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Bruins 2012 Report Card: Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Nathan Horton

Bobby Doherty — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:00:10 +0000

Injuries kept this line from building on a strong first season together. Several different players filled the vacant spot at right-wing left by Nathan Horton. If Horton is healthy heading into next season, this line will likely stay together and play at a high level.

Report Cards: Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin | Lucic-Krejci-Horton

Milan Lucic C+

Coming off of his most productive scoring season as a Bruin, Lucic had a strong regular season. Still at times, he shows that he lacks top-line forward scoring skill. His best stretch of hockey during the season came while playing on a line with Tyler Segiun, as the speedy winger forced Lucic to keep his feet moving.

With 26 goals and 62 points from Lucic, there are no complaints, but with no goals during the playoffs there are huge concerns. On top of only having 12 points during the cup run last season, he seems to disappear during the playoffs. Next year, he needs to take his game to the next level in the second season.

David Krejci C+

Krejci got a $5 million contract at the beginning of the season and only produced 23 goals and 62 points. He is an extremely streaky player, and losing Nathan Horton for almost the entire season really hurt his game. As we all know, Krejci is a fantastic play maker and having a big bodied winger who can snipe like Horton is exactly what he needs on his line.

Like the rest of the Bruins forwards, minus a few guys, Krejci had a sub-par playoffs. The way the season ended should motivate Krejci to be more than ready to start next season. This should be the year that he shows what he is, a 60-point second-line center or an 80-point top-line center.

Nathan Horton B

Horton played in only 46 games due to concussion problems. He tallied 17 goals and 32 points in that time, and he would have been around the 30-goal mark if he could stay healthy. The Bruins front office expects Horton to be ready to go at the start of next season, but with concussion issues, you just don’t know what is going to happen.

Horton was missed greatly in the playoffs and on the power play, as a winger that can score from anywhere with a shot is a great threat. If Horton can return with no concussion problems, he will be primed to join the 30-goal club for the second time in his career.

Will the Bruins Trade Tim Thomas?

Brendan Page — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:00:32 +0000

After a record-breaking 2010-2011 season in which he won the Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies, Tim Thomas was the goalie you wanted to have on your team. It didn’t matter if he faced seven shots or 70 shots; he would bring his A game night in and night out. His consistent play led the Bruins to their first Stanley cup in 39 years.

This season, though, wasn’t so much of a joyride for the 38-year-old. With constant pressure to perform well due to the solid play of Tuukka Rask (who is an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason), Thomas’s stats dropped in every category. At times, Rask started playing in the prime time games, including the day-after-Thanksgiving showdown against the high powered Detroit Red Wings, which ended in a 3-2 shootout loss.

The Bruins also have goaltending talent in the AHL with Anton Khudobin, who started one game in the NHL against Ottawa, stopping 41 of 42 shots in a 3-1 win. The biggest reason Thomas had a down year, though, is not the other talent within the organization. It is the fact that Thomas, at 38, is not getting any younger.

What should the Bruins do?

The Bruins need a consistent scorer, who can put the puck in the net on a consistent basis and who can contribute to their mediocre power play. The Bruins are rumored to have been in talks with offers from the Chicago Blackhawks, who were willing to offer up forward Viktor Stalberg. There have also been rumors of the Blackhawks dealing Patrick Kane for the Thomas, but I hardly believe they would give up such young talent for a goalie who’s seen better days. With the Blackhawks in desperate need for a goalie, I feel the Bruins could get a little more out of the deal then Viktor Stalberg (perhaps a first round draft pick would be nice).

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli denied the accusations of trading Thomas, stating he’s “not inclined on trading Thomas.” The organization has a long offseason ahead of them and we will see where things take them. Thomas might not get traded, but I bet he will be in trade talks throughout the league.

So, all we can do is watch the rest of the playoffs and wait to see what happens with the Bruins organization.

2012 NHL Playoffs Expert Picks: 3rd Round

John — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:26:51 +0000

Only four teams remain in the NHL playoffs. The Devils try to continue their run against another powerful divisional rival while the Kings and Coyotes each try to cap off a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals.

And here at SoB, it’s looking like it’ll be the Rangers and Kings meeting for the Cup. The Devils did get a vote as well, and the Rangers have been through two seven-game series, so there may be something too that too.

So be sure to check below for the complete set of picks, and check back one the Stanley Cup Finals are set for the results.

	Name	Erikk	John	Josh
Rangers vs Devils	Winner	Devils	Rangers	Rangers
Rangers vs Devils	Series Length	7	5	7
Coyotes vs Kings	Winner	Kings	Kings	Kings
Coyotes vs Kings	Series Length	6	5	6
Total	Points	11	14	9

2012 NHL Playoffs Expert Picks: Second Round Results

John — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:07:40 +0000

The NHL is down to its final four teams, including an improbable #8 seed. There’s also a #1 seed on the other coast bringing elite goaltending (among other things) to the table, so the next round should be full of surprises.

But for now, the second round wasn’t too kind to our experts. The Coyotes and Devils each pulled off big upsets. The Rangers and Kings did come through for the majority, though. Perhaps the toughest part was figuring out how many games each series would last. In fact, only one set of picks had any right.

That keeps everyone about the same point totals apart as before, but there’s still enough action to change all of that. So check below for the results, and check back later for the next round’s pick.

	Name	Brendan	John	Josh
Rangers vs Capitals	Winner	Capitals	Rangers	Rangers
Rangers vs Capitals	Series Length	6	7	6
Flyers vs Devils	Winner	Flyers	Flyers	Flyers
Flyers vs Devils	Series Length	6	5	7
Blues vs Kings	Winner	Kings	Blues	Kings
Blues vs Kings	Series Length	7	6	7
Coyotes vs Predators	Winner	Predators	Predators	Predators
Coyotes vs Predators	Series Length	6	7	6
Total	Points	10	14	9

Table Legend:

Two-point picks are bolded.
One-point picks are italicized.
Zero-point picks are crossed out.

Bruins 2012 Report Card: Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, Tyler Seguin

Bobby Doherty — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:00:24 +0000

As the NHL playoffs roll along, we’ll be taking a look back at the Bruins season that was. First, we review one of the Bruins’ top lines…

Report Cards: Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin | Lucic-Krejci-Horton

Brad Marchand - B+

There was no sophomore slump for Marchand in his second full season as a Bruin. He had 28 goals and 27 assists for 55 points, improving in all three-stat categories from last season. This occurred all while still being the agitator for the Bruins.

He didn’t really start strong or finish strong, finishing with only four points in the first month and and only two points in the Washington series, but overall it was a good season for him.

It looks like he has found a home along side Patrice Bergeron and on the penalty kill. Marchand will likely be trying to join the 30-goal club next season.

Patrice Bergeron - A

It was an all-around great season for Bergeron, who is an all-around great player. Bergeron was nominated for the Selke award for best two-way forward for the first time this season. Playing with the two young guns for most of the year, Bergeron had his best point production since missing time with concussions. He finished with 64 points, thanks to 22 goals and 42 helpers.

His best job was done in the face-off circles, as he won more than half of his draws all season. After the Bruins were eliminated, the team announced that he was playing in the playoffs with a broken nose and an injury to an oblique muscle. Look for more points next season from the leader of the offense, if he stays with the young wingers.

Tyler Seguin - A

Seguin got a chance to play real minutes this season and he showed that he was more than up for it. He led the team in points and goals in his second season with 29 goals 38 assists for 67 points. He showed that not only he can score in the NHL, but he is capable of being a two-way player, showing more willingness to go to the dirty areas all season long.

It will be interesting to see how long Seguin stays on a wing, as his natural position is center and he is more dangerous in that role, but there seems to be a log jam down the middle and a need on the right-wing.

In order for Seguin to build on last season, he needs to get stronger and he needs more ice time to reach his full potential, so hopefully he makes that jump to a top 5 player in the league.

Hey, I Just Met You, And This Is Krejci…?

KC Downey — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:11:31 +0000

This is tremendous.

Thank you Carly Rae Jepsen for the catchy song, and of course and extra thanks to @NHLMemes on Twitter.

Enjoy:

(From @NHLMemes)

Hey Ladies: Tyler Seguin is Single

KC Downey — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:36:46 +0000

Just in case you were wondering, Bruins forward Tyler Seguin is single.

How do I know? He said so on Twitter.

Yes I am single

— Tyler Seguin (@tylerseguin92) May 3, 2012

2012 NHL Playoffs Expert Picks: Second Round

John — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:12:55 +0000

The second round has begun, and it’s time to see whether the several upset-minded teams can keep their runs going. Four lower seeds made it to the second round, including the #8 Los Angeles Kings.

The Kings have been picked by the majority of our panelists to make it past St. Louis after upsetting Vancouver. The Capitals are also making some noise after dethroning the champs, and Nashville is also looking to move forward on the road against Phoenix.

So check below for the complete picks, and check back once the second round is complete for the results.

	Name	Brendan	John	Josh
Rangers vs Capitals	Winner	Capitals	Rangers	Rangers
Rangers vs Capitals	Series Length	6	7	6
Flyers vs Devils	Winner	Flyers	Flyers	Flyers
Flyers vs Devils	Series Length	6	5	7
Blues vs Kings	Winner	Kings	Blues	Kings
Blues vs Kings	Series Length	7	6	7
Coyotes vs Predators	Winner	Predators	Predators	Predators
Coyotes vs Predators	Series Length	6	7	6
Total	Points	8	10	5

2012 NHL Playoffs Expert Picks: First Round Results

John — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:55:23 +0000

The first round is over, and it was full of upsets, particularly in the East. There wasn’t too much success overall picking series winners, though series length picks mitigated that somewhat.

The Rangers were the easiest pick to make, though they could just as easily have lost. The Devils were the only other clear majority to pick up a win.

That should make for an interesting second round, but for now, it’s pretty close for the lead in our competition, with four panelists within three points of each other for the lead. With the field of NHL teams shrinking, every point matters, so check below for the results so far, and check back Sunday for the next round of picks.

	Name	Brendan	Erikk	John	Josh	KC
Rangers vs Senators	Winner	Rangers	Rangers	Rangers	Rangers	Rangers
Rangers vs Senators	Series Length	5	7	-4-	5	5
Bruins vs Capitals	Winner	Bruins	Bruins	Bruins	Bruins	Bruins
Bruins vs Capitals	Series Length	7	6	7	6	5
Panthers vs Devils	Winner	Devils	Devils	Devils	Panthers	Devils
Panthers vs Devils	Series Length	6	5	6	6	6
Penguins vs Flyers	Winner	Penguins	Penguins	Penguins	Flyers	Penguins
Penguins vs Flyers	Series Length	6	7	6	7	-4-
Canucks vs Kings	Winner	Canucks	Canucks	Canucks	Canucks	Canucks
Canucks vs Kings	Series Length	6	7	5	-4-	5
Blues vs Sharks	Winner	Sharks	Blues	Blues	Sharks	Blues
Blues vs Sharks	Series Length	7	6	6	6	7
Coyotes vs Blackhawks	Winner	Blackhawks	Blackhawks	Blackhawks	Blackhawks	Blackhawks
Coyotes vs Blackhawks	Series Length	7	6	6	6	6
Predators vs Red Wings	Winner	Predators	Predators	Red Wings	Red Wings	Red Wings
Predators vs Red Wings	Series Length	7	5	6	7	7
Total	Points	8	11	10	5	8

Table Legend:

Two-point picks are bolded.
One-point picks are italicized.
Zero-point picks are crossed out.

Power(less) Play Finally Costs Bruins

Michael Ricci — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:00:34 +0000

It was inevitable.

The Boston Bruins dismal play with a man advantage has finally ended their defense of a championship they won in spite of their ability to capitalize on power play opportunities. For two years, the Bruins have been less than impressive when opposing teams have one fewer man on the ice. For two years, the Bruins have been utterly inept in every facet of their power play offense. And it’s finally caught up to them.

We will no longer hear about how the Bruins’ power play isn’t that important because their even strength play is strong. We will no longer hear about how the Bruins can win without a top tier offensive power play system. Instead, we will hear about how this team’s top six forwards and their “puck moving, offensive” defensemen have let them down against an inferior team.

Sure, their power play was ranked in the middle of the NHL this season, but don’t let their mediocrity fool you. As we have come to find, their moderate power play success has bee nothing more than a façade, a sham, a charade.

Why is the power play so bad? Two reasons:

System

There’s no easier play to defend – in any sport – than one that is standing still. The foundation of a power play is that one team has to cover the same amount of space with fewer players. In the Bruins’ case, there is space available, but it is never utilized.

Instead of creating passing lanes, the Bruins wait for them to appear. Instead of moving into space, and forcing the disabled defense to move with them, they work for seconds and seconds against the boards only to get the puck back to the point for a slap shot. A slap shot, I might add, that a goalie and his defenders can see coming before it even happens.

Personnel

Typically, when a team is granted a man advantage, they see it as an opportunity to score. Typically, to score, players need to be on the ice that have the ability to possess the puck, pass the puck, and shoot the puck somewhere other than into the chest of the goalie.

If we can collectively think of one player that can do all three of those things, we would probably all arrive at Tyler Seguin. But it took until the seventh and final game of this series for Seguin to be on the first power play line. In Game 5, as a matter of fact, Seguin played less than half the minutes of Brian Rolston and Rich Peverly on the power play.

Once again: typically, when a team is granted a man advantage, they see it as an opportunity to score.