Post-Game Talk: Bruins Win Season Opener 3-1

[KrejciMVP]

Yeah, let me jump in and second that. Offense is just soooo overrated. Why can't we ice 5 defensemen and just play like that? </sarcasm>

Exactly what is that comment based on, KrejciMVP? Is it you are so intent on finding something -- anything -- to point to for Bart not being in the lineup that you are going to make stuff up, throw it against the wall, and see whether it sticks or not?

Bart's in a tough spot, no doubt, but we will get his ice. There are three rookie defensemen looking to play yet there are only two open slots, assuming for good and valid reasons the vets stay. There is a lot of offense coming out of the defense, nevermind out of the forward lines. Bill Ladd provided a handful of good indications that the defense is jumping into the rush, so much so that they may be over-pinching in their zeal to provide offensive spark.

If your statement is not intended to be pure sarcasm, and there's no reason to believe that it is, then I think your love for Bart is blinding you to the larger picture, what's going on on the ice during the game, and the results.

Bart`s just very talented offensivly and he Krug should be running the PP. Thats all I have to say on it really.

 

[Fossy21]

whatta move, I was close to getting up for a bowl of ice cream when I heard it was him taking the PS...thought initially it was Loui`s to take

Isn't the rule that the offended player must take the PS?

Looked it up, that is true, unless there isn't an offended player. I bet they'd have let Loui take it if that were the case. Also found this: "Only a player designated as a goalkeeper or alternate goalkeeper may defend against the penalty shot.". I'd have loved to see Chára in the net for a couple penalty shots. Or Seids, his football skills might come in handy.

-Lindback is not a very good goalie**

I don't know. He was by no means stellar, but I don't think he can really be blamed for any of the goals, maybe with the exception of the goal that wasn't - though that was a good hustle by Caron. There were loads of opportunities for Bruins to pull away to a 4-1 lead where he kept Tampa in the game. I also thought the shot counting was shady last night, meaning his SVS% ought to be a bit higher than it was. He wasn't as good as Tuukka, but him and Bishop should be an above-average goaltending tandem considering the team they're playing for and their lack of defensive excellence.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Bart`s just very talented offensivly and he Krug should be running the PP. Thats all I have to say on it really.

You also say that fans that don't agree are dumb. That's also a thing you have to say.

I like Bartkowski as much as the next guy. And I want to see him in the game. But he's never been a lamp-lighter offensively and that's not likely to change once he gets his full-time NHL card.

 

[Ladyfan]

Mahshmont looked out to lunch for pretty much the whole game. Ladyfan brought up a point that he looked "sad" all game long because he doesn't have his buddy with him. Lets see how long it takes him smarten up and get out of this funk. Something to keep an eye on because it will effect the play of his linemates too.

Last year Mcquaid/Ference was a scary combo when on the ice, so this year Krug better make sure he picks his spots well when he pinches in while in the offensive zone. Last night - bad pinch, Quader out of position, 4th line on ice = goal Bolts.

Brad was hit pretty hard early in the first period. I don't know who hit him but he didn't get up with his usual spunk.

Looch looked like he has some nice chemistry with Iggy.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

I don't know. He was by no means stellar, but I don't think he can really be blamed for any of the goals, maybe with the exception of the goal that wasn't - though that was a good hustle by Caron. There were loads of opportunities for Bruins to pull away to a 4-1 lead where he kept Tampa in the game. I also thought the shot counting was shady last night, meaning his SVS% ought to be a bit higher than it was. He wasn't as good as Tuukka, but him and Bishop should be an above-average goaltending tandem considering the team they're playing for and their lack of defensive excellence.

And I'll disagree there too. Lindback may BECOME better. But Bishop is pretty lousy at an NHL level and Lindback has a way to go to prove that he's "better than average." Certainly in the NHL's bottom-tier as far as goaltending is concerned.

 

[Bruinswillwin77]

I love that vertical fist pump Lucic does every time he scores a big goal, and he always has the face that has "eff dat ****" written all over it.

 

[TCL40]

I wouldn't count on Tampa's PP stinking the next time we play them-although the 5 forward PP leaves them vulnerable to SHGs-as seen by the Bruins getting two of them.

As for Krejci-I think they had some timing issues-and Looch wasn't really moving his feet the first 30 minutes or so, but they were clicking towards the latter half and were cycling the puck well etc. one key with that line is they have to move their feet and often as not as Looch goes that line goes. There was one nice shift by that line with Dougie making some good pinching decisions and possession was solid.

I think the Bergeron line looks fine-other than timing (several offsides and some bad pass decisions). I thought Eriksson looked good and on the monster shift that turned the momentum Eriksson made some key plays to keep possession of the puck.

Kelly looks good, I like Smith, and Caron played well-better than I expected.

Defense IMO had the most rough edges and they are going to need some time to adjust and gel. PK looked good and Krug's decision to jump into the play and drive the net was a key to Bergeron scoring-the goalie was distracted by Krug and had to watch both (since he and Bergeron already had the defense beat). Krug has some nice skating speed and agility.

I think this team is going to be good this season-they may not be president's trophy winners (inactuallynthink our division is going to be tough and teams are going to split records) but the Bruins have 4 solid lines if the new 3rd line keeps it up.

 

[PoisonEye]

I agree with most that I liked Eriksson. Well, for the most part. He looked a bit lost when Marchy and Bergy were cycling. On the rush and on D he looks good. Good timing to get into passing lanes and he's got a shot. I think that's just time needed to figure out the offensive possession after the rush with his new linemates.

Iginla brings a new element to the first* line. I hope they can all stay motivated all year. Maybe Iginla helps drive that.

3rd was pretty good. Poor Caron...though I do want to see Soderberg in there.

D and offense need to work on coordination on pinches obviously. That can be a new weapon with the new blood, but I'd hate to see a center and a winger back on a 2 on 2 too often.

* IDK why but I think of them as the first.

 

[TCL40]

And I'll disagree there too. Lindback may BECOME better. But Bishop is pretty lousy at an NHL level and Lindback has a way to go to prove that he's "better than average." Certainly in the NHL's bottom-tier as far as goaltending is concerned.

It helps both of them that they are freaking giants.

I don't think either is getting a Vezina nomination but I think their size is an advantage-as long as they get the angles right their size alone takes away a lot of the net.

 

[kdog82]

First 2 periods the Bruins looked real sluggish. Lucic's goal at the end of the 2nd woke the team up and the Bruins dominated from that point on.

Good, solid, professional win.

Also, Tuukka is unbelievable. Worth every penny.

 

[LouJersey]

Some thoughts...

1. The Nasty Boys are back.... Love the intensity..

2. Goal each for the top thee lines, great sign

3. Caron's best game I have ever seen.

4. Tuuk is phenomenal

5. Chara looked his old dominating self

 

[Jean_Jacket41]

-Krejci looked injured to me. Wasn't really involved physically.

-The top-2 lines took half a game to get going but were very good after that. Marchand was send all alone by a Bergy pass but shot it wide on his deke (had the net wide open), Bergy missing an open net after a great feed by Loui (net wide open again), the KIL line cycling for entire shifts, etc. And this will only get better.

-The 3rd line was very good. They looked fast and were the most consistent line all night.

-PK was awesome. Two full 2min 5 on 3 against Stamkos+St-Louis and no goals? Not sure it has ever happened... ever...

-TB won't sniff the playoffs. They're bad beside their top line.

-Two U two K two points. Great game by Rask.

Bring on the Wingz.

 

[Minny Shinny]

-Krejci looked injured to me. Wasn't really involved physically.

-The top-2 lines took half a game to get going but were very good after that. Marchand was send all alone by a Bergy pass but shot it wide on his deke (had the net wide open), Bergy missing an open net after a great feed by Loui (net wide open again), the KIL line cycling for entire shifts, etc. And this will only get better.

-The 3rd line was very good. They looked fast and were the most consistent line all night.

-PK was awesome. Two full 2min 5 on 3 against Stamkos+St-Louis and no goals? Not sure it has ever happened... ever...

-TB won't sniff the playoffs. They're bad beside their top line.

-Two U two K two points. Great game by Rask.

Bring on the Wingz.

I'm guessing the back spasms didn't help this. He also didn't have the practice time leading up to the game that everyone else did.

 

[TCL40]

I'm guessing the back spasms didn't help this. He also didn't have the practice time leading up to the game that everyone else did.

Well considering he was reported as being questionable for the game and Providence didn't have Spooner travel with the team it can likely be safe to assume Krejci wasn't 100%.

I think one good thing about the 5 days between game 2 and game 3 is that Krejci and Yeti will get time to heal (it is possible they could take Yeti off IR and play him on Sat but I think they should just wait til game 3 and let him have the extra week-Caron didn't suck and there's no reason to push him back).

 

[CombatOnContact]

Bruins let the game get away from them for several long stretches throughout the game, but as they say, 2 points is 2 points.

Tuukka was phenomenal, as was the PK. The second 5on3 call was absolutely brutal, but not so much worse than the blown call on the Caron goal. And at least the other ref made up for it by calling an equally brutal penalty on Malone.

LOVE the KIL line. Lacks a little foot speed, but I think it's not that bad. Lucic can really motor and Iginla, though not fast, has powerful strides too. This line is going to be a real force.

Bergeron's line had some good shifts and bad. Bergeron himself was his usual self. Can't say the same about Marchand, who looked lost and disinterested at times. Not sure what's up. Maybe upset about not getting PP time? Eriksson looks like the perfect match for that line. But he also looked good in the few moments he had on the ice with Krejci. All around, he's going to be a great addition.

Kelly played like a man possessed. Hope he keeps it up. Career year? Caron played his best pro game ever. Felt bad that he wasn't rewarded. If he keeps this up, he could make a case to push Smith (or Thornton) into a 13th forward role. As for the aforementioned Smith, I thought he looked fine, just overshadowed by the greatness of Caron. Oddly, he reminded me a lot of a young/raw Tyler Seguin in the way he skated and moved. Not as explosive or quick of course. In general, I like what I see from him.

Paille had a huge brain fart. Not sure what he was thinking on the play leading to the goal. Other than that, the 4th line was like a fine merlot.

Hamilton looked terrific. Confident and poised. As did Krug. I for one don't blame him for the pinch. In my opinion, he has to be allowed to attempt those plays when he sees fit. It was McQuaid who didn't back him up properly. And of course Paille who farted...

 

[ORRMAN]

I don't understand people whining about Horton.

I really didn't hate the guy, but all people did was complain about his play for the most part...then he leaves and it's like "oh, we'll really miss him", "oh, we'll really miss his nasty streak" LOLWUT? Are people really that broken up about it?

I'll never forget what he did during the 2011 playoffs, but IMO, his good moments were few and far between. If he really had a desire for a "new start" in Columbus, I was more than happy to let him go. Every year was a question with him, as to how he was going to perform (heck, every game). I'm more confident in Iginla's consistency than Horton's.

Agree completely. I will only miss his playoff gear, but he was almost invisible in the regular season.

I see you're in Harvard. I'm in groton.

 

[Flannelman]

good seeing you around, Derek. Agree - especially about the pinching.

 

[DoubleAAAA]

Hamilton looked terrific. Confident and poised. As did Krug. I for one don't blame him for the pinch. In my opinion, he has to be allowed to attempt those plays when he sees fit. It was McQuaid who didn't back him up properly. And of course Paille who farted...

I'm with you on that one, I don't even put too much on Paille/Campbell as they were at least in the right position, but Quaider has to recognize Krug is already pinched, on the same side of the ice no less, and back off in that situation.

 

[TCL40]

I'm with you on that one, I don't even put too much on Paille/Campbell as they were at least in the right position, but Quaider has to recognize Krug is already pinched, on the same side of the ice no less, and back off in that situation.

I agree that Mcquaid owns the majority of onus on that mistake, however I will defend him only so far as to say he and Krug are new to each other and perhaps the communication and instincts aren't there yet. But it was absolutely a bone headed pinch. Soup and alive did what they were supposed to but they aren't defensemen (and Pie's attempted hip check was embarrassing).

I think those kinds of errors will come less often as the kids integrate into the defense and everyone gets a good sense of how each player plays.

That said-overall the D had communication errors and just at times bad positioning-they allowed way too many odd man rushes for my comfort-you can't make a habit of allowing that many chances and while Tuukka is good it isn't fair to expect him to bail you out that many times.

 

[ORRMAN]

Positives-
Kelly line looked good-even Caron but instill want Yeti back ASAP.
Krejci and Bergeron lines seem to be gelling.
Iginla was meant to be a Bruin.
PK looked great.
Tuukka really did well especially during the 5 on 3's.

Negatives-

Slow start-rough second especially.
Defense wasn't awful but it clearly needs some time to work more in sync-the Tampa goal was due to poor decision making by the D.
Refs-blown call with the early whistle and some weak penalties called. Refs clearly needed more pre season games too.

Overall I am pleased with the result but I think the team needs to play better on Saturday-Detroit isn't Tampa.

Agree completely.

We need to work on the transition game, which Bartkowski helps. Tampa played a pretty aggressive forecheck. I'm glad we're playing Detroit next as the team will have to tun up the intensity.

 

[PlayMakers]

You're one of the few people here whose opinion I value, but I really disagree here. I thought that line looked very good. I had the same concerns in the pre-season but last night they started to find a rhythm. Their shift in the 2nd is what started the momentum in the Bruins' direction and all 3 guys had a part in it. We all know what we get from Bergy and Marchand. Loui's individual effort last night was tremendous so I have no worries. Their timing was off a bit but that will come with time.

Thanks.

Fwiw, I thought Eriksson only touched the puck once during that shift late in the second. It was all Bergeron/Marchand IMO. And the shift before that they were all mixed up coming out of their end with Eriksson and Marchand both on the LW, they ended up turning it over. The shift before that they had a clean breakout but when Marchand passed it to Eriksson it was too far out in front of him and went for a turnover. The shift before that they had a 3on2 but went offside (with Eriksson going early/Marchand carrying)...

To break it down further, I think Bergeron and Eriksson are starting to understand each other, they've had some nice exchanges and reads, but the disconnect seems to be with Eriksson and Marchand. Eriksson's a much different player than what Marchand is used to playing with. I think about a shooter like Seguin who used to float around the high slot in the offensive zone and leave the board work to Marchand and Bergeron. Even Recchi was more of a net front guy than someone who was a big part of the cycle. But Eriksson is a puck possession guy. He's slick and creative and he likes to have the puck to make plays, but so far, it seems like Marchand & Bergeron have the puck all the time and Eriksson is kind of the third wheel. To borrow a basketball term, I don't think he's getting enough "touches" to play his game.

Maybe it's just a matter of time before they all adapt and get in sync, (and they deserve plenty of time to find out) but I've had my doubts about this trio since the beginning and I wonder if they'll get the most out of Eriksson playing him with those two or if they'd be better served by separating them so they can both carry the puck and create plays for their lines.

 

[Alan Ryan]

Provided we stay healthy. I think the depth and competition for playing will keep this team on their toes much moreso than last year. Caron/Soderberg/Smith playing for 2 spots. But, if all 3 are playing well. The Merlot line best be on their toes. Bartkowski as your 7th defenseman keeps; Krug, Dougie and Quaider on alert too. Also, a normal schedule should help too where the younger players can actually practice.

I think Nick Johnson will be in the mix in Boston as well, perhaps as the 13th forward.

He had 2 goals and an assist in his first game with Providence tonight (3rd star), including an unassisted game winner in OT.

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

Thanks.

Fwiw, I thought Eriksson only touched the puck once during that shift late in the second. It was all Bergeron/Marchand IMO. And the shift before that they were all mixed up coming out of their end with Eriksson and Marchand both on the LW, they ended up turning it over. The shift before that they had a clean breakout but when Marchand passed it to Eriksson it was too far out in front of him and went for a turnover. The shift before that they had a 3on2 but went offside (with Eriksson going early/Marchand carrying)...

To break it down further, I think Bergeron and Eriksson are starting to understand each other, they've had some nice exchanges and reads, but the disconnect seems to be with Eriksson and Marchand. Eriksson's a much different player than what Marchand is used to playing with. I think about a shooter like Seguin who used to float around the high slot in the offensive zone and leave the board work to Marchand and Bergeron. Even Recchi was more of a net front guy than someone who was a big part of the cycle. But Eriksson is a puck possession guy. He's slick and creative and he likes to have the puck to make plays, but so far, it seems like Marchand & Bergeron have the puck all the time and Eriksson is kind of the third wheel. To borrow a basketball term, I don't think he's getting enough "touches" to play his game.

Maybe it's just a matter of time before they all adapt and get in sync, (and they deserve plenty of time to find out) but I've had my doubts about this trio since the beginning and I wonder if they'll get the most out of Eriksson playing him with those two or if they'd be better served by separating them so they can both carry the puck and create plays for their lines.

Yeah you make some good points there. Seguin really touched the puck very little compared to Bergeron and Marchand and he was very content to be the guy waiting for the puck. You might be right that Eriksson only touched the puck once on that really good shift but he was in good position and iirc that one touch helped keep the play alive for as long as it lasted.

I dunno, maybe I just have high hopes, but I think all 3 guys are just way too good to not find a rhythm together and while I noticed the examples you gave where he and Marchand were off a beat, he and Bergeron (as you admitted) seemed to be making things happen together all night. I am sure at some point we'll see Loui and Iggy switched to spark the team during a slump or something so I think the right mix will be found either way.

 

[PlayMakers]

Yeah you make some good points there. Seguin really touched the puck very little compared to Bergeron and Marchand and he was very content to be the guy waiting for the puck. You might be right that Eriksson only touched the puck once on that really good shift but he was in good position and iirc that one touch helped keep the play alive for as long as it lasted.

I dunno, maybe I just have high hopes, but I think all 3 guys are just way too good to not find a rhythm together and while I noticed the examples you gave where he and Marchand were off a beat, he and Bergeron (as you admitted) seemed to be making things happen together all night. I am sure at some point we'll see Loui and Iggy switched to spark the team during a slump or something so I think the right mix will be found either way.

You may be right too. They are all smart and talented so they deserve to get a long look together to see if they can make it work. If not, there are some intriguing options that don't require them to break up the KILz line. I've been wondering, if Caron can keep it going, would they consider a middle six of...

Soderberg - Bergeron - Eriksson
Marchand - Kelly - Caron

That would let Eriksson be more involved and put the two Swedes together. Marchand generates offense all by himself and would mean instant offense for line three. Caron is most comfortable on RW and he's good friends with Marshy... I know a lot has to play out before we get here (not the least of which is Caron proving last night wasn't a fluke) but I like to think about the possibilities.

 

[Caper Bruins fan]

Thanks.

Fwiw, I thought Eriksson only touched the puck once during that shift late in the second. It was all Bergeron/Marchand IMO. And the shift before that they were all mixed up coming out of their end with Eriksson and Marchand both on the LW, they ended up turning it over. The shift before that they had a clean breakout but when Marchand passed it to Eriksson it was too far out in front of him and went for a turnover. The shift before that they had a 3on2 but went offside (with Eriksson going early/Marchand carrying)...

To break it down further, I think Bergeron and Eriksson are starting to understand each other, they've had some nice exchanges and reads, but the disconnect seems to be with Eriksson and Marchand. Eriksson's a much different player than what Marchand is used to playing with. I think about a shooter like Seguin who used to float around the high slot in the offensive zone and leave the board work to Marchand and Bergeron. Even Recchi was more of a net front guy than someone who was a big part of the cycle. But Eriksson is a puck possession guy. He's slick and creative and he likes to have the puck to make plays, but so far, it seems like Marchand & Bergeron have the puck all the time and Eriksson is kind of the third wheel. To borrow a basketball term, I don't think he's getting enough "touches" to play his game.

Maybe it's just a matter of time before they all adapt and get in sync, (and they deserve plenty of time to find out) but I've had my doubts about this trio since the beginning and I wonder if they'll get the most out of Eriksson playing him with those two or if they'd be better served by separating them so they can both carry the puck and create plays for their lines.

Yes,I noticed that about Erickson being the third wheel but to be fair, Bergeron and Marchand have outstanding chemistry, so whoever was slotted in with those two wasn't going to have it easy.I am not sure we have that many options at the moment as everybody in the top 6 belongs there.Perhaps we could switch up Iginla and Erickson.