Original Six Week

Big week for the black & Gold this week. The fun kicks off Wednesday night in Chicago for a tilt against the resurgent Blackhawks. Years of awful play has earned them draft picks galore, which they've been using to stock pile some of the best young talent in the league. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp are the most prominent youngsters up front. They also have the prolific Martin Havlat and former B's prospect Kris Versteeg chipping in quite a bit as well. In net, it's the two headed monster of Nikolai Khabiboulin and Cristobal Huet. On D, they've got UFA signee Brian Campbell as their go to guy on the PP. Another guy Bruins fans may want to keep an eye on is young Cam Barker. There are starting to be rumors whispered about a possible deal between Boston and Chicago involving Barker. He's only 22 years old, but has already played 86 NHL games (over three seasons). The 6'3" 200LB Barker would be an absolute coup for Chiarelli if he was able to swing a deal for him. If of course, he's able to pull it off for a package of picks and/or a mid level prospect or two.
The 'hawks are a good test for the B's, as they're a team with some similarities to themselves. Lots of youthful talent up front, good goal tending and a developing "one for all" mentality. not the most physically scary team out there by any stretch, but they do a good job of sticking up for each other when it's called for. Take a run at Kane, be ready to fight whoever is on the ice. The rough stuff is led by the likes of Colin Fraser, Matt Walker and Ben Eager. Of that trio, Walker is the closest thing to a "legit tough guy"....but he's not exactly Bob Probert reincarnated in Chi-Town.
As much as I'd hate to see it, I wouldn't be surprised to see the B's lose this one. On the road against a good team is one thing. But knowing you have to come home the next night to face your most hated rival has to be distracting. I see Boston looking ahead to Montreal and not doing all the little things they need to for a win. And honestly, if they HAVE to lose one of these two, I think we can all agree it's betteragainst Chicago (a Western Conference team) than Montreal, a bitter division opponent.
So, a big one in Chicago Wednesday, a battle in Boston vs. Montreal Thursday and the a quick trip to Manhattan to take on the first place Rangers. Tough tough week ahead, and I'd be thrilled with 4 of 6 points over that stretch. Especially if it means wins vs. the two Eastern Conference teams.

More thoughts on these later.
Go B's-Kynch