Game #6 - Bruins vs. Cowards

The above photo sequence sums up perfectly Scott Walkers Modus Operandi. Throw a punch at an unsuspecting opponent, then hide behind the nearest official when some willing combatant approaches to make you answer for your cheap shot. Walker, little punk that he is, was awfully "tough" when he threw a bomb at Ward, who CLEARLY was not looking to fight. Yet, when an enraged Milan Lucic came calling, suddenly Walker turned all pacifist on us. Well, I guess we can call Walker all sorts of things (and I have), but apparently "dumb" isn't one of them. Classic spot picker, cheap shot artist. The fact that the NHL didn't suspend him SHOULD be stunning news. But let's remember, we're talking about the NHL in general, and Colin Campbell in particular. Nothing that clown does should surprise anyone anymore. I'm convinced he either uses a Lucky 8 Ball or a dartboard to make his decisions. Because there is no way a rational, clear thinking "disciplinarian" could come to the conclusion the RESCINDING the suspension was in the best interest of the league. Campbell is on record as saying the NHL has to "clean up the game", and eliminate "head shots". Well, forgive me for being naive, but wasn't Walker's punch a two birds with one stone act? It was a "DIRTY" play directly at Ward's head (unless somehow Colin doesn't consider the face to be a part of the head....which may make sense, since his head is clearly up his arse). So once again, instead of the NHL taking a stand and showing that they're serious about eliminating cheap shots, they simply slap Walker on the wrist, fining him $2,500. Basically meal money for a guy on the books for $2.5M this season. Worse, it isn't like Walker is known as a choir boy who just made an error in judgement. He is well known as a borderline dirty player. In fact, he has been suspended in the past for HEAD BUTTING (after getting his butt handed to him by Mike Fisher of the Senators). In fact, in that head butt incident, he then threw a sucker punch at Fisher after the refs had them separated. I thought having a "history" was supposed to enter into the equation? Then again, this is Colin Campbell, the same guy that referred to Lucic as "that type of player" who shouldn't be on the ice late in a game when he suspended him for his cross-check to Lapierre. Really? Lucic plays on the first line. Walker is a fourth liner, on the ice with under three minutes left in a 4-0 loss. NONE of this entered the decision making process?

But you know what? I don't really care. Other than the principle of it, I could care less if Walker sits or not. He's a fourth liner, and if a player of his dubious skill set playing or not makes a difference between victory and defeat for the B's, they've got problems. Fact is, Walker playing tonight could just be the best medicine for the Bruins. I'm not expecting any overt retaliation to take place. As Shawn Thornton said, it won't be forgotten, but there are more important things to worry about than Scott Walker being paid back (or Jussi Jokinen for that matter). Walker will get his, you can bank on that. But for tonight, the retaliation will come in the form of legal, brutal body checks. And most of them won't be against Walker. But his teammates will have him, Jokinen and Conboy to thank for pissing off the Bruins. And for good measure, you can add the classless comments made by coach Maurice and GM Rutherford to the motivation stew as well. Maurice said the ramification of the Walker punch would be that Walker would have sore knuckles. Not sure what he was trying to accomplish with that comment, but I was STUNNED when I heard it. Absolutely incredible to me that he could make light of such a cheap shot. Then, his GM pretty much backed it up by fabricating some story about "most of the punches in the series have come from the Bruins, so it was a matter of time before one was thrown back". HUH? Whatever, I'd like to thank them all personally for giving the B's and their fans a reason to hate them. As we know, the Black & Gold always play better when they dislike their opponent (just ask Montreal, Dallas......). Oh, and the funniest, most ironic comment was reserved for Jokinen when he said Chara "dove" after he slashed him from behind. Really? The missing Kostitsyn sister actually just called out CHARA for DIVING? Now THAT is some funny stuff!


As far as the actual game on the ice is concerned, not the circus surrounding it, the game plan for the Bruins is pretty simple. Play exactly the way you did Sunday, but hopefully pot one earlier. We all know that the Hurricanes will come out flying to try to regain their speed game. Boston has to withstand that initial burst of energy, which generally lasts no more than ten minutes. If they get to the half way point of the first scoreless, they're probably in good shape. Scoring the first goal, while not a "must" would go a long way towards a B's win. Taking the Canes crowd out of it sooner rather than later would be great. They may be "raucous" and all that, but they get awfully quiet when things aren't going well. If Boston can get up by a couple goals, they can force Carolina to press even more than usual (they already play a high tempo, high risk style). If they do that, they could open themselves up counter-attack offense. I know the Canes are in the drivers seat, needing only to win one of two. But you can't tell me they don't want to avoid, at all costs, coming back to Boston. They beat the Devils in Newark in game 7, but I don't think they want to push their luck in that regard. Get a lead, and suddenly the pressure of the series falls squarely back in the Canes lap.

Early on Thomas will probably have to keep the B's in the game. With that early onslaught, Timmy will be called upon to make some big stops while his boys settle down in front of him. I have no doubt that he will answer the call and be brilliant. Even he seems to play better when some hate builds between the teams.

Offensively, after the night the Savard line had, I'd expect Maurice to do everything he can to get his best defenders out there every time Savvy-Looch-Kess hop the boards. Which should open things up for the Krecji line. Krech has looked brilliant lately, and Ryder has been SO close on a few chances lately....he is due. Bitz adds some size to the line, creating space for the slick Krecji. Bitz is also a terrific net-front presence for a sniper like Ryder to take advantage of.

Speaking of net-front presence, the B's need to remember how all of their goals were scored. They all were the result of driving the net, screening Ward and making him move side to side. It's a simple strategy that every team talks about employing. As long as the B's do it, they'll be able to score plenty. I'd love to see Lucic play a little closer to the net. He has a habit of drifting a little high in the slot, and towards the circle. If he stays at the top of the crease, he can't be moved. Of course if Chara plays the way he did Sunday and jumps into the play, Canes will have no chance. Then it's just a matter of making your shots.


ROUGH STUFF?
Like I said earlier, I don't think you'll see an actual fight tonight. At least not one directed at Walker as a retaliation. It's possible something crops up, and maybe even Conboy tries his luck again (hey, third time is the charm!). But don't go looking for an old-school brawl filled game. Oh, it will be chippy. No doubt about that. Face-washing, cross-checks and little slashes will be the order of the day. But there is just too much at stake to go looking for justice at this point. As Thornton said, they have long memories. Walker's payback can wait until next year.
But make no mistake, this game will be plenty rough and physical. Boston has it's confidence back, and when they feel good about their game, they hit. They hit hard, and they hit often. Look for Lucic, Chara,Ward and Stuart to be the catalysts in that department, followed closely by Kobasew and Bergeron. For their part, the Canes will try to match the Bruins physicality. They didn't feel good about any part of their game, so expect them to try sparking themselves with some big hits (again, I think this is counter-productive for them, but hey...). Staal, Larose, Gleason, Cole and probably Walker will be their main hitters. Walker will hit for no other reason that to try and goad the B's into retaliating. They have to remain poised, just like they did against Montreal. The Boston Power Play has shown great signs of life. So they need to stay out of the box, and make Carolina spend as much time there as possible.

PREDICTIONS:
I think Boston is feeling good and has found their game. Does that always mean they'll win? No, it doesn't. But it sure does tonight. I'm looking for a 4-1 win for the good guys. Thomas makes some spectacular saves early, then enjoys a fairly quiet night the rest of the way. The B's get goals from Ryder, Recchi, Lucic and......WARD! (yes, that's my reach of the week lol).

Go B's-Kynch

Canes unveil new "Score(s)" line

The Carolina Hurricanes have heard enough. Ever since it was determined that they would face off against the Boston Bruins, they've heard the talk. They're a one line team, no depth. Staal can't do it all. Well, they've finally responded to their critics and unveiled their new line which they hope will take the pressure off the Stall/Whitney/Larose line. And while they may bear a passing resemblance to the Kostitsyn sisters from Montreal, rest assured, these players are all Carolina. No word yet if the NHL will allow the giant slingshot instead of sticks, but given Colin Campbell's confusion on what sticks are for, I wouldn't bet against it. This line could provide the Bruins first real test of physical play, as they're obviously tougher than anyone the Canadiens rolled over the boards in round one.


As for the rest of the Carolina roster, meh. Not overly impressed to be honest. When you look at their roster, there are VERY few names that jump off the page at you. Yes, Eric Staal is a "star" player (at least one of those second-tier types). Cam Ward is on a roll, not unlike the one he went on on his way to winning the Conn Smythe trophy in their Cup year. After that? Mixed bag. Rod Brind'amour is a savvy veteran with loads of experience. But I don't think he's nearly the player he was just a couple seasons ago (as his 0-0-0, minus 1 for the first round will attest). Beyond that, you have a shopping list of guys who may as well be in the witness protection program. Nobody would recognize them walking down any street in the hockey world. But, is that a bad thing? The Canes won their Cup with a similar crew of "no-names" in 2006. Yes, the sum of the parts can be greater than the individuals.

BUT, when one of these "sum of the parts" teams meets up with a team with loads of depth, and much better talent up and down the roster.....things get a little dicey. And that is just the situation the Whalers/Canes find themselves in. Yes, the Whale plays well as a team. But they don't play "great" as a team. The offense is all on the Staal line, and the defense is pretty much left to Cam Ward. That my friends, is not a recipe for success. One line (really, one player) doing all the scoring doesn't work for long in the playoffs. And while goaltending is obviously a huge part of playoff success, you simply can't expect your goalie to win you every game. The Bruins have such a clear advantage in the depth department that I can't see how, barring a major meltdown by Boston or a goaltending display for the ages by Ward, that Carolina last more than five or six games.

On the subject of depth, Carolina had 6 players with 4 points or more in their seven game series. Boston had 5 in their sweep of the Hapless Habs. And that perfectly mirrors the regular season, in which they led the league in 20 goal scorers. Oh, and one of those 20 goal guys was shuttled to the fourth line and shut-out in limited time(Wheeler) and one was held goal-less (Recchi). Raise your hand if you expect Mark Recchi to go 0-fer in the second round. Exactly. And remember, Recchi knows this team very well, having played on that Cup winning team in '06....think he may know a thing or two about Ward that he can use to his advantage? I fully expect a big series from the Recching ball.

And that's just it....we can rightfully EXPECT big performances from many different players. While the Whale can basically only HOPE for big series from most of their guys. I'm sure they'll all publicly say all the right things and display confidence etc. But honestly, do you think anyone in tobacco country EXPECTS Staal or Cole or Whitney...or anyone, to have a great series? The top line will see loads of Zdeno Chara. That in itself pretty much eliminates the "big series" from them. Now, they may score a couple goals here and there. I would never predict a shut out of high end talent, especially high end talent that has won a Cup. But they just don't go deep enough to make themselves a serious threat. Eric Cole, who was widely credited with being a big part of the Canes late season surge, has fallen off the planet. 0-0-0 for him too, with a -2 rating. If I'm a Canes fan, I'm thinking Cole could be the key to the series. He HAS to provide secondary scoring, or they have no chance.

Now, as much as Boston has a clear edge on talent, I don't expect this to be an "easy" series by any stretch. They have a lot of character. They play hard. They get rock solid goal-tending. But while the B's will have to earn it, I see this game going six at most. So that's my call- Bruins in 6.....which sucks, because dammit, I want to be there when they clinch a berth in round 3.

With the long layoff the Bruins have had, I expect to see some rust early in game one. Hopefully, after a period or so, the boys find their legs again. Thomas may have to hold the fort for awhile, which I expect he will. After that, talent will take over.
And of course, you have to wonder about the fatigue factor for the Canes. While Boston was sitting at home resting and healing all their bumps and bruises, they were playing for their lives. The NJ series wasn't overly physical, so I'm not sure how big a factor that will be. But it will have some effect, no doubt. After a few games of Chara, Ward, Stuart, Lucic, Thornton and many others leaning on them, the Whale will start to feel it.

I'll be back on game day to provide my predictions etc. Finally, a GAME DAY post is just hours away. It's been WAY to long.

Go B's-Kynch

"Remain calm. All is well!" Let's not get too Crazy here!

Without delving too much into the Kevin Bacon/Chip Diller from Animal House end of the PANIC pool with this, instead I think we need to go with this type of angle- Here's the scenario: It's 1:45 am, last call's about to be announced & the lights will come on soon so you better latch onto something quick or you're going home alone and to the Spice Channel right? Well not so fast...

When you flip this same idea into the NHL's upcoming March 3rd trade deadline, the main question for the B's has to be: Are you better off riding with what you've got or by grabbing that last possibility regardless of the potential cost? This really is the challenge that their facing right now. While I fully realize & 100% agree that the B's haven't been lighting it up nearly as much of late and their not playing at the level as a TEAM that they had earlier in the season with the main reasons being varied and sometimes difficult to pin point because of things injuries finally taking their toll on their line up consistency each night, overall player fatigue and for whatever reason some not being as nearly as sharp as they were earlier in the season (i.e. guys like Krejci & Kessel) Then add in the fact that their schedule of late has contained a much higher caliber of opponents, you're looking this bit of a letdown & scuffle. These are all excuses on some levels but they are also things that need to be looked in order to make any trade.

Regardless of the B's recent sag, I think we all need to keep in mind that they still currently lead the entire Eastern Conference by a total of 9 points (over both the Devils & Capitals with each club having 57 games played heading into this evening's games) and primarily because of this fact I'd think it would be extremely foolish to simply make a snapshot judgement based these last 2 - 3 weeks and overreact and make a trade to simply make a trade or to keep with what other clubs have and may do. Sure we all know and agree that the B's could use another solid front line winger with some of that goal mouth area "grit" they seem to lack as well as adding another Defensemen with NHL Playoff experience (that never hurts to have right?) but at what price are you and the B's willing to pay for that rumored acquisition du Jour that seems only to be getting louder and louder as the deadline draws near? So getting down to brass tacks what would you be willing to give up and in turn what would you gain in the both short & long terms by acquiring someone like Oilers Left Winger Erik Cole, Av's Defensemen Jordon Leopold, Blues Center & former Mass native Keith Tkachuk or even some of the Av's other "up for sale" Defensemen like Brett Clark, John-Michael Liles and/or Ruslan Salei? From what I've seen online (for what that's worth...) or by simply looking at their current NHL & AHL rosters you'd think the obvious swap suspects would be players like Defensemen Matt Lashoff & Matt Hunwick. Front liners like Vladimir Sobotka, Byron Bitz, Martin Karsums, Martin St. Pierre or a highly regarded prospect we haven't seen skate yet at the NHL level like a Zach Hamill... Again you're not going to get an asset with giving one or even two up so what's it worth to you?

I have my opinions for sure but do I have any sure shot answers? No, not really and unless any of you or the B's Brass do and think that they're a legitimate piece or two away from a run at Lord Stanley than the answers simple: Make a Deal! But really is there anyone on the above "rumored" list that can really put the B's within reach of the Cup? That's $1,000,000.00 question and the thing that will make this March 3rd trade deadline so much different for this team than any of the least 4-5 years and places them in a very precarious spot for their immediate and long term future... I guess we'll see though right? Regardless Go Broouze! - KingKrej46

Let's Go Shopping? As deadline approaches what's the B's plan?

Well it's getting to be that time of year again; Valentine's Day aka Women's Day but then again what day shouldn't be right? Tax Filing Day (which we all know sucks & is complete BS!) & the NHL Trade Deadline aka "So you in or you out this year? Which for this season at least we find the Bruin's VERY MUCH IN for. Despite this great news and season so far, this years deadline is looking very tricky for the Hub's Boys of Winter as the last thing the B's GM Peter Chiarelli wants to do at this point is screw with the chemistry of his team and having or wanting to move any of the Bruins young talent to do so... Again tricky stuff considering the stakes.

So assuming this to be the case you'd then have to think that any B’s trade target would likely be a strong veteran player in the final year of his contract, someone who still has something to offer as a player and leader - and would not COST much this year and/or would have an impact on what will be a very tight salary cap next season. With restricted free agents David Krejci, Phil Kessel and Matt Hunwick, and unrestricted free agent goalie Tim Thomas (among a few others btw) to sign, Chiarelli already will have to be quite creative to fit his 2009-10 roster under a cap expected to remain at about this season’s $56.7 million.

Among the names that I've seen surface & could fit the B's bill (all are wingers and are set to become unrestricted free agents July 1 btw) are Edmonton’s Erik Cole, who has just 12 goals and 10 assists in 49 games while earning a tidy $4 million, Toronto’s Nik Antropov (15-22-37, $2.05 million) and St. Louis’ Keith Tkachuk aka Mr. Fitz' Nephew (15-17-32, $4 million)

I've heard Chiarelli state in the numerous interviews and articles that I've seen of late that a deal would not need to be for a high-end player, citing moves like the late season pickup's of guys like the Duck's Brad May from the Colorado Av's in 2006-07 as the kind of deal that can "help lift a team over the top without changing it's core" so with this seeming to be Chi's stated goal in mind, perhaps the B's GM should first look to his former club, the Ottawa Senators, where tough guy say Chris Neil ($1.2 million) is set to become a UFA. I know... I can almost hear Kynch's loud groaning and visualize his front shirt pull from here on this one too but even he would have to admit that this would be the type of pick up that would:

A) Come cheap (maybe a mid -late round draft pick at best and

B) would take the "Rough Stuff" burden off guys like Shawn "The Sock-it Rocket" Thornton (like that one btw? if so make sure KingKrej get's the props for it!) & Looch allowing them to actually concentrate on their full games without again changing much of the chemistry that has made this B's team special so far.

I've also read in several different places that within the Bruins dressing room, there is hope and almost a full blown expectation that the B's will not be interested in dealing players off the current roster but in only enhancing what they already have in place, which must be keeping their dressing room loose and focused on the game of hockey without having to deal with the usual "who's coming & who's going" banter that you know happens in every sport around deadline day and which has to be a MAJOR distraction regardless of what anyone says. So with all this in mind I give you the "2009 Unofficial Unrestricted Free Agent List" below to pick apart and discuss amoungst yourselves but as for me, I'd be happy if the B's were able to either: A) Simply do nothing and ride with the strong group they have in place B) Do something minor like acquire Chris Neil/Scott Parker type of player without giving up a Top 20 roster player or C) If the deal is right and plugs a hole, trade away a young someone like a Matt Lashoff, Pettri Nokelainen and/or a Baby B or two in tandem to gain a impact, Top 4 Defensemen... Again here's the list of pending UFA's, have at them and post your comments and ideas - Go Broounze!KingKrej46

Unofficial 2009 NHL UFA List as of 2/1/09

*Anaheim- Beauchemin Francois, Hedican Bret, Huskins Kent, Larsen Brad, Marchant Todd, Moen Travis, Montador Steve, Morrison Brendan, Niedermayer Rob, Niedermayer Scott, Pahlsson Samuel, Parros George

*Atlanta- Havelid, Niclas Hoffman, Mike Perrin, Eric Reasoner, Marty Schneider, Mathieu Williams, Jason

*Boston- Axelsson P.J, Fernandez Manny, Hnidy Shane, Thomas Tim, Yelle Stephane

*Buffalo- Afinogenov Maxim, Connolly Tim, Ellis Matt, Kotalik Ales, Numminen Teppo, Peters Andrew, Spacek Jaroslav

*Carolina- Bayda Ryan, Brookbank Wade, LaCouture Dan, LaRose Chad, Melichar Josef, Ryan Michael, Seidenberg Dennis, Tanabe David

*Calgary- Aucoin Adrian, Bertuzzi Todd, Cammalleri Mike, Lundmark Jamie, Moss David, Roy Andre, Warrener Rhett

*Chicago- Adams Craig, Havlat Martin, Johnson Aaron, Khabibulin Nikolai, Walker Matt

*Columbus- Backman Christian, MacDonald Craig, Malhotra Manny, Norrena Fredrik, Peca Michael, York Mike

*Colorado- Arnason Tyler, Durno Chris, Guite Ben, Laperriere Ian, Leopold Jordan, MacKenzie Aaron, Parker Scott, Raycroft Andrew, Sakic Joe (The King!) Tjarnqvist Daniel, Willsie Brian

*Dallas - Janik Doug, Lehtinen Jere, Lundqvist Joel, Parrish Mark, Sutherby BrianSydor Darryl, Wilson Landon, Zubov Sergei

*Detroit- Chelios Chris, Conklin Ty, Franzen Johan, Hossa Marian, Kopecky Tomas, McCarty Darren, Samuelsson Mikael, Zetterberg, Henrik

*Edmonton- Cole Erik, Garon Mathieu, Roloson Dwayne, Strudwick Jason

*Florida- Anderson Craig, Bouwmeester Jay, Boynton Nick, Cullimore Jassen, Dvorak Radek Murphy Cory, Peltonen Ville, Skrastins Karlis, Sprukts Janis, Zednik Richard

*L.A. Kings- Armstrong Derek, Calder Kyle, Ersberg Erik, Gauthier Denis, O'Donnell Sean

*Minnesota- Backstrom Niklas, Bergeron Marc-Andre, Foster Kurtis, Gaborik Marian, Kolanos Krys, Mojzis Tomas, Schaefer Nolan, Skoula Martin, Veilleux Stephane

*Montreal- Begin Steve, Bouillon Francis, Brisebois Patrice, Dandenault Mathieu, Denis Marc, Koivu Saku, Komisarek Big Pussy Mike, Kostopoulos Tom, Kovalev Bag Job Alexei, Lang Robert Tanguay Alex
*Nashville- Bonk Radek, De Vries Greg, Fiddler Vernon, Koistinen Ville, Nichol Scott, Ortmeyer Jed, Sullivan Steve, Ward Joel, Zanon Greg
*New Jersey- Clemmensen Scott, Gionta Brian, Holik Bobby, Madden John, Oduya Johnny, Rupp Michael, Weekes Kevin
*NY Islanders- Comrie Mike, Danis Yann, Fritz Mitch, Guerin Bill, Hilbert Andy, Jackman Tim, Lee Chris, MacDonald Joey, Pock Thomas, Sillinger Mike, Weight Doug
*NY Rangers- Betts Blair, Kalinin Dmitri, Mara Paul, Orr Colton, Rissmiller Patrick, Valiquette Stephen
*Ottawa- Gerber Martin, Kuba Filip, McAmmond Dean, Neil Chris, Richardson Luke

*Flyers- Alberts Andrew, Biron Martin, Hatcher Derian, Kane Boyd, Knuble Mike, Kukkonen Lasse, Munroe Scott, Niittymaki Antero, Vaananen Ossi

*Coyotes- Klee Ken, McGrattan Brian, Morris Derek, Reinprecht Steve, Tellqvist Mikael
*Penguins- Boucher Philippe, Fedotenko Ruslan, Gill Hal, Minard Chris, Pesonen Janne, Sabourin Dany, Satan Miroslav, Scuderi Rob, Sykora Petr, Taffe Jeff, Zigomanis Mike

*San Jose- Blake Rob, Boucher Brian, Cavanagh Tom, Grier Mike, Roenick Jeremy, Semenov Alexei
*St Louis- Hinote Dan, Legace Manny, McDonald Andy, Tkachuk Keith, Weaver Mike, Winchester Brad
*Tampa Bay- Gratton Chris, Heward Jamie, Koci David, Kolzig Olaf, Malik Marek, Niskala Janne, Pettinger Matt, Recchi Mark, Roberts Gary, Ward Jason
*Maple Leafs- Antropov Nik, Joseph Curtis, May Brad, Moore Dominic, Newbury Kris
*Vancouver- Burrows Alexandre, Davison Rob, Jaffray Jason, Labarbera Jason, Nycholat Lawrence, Ouellet Michel, Pyatt Taylor, Sanford Curtis, Sedin Daniel, Sedin Henrik, Sundin Mats

*Washington- Brashear Donald, Fedorov Sergei, Giroux Alexandre, Helmer Bryan, Johnson Brent, Kozlov Viktor, Mink Graham, Sloan Tyler

B's NewsBlast! - Ward Out for at Least the Next two Games

There's always more B's injury news to share it seems. Ugh...

WILMINGTON, Mass. — While recovering Boston Bruins players Andrew Ference, Manny Fernandez, Patrice Bergeron and Milan Lucic were scheduled to make the team’s road trip to Long Island for Thursday’s game and Saturday’s game in Washington, defenseman Aaron Ward was scheduled to stay back.

Ward re-aggravated a charley horse he suffered last week when he was hit from behind by Montreal’s Andrei Kostitsyn in last night’s win over Montreal.

Bruins head coach Claude Julien said that Ward and the trainers were speculating the veteran could return within a week, but there’s no way to accurately predict the timetable. As mentioned in the B's NewsBlast below Matt Lashoff was recalled to take Ward’s spot among the Bruins’ top six blueliners.

B's NewsBlast! - Round and Round We Go! Valdy & Lash come up (again) as Tukka & Karsums head down (again)

Well it looks like the seeminly Non-Stop Boston to Providence shuttle is still hard at work as the Bruins made several moves (again...) over the past 24 hours to try and continue to plug holes in their roster due to injuries, sickness and "General Soreness" (which who over 30 years old isn't by the way...?) Anyway here's the latest moves in summary & with a 1st assist to bostonbruins.com:


*Lashoff Recalled, Rask Assigned

Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced Tuesday that the club has recalled defenseman Matt Lashoff from the Providence Bruins on an emergency basis and assigned goaltender Tuukka Rask to the Providence Bruins.
*Lashoff will join the Boston Bruins for practice on Wednesday and accompany the team on their two-game road trip to Long Island and Washington.Lashoff has seen action in 13 games for Boston this season, registering one assist, and has played in 18 games for Providence with 4-12-16 totals. He split last season between Boston and Providence and skated in 18 NHL games, registering 1-4-5 totals and appeared in 60 games for the P-Bruins, tallying 9-27-36 totals.
*Rask was recalled on an emergency basis on two occasions (Saturday, January 10 and Monday, January 12) and served as the team's backup goalie in their 5-1 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday, January 10 and their 3-1 win over the Canadiens on Tuesday, January 13. Rask has started 30 games this season for Providence and has posted a 17-13-0 record with a 2.42 Goals Against Average and .919 save percentage. His 17 victories are the second most in the AHL.

*B's Recall Sobotka, Assign Karsums

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has recalled forward Vladimir Sobotka from the Providence Bruins and assigned forward Martins Karsums to the Providence Bruins.
*Sobotka will accompany the team on their two-game road trip to Long Island and Washington. Sobotka has played in 15 games for Boston during the 2008-2009 season and recorded 1-1-2 totals. In 19 games with the P-Bruins this year.
*Karsums is currently the leading scorer for Providence with 16 goals and 23 assists in 38 games. Recently named an AHL All-Star, he will play for the Planet USA team in the AHL All-Star Classic on January 26. He skated in three games for Boston and earned his first career NHL point with an assist on Saturday, January 10 against Carolina.

B's NewsBlast! - Kess placed on IR as B's Make Five More Transactions

As announced on bostonbruins.com;
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has assigned defenseman Matt Lashoff and goaltender Kevin Regan to the Providence Bruins and recalled goaltender Tuukka Rask and forward Martin St. Pierre from the Providence Bruins on an emergency basis. Additionally, the club has placed forward Phil Kessel on injured reserve (mononucleosis). Rask and St. Pierre are expected to participate in the team's morning skate today and be available for the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the TD Banknorth Garden this evening.

*Rask was recalled on an emergency basis on Saturday, January 10 and served as the team's backup goalie in their 5-1 win over the Hurricanes.Rask has started 30 games this season for Providence and has posted a 17-13-0 record with a 2.42 Goals Against Average and .919 save percentage. His 17 victories are the second most in the AHL.

*St. Pierre has seen action in nine games for Boston this year and recorded 1-2-3 totals. In 32 games with the P-Bruins this season, he registered a 10-28-38 line. The 25-year-old St. Pierre has appeared in 30 NHL games in his career - 21 with Chicago, 9 with Boston - and has tallied two goals and five assists.

*Lashoff has seen action in 13 games for Boston this season, registering one assist, and has played in 18 games for Providence with 4-12-16 totals. He split last season between Boston and Providence and appeared in 18 NHL games, registering 1-4-5 totals and appeared in 60 games for the P-Bruins, tallying 9-27-36 totals.

*Regan was recalled by Boston today, January 12, and participated in the team’s practice this morning at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington, MA. A South Boston native, Regan has appeared in 14 games this season for Providence and posted a 6-4-1 record with a 3.33 Goals Against Average and .875 save percentage.

*Of much larger note is that after playing in all 82 regular season games last season, Kessel skated in all 42 games this season and has potted a team-high 24 goals and added 17 assists. His 24 goals rank tied for third in the entire NHL and he owns the longest point streak in the league, having accumulated points in 18 consecutive games from November 13-December 21, 2008. Boston's first round pick (5th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the 21-year-old Kessel has recorded 54-53-107 totals in 194 career NHL games. He had played in 167 straight regular season games, dating back to January 9, 2007.

B's NewsBlast! - Claude "King" Julien Officially Named As All-Star Head Coach!

As Released by the NHL & NHL.com;

NEW YORK - Head coaches Claude Julien of the Boston Bruins and Todd McLellan of the San Jose Sharks will lead the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star Teams, respectively, at the 57th NHL All-Star Game, Sunday, Jan. 25 at Bell Centre in Montreal (6 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, VERSUS, NHL Radio)

Under the selection process for All-Star coaches, the head coach and assistant coach for the Eastern Conference All-Stars are the head coaches of the two teams with the top points percentages in the Eastern Conference through games of tonight, the halfway point of the 2008-09 regular season. The head coach and assistant coach of the Western Conference All-Stars are the head coaches of the two teams with the best points percentages in the Western Conference.

Julien has guided Boston to its best start since 1929-30 with a points percentage of .780, posting 64 points in 41 games (30-7-4); the Bruins are assured of having the Conference's top points percentage through Saturday. Julien will make his first career NHL All-Star coaching appearance in the city where he coached the Canadiens for 159 games over three seasons from 2002-03 to 2005-06.

The full press release can also be found here: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=403358

B's NewsBlast! - 3 Bruins Named as Eastern All Stars!

From BostonBruins.com;
Chara, Savard and Thomas are All-Stars & will play in the 57th All-Star Game in Montreal, Jan. 25

Marc Savard, Zdeno Chara and Tim Thomas will represent the Boston Bruins at the All-Star game again in 2009.Boston, MA - The NHL announced today that Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara, Marc Savard and Tim Thomas have been named to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster for the 2009 NHL All-Star game, which will be held on Sunday, January 25 at 6:00 p.m. ET at the Bell Centre in Montreal (National TV: VERSUS).

This marks the fourth all-star appearance for Chara, the second for Savard and the second for Thomas. All three players represented the Bruins at last year's all-star game.

The Bruins captain has posted 7-15-22 totals, a +17 rating and 48 penalty minutes on the year. Chara is also the two-time defending Hardest Shot contest winner at the NHL All-Star game, having recorded blasts of 100.4 MPH in 2007 and 103.1 MPH in 2008. The 2009 Cisco Hardest Shot contest will be held as part of the Honda/NHL All-Star SuperSkills Competition on Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET (National TV: VERSUS)

Savard has tallied the fourth most points in the NHL with 49, trailing only Evgeni Malkin (63), Alex Ovechkin (53) and Sidney Crosby (51). His 36 assists rank third behind Malkin (48) and Joe Thornton (36) and he owns the best plus/minus rating in the NHL, along with teammate Dennis Wideman (+25). Savard scored the game-winning goal in last year’s All-Star game during an 8-7 win for the East.

Thomas, who has compiled a 16-4-3 record on the season, is among the league leaders in all major goaltending categories. He ranks fourth in Goals Against Average (2.13), tied for fourth in Save Percentage (.932), and tied for fifth in shutouts (3). Thomas played a key role in last year's All-Star game, as he played the entire third period and earned the victory for the East. For more information on the All-Star game, and the weekend festivities, visit www.nhl.com.

Eastern Conference All-Star Roster:

STARTERS:Goaltender: C. Price (MTL) Defensemen: A.Markov (MTL), M. Komisarek (MTL) Forwards: S. Crosby (PIT), E. Malkin (PIT), A.Kovalev (MTL)

RESERVES:Goaltenders: H. Lundqvist (NYR), T. Thomas (BOS) Defensemen: J. Bouwmeester (FLA), Z. Chara (BOS), M. Streit (NYI), T. Kaberle (TOR) Forwards: I. Kovalchuk (ATL), M. Savard (BOS), T. Vanek (BUF), E. Staal (CAR), Z Parise (NJD), D. Heatley (OTT), J. Carter (PHI), V. Lecavalier (TBL), A. Ovechkin (WSH)

Western Conference All-Star Roster:

STARTERS:Goaltender: J.S. Giguere (ANA) Defensemen: B. Campbell (CHI), S. Niedermayer (ANA) Forwards: P. Kane (CHI), J. Toews (CHI), R. Getzlaf (ANA)

RESERVES:Goaltenders: N. Backstrom (MIN), R. Luongo (VAN) Defenseman: N. Lidstrom (DET), S. Souray (EDM), S. Weber (NSH), D. Boyle (SJS) Forwards: J. Iginla (CGY), M. Hejduk (COL), R. Nash (CBJ), M. Modano (DAL), P. Datsyuk (DET), D. Brown (LAK), S. Doan (PHX), K. Tkachuk (STL), J. Thornton (SJS)