any of the complimentary things i said about nashville have to be taken back. they were an absolutely dreadful team to watch- just dreadful. take a 2-1 lead in the 1st, and then sit back like the hurricanes do all game long. what a bore. nice to see hartnell hiding behind a shield now too (eye rolling guy)
as for the game itself, the refs were flat-out disgusting. marty lapointe was yelling "awful" at them as the buzzer went off, and there's really no other way to describe it. the NHL should use this game as a how-to video for refs, as in "how-to NOT call a game".
as for the b's, well, rayzor was sharp to keep them in the game in the last 2 periods, but we couldn't get one in. again, i don't credit vokoun for this, but a lack of luck in the bounces department. he made the saves he was supposed to make, but got lucky on several occasions. all i can say is good riddance to these bozos (refs and hook/hold/whack predators), and let's move on to a win on sunday.
I called in sick for work today just to watch this game, well I do have a cold and it's snowing out right now so it wouldn't have been good for me to go outside anyways . But your right I thought Nashville would have been a fun team to watch but man are they boring or what, sure they got the win and congratulations to them but I honestly thought they were actually entertaining to watch. Since when did Hartnell start wearing a visor, he even looked scared of Boynton with about a minute left when they got into that little scuffle, he kept looking back for the refs to step in. Than he starts yapping at Boynton when their being escorted to the box, I thought this kid was tougher than that, he showed me absolutley nothing tonight. Than to top it all of Nashville decides to scrath Jordin Tootoo and play a nobody name Vernon Fiddler or something weird like that.
Just a very disappointing game to say the least. And Lapointe was right the refs were awful.
Bergeron played his best game of the season, I thought he used more of this talent today instead of just smarts, does this guy have the potential to be a #1 centerman? I think it's possible, he's very smart, and more talented then I think people give him credit for because of how smart is he out there.
I was very impressed with Bergeron today. He created some chances and was all over the Preds in their zone.
i'd say most of the penalties were borderline. the fact that it took a nashville Dman to body slam bergeron for us to get a PP speaks volumes on the atrocity of today's zebras (SNICKER)
Ok..not a bad game by the bruins..though OD should take a hard look in the mirror after this game..he was awful..he gave them the first goal and almost gave them an insurance goal in the end...Refs were god awful..I mean that Berg high stick was so stupid..he didnt even get close to his face..its amazing that you could see Lapointe's stick getting help while out front of the net, nothing and the ref is standing right there!!! I hate when refs decide that when they get yelled at that they have to take it upon themselves to make sure they call every marginal call against the bruins while allowing the marginal stuff on the other end..I mean there suppose to be profesional refs arent they?? They should call it fair no matter if a team's players are yelling at them or not... and it doesnt happen with just the bruins!! I have seen it a few times this year...and a ref should not take it upon themselves to sway a game cause there mad...thats one of the biggest problems with the NHL Refs...
As for the rest of the game...why would sully sit Zino??? the kid was playing well..and since Sully decides to use thornton and murray for everything..why have Zam out there when he is doing nothing!! I dont like the whole put Thornton out for everything..I am slowly not liking Sully for this reason...he has axe, rolly, green Zam, Lapointe..and he needs thornton and Murary out there???? talk about putting no trust in the rest of the team..isnt this what Ftorek did last year!!!
THe defense has been becoming more and more like last year..stupid turnovers and stuff..this is three losses in a row..do you get that eerily simlar feeling as last year?? I mean its just like last year...they started winning games they should have lost, then defensive breakdowns and now there losing games they should have won...and now there doing the whole running into a hot goalie thing..its all the same..I hope I am wrong but geez its looking like last year...
i was really impressed with sammy trying to work through hooks/clutches er checks and i really like putting sammy on the odd shift with thornton against the trap. this occasional pairing WILL work (against the trappists - appologies to the belgian monks) as the year goes on.
we need bergeron (who played great - Caron - "don't you have to touch the opponent to get a high sticking penalty?") to get the rolston line going.
good overall effort - one dreadful mistake and two points lost. team deserved four points out of the last two games - disappointing.
thornton's and grosek's offensive zone penalties in the 3rd were legit - we seem to take the obvious penalties. as for how the game was called - why bother.
That officiating was pathetic today. I really hope the refs are relieved their bets in Reno are going to stand up.
We have the least amount of PP opportunities in the league, what in the world does that say? This is getting absolutely ridiculous, and If I'm Sully, Joe, Lapointe, MOC, and whoever is in that Bruins lockerroom, I say blast the officials and Bettman himself, regardless of what kind of fine is levied...
Something has to change...
The game is having problems for reasons like this... throughout the game the Preds were holding/hooking Bruin players and getting away with it, but anytime the Bruins did something even marginal (the bergeron penalty) they were caught. Now, after all that other holding/hooking that the Preds were doing that could have been called, the refs go ahead and call the one where the player dives abit (bergeron let up abit) and falls to the ice. This is where it's wrong, the players who were held and hooked before didn't fall, but the second someone does it's a penalty, it's like forcing players to dive. I had a feeling the reason why Bergeron fell down the way he did was only to make sure that it would be called. That's the way I saw the reffing, and it was horrible in that way.
not that i advocate gooning it up, but part of me wished every bruin on the ice at the time of the boynton and hartnell matching minors dropped the gloves and pounded the preds. rather than complain to the media in the locker room (and look like winers), make a statement ON the ice that were sick and tired and we will pound you into the ice - suggest to the powers that be that the officials lost control of the game.
not that i advocate gooning it up, but part of me wished every bruin on the ice at the time of the boynton and hartnell matching minors dropped the gloves and pounded the preds. rather than complain to the media in the locker room (and look like winers), make a statement ON the ice that were sick and tired and we will pound you into the ice - suggest to the powers that be that the officials lost control of the game.
The problem with that is the game was 2-1 at that point, and the B's couldn't afford another penalty.
It's easy to say in hindsight now that the game is in the books that they should've pounded on the Predators, but in a one-goal match with less than 5 minutes on the clock, it wouldn't be the right move.
I agree with Cam Neely- the effort was there. It's a shame that the B's came out on the losing end, but give Vokoun credit. He made some great saves to keep the B's out of the net in the 2nd and 3rd periods. It's very, very difficult to make a one-goal lead standup, and he did it. This makes the loss to St. Louis that much harder to swallow because Felix Potvin couldn't.
Big game against Phoenix on Sunday night to get back on track.
Well folks it looks as if the Bruins are starting the downward slide like last year. Bergeron has cooled off and Jason King from Vancouver is starting to spread the gap in points among the rookies in the scoring race.
No time to panic yet, but here is where we go from tops in the East to 7th or 8th in the playoffs. Why is it that this happens every year around this time?
hey shane- the statement "bergeron has cooled off" certainly doesn't apply to today's game. i agree that he's been sub-par lately, but i thought he was awesome today. as someone mentioned earlier, he used his talent today- made some great moves, passes and was really battling in front of the net (i wonder if DC noticed patrice parked out in front of the net taking crosschecks to the back ). he's no mary folks- this kid is willing to get dirty. maybe he doesn't drop the gloves, but why should he have to? he gets an A+ from me today. but i do think he'd benefit moving to that 3rd line, and he'd also help pick up rolston and axelsson. get zino back in there, as his creativity really helps us against these trap happy squads.
What I was told, and again- this is all in hindsight, and based on a conversation I had a few years back with someone involved- is that the Bruins wanted three players very badly:
Rick DiPietro, Dany Heatley and Scott Hartnell.
They attempted to work a trade into the top-three, not knowing that Mike Milbury was going to trade Roberto Luongo AND Kevin Weekes on the same day in order to grab DiPietro with the top pick.
Apparently, the Bruins were going for DiPietro at the top, but would've taken Heatley next, with Hartnell being the third guy they were willing to give up a lot (Anson Carter, multiple 1sts, prospects) to consummate a deal. Unfortunately for them, the teams they talked with were very sold on the available players, and wanted a lot more from Boston.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Isles grabbed DiPietro, Thrashers- Heatley, and Hartnell nearly slipped all the way down to the B's. In the HF Editor Mock Draft, someone actually drafted Anton Volchenkov with the Predators' pick, allowing me to select Hartnell 7th for the Bruins. Alas, reality played out differently. But this kind of thing is a lot of fun to speculate about.
The 2000 draft wasn't considered all that great going into it, but it is actually shaping up to be one of the best years in recent memory given how well a lot of the players have turned out.
I remember getting ready to puke because of the rumours that Boston wanted to move all the way up to get DiPietro with the number one pick. He definately didn't seem like the sure thing required for a sane person to do something like that.
Still there would have been nothing to prevent Boston from going fairly hard after the number five pick from Milbury after Hartnell didn't go in the top four. Since Milbury was more interested in Torres than Hartnell and Mike was picking Torres a few spots higher than his consensus ranking, a last minute deal may have been workable. The one thing that may have prevented it was that, given the type of player Nashville tends to pick, Milbury may have been too concerned that Nashville would go after Torres at number six. If Milbury didn't have a backup choice than perhaps he may have asked for too much for Boston to move up just two spots.
Since when did Hartnell start wearing a visor, he even looked scared of Boynton with about a minute left when they got into that little scuffle, he kept looking back for the refs to step in. Than he starts yapping at Boynton when their being escorted to the box, I thought this kid was tougher than that, he showed me absolutley nothing tonight.
Hartnell started wearing a visor either early last year or maybe even during his rookie season after he took a stick to the eye. I guess he decided millions of dollars in career earnings was more important than not giving opposing fans something to complain about.
Do you perscribe to the Gord Kluzak theory that everyone in the league is scared of every single Bruin or is this a one time misconception? If there wasn't an instigator rule, I imagine that Hartnell would have been happy to drop the gloves with Boynton. And I bet that, if they did, it would likely be a pretty entertaining tussle because they are both semi-tough, hard-nosed guys.
Haven't read any posts yet but a few comments before I wade in to them:
The Broons came to play today, there was no doubt they were into it but the penalties- as they always seem to do- curtailed any momentum.
I knew we were in trouble when it was Rooney and Jackson. The Broons were very undisciplined regardless- they actually could've picked up two more that were very flagerent- Boynton at the end should have gotten 4 himself and McGillis just chopped a Pred and the ref shook his head- what? But, that could have been frustration because the Preds were constantly taking one hand off the stick and placing them on the 700 lb line. I noticed the Preds put a shadow on Joe and had the center go with him which was actually pretty good because it forced Joe to skate- and he was outstanding. The center never really held him but once he went in the corner- bingo! What happened was 2 obvious holds/interferences early that weren't called against the Preds and then the Broons get a penalty and they score.
Samsonov played one of the best games I have ever seen him- he was not skating but hopping from point A to point B. He cuts so sharp that on one of those two penalties that weren't called if the ref thought he fell on his own. Either way the non call was huge. Bergeron was phenomenal- what a player he is going to be. He's actually tough- I guess this board had me thinking he was timid but no way. He was right there- OK, he wears a shield and doesn't look like he's going to be the next PJ Stock but he certainly takes the body which is significant. If he turned away I'd know but he doesn't- thats true toughness.
The Preds are pretty quick team and Legwand can really fly. Hartnell reminds me of a young Keith Crowder- and if is as good as he was the Preds should be very happy. Crowder was a true Bruin and his best 6 years were outstanding. As good a second liner as you could find. Harntell was not afraid to bang but Boynton wanted his arse bigtime. I like that the Preds have the Murray, Johnson, Walker, York vets on their team. I also like Barry Trotz- he ever gets fired he could work in Hollywood as a character actor. He looks like he should be the head elf in any Christmas movie.
Nick had a very good game- I bet there are posts above wanting him to be put in solitary confinement but I watched him to see that decaying I have been reading about (and even admit he has been shaky) but he crooked a few Preds and had that look that you would not want to see coming out of a car in a fender bender. Yikes. O'Donnell who I also like made a horrific play and it was he not Boynton that messed up. He had a wide open winger and passed it up the middle. What the heck was he thinking. Sullivan needs to talk to these guys because he had plenty of time (that was the problem) to make a nice safe play and he throws an interception. Ughh... Gill was also more physical then usual.
Voukon was very good but atleast 2 or 3 picks looked like they were in and somehow went wide. It was one of those games- the final should have probably been 4 or 5 to 3 but thats the way it goes sometimes. Hey, they stole the game in Dallas getting outplayed far more than the Preds.
My suggestions are 'controlled aggression' (discipline) and for the defense- always, always look for the simple pass out of the zone. Its probably not fair to go to nuts on a vet like OD but it was blatant he picked the wrong guy.
for who asked the predators have more fighting majors then games played they now have 30 fighting majors after last night here is the list of fights to or atleast who has what
Brookbank 6
Allison 4
Tootoo 4
McKenzie 3
Walker 3
Stevenson 3
Hall 2
Hartnell 2
Schnabel 1
Fiddler 1
Hamhuis 1
Interesting that the Preds have eight guys with as many or more fights than our so-called "enforcer" (snicker) With six guys with more fights and one guy with three times as many they certainly don't back down much. Too bad we can't say the same about our team.
I just got home (I had to work today and days like this being self-employed isn't so groovy) and will be posting later on a tape-delayed basis. I'm sure you're all looking forward to it so I will fast-forward through the many, many "they changed the McNuggets" commercials. (snicker)
Well folks it looks as if the Bruins are starting the downward slide like last year. Bergeron has cooled off and Jason King from Vancouver is starting to spread the gap in points among the rookies in the scoring race.
No time to panic yet, but here is where we go from tops in the East to 7th or 8th in the playoffs. Why is it that this happens every year around this time?
Shane, I expect much more. This is something that I would read in the Herald or hear on WEEI.
This team put out a great efffort today, and they ran into a great goaltending performance.
Shane, I expect much more. This is something that I would read in the Herald or hear on WEEI.
This team put out a great efffort today, and they ran into a great goaltending performance.
I was at the game- and Bergeron certainly didn't look cooled off. I don't know how he looked on TV but he was very good. Had made enough good passes and scoring chances to collect minimum 3 points today from where I sat.
Hartnell started wearing a visor either early last year or maybe even during his rookie season after he took a stick to the eye. I guess he decided millions of dollars in career earnings was more important than not giving opposing fans something to complain about.
Do you perscribe to the Gord Kluzak theory that everyone in the league is scared of every single Bruin or is this a one time misconception? If there wasn't an instigator rule, I imagine that Hartnell would have been happy to drop the gloves with Boynton. And I bet that, if they did, it would likely be a pretty entertaining tussle because they are both semi-tough, hard-nosed guys.
LOL, no I don't prescribe to the Kluzak theory but in all honesty to me it looked like Hartnell wanted absolutly nothing to do with Boynton. When they showed the replay of it you could see that Hartnell looked back a few times to see where the refs were before he even thought about shoving back Boynton. Than when the refs do step in he starts yapping at Boynton between the linesmen and again in the box. I know this kid is good and I know he's tough as nails, I was just suprised by his actions today, it simply wasn't Hartnell type of hockey.
LOL, no I don't prescribe to the Kluzak theory but in all honesty to me it looked like Hartnell wanted absolutly nothing to do with Boynton. When they showed the replay of it you could see that Hartnell looked back a few times to see where the refs were before he even thought about shoving back Boynton. Than when the refs do step in he starts yapping at Boynton between the linesmen and again in the box. I know this kid is good and I know he's tough as nails, I was just suprised by his actions today, it simply wasn't Hartnell type of hockey.
Hartnell wanted a go, but I think he decided it was more important for him not to draw a dumb penalty....
I was at the game- and Bergeron certainly didn't look cooled off. I don't know how he looked on TV but he was very good. Had made enough good passes and scoring chances to collect minimum 3 points today from where I sat.
Bergeron, Raycroft and Lapointe played great games while others took today off.
Bergeron played his heart out today, but I live by the rule that you're only as good as your last game. Today the Bruins lost and Bergeron didn't finish to give the team a chance to win.
I blame todays loss on the poor defensive play of Jillson on both goals. We have a lot of young players on this team and mistakes will happen. It's all part of growing pains.
Jillson was not on the ice for the first goal- O'Donnell made the horrific pass and Boynton was left sprawling like a fish although I clearly would blame OD in a court of public opinion over who is more at fault. That said, I didn't think Jillson had a good game- but he's banged up and maybe even had shoulder taped up.
Sandy McCarthy is about the biggest waste of a roster spot I've ever seen. Today (as usual) we could have used a boost from a fight. The Preds have plenty of guys who would have obliged, yet he just took his normal meaningless shifts. We need a guy who will spark the team, not a guy who thinks people are scared of him staring at them. He's a joke.
Jillson was not on the ice for the first goal- O'Donnell made the horrific pass and Boynton was left sprawling like a fish although I clearly would blame OD in a court of public opinion over who is more at fault. That said, I didn't think Jillson had a good game- but he's banged up and maybe even had shoulder taped up.
O'Donnell was terrible, but Hal Gill just stood and watched the second goal. He should be given a choice, either start slamming people or adios.
BTW, the whining about the penalties is sickening. Nashville at home should be a win with no questions asked.
Sandy McCarthy is about the biggest waste of a roster spot I've ever seen. Today (as usual) we could have used a boost from a fight. The Preds have plenty of guys who would have obliged, yet he just took his normal meaningless shifts. We need a guy who will spark the team, not a guy who thinks people are scared of him staring at them. He's a joke.
I spoke to soon ; I like McCarthy but their should be a bonus clause for fighting in his contract starting at 10 or 12 and I'm serious. Its probably illegal but it would work if you could get away with it.
Here's the problem with guys like McCarthy: Schultz in his book 'The Hammer' said after he got to the Kings and was in his 30's, married, kids, knew alot of the guys around the league (and liked) he wanted to just play some hockey BUT there were these new wave of kids coming up that wanted to test the old gunfighter. (It for all intensive purposes ended the career of Schultz; but you live by the sword you die by it and thats what happened to one of the games great goons of alltime- certainly, one of the top 5 who ever played the game imo)
I bet Chris Simon could have been signed for the same ammt. or less than we threw away on McCarthy. Simon knows what his job is and actually DOES it. He also scores a goal from time to time.
Funny how the Rangers let McCarthy walk to sign Simon. I guess they knew what they were doing. (for once)
. But your right I thought Nashville would have been a fun team to watch but man are they boring or what, sure they got the win and congratulations to them but I honestly thought they were actually entertaining to watch. Since when did Hartnell start wearing a visor, he even looked scared of Boynton with about a minute left when they got into that little scuffle, he kept looking back for the refs to step in. Than he starts yapping at Boynton when their being escorted to the box, I thought this kid was tougher than that, he showed me absolutley nothing tonight. Than to top it all of Nashville decides to scrath Jordin Tootoo and play a nobody name Vernon Fiddler or something weird like that. 
). he's no mary folks- this kid is willing to get dirty. maybe he doesn't drop the gloves, but why should he have to? he gets an A+ from me today. but i do think he'd benefit moving to that 3rd line, and he'd also help pick up rolston and axelsson. get zino back in there, as his creativity really helps us against these trap happy squads.
