Hiatus: OVER

I will skip over the customary apologies for the long hiatus in posting, mainly because it would require me to go over all that has happened with the Bruins since last I wrote, and I really don't have the stomach for that. For a myriad of reasons. So, in lieu of that, here is a lightning quick summary to bring you all up to speed, after which I will commit my first thoughts on the 2010-2011 season to paper. Er, to blog.

1. The Bruins came on strong to end the season
2. The Bruins wiped the floor with the Sabres to open the playoffs
3. The Bruins went up 3-0 on the Flyers
4. David Krejci broke his wrist
5. Tuukka Rask got tired
6. SOMETHING Happened
7. The Bruins did not win the Stanley Cup

Ok, so, now on to 2010-2011!


As you all know, the Bruins had the 2nd overall pick in the draft thanks to highway robbery by Peter Chiarelli, and now have one Tyler Seguin as their future franchise player. I say future, as the Bruins have enough talent around him to enable them to take the pressure off, unlike other teams who may or may not play in Edmonton, Alberta. So that's good. All in all it's been a very fun couple of months to be a Bruins fan, and while I'll be back in a mater of hours to comment on the impending Bruins-Kings game, I thought I'd give you a 5 UP 5 DOWN to start the Season:

5 UP

1. Tim Thomas. After many (including, to be honest, yours truly) anointed Tuukka Rask as the Goalie of the Future! Today!, Timmy reminded us all why he won the Vezina a couple of years ago. This is not to say that i ever advocated trading him, and I firmly believe that the Bruins have the best goaltending tandem in the NHL today, but it's nice to see Timmy regain his feet.

2. Nathan Horton. I really hadn't heard of this guy before we trade Dennis Wideman (!) for him, since he played in the hockey black hole that is Florida. Being motivated and playing in front of the first passionate fans in his career, Nate has 8 goals, and looks to be the first legit sniper the Bruins have had since Kessel left. Sweet.

3. Shawn Thornton. After scoring all of one goal last year, Shawn has 4 already, and is leading a resurgent 4th line with Brad "I'm a fucking pest" Marchand and Greg "Don't call me Daddy's Boy" Campbell. Always a lot of energy, and tough to play against. Well done.

4. Milan Lucic. A healthy Lucic makes for a hell of a lot of fun. Playing both fast and mad, Looch has shown flashes of the guy that was a freaking joy to watch two years ago, and has already scored more goals (10) so far than he did all of last year. Skilled, smart, and mean.

5. Dennis Seidenberg. After only getting what amounted to a sneak peak at the guy after the trade deadline, Seides is showing up what it's like to have a solid defenseman with a reliable shot, especially one who has no regard for his personal safety. A shot-blocking machine, Dennis might not light up the score sheet, but he is indicative of a quality D-corps that should remain one of the league's best.

5 DOWN

1. Marc Savard. Not fair, I know. But as much as I'm looking forward to the guy's return from lingering post-concussion syndrome, I have to put him in the minus, simply because the Bruins miss him. Going from drafting Seguin into a plethora of centers, the Bruins have had to resort to starting BLAKE WHEELER at the dot for the last few games, and that i cannot abide. Hurry back Savvy. The Powerplay misses you.

2. The Power Play. Oof. Ok, so it;s not exactly fair to judge a book when its top two centermen are donn, but yikes. I had the pleasure of watching the Bruins crush the woeful Devils earlier this week, and the only real blemish on the night was the listless and lackluster showing on the man advantage, apart from a Ryder snipe when up 5-on-3. And seriously, you have to score when up 5-on-3, so no points there.

3. Hustle in the defensive zone. The Bruins do not beat teams to lose pucks. Full stop. If you're watching play in the corners, regardless of whether it's even strength or on the penalty kill or whatever, guys in wrong-colored jerseys will beat Bruins to the puck EVERY TIME. Only the airtight goaltending has stopped this from being a more noticeable problem, and that will change. Hopefully with Boychuck back that helps things, but I'm not holding my breath.

4. Play in front of Tuukka. Not a criticism of a person, necessarily, but Tuukka played far too well to have an 0-4-1 record going into his first win against the Panthers. The team (esp. the D) just needs to nut up and play better in front of him. He doesn't deserve to get shit on.

5. Home cooking. The Bruins still do not have a winning record at the Garden, which reminds me of the team last years for all the wrong reasons. The game against the Kings tonight is huge, and they've played much better of late in Boston, but seriously. The fans pay good money to show up and cheer you. It'd be the least you could do to show up too.

But with that, I'm gonna go get ready for the drop of the puck tonight. the Kings lost last night to the Sabres, so I officially have no idea what to expect tonight, but I'll be back with postgame, even if it's just a few likes and dislikes. Great to be back!

-M