Prospects, film analysis, Providence Bruins and all things Boston Bruins since 2017. Account run by Anthony. Contact: [email protected]
AHL Press Box, Providence
Joined February 2017
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Boston signed cheap vets, competed for first in the NHL, placed second in the division, won a playoff round and played six more games. Swayman, Lohrei emerge. Poitras returns, Beecher settles in. Great transition year— invaluable playoff experience and cap flexibility. #NHLBruins
Boston #NHLBruins offseason preview:
Roster: 17 (10F/6D/1G)
Cap Hit: $65.99M
Cap Space: $21.71M
Notable RFAs:
J Boqvist
J Swayman
Notable UFAs:
J DeBrusk
J van Riemsdyk
P Maroon
D Heinen
M Grzelcyk
D Forbort
K Shattenkirk
M Lucic
Draft:
4th x1
5th x1
6th x1
capfriendly.com/teams/bruins…
Two veteran players—Geekie and Lindholm— coming up clutch for Boston right when you need them late in the game. Elias Lindholm continues to quietly and efficiently get the job done this season— proving almost all of us wrong. #NHLBruins
Before scoring the GWG in OT, Dean Letourneau was benched for a penalty. Letourneau, No. 29 in gold, stole the puck at center and forced himself on a breakaway for two scoring chances. Things got a little heated and refs took exception. Wasn’t that big of a deal IMO. #NHLBruins
Pretty big difference between PP1 and PP2 right now. On the first unit, Pastrnak, Zacha and Lindholm are forcing plays to the bumper or fighting it while their feet are planted. PP2 has much more movement, cycling and patience— something has to change for that top-unit. #NHLBruins
Lackluster showing for Boston’s veterans tonight— simply needed more from them. Might have salvaged a point thanks to Swayman, but had some brutal missed opportunities and powerplay chances late in the game. Carolina’s speed/forecheck held them in survival mode IMO. #NHLBruins
Think the addition of Matt McIlvane and remaining patient with Mason Lohrei is really paying off. Lohrei is doing much better keeping skaters in front of him and towards the outside, but still continues to activate and be aggressive. Impressive start for him this year. #NHLBruins
No matter where Boston sits in the playoff picture or standings, Pavel Zacha cannot be used as a rental or walk for nothing in free agency. Sign him or trade him— that’s it. Personally, as much as I like Zacha, I’m still leaning towards the latter. Cash in on him. #NHLBruins
Chris Johnston: Re Pavel Zacha future: The Bruins like him, the Bruins would sign him...it's just, can they sign him to a deal that makes sense; as we get closer to the deadline, he could be another center that's worth paying attention to - Chris Johnston Show (10/22)
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NHLRR: Johnston noted that the Bruins' play could dictate what happens here; it the team remains in the playoff mix, it's harder to see him moving
The subtle give-and-go, the net drive and follow through from Hagens is all high-end, play-driving stuff you don’t typically see from a 19-year-old forward in the NHL. Those who said Hagens wasn’t big enough, strong enough or ready enough for the NHL were very wrong. #NHLBruins
Don’t think it’s out of the question Frederic Brunet can develop into a top-four defender. Brunet, No. 42 in white, showcases good positioning, instincts and plenty of skill with the puck. Timing needs some adjustments, but his range and defensive coverage is there. #NHLBruins
Khusnutdinov, 24, is skilled, fast, high-energy and capable of 40-point seasons. The high-effort, versatile forward has flourished in an elevated role with Boston. Still can’t believe Minnesota traded him for Brazeau. Very good extension that should age gracefully IMO. #NHLBruins
Getting the point out of that game as the young players continue to learn from mistakes and make plays is good enough for me. Sturm has been very good so can’t complain much, but thought his late-game approach was too conservative. Might have cost an extra point IMO. #NHLBruins
There’s been developing narratives about what changed for Boston’s philosophy and how Kevyn Adams might be some mastermind, but I think that’s the effect rather than the cause. I think the cause started when Sweeney heard candid feedback from head coach candidates. #NHLBruins
And as a result, they’ve not only traded some veteran players (Korpisalo) to facilitate roster spots, but allowed young players and rookies to make mistakes while playing freely. Brunet has spoke to this point explicitly, which has clearly made a difference in the youth movement.
There’s still moments where the lack of intensity from Elias Lindholm absolutely kills me, but he’s been a very good third-line center. Hope he keeps contributing and providing legitimate on-ice value for Boston. #NHLBruins
Here’s some extended zone time from Lohrei, Poitras, Peterka, Minten and Brunet. Great work from Lohrei to spin off a defender, hold the line and setup Poitras for a shot. Good defense too. Really looks like these younger players are more confident, poised and relaxed. #NHLBruins
Poitras is an every night player in this league and refreshing fourth-line center for now. Hagens’ playmaking abilities continue to make a difference anytime he has the puck. Replacing some middling veterans with young, skilled players makes for a pretty fun team. #NHLBruins
Happy to see Brunet, Lohrei and Borgen remain in the lineup with McAvoy returning, even if just for now. I think all three have had more good moments than Clifton has had despite time on ice differences. Would expect the defense to settle into their proper roles now. #NHLBruins
