknesses and the available players who can fill them. That's a critical ability.
Perhaps competent wasn't a strong enough term. I agree that Neely's role in this is huge, everything from the trades to the Bruins style of play. I think last year's comment by a frustrated Neely that said something to the affect that you can't win games 0-0 loosened up Claude just enough where the Bruins no longer just sat back playing passive defensive hockey. This year's team just goes for it, that's the result of now having a lot more confidence and more talent.
Whilst it was no doubt more extreme in the Lewis era (before my time as a B's fan), the current management style hasn't changed all that much. We're still signing players that could be called 'scraps' by some teams - certainly Corvo and Pouliot fit into the category of trying to mould a player that has struggled to fit in at one team, and giving them another chance. The difference is of course we have a fantastic team system which everyone buys into.
I think Pouliot has the potential to be a very very good player in Boston - possibly twice the player he was in Montreal. Sometimes its just a matter of environment.
We have the luxury of having a deep team which doesn't require star players to be at the top of their game in order to be successful. If Krej or Lucic are invisible for a few games, it rarely has an impact on results. Invariably other lines find ways of scoring instead.
I'd say another big difference is that those players are coming in at realistic contracts that are low risk/high reward.
You just can't compare Corvo & Pouliot to, say, Zhamnov ($4.1m) & Leetch ($4m). The previous regime was seemingly in a bidding war with no one to acquire past-their-prime, overpaid 'names'.
I think Neely was the difference, personally. Also, while the future seems bright, that is nowhere near as exciting as the way the team is performing right now. The future is unpredictable. especially with prospects and draft picks...but the very palpable feeling that this team is of the highest caliber in the NHL is unmistakable.
I always have trouble with "letting it sink in". I just can't seem to appreciate the amazing success this team has had as much as bonded with those who suffered its setbacks. I was in shock when they won the cup, and it wasn't until the summer than I could really believe it had happened.
But yeah, enjoy the present while you can. Adversity and setbacks are right around the corner.
__________________
Terry Tomasi / Backin72
A true fan who will always be remembered.
Perhaps competent wasn't a strong enough term. I agree that Neely's role in this is huge, everything from the trades to the Bruins style of play. I think last year's comment by a frustrated Neely that said something to the affect that you can't win games 0-0 loosened up Claude just enough where the Bruins no longer just sat back playing passive defensive hockey. This year's team just goes for it, that's the result of now having a lot more confidence and more talent.
Personally I think Julien fired back behind closed doors. Something like "Fine. You want to open the system up? Then bring in some players that will allow me to do that. Right now I am doing everything I can with the players you've given me, who are slow and immobile and need to play back to avoid getting burnt. You want to open the system, give me players who can play an open system. I want speed. I want depth. I want forechecking ability up and down the lines. I want passing and skating from the blueliners. You get me that, I'll open things up."
Was just doing some thinking about how much pleasure i get seeing the boys do well so i thought i would share some thoughts with my fellow Bruin lovers.
Soak it up, I mean really take some time and think about how nice it is to see the group of players/management we have right now. It doesnt happen often. The players are all good people, the right type of players who battle hard and out work opponents (no coasters for the most part). When you cheer for a team the way im guessing most of us, certainly I, do you get emotionally attached. It doesnt matter if the B's go on for another 15 seasons without making playoffs I will still be cheering for them. They are my team, I have identified with them. They are part of my life. When they lose it hurts, when they win its like a small high.
We could be fans of any other team (NYI, CLB, MTL) but they would all be in worse spots than the Bruins. We, for whatever our individual reason, are lucky enough to be attached to this squad right now and I think its a fortunate thing.
Most threads on here tend to be of the negative nature. Krejci plays bad for a couple games and everyone instant reacts and wants him gone, Boychuk makes one mental error in a game and people get mad and want him traded, Seguin cools off a bit and the "bust" crew comes out. It may be because that is what gets people talking/posting/arguing but when the hockey that we get to watch is this good I think we need to recognize this and take a minute to appreciate the total effort of everyone involved.
I learned from my sports loving Uncle that things balance out. Players that start seasons putting up ridiculous numbers usually come back down to earth and the other way around as well. Teams that start like hot-fire usually cool off. Whether it's due to injury, strength of schedule, or just running cold I think it is realistic to expect us to cool off a little in the future. When, or crossing fingers *IF* that happens to us its gonna be tough. So embrace this period of time right now and thoroughly enjoy the product because it wont always be like this.
Also on a side note, as a fan base let's rise above the trolls. Don't go on the main board being cocky/arrogant/obnoxious when it comes to the Bruins. We have a sick team, best in the league right now and are the defending champs. Let's make an effort to stay classy, be proud! but be smart. I guess what I'm saying is as a fan base let's be Bergeron's not Lapierre's.
Not trying to pat myself on the back or anything...more so my Uncle. Guy is a complete F up in terms of life but the one thing he does know is sports. I made this on the 31st and basically accept full blame for the stretch we have been on since than
Was just doing some thinking about how much pleasure i get seeing the boys do well so i thought i would share some thoughts with my fellow Bruin lovers.
Soak it up, I mean really take some time and think about how nice it is to see the group of players/management we have right now. It doesnt happen often. The players are all good people, the right type of players who battle hard and out work opponents (no coasters for the most part). When you cheer for a team the way im guessing most of us, certainly I, do you get emotionally attached. It doesnt matter if the B's go on for another 15 seasons without making playoffs I will still be cheering for them. They are my team, I have identified with them. They are part of my life. When they lose it hurts, when they win its like a small high.
Most threads on here tend to be of the negative nature. Krejci plays bad for a couple games and everyone instant reacts and wants him gone, Boychuk makes one mental error in a game and people get mad and want him traded, Seguin cools off a bit and the "bust" crew comes out. It may be because that is what gets people talking/posting/arguing but when the hockey that we get to watch is this good I think we need to recognize this and take a minute to appreciate the total effort of everyone involved.
Also on a side note, as a fan base let's rise above the trolls. Don't go on the main board being cocky/arrogant/obnoxious when it comes to the Bruins. We have a sick team, best in the league right now and are the defending champs. Let's make an effort to stay classy, be proud! but be smart. I guess what I'm saying is as a fan base let's be Bergeron's not Lapierre's.
I agree 100% - I have been a lifelong Bruins fan and this team is special. I appreciate every player for who they are and what they bring. Of course there are errors and players lose their edge from time to time. I hate seeing people disrespecting Thomas especially - how quickly they forget what he did for us. The team slumping is just that - the team - not just one or two players to be used as scape goats.
I rarely visit the main page - responding to ignorant trolls is just feeding them. It will make absolutely no difference in the world if I don't read their crap.
Not trying to pat myself on the back or anything...more so my Uncle. Guy is a complete F up in terms of life but the one thing he does know is sports. I made this on the 31st and basically accept full blame for the stretch we have been on since than
It was a great post on December 31st and still is today ... despite the slump you threw us into.
I hear ya, my buddy who is also a Bruins fan were talking about the team the other day and we were saying "oh no this team sucks" but then we looked back on the last 2 years and thought this team isn't so bad.
Won a Cup - It doesn't get any better
Go on a two month surge where they are almost unbeatable- amazing
Get hit with a slew of injuries and still play .500 hockey - very stable
Life is good, remember you could be a Blue Jackets Fan, Detroit Lions fans before the last couple of years, L.A. Clippers fan, ect.
Many teams never do anything and us fans are lucky to have a team that mostly gives it their all every game and brought the holy grail back to Boston since the early 70s.
Not trying to pat myself on the back or anything...more so my Uncle. Guy is a complete F up in terms of life but the one thing he does know is sports. I made this on the 31st and basically accept full blame for the stretch we have been on since than
An 82-game schedule is going to have its share of ups and downs, and teams are going to suffer ill as well as good fortune, and injuries. That's part of the game.
The premise remains the same. The Bruins are defending Stanley Cup champions, and one of the elite teams in the NHL for now and the foreseeable future. They didn't have to lose key players after the Cup win to make the salary cap, they've been able to re-sign important players (Chara, Bergeron, Krejci), and the future looks tremendous (Seguin, Hamilton). Sometimes I feel like a character in a Pearl Buck novel in that I should lament how horrible our team is so the gods don't get jealous (hmmm, maybe that's why the Negative Nellies do what they do?).
Not going to lie, having knows what it feels like to win, gives me infinite more respect for franchises like the Yankees and Canadiens. Lots of Boston Sports fans complain about how their fan bases handle things. But the fact of the matter is that they only know success and expect it from their players. There is a reason boo'ing your own players is called the Bronx cheer.
Its easy to "let it sink in" an while doing it you become complacent. Some of this could be said about the early 1970s Bruins, looking back at it, should they only have had 2 cups? Perhaps a bit more discipline would have gotten them more?
I am great-full and thoroughly enjoyed what the Bruins did last season but I want it again this season, and the next, and the season after that. Keep the foot on the gas peddle and don't your opinion of a player be affected by their past success'.
Best part of all of this is that the Bruins are positioned to only get better. All their key players are already locked up at reasonable money, they have plenty of cap space, and all their best prospects have yet to play in the NHL yet so the future is really bright even without spending that cap money on a big UFA piece. The only real problem this team has is long-term injury concerns, but even those problems are mitigated by the cap space that is freed up whenever someone like Horton or Savard is out indefinitely.
Not trying to pat myself on the back or anything...more so my Uncle. Guy is a complete F up in terms of life but the one thing he does know is sports. I made this on the 31st and basically accept full blame for the stretch we have been on since than
I still say the Bruins are the best team in the league, and we will repeat this year, you can rebump this thread and revisit this post this summer as we are celebrating another cup win
what`s funny is that we Bruin fans here rip apart our team, screaming about their struggles, frustrated and disappointed in our goaltending yet.....you listen to all the broadcasts out there (especially Bob Mackenzie) and to a person, injuries/struggles aside, they all point to the Bruins as a top Cup contender yet again
what`s funny is that we Bruin fans here rip apart our team, screaming about their struggles, frustrated and disappointed in our goaltending yet.....you listen to all the broadcasts out there (especially Bob Mackenzie) and to a person, injuries/struggles aside, they all point to the Bruins as a top Cup contender yet again
Quote:
O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
