Globe and Bruins Blog
- Salary breakdown
Kobasew where he wants to be- On Tuesday, Chuck Kobasew agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Bruins worth $7 million.
- Re-signed Kobasew makes rehab progress
- Chuck Kobasew has a new three-year contract, a nearly healed leg and an optimistic outlook for the Boston Bruins next season.
- Mid-May update
- Kobasew gets three-year, $7m deal
- On March 25, an ill-placed Zdeno Chara slap shot fractured Chuck Kobasew's left tibia and ended his 2007-08 season, preventing the former Boston College star from competing in the postseason.
- Kobasew: $7 million
- Kobasew signs contract extension
- The Boston Bruins signed forward Chuck Kobasew to a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday after his highest scoring season in five years in the NHL.
- Kobasew re-signs
- Goalie feels a little tender
- The long list of injured Bruins grew a little longer last week when Tim Thomas, in net for Team USA at the World Championships, wrenched his left knee in a qualifying game against Team Canada at Halifax.
- Development camp finalized
Herald and Bruins Insider
- Chuck Kobasew looks forward to Bruins' future
- Chuck Kobasew, whose finest NHL season was cut short by a broken leg in Game 76 and whose scoring touch might have tipped the seven-game, first-round playoff...
- Re-signed Kobasew makes rehab progress
- BOSTON - Chuck Kobasew has a new three-year contract, a nearly healed leg and an optimistic outlook for the Boston Bruins next season.
Kobasew, the team's second leading...
- Bruins Chuck Kobasew signs contract extension
- BOSTON - The Boston Bruins have signed forward Chuck Kobasew to a multiyear contract extension after his highest scoring season in his five years in the NHL.
The team did...
- Bruins will get shot at Hossa
- If the Bruins' master plan is to try and sign Marian Hossa as a free agent July 1, it appears they will have serious and costly competition from at least Montreal and...
- Thomas: U.S. teeming with talent
- When Tim Thomas headed home from Halifax, Nova Scotia, last week after suffering a minor knee sprain that ended his stay at the world championships, you might imagine the...
- Tuukka Rask not up to task for Providence Bruins in AHL playoffs last night
- PROVIDENCE - Tuukka Rask still may be the Bruins' goalie of the future. But that future looks a little farther away after Rask delivered a stinker last night, as the...
- Baby Bruins looking to bounce back
- The Providence Bruins began the American Hockey League playoffs riding the express train, winning their first six games. But they got derailed badly in Maine over the past...
- Providence falls
- Bobby Ryan and Geoff Platt scored five minutes apart early in the third period to lift the Portland Pirates to a 3-2 win against the Providence Bruins in Game 5 of their Atlantic...
- B's prospects looking up
- NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Ultimately, Providence Bruins coach Scott Gordon's most important job is sending players up the road to Boston.
Not counting center David...
- Portland OT win ties series
- PORTLAND, Maine - The Providence Bruins dropped their second straight game in the Calder Cup playoffs, falling to the Portland Pirates in overtime, 3-2, in Game 4 of their...
ProJo and HFboards Bruins Forum
- Can you live with same team and healthy Bergeron?
- YUP! Minus Manny!lol
- Mike Green... RFA
-
Quote:
Originally Posted by burstnbloom
(Post 14133415)
I honestly don't think there is an offer that the Bruins could legitimately throw his way that the Caps wouldn't match. He was as important to their second half surge as Ovechkin was.
They have a few people they need to resign too.
Laich should get a good raise, and lets not forget they need to sign a goalie which won't be cheap. Add on to that guys like Morrisson, Fehr, Eminger, and UFA's if they decide to keep them in Federov and Cooke. If they let everyone walk, they'll still need to fill out their roster, and are already committed to over 41 mill (a little over 12 mill in space to ink them all).
I'd make a pitch for Greene. Worst case scenario they match and find it that much harder to fill out the rest of their roster. (Yea I'm like that, if I could hurt someone in the conference like that I would).
- NEHJ Show, Sat., May 17, 11 a.m. to 1
- The New England Hockey Journal Show will broadcast live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, on 890 ESPN (live stream at www.hockeyjournal.com) with KPD, Matt K. and Mick C. in studio, taking calls at 866-377-6890 (866-ESPN-890).
NEHJ makes another run at Wings Asst. GM Jim Nill, whom we had planned to have on last week. Ex-Bruin Nill is slotted in for 11:20 via phone.
Programming note: Impending UFA Aaron Ward, amidst contract negotiations with the Bruins, will not be available for an in-studio appearance has had been planned.
We will update with any further programming notes for this Saturday.
- OT: Memorial Cup On NHL Network
- With the NHL off tonight(and perhaps a few days next week if both series finish this weekend), it's good timing as the Memorial Cup starts tonight on the NHL Network(U.S viewers). I've barely seen it in the past, just a highlight here and there. I'm looking forward to seeing if Spokane can bring the Cup south of the border.
http://www.nhlnetwork.com/en_US/tvListings/US/20080516
http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=237763
- Spector's Rumor Roundup May 16
-
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruins2020
(Post 14128373)
States that Chia isn't far off from signing Aaron Ward, Glen Metropolit and Dennis Wideman.
Predictions...
Wideman, 4 years, 14 mil
Ward, 2 years, 5 mil
Metro, 2 years, 2 mil
7 mil total cap hit per year for the three of them.
- NEHJ - Alive and Well
- There was a packed house at TD Banknorth Garden April 19, 2008.
But neither Kevin Garnett nor Bruce Springsteen nor the Beanpot were anywhere in sight.
Could it be that there was actual NHL playoff hockey being played on Causeway Street for the first time in four years?
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=180388
- Thoughts on depth UFA signing? - Glencross
- I saw the guy a bit last year and just realized he's a UFA. If Chia determines Axe and / or Schaeffer are on the outs I'd really like to see Chia go after this kid. He impressed me with his play in the games I saw live and think he could be very good in Julien's system. Strong on the puck, good on the boards, and will go to the net with authority.
I realize it's not a sexy signing but he's young, has decent size, and came alive in the second half. Young guy who if he get's his skating up a notch could be a really well rounded second line winger (in my view).
With our history with Edmonton I imagine some of our scouts have seen the guy play and hope he's on their shortlist.
- OT: NHL Network on Time Warner
- I am going to order it but I can't seem to find how to order it from my remote...Do I need to call to order it? Do I need my pin number to unlock it? Or fo they double whammy you and make u buy a sports tier?
Thanks
- Ryan Malone Article
- The following is a good article about Ryan Malone, his progress with the Penguins, and whether or not he will stay there (UFA this summer).
Many here have argued that Pittsburgh will retain him because of his long-term allegiance to the team. However, this article speculates that, due to the sheer number of players Pittsburgh must sign, Malone will have to take a substantial home town discount to stay.
If Malone seriously tests the market to maximize income, do you think he would be a good fit with the Bruins?
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL...578961-cp.html
- If you could choose all the teams to be in a Division with the Bruins...
- The Bruins board is that last that I'm asking this question to:
As Bruins fans, if you could place the Bruins in a Division with any 3 or 4 other teams, which teams would you want the Bruins to be part of a Division with? I'm talking about which teams you would want your team to have a Divisional rivalry with. List them in the order of your preference. I'm fairly sure of what most of your preferences will be, so this is pretty much a formality to ask what I've already asked on many other team boards.
Bruins Topix and HockeyBuzz
- Daniel Tolensky: CANADA v SWEDEN SEMI-FINAL LIVE BLOG WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY TO COVERITLIVE
- I got some positive feedback from the first game so lets give this a try and see how it goes. You can add your comments or questions and once I approve them it will show up in the main window. From time to time you'll see a poll come up which you can choose to answer and the results will be updated in real time. Also it will save the entire chat so you can catch up if you join late or read it i...
- Eklund: Western Team Interested in Spezza/Emery deal? Kings want Stamkos:Connected?
- ...Is your team NOT playing? Don't Fret, we are here for you! ONLY 49 Days until UFA DAY '08.
Click on The RUMOUR Chart now to see over 140 potential free agents...
with real-time updates!
More rumours coming...But I have it on a VERY solid source that one team out West (could be the LA Kings) is pondering an offer that would bring BOTH Emery and Spezza to LA. Meanwhile, also today...
- Daniel Tolensky: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMI-FINALS: TESTING SOME NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR 3RD
- NOTE: I'm testing some new technology for the third (new for me at least). If it works well I'll use it for the second game too. You can add your comments or questions and once I approve them it will show up in the main window. Also it will save the entire chat so you can catch up if you join late or read it in its entirety later on.. This window may take a couple seconds to load but there's no...
- Bill Clement: Bill Clement answers Questions Prior to Game 4
- ...
- Eklund: Timonen Given Full Medical Clearance, HIGHLY Probable for Game 5
- Timonen speaks to reporters and tells them he is out of danger, will skate tomorrow and likely play game 5. Various Flyers players also are telling me that Timonen will be in the line-up.
Prior to tonight's game Timonen asked to speak to his teammates because he felt the team was too uptight. Not sure that he told him that he was going to be back or not for game 5 if they won, but I somehow do...
- Eklund: Timonen, Coburn Probable for Game 5. Franzen may be done.
- Timonen spoke to reporters and told them he is out of danger, will skate today and likely play game 5. Various Flyers players also are telling me that Timonen will be in the line-up.
Prior to last night's game Timonen asked to speak to his teammates because he felt the team was too uptight. Not sure that he told him that he was going to be back or not for game 5 if they won...
In all likeliho...
- Eklund: Flyers Win. "Coburn and/or TIMONEN possible for Game 5."
- quick blog from the press conference. Coach Stevens for Flyers said that "There is a chance we could get either one or both of Coburn and Timonen for Game 5." Interesting.
more in a bit.
- Eklund: Staal 's two...and we have a barn burner...3-2 with 5:49 left.
- Great Start to This One. I will be in and out of Chat tonight...
It will be interesting to see how these two teams react to the Flyers with a lead.
The Pens can't trap, and the Flyers don't need to take chances to create opportunities.
- Eklund: Electricity in Philly as Flyers Jump to a 3-0 Lead. after
- Great Start to This One. I will be in and out of Chat tonight...
It will be interesting to see how these two teams react to the Flyers with a lead.
The Pens can't trap, and the Flyers don't need to take chances to create opportunities.
- Finland ends American run in IIHF World Championship
- NHL Headlines Halifax, NS- With Wednesday's games in the books, there are now four teams remaining to battle it out for the IIHF World Championship. via Most Valuable Network
- Eklund: ASK BILL CLEMENT: LIVE AT 6PM ET
- AT 6pm ET YOU WILL SEE THE SESSION LIVE ABOVE...
- HockeyBuzz Wire: LINE-UP CHANGES FOR TONIGHT. THORESON IN. COBURN AND DOWNIE OUT
- stay tuned
- HockeyBuzz Wire: Franzen out for Game 5
- tough break
- Eklund: Teemu to Montreal (e2), Hainsey to B's (e3), Rozsival to Tampa (e3) more
- ...Is your team NOT playing? Don't Fret, we are here for you! ONLY 49 Days until UFA DAY '08.
Click on The RUMOUR Chart now to see over 140 potential free agents...
with real-time updates!
A few sources are telling me that Teemu Selanne to Montreal is a "very interesting and strong rumour" right now. I think it makes sense on many levels of course, but Saku I am quite sure is playin...
- Jesse Connolly: Kobasew To Stay and Broadcast Trends I Wish Would Go Away
- KOBASEW SIGNS THREE YEAR DEAL
A critical element to success in the grand business of hockey, especially in the post-lockout salary cap era we live in, is having a solid core of young, affordable talent. While every team needs its superstars and their often times bloated contracts, they also need their Chuck Kobasews. Peter Chairelli, knowing this full well, quickly negotiated a three year, $7...
Bruins.com Headlines
- Bear Essentials: Looking Ahead
- "We've had…discussions with Dennis Wideman's representative, Aaron Ward's and Glen Metropolit's agent, and preliminary discussions with Mark Stuart," explained Peter Chiarelli. "And we are going to get to Petteri Nokelainen, shortly."
- Chuck Can't Say Enough About Boston
- Chuck Kobasew always chooses his words carefully, but during Wednesday's conference call, when the B's formally reintroduced their winger and announced they had signed Kobasew to a three-year deal, Chuck was downright chatty
- Swedes Stop Czechs, 3-2 in OT
- Quebec, PQ - The no-name Swedes are starting to look familiar at the IIHF World Hockey Championships.
Mattias Weinhandl scored 3:15 into overtime Wednesday to give Sweden a 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic and a berth in the semifinals, where ...
- Kessel Scores but US Falls, 3-2 OT
- Halifax - The United States enjoyed a big high, then suffered an even bigger low.
Sami Lepisto's goal at 3:59 of overtime gave Finland a 3-2 win over the Americans in quarter-final action at the IIHF World Hockey Championship Wednesday before 9...
- Swedes Stop Czechs, 3-2 in OT
- Mattias Weinhandl scored 3:15 into overtime Wednesday to give Sweden a 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic. The loss ends the tourney for David Krejci and the Czechs
- Kessel Scores but US Falls, 3-2 OT
- Trailing 2-0, the Americans broke through with 4:16 remaining in the third as Phil Kessel re-directed a point-shot by Tim Gleason over the shoulder of Finnish goaltender Niklas Backstrom
- Marc Savard Leads Men's Mid-Amateur
- Boston Bruins all-star center Marc Savard, shown above with Phil Kessel and Marco Sturm at last year's Bruins Foundation Golf Tournament, owns first place in the Men's Mid-Amateur Qualifying held May 12, 2008 at the Oshawa Golf Club
- Mark Stuart: Q & A
- Recently, BostonBruins.com caught up with Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart. Mark talked about the NHL playoffs, the World Championships and being on the roster (and alternate captain) of Team USA
- Quarter-final Matchups set
- After the conclusion of the Qualifying Round at the 2008 IIHF World Championship, the matchups and times for the quarter-finals have been set for Wednesday, May 14. Mark Stuart and Phil Kessel (USA) and David Krejci (Czech) represent Boston
- Bruins Sign Kobasew to Extension
- General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced Tuesday that the club has signed forward Chuck Kobasew to a multi-year contract extension. Kobasew enjoyed a career year in 2007-2008 and his 22 goals placed him second on the team
- Bruins Sign Kobasew to Extension
- Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed forward Chuck Kobasew to a multi-year contract extension. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
Kobasew enjoyed a care...
- Neely Foundation Opens New Facility
- On Monday evening, The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care and Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center celebrated the opening and dedication of The Neely Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. Gallery |
- Kessel Scores But USA Falls 3-2
- HALIFAX - The United States lost its lead Sunday - and then, it lost its cool.
Mikko Koivu's goal with 3:50 left in regulation capped a wild comeback as Finland rallied for three third-period goals in a 3-2 win over the U.S. at the IIHF World Hoc...
- Kessel Scores, USA Falls 3-2
- American forward Phil Kessel drilled a shot far corner from the right faceoff circle that cleanly beat Finland netminder Nicklas Backstrom during a U.S. power play, but the United States was not able to hold on
- United States wraps up qualifying round with 9-1 rout of Norway
- HALIFAX - The United States wrapped up its qualifying round schedule with a 9-1 pounding of Norway at the IIHF World Hockey Championship on Monday.
New York Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky had a hat trick as the Americans scored three times in e...
Other Sites/Blogs
- Quebec City Ready for Semifinal Action on Friday
- Quebec City, QC- A tournament that began two weeks ago with 16 teams representing their respective countries is now down to its' final four. Canada, Finland, Russia, and Sweden have all survived seven games through the first three rounds of the IIHF World Championship, and now sit just two wins away from taking home the grand prize. Three of these four teams will at least come away with a medal of some sorts.
Friday's action kicks off early in the afternoon with a 1:00 faceoff between Russia and Finland. Russia appears to be the favorite entering this contest, as they are one of two remaining teams who have yet to lose a game. Two of those games went to overtime, but the Russians were able to prevail on both occasions. The Quarterfinal Round was probably the easiest round of the tournament for Russia, as they dismantled Switzerland 6-0. Maxim Afinogenov led the way with two goals, while four other players tallied, and Evgeni Nabokov made 22 saves for the shutout win. On the other hand, Finland has been just as tough, only falling once with a 6-3 loss to Canada on Monday. If there is one team that is on life support this week, it's Finland. The Fins needed a three goal third period to erase a 2-0 deficit and defeat Team USA on Sunday. They turned around on Monday and fell to host Canada 6-3. In the Quarterfinal Round on Wednesday, Finland met up with Team USA again, and managed to sneak away with a 3-2 overtime win. The overtime winner was scored by defenseman Sami Lepisto. If Russia is to win, it will likely be because their offense is too much for Finland to keep up with. If Finland is to win, it will likely be because they slow the game down and Niklas Backstrom plays a strong game between the pipes.
Game two is a 5:00 start, and it will be Quebec's first chance to see their native sons, as Canada has played all of their games in Halifax to this point. The game features the Canadians taking on Sweden. Canada is the other team that has gone 7-0, and unlike Russia, Canada has not even needed overtime to do it. Of the four teams remaining, Sweden has the worst record at 5-2. The two Quarterfinal Round games for these teams were about as different as they could be. Canada clobbered Norway 8-2, while Sweden came away with a 3-2 overtime win against the Czech Republic. Leading the way for Canada was Derek Roy with three goals and an assist. Five other Canadians showed up on the score sheet multiple times in the blowout, while Cam Ward had a relatively simple day with 22 saves on 24 shots. On the other side of the sheet, Sweden's trip to the Semifinals was up in the air until Marcus Nilson tied the score late in the third, and Mattias Weinhandl eventually picked up the winner in overtime. Henrik Lundqvist had to be strong in goal, and he was, turning away 29 of 31 shots. The strategies for game two should be similar to those of game one. Canada's offense is the best in the tournament hands down. Although they did pull off a 2-1 squeaker over Norway in the Qualifying Round, they prefer a high scoring match that forces the opposition to try and play catch-up. Sweden does have some weapons on offense, but they will be relying heavily on the goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist if they are to go to the Championship Game.
Just as has been done all tournament long, these games can be seen live on WCSN.com. Highlights and archives of previous games can also be seen on WCSN's website.
Elsewhere in the hockey world on Friday, the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup gets underway from Kitchener, Ontario. The four teams are: the Belleville Bulls (OHL representative), Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL representative) Kitchener Rangers (host - from the OHL), and Spokane Chiefs (WHL representative). The first game of the tournament will be between Kitchener and Gatineau at 7:00.
- B-UILDING BLOCKS
- Apologies for not reporting on restricted free agent Chuck Kobasew's new contract (taking in the World Championships quarterfinal games in Quebec City), but I wanted to write a little in the aftermath of GM Peter Chiarelli's published comments emanating from Wednesday's conference call I missed.
Kobasew, 3 years at $7 million ($2.33M cap hit per season) was a good deal for the Bruins because Kobasew shows the potential to make the next three seasons the best three of his NHL career. If he does become a consistent 30-goal scorer, then the next contract is the tough one and he'll be UFA, not RFA. Kudos to GM Peter Chiarelli for getting this kid at the right time in his career -- don't forget, Kobasew (via subsequent trade from Calgary) is a now the most significant remnant of the infamous Joe Thornton trade. He's too removed from it to carry any pressure from such, but Chiarelli has pulled sort of a Hey Jude here.
I saw Tuukka Rask's last playoff game, and it wasn't as bad as advertised in some published reports. By far, the worst goal was the first goal, coming when Providence had a 2-0 lead when he failed to seal off the post with his left pad on what appeared to be a routine play to secure a faceoff. That goal gave a frustrated Portland team a pulse, and the following four goals that chased Rask from the nets with lots of third-period time still left to play and Providence still in the game, when taken individually, were not nearly as rough. Added together, especially on the undeniably soft first goal, the wristers that blew into the upper reaches of the net behind Rask were, only when taken collectively, a complete surprise.
Chiarelli said his belief in Rask as the goalie of Boston's future hasn't been altered. He'd be the worst GM of all time if he said it was, and not only for public-relations reasons. This is what young goalies go through, and he should be more concerned by any prospect for whom everything goes swimmingly on his road to the NHL, because the goalie who does that will be the first ever. Remember Guy Carbonneau and Claude Julien discussing Carey Price's meltdown against the Bruins in Game 5, both said he'd bounce back because he had bad games in the AHL and bounced back from those. So, if anything, Rask's untimely speedbump should calm down the many Bruins GMs who wanted to trade Tim Thomas, buy out Manny Fernandez, re-sign Alex Auld and accelerate the ascension of Rask. Easy, it's goaltending and it takes time. See J.S. Giguere ...
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=16003
These are interesting times for Bruins prospects in general.
Traditionally celebrated prospects like Rask and defenseman Matt Lashoff have lost some shine. Ironically, the losses of popular winger Petr Kalus in the Manny Fernandez trade and (my personal favorite) winger Kris Versteeg in the Brandon Bochenski trade have lost their sting amidst the emergence of Phil Kessel as a viable solution on wing (though he still considers himself a center "You play where they put you"), along with Vladimir Sobotka and Petteri Nokelainen, who both contributed to Boston's extension of the Montreal series to seven games. P-Bruins RW Martins Karsums continued to improve in his second pro season and looms as an NHL grinder, a third-line type, durable good-natured battler with some hands -- he can shoot the puck, as evidence by his high-slot goal in Game 6 vs. Portland, the elimination game.
On defense, Matt Hunwick darted up and down the ice, looking great in Game 1 and out of sorts in Game 6 (RR didn't see the games in between). Can he become that guy for Boston? It's a bit of a long shot, he turns 23 in a week and hasn't been able to establish consistency as a tempo-producing defenseman in the AHL. Whatever his NHL potential, he needs during his next season to establish consistency in his ability to contain bigger players down low -- he was better than what I saw at the beginning of the season in this regard -- and to invent techniques to circumvent the mismatch he deals with as a small D. But he can skate and has comes equipped with a five-speed transmission so the Bruins should be as patient as his contractual status (vs. free agency) allows.
In the case of Lashoff, it no longer seems as though one day the light's going to flick on and this kid will become the second coming of Scott Niedermayer. He has the elite level of calmness when a bouncing, dribbling puck is approaching, and he moves the puck with great skill. And, once a game, even on an otherwise-dormant night, he's capable of rushing the puck through a sleeping five-man trap and threaten to score. He doesn't skate at a tempo I'd like to see, though, during the down times in the game. He doesn't push tempo like Hunwick does, like Ray Bourque did for so many years. He tends to let the game's tempo dictate itself to him and cope with it, the exception being that aforementioned flight. Lashoff needs to take that skill of his past the spasm level and make it an incremental part of each shift. Until he's able to do what he does best on a level that imposes itself on an AHL game, Chiarelli and Julien shouldn't be too anxious to find out what weaknesses in his game they'd have to learn to develop on the job in Boston.
We're obviously not giving a balanced report on system prospects playing for the P- Bruins in 2007-08, but jumping a little here and there.
Winger Chris Collins, way, way better than last year, the reason is the nastiness in his game. He fit right in this season with Providence's forechecking swagger. Looking forward to see what lies next for this kid.
Center Nate Thompson seemed to plateau as P-Bruins captain in a season I expected would be his NHL rookie year until he fell off the bubble when Chiarelli acquired Nokelainen for Ben Walter, then augmented Shawn Thornton with Jeremy Reich. It was the right way to go, but Thompson handled it well and played his role well in Providence. Thompson, a forechecking center who can skate, hit and play wing, will turn 24 before opening night next season so Chiarelli should do this kid (and himself) a favor and trade him. Thinking Ben Guite here ...
LW Pascal Pelletier will turn 25 next month and is RFA so consider him a goner. He wants to play in the NHL, had an all-star season in the AHL and only got a six-game cup of coffee with Boston in 07-08. It wasn't unfair of the Bruins in the sense I believe it would be to let Thompson die on the vine next year (Pelletier was a post-lockout signee from the ECHL, not a 6th-round draft pick from Alaska), but if I'm Pelletier I'm thinking now or never. I don't want to accept a two-way from Boston and get buried in Providence. The Bruins are loaded on LW with Sturm, Lucic, Axelsson and either Reich, Nokelainen or Soderberg. Nokie and Soderberg are centers, but they're already five deep there with Savard, Bergeron, Krejci, Sobotka and (if he re-signs) Metropolit. If I'm Pelletier, I'm outta here. You don't want a malcontent in Providence anyway, that's why RR cringes at the desire of some fans to save cap space by demoting Glen Murray rather than buying out the final year of his deal. Makes no sense at the human level.
Finally, le Colisee Pepsi (ironically, they call it "the Coliseum" here) is a great old hockey barn after the order of Boston Garden, Detroit Olympia (which I never saw), Maple Leaf Gardens and Chicago Stadium. If you threw a second balcony along the sides of this place, you'd almost have Boston Garden.
On a now-or-never basis, I decided to attend the Worlds so I could see a game in this place. What a great take. The outside of the rink was redesigned (probably when seating was expanded to accomodate the NHL in 1979) and unfortunately has a rather Meadowlands-like look. But the inside is gorgeous, the balcony cutting up in the corners a bit like the Garden did but not hanging as closely to the ice on the sides. It's in the corners and on the ends that le Colisee its most Garden-like appeal. Every row in the balcony needs a railing, just like the Garden, and sitting way up top on the ends gives one almost an identical perspective on the game, right down to the fact you're cut off from looking anywhere but down. It's pretty awesome, and the players who got to participate in the Worlds here are much luckier than most skaters. It's old school, right down to the snack bar: dogs, fried and poutine. Sorry Patrice, the rest of Quebec City will have to wait for another time.
OK, gotta go, long drive back to Mass.
- Kobasew signs, more FA news, Rask falters in PVD
- Chuck Kobasew signed what some thought was a below market deal with the Bruins, agreeing to a 3 year $7M contract. Lyle Richardson over at Spector's noted yesterday that some NHL team employees around the league thought the deal was a bit low, and a good signing by Boston given that Kobasew can be an energy guy, or a second line guy in a pinch. I like Chuck, he was one of the few who brought his 100% energy game to the team last year, and if he can rack up a few more points (and stay healthy) then it's definitely a great signing.Chiarelli also is working on deals with Wideman and Stuart (both RFAs) and has also had talks with Metropolit and Ward's camps on trying to sign them as well (they are both UFAs). I think if Ward signs, we may see someone like Ference get dealt in order to make room for either Lashoff or Hunwick next season.Without the podcast these past few weeks, CJ hasn't had to broken heartedly discuss how the P-Bruins were eliminated from the playoffs, and a fairly big factor was Rask's game dropping like a rock. He let in a number of softies, and it may be that the longer season in North America finally got to him. Still, he played very well for Providence, and I don't think there's any question he'll be in Providence next season as well. Looks like his comments about not having much to do in Providence came back to bite him in the butt. Unless either Thomas or Fernandez gets dealt (very unlikely), they'll be the two guys up in Boston. Of course, that's not counting for potential injuries (probably much more likely than a trade!).
- Bruins sign Kobasew to extension
- On Tuesday the Bruins signed forward Chuck Kobasew to a multi-year extension. This is good as Kobasew was a good player for the Bruins last season. If only he was not injured for the playoffs maybe things would have been different. Anyways, having him on the team for more than one year is good news.
- American Run Ends in Overtime Defeat to Finland, 3-2
- Halifax, NS- With Wednesday's games in the books, there are now four teams remaining to battle it out for the IIHF World Championship. Unfortunately, none of these four teams have members of the Boston Bruins. Both of those countries were eliminated by heartbreaking 3-2 overtime losses. The Czech Republic fell to Sweden early in the first game of the day, while Team USA lost to Finland in the finale. In the middle, Canada blew out Norway 8-2, while Russia blanked Switzerland 6-0.
Sweden and the Czech Republic could not have played a closer game to begin the day. The contest was decided by an overtime goal, and the shots on net were tied at 31. The game stayed scoreless for over 27 minutes before Patric Hornqvist put Sweden ahead with a power play goal in the second period. The lead lasted for less than three minutes as Tomas Rolinek evened the score at 10:28. The game went to the third period knotted at one. At the 12:19 mark of the third, Sweden's Jonas Frogren took down Radim Vrbata on a breakaway, leading to a penalty shot. Vrbata beat Henrik Lundqvist on the penalty shot to put the Czech Republic ahead 2-1. That lead lasted a mere 4:03 before Marcus Nilson came up with the equalizer to send the tilt into overtime. At 3:15 of overtime, a winner was decided. Mattias Weinhandl notched the game winning goal for Sweden from Anton Stralman and Marcus Nilson. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 29 of 31 shots in goal for Sweden in the win. Milan Hnilicka suffered the loss for the Czech Republic despite 28 saves on 31 shots. David Krejci did not play Wednesday for the Czech Republic.
For the second straight time, Team USA and Finland went down to the wire in a thrilling one-goal game. The scoring started 10:14 into the opening period when Tuomo Ruutu beat Robert Esche for a 1-0 Finland lead. The Fins took a 2-0 lead early in the second period as Janne Niskala scored just 21 seconds into a power play while Matt Greene was serving his high sticking minor. Trailing 2-0 heading into the third, Team USA was looking to come back just as Finland did the last time the two met. At the 15:44 mark of the third period, Boston's Phil Kessel put the Americans on the board with a goal from Tim Gleason. 37 seconds later, the game was tied on a shorthanded goal by Drew Stafford. That sent the game 2-2 into overtime. 3:59 into the extra session, Finland came away with their second win over the United States. Saku Koivu won an offensive zone faceoff back to Sami Lepisto at the right point. Lepisto fired a shot through a screen and past Robert Esche for the winning goal. Esche was the busier of the two goalies, stopping 30 of the 33 shots he faced in the overtime loss. Niklas Backstrom was the winning netminder with 22 saves on 24 shots. Phil Kessel's goal was his sixth of the tournament, and was his lone point of the night, despite three shots on goal in 16:47. Mark Stuart was held off of the scoresheet in 12:13 of ice time, but was solid in the defensive end as he was for the entire tournament.
Friday's semifinal matches are now set. In the afternoon, Russia will face Finland. In the nightcap, it will be Canada and Sweden.
- Wednesday is Quarterfinal Day at World Championship
- Halifax, NS- Eight teams remain in the 2008 IIHF World Championship, and by the end of the night on Wednesday, that number will be down to four. Four quarterfinal matches take center stage Wednesday in Halifax and Quebec. Group E will see Sweden take on the Czech Republic in the afternoon before Russia and Switzerland go in the nightcap. Over in Group F, Canada starts the day with a game against Norway. Norway is coming off of a 9-1 blowout loss to Team USA, but hung with Canada when they met, only losing 2-1. Team USA and Finland close out the day at 8:15.
The game between the United States and Finland will likely draw the most attention. Of the four quarterfinal matches, this is the one that is the most evenly matched. Throw in a bit of drama from Sunday and the hype continues to build. On Sunday, Team USA had a 2-0 lead over Finland, but watched it slip away in a frustrating 3-2 loss. The turning point in the game was a call by an off-ice official. Finland had a 5-on-3 power play in the third period, and appeared to have cut the deficit to one. Replays showed that the puck entered the net through a hole in the side, yet the replay official decided that the goal would stand. The Fins used that “goal” as momentum to eventually turn the game around and win with a power play goal. For those wondering, that replay official is now without a job as he was fired the next day. Taking away Finland's goal would make Sunday's game 2-2, meaning there is no real way to say who would have won that game. Perhaps that question will be answered fairly when the teams take the ice on Wednesday. One thing is for sure, both teams will be hoping that the same officiating crew is not in place for the quarterfinal game, as over 200 penalty minutes were assessed.
The other quarterfinal game that involves one of the Boston Bruins is David Krejci's Czech Republic team taking on Sweden. These two squads also met on Sunday, and this was also an evenly matched contest. After a scoreless first period, the teams exchanged two goals each in the second for a 2-2 tie heading into the final twenty minutes. Sweden took a 3-2 lead early in the third period, only to have it answered midway through by the Czech Republic. With 4:53 remaining, Sweden took another one goal lead, and this time, they didn't look back, adding an empty netter in the final minute. Shots on goal were in favor of the Czech Republic 39-27, but New York Rangers' goaltender Henrik Lundqvist showed why he has won 30 or more games in each of his first three seasons in the NHL. Each team has won four of six games so far in the tournament. Whichever one wins five will play in the semifinals.
Canada and Norway play in the other Group F Quarterfinal Round Game, and based strictly on the teams themselves, this game should be lopsided. The two teams met up Thursday in what was a very odd game to say the least. Some say Canada was lucky to come away with a win. Others say Norway was lucky to hang around as long as they did. The Canadians out shot Norway 52-16, but thanks to an outstanding performance by Norwegian netminder Pal Grotnes, Canada was only able to win 2-1 with a pair of power play goals. The winning goal in what was almost the biggest upset of the tournament came with 3:58 to go in regulation from Washington's Mike Green. A few days later, Norway got blown out 9-1 by Team USA, so one would have to think that as soon as Canada is able to solve Grotnes, the flood gates will open.
Russia and Switzerland play in the fourth and final Quarterfinal Round Game (although it will be the third game of the day). The Russians join Canada as the only team to win each of their first six games in the tournament, however two of Russia's six have come in overtime. These two teams just saw each other on Monday, so they certainly have the opposition fresh in their minds. Monday's game went to Russia by a score of 5-3. Three goals in a span of 3:24 gave Russia a 3-0 lead after one period of play, and they never looked back. They added one more goal in the second, and another in the third, while holding off Switzerland's comeback attempt. Russia was in control of most of the game, out shooting Switzerland 37-22. As anticipated, Russia will be the favorites heading into this contest.
Wednesday will be a busy, but fun day in Halifax and Quebec. All four games can be seen on WCSN.com. The Czech Republic and Sweden play at 1:00. Canada and Norway go at it at 4:30. Russia and Switzerland hit the ice at 7:15. USA plays Finland at 8:15.
- Good luck Chuck
- Hasn't it been too quiet around here and the Bruins lately? Just earlier in the afternoon I was wondering how long we would have to wait before GM Peter Chiarelli was going to start re-signing...
- Looking back
- Sometimes it's fun to look back and see what was being said about the team before the season even started. Unfortunately for me, anything I say (write) can always be held as evidence and thrown back...
- BRUINS: MICK COLAGEO'S REPORT CARD
- Jeremy Jacobs ... A-
- Huge Turnaround for Americans in 9-1 Win Over Norway
- Halifax, NS- What a difference a day makes. Sunday afternoon, Team USA lost a very tough game to Finland 3-2. On Monday, the Americans quickly put that contest behind them and took whatever frustrations they had out on Norway. The United States scored three goals in each of the three periods for a convincing 9-1 win. Norway's lone goal came on a power play during the second period. Germany was also in action on Monday, and they used three goals in the third period for a come from behind 5-3 win over Latvia.
Norway used practically all of their energy up just trying to keep Team USA off of the scoreboard for the first ten minutes of the contest. At the 11:12 mark of the opening stanza, Brandon Dubinsky got the offense started. Dustin Brown followed that up 1:03 later to give the Americans a 2-0 lead. Patrick Kane tallied on a power play with 57 seconds to go for a 3-0 USA lead after one period of play. In the second period, Dubinsky registered his second goal of the contest to build a 4-0 lead at the 5:48 mark. Norway got on the board with a power play goal by Mats Trygg at 8:08. A little more than three minutes later, the lead was back to four as defenseman Paul Martin stepped up and put one into the back of the net. 59 seconds later, Zach Parise made it 6-1 in favor of Team USA, and that was the score heading into the locker rooms. 2:33 into the third, Dustin Brown tallied for the second time in the contest to put the Americans up by six. 3:11 later, Boston's Phil Kessel joined in the fun with his fifth goal of the tournament for a score of 8-1. Enough was enough with 8:25 to go in the game as Brandon Dubinsky completed his hat trick and completed the scoring in a 9-1 final. Robert Esche got a fairly easy win for Team USA with 17 saves on 18 shots. Pal Grotnes faced 18 shots in the first period alone and went on to stop 30 of 38 shots in the loss for Norway. Ruben Smith replaced Grotnes in the third, and allowed just one goal on ten shots. Phil Kessel had one goal and one assist in the game, took two shots on goal, and was plus-1 in 14:54. Mark Stuart saw 13:58 on the ice, but also spent two minutes in the penalty box. Stuart took one shot on goal and was plus-2. Tim Thomas sat out once again.
Already eliminated from the Quarterfinal Round, Germany was looking for anything to cheer about on Monday as they took on Latvia. Despite being out shot 34-29, the Germans found exactly what they were looking for. Unfortunately for them, Latvia got on the board first when Providence Bruins' winger Martins Karsums set up Herbert Vasiljevs at 5:01. With 1:15 remaining in the first, Germany got their first goal of the contest from Christopher Schmidt on the power play. Latvia regained their lead in the second period at 5:48 on a goal by Mikelis Redlihs. Less than two minutes later, Germany tied the game at two thanks to Michael Wolf's goal. At 11:39 of the second period, Karsums connected for his first goal of the tournament to put Latvia ahead 3-2. That was the score through two periods of play. The third period was all Germany. Christoph Schubert started the third period scoring at 7:51 to knot the game at three. Yannic Seidenberg gave the Germans their first lead of the contest with his first goal of the tournament at 10:40. The scoring was capped just over two minutes later by Christoph Ullmann for a 5-3 Germany win. Dmitrij Patzold stopped 31 of 34 shots for the win in the German net. On the other end of the ice, Edgars Masalskis made 24 saves on 29 shots for Latvia in the loss. Marco Sturm spent four minutes in the penalty box for Germany, but had one shot on goal and was plus-1 in a whopping 20:02 of action. Martins Karsums had a strong game for Latvia with one goal, one assist, four shots on goal, two penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating in 16:03.
Monday was the final day of the Qualifying Round, meaning that the matchups are set for the Quarterfinal Round, which will be played Wednesday night. David Krejci's Czech Republic team starts off the day with a 1:00 faceoff against Sweden in Quebec City. Next will be Norway and Canada battling it out in Halifax. The scene shifts back to the French speaking province for a 7:15 game between Russia and Switzerland. Finishing off the Quarterfinal Round will be the highly anticipated rematch between Team USA and Finland. All games in the tournament can be watched live or archived on WCSN.com.
- USA Gets Robbed in 3-2 Loss Against Finland
- Halifax, NS- Sunday afternoon, Team USA and Finland met in what was supposed to be a very exciting game between two of the top teams in the IIHF World Championship. Unfortunately for the two teams, the Russian referees took center stage in this contest and all but ruined a thrilling one-goal affair. Finland came back from being down 2-0 to defeat the Americans 3-2 thanks to some very questionable decisions. In the other game involving a Bruin Sunday, the Czech Republic fell to Sweden 5-3.
The game between the USA and Finland may have been decided by one goal, but the stories of the game will be a Finland non-goal that became a goal despite going through the side of the net, as well as 202 combined penalty minutes. After a quiet and scoreless first period, Team USA got on the board first 1:30 into the second. Phil Kessel fired a shot on net that Niklas Backstrom stopped, but Tom Gilbert was waiting in the slot to bury the rebound. Later in the period, Kessel was at it again, extending the USA lead to two. He ripped home a wrist shot from the left circle that whizzed past Backstrom's glove hand. The Americans took that 2-0 lead into the third period.
The controversy began early in the third when Team USA was called for back-to-back penalties 29 seconds apart. On the power play, Saku Koivu found Ville Koistinen with a cross-ice pass. Koistinen one-timed the pass into the net for what appeared to be a goal. The goal did stand, but if one was to watch the replay, it seemed to be clear that the puck entered the net through the side. How the video replay official missed this is still a mystery. Midway through the period, Finland got their first real goal of the game. Teemu Selanne redirected a Saku Koivu shot in past a helpless Robert Esche for a 2-2 score. At the 14:09 mark of the third, James Wisniewski was whistled for charging when he barely touched Tuomo Ruutu. Although he was out of the penalty box for one second, there was no chance to him to get back into the play, and the Fins capitalized, as Ruutu set up Mikko Koivu for the go-ahead goal.
As anticipated in this highly intense game, rough stuff ensued, and some players will be spending Monday relaxing in the stands. All game misconducts result in one game suspensions, as well as all fights. Team USA will be without Adam Burish for a butt-end, Matt Greene for leaving the bench, and David Backes for fighting. Finland will be without Olli Jokinen for a hit from behind, Antti-Jussi Niemi for leaving the bench, and Anssi Salmela for fighting. Dustin Brown and Teemu Selanne were lucky not to get misconducts as well.
In goal, Robert Esche was by far the busier goaltender with 42 saves on 45 shots (42 of 44 if you take away the shot through the hole), but suffered the loss. Niklas Backstrom stopped 20 of 22 shots for the win. Phil Kessel scored on his only shot on goal of the game and had an assist to go along with a penalty and a plus-1 performance in 15:13 of ice time. Mark Stuart spent two minutes in the penalty box, and was minus-1 in 13:13. Tim Thomas continues to nurse an apparent lower body injury.
Although most of the attention Sunday was focused on the USA/Finland game, David Krejci's Czech Republic team had an important game to play with Sweden. The game was very tight through the first 40 minutes of action. The teams played to a scoreless draw after one period, and were tied at two after two. Sweden took a 3-2 lead early in the third period only to have it get answered by the Czech Republic midway through the frame. With 4:53 to go, the Swedes took a 4-3 lead, then put the game away at the end with an empty net goal. Marcus Nilson had two goals for Sweden in the win, while Patrik Elias led the way for the Czechs with a goal and an assist. Henrik Lundqvist defeated Milan Hnilicka in goal. David Krejci was out of the lineup for this game.
Two of the teams with members of the Bruins will take the ice on Monday. First off, Team USA will be looking to bounce back from Sunday's disappointing loss when the face Norway at 12:30. At 8:15, Germany takes on Latvia in what will essentially be a feel good game for Germany as they have been eliminated from playing in the Quarterfinal Round. The Czech Republic is off until Wednesday when the the Quarterfinal Round begins.
- Follow up
- There are now four teams remaining in the Stanley Cup playoffs. For those of you who like to lament the loved lost players of yesteryear, lets review the former Bruins who are still lacing them up. For your Detroit Red wings, one Brad Stuart.For your Pittsberg Penguins the towering Hal Gill and the slick Sergie Gonchar.And for their Philadelphia Flyers the sweet Mike Knuble.I for one would probably welcome back anyone of these players, but not all of them at once. Its interesting that 3 of 4 are defenseman. It is also interesting that there was no revolt by the fan base when these players were sent packing or slipped away. There is a fourth team in the playoffs that does not have a former Bruin representative. So lets all start routing for Dallas, so we do not have to see another x player hoist another cup before a present one does.Lastly I have been largely absent at this space this season. I have another internet/life project that has absorbed much of my time since the fall. My hope is that next season I will be able to balance my time more between the two. I also promised that if the team made the playoffs I would lift my anonymity. Revealing the time sink and my true self are going to be one and the same. Well here goes (curtain lifting). Visit me at www.benshotme.com.Let the free agent and trade debates begin! I have a feeling that Hossa will be here what about you?
- Czechs Take One in Shootout; Germany Falls Victim to Canada
- Quebec, QC- One night after Russia and Belarus went to the first shootout of the IIHF World Championship, the Czech Republic and Belarus decided to duplicate that feat. Although David Krejci has had success in shootouts for Boston and Providence, it was Ales Kotalik who decided the game and gave the Czech Republic their fourth win in five games by a final score of 3-2. The other game of the day on Saturday involving a Bruin saw a much different fate. Marco Sturm's German squad did manage to score a goal, but got lit up 10-1 by Canada.
Belarus might not be loaded with NHL talent from top to bottom like some teams in the tournament, but that doesn't mean that they can't compete with the others. They entered Saturday's game with just one win in four games, but all three of their losses were decided by one goal. That says a lot, considering those opponents were Sweden, Switzerland, and Russia. The Czech Republic entered the game with three wins in four games, and needed a win to lock up a spot in the quarterfinals. Belarus got on the board first at the 18:12 mark of the opening period on a goal by Yaroslav Chupris. The Belarussians held onto that 1-0 lead until late in the period when the Czech Republic was finally able to tie the score thanks to Tomas Rolinek's goal. Belarus grabbed their second lead of the game just before the midway mark of the third period when Montreal's Andrei Kostitsyn connected for his second goal of the tournament. The lead lasted for a little less than four minutes. At 13:38 of the third, Kostitsyn's Montreal teammate, Tomas Plekanec, set up Buffalo's Ales Kotalik with the tying goal. The teams played a scoreless overtime, leading to a shootout. In the shootout, the Czechs scored on two of their three shots, including Ales Kotalik's goal on the third attempt for a 2-1 advantage and a 3-2 victory. Milan Hnilicka made 16 saves on 18 shots during the game, before stopping two of three shots in shootout for the Czech Republic. Vitali Koval was a lot busier with 41 saves on 43 shots in the game before a 1-for-3 effort in the shootout. David Krejci had two shots on goal and was a minus-1 in 4:43 of action.
Unfortunately for Marco Sturm and the Germans, their game on Saturday with Canada was practically over before it even began. The first two periods of the contest can be summed up as a disaster for Germany. The first period began with Jason Spezza giving Canada a 1-0 lead at 5:14. The score stayed 1-0 through the first ten minutes of the game. The second half of the opening stanza took on a different feel as Dany Heatley, Eric Staal, and Patrick Sharp extended Canada's lead to four. Already in full control of the game, Canada turned their 4-0 lead into a 9-0 lead in the second period. Eric Staal scored back-to-back goals to start the period to complete his hat trick, then scored later in the period for his fourth goal of the game. Derek Roy and Jamal Mayers also tallied for Canada in the second. 1:47 into the third period, the Canadians got their tenth goal of the game from Mike Green. Frank Hordler gave Germany something to cheer about when he scored at 8:40, but the damage was already done, and Canada had the easy 10-1 win. Cam Ward got the win in goal for Canada with 17 saves on 18 shots. Dmitrij Kotschnew suffered the loss with 14 saves on 18 shots. Robert Muller replaced Kotschnew, and allowed six goals on 24 shots. Marco Sturm had one shot on goal in the game, and was only minus-2 despite the nine goal loss. He saw 14:52 of ice time.
Team USA returns to the ice for their first game in three days as they take on Finland Sunday. The Americans have won three of their first four games, and can clinch a spot in the quarterfinals as long as they are able to pick up a point. Although they will likely get a spot anyway, this is a big game for seeding purposes. Finland has won all four of their games and has a two point lead on the Americans. A win for Team USA would put them in second place in Group F. A loss would guarantee that they wouldn't be able to finish higher than third.
After Saturday's exciting win over Belarus, the Czech Republic will be right back at it on Sunday. They will take on Sweden in their third and final game of the Qualifying Round. After starting the tournament 2-0, Sweden has dropped two of its' last three games. The Swedes rolled past Denmark 8-1, but struggled offensively in a 4-2 loss to Switzerland and a 3-2 loss to Russia. The Czechs enter Sunday's game with wins in four of their five games in the tournament. Their only loss came in overtime to Russia. A Czech Republic win would guarantee that they would finish no lower than second. If they lose, first place is out of the question, and they would also have Switzerland breathing down their backs.
Germany is off until Monday when they play Latvia. Unfortunately, this game is essentially pointless for the Germans. They have won just one of five games in the tournament, and have been mathematically eliminated from playing in the Quarterfinal Round. If Latvia loses against Norway on Sunday, Monday's game will have fifth place in Group F on the line. If Germany is looking for optimism heading into that game, Latvia has just one goal in three games against Group F opponents.
Sunday's game between Team USA and Finland takes place at 4:30 in Halifax. That game can be seen live at WCSN.com. Just as the USA game comes to an end, the Czech Republic will play their game against Sweden at 7:00. That game will be over in Quebec City, and can also be seen on WCSN.
- Fin
- I think it goes without saying that I am disappointed in Providence's 5-4 loss to Portland last night, and thusly, Providence's playoff exit. The disappointment is extra strong because this year, I believed they could have won the Calder Cup if they wanted, because they had all the pieces. I always believe in my team, but this year felt different. This year felt like Their Year. They spent close to two-thirds (or more; my math is shabby and my ability to deal with fractions even shabbier) as the number one team in the league. For the first time that I can recall, a playoff berth wasn't achieved through a combination of winning the last number of X games and the ifs of having other teams in the division lose. This year a playoff spot was achieved in early March.
All this makes the sting of losing a little deeper.
I don't know what happened, because I didn't go to any of the three games in Portland, and last night's game was just ridiculous. They spent the first period playing (and ended it, 2-1), they were just kind of there for the second period, as if to meet the compulsory attendance records (and ended it tied, 3-3), and then spent the third period playing the same, until Portland took the lead with a fourth, and then a fifth, goal. It wasn't until that fourth goal that they all seemed to wake up, as if oh shit, they just realized that the rest of their playoff time rests on the remaining 13 minutes in this period. But playing only 33 minutes wasn't enough; it didn't get it done.
I do believe that they pulled Rask too late. The team seems to play better, tighter hockey in front of Sigalet, and I