Didnt see a lot of this coming

[DKH]

After two months and 24 games there are several things I never saw or expected.

The 2 month Three Stars

1. Rask
2. Chara
3. Pastrnak

both Rask and Chara right now appear to be the two guys this team needs in the lineup. Both had substandard seasons last year but are/were playing at a much higher level.

I thought Chara would be in decline especially with a modification of the defensive system that didn't appear to suit his style but he's been great and kudos to Claude for how he has used him.

Rask has been as good as the year he won the Vezina.

Pastrnak has taken the next step and is exactly what this lineup needs. He and Marchand give Boston two top 4 wingers on just about any team.


BIZZARO STAT

DOMINIC MOORE has as many goals as Bergeron and Krejci combined and both have played close to the full slate

PLUSES

BRANDON CARLO shows he's a top four right shot D man and an elite shut down guy sooner rather than later; He's playing like a top half of the first round pick

JOE MORROW has played well and I had all but written him off. His play on the penalty shot call to Voracek was text book defense of how to play a situation like that. You can argue how did JV get behind him but Morrow showed speed, positioning and didn't panic. He's been very impressive all over the ice. KEVAN MILLER is just getting back but he has looked less mechanical and more fluid, skating better, and strong positional play- lets see if he can hold up.

NEGATIVES

BERGERON AND KREJCI have struggled and that the Bruins are on a 92 point pace with what their two top centers have done to this point bodes well if they can return to their previous levels.

JIMMY HAYES seems a place holder at some point for FRANK VATRANO or at some point a winger in Providence. No need to pile on but he's obviously not had a good start.

The season has unfolded nothing like I expected other than the record- how they got there is fascinating and unexpected

Click to read more...

 

[TheReal13Linseman]

After two months and 24 games there are several things I never saw or expected.

The 2 month Three Stars

1. Rask
2. Chara
3. Pastrnak

both Rask and Chara right now appear to be the two guys this team needs in the lineup. Both had substandard seasons last year but are/were playing at a much higher level.

I thought Chara would be in decline especially with a modification of the defensive system that didn't appear to suit his style but he's been great and kudos to Claude for how he has used him.

Rask has been as good as the year he won the Vezina.

Pastrnak has taken the next step and is exactly what this lineup needs. He and Marchand give Boston two top 4 wingers on just about any team.


BIZZARO STAT

DOMINIC MOORE has as many goals as Bergeron and Krejci combined and both have played close to the full slate

PLUSES

BRANDON CARLO shows he's a top four right shot D man and an elite shut down guy sooner rather than later; He's playing like a top half of the first round pick

JOE MORROW has played well and I had all but written him off. His play on the penalty shot call to Voracek was text book defense of how to play a situation like that. You can argue how did JV get behind him but Morrow showed speed, positioning and didn't panic. He's been very impressive all over the ice. KEVAN MILLER is just getting back but he has looked less mechanical and more fluid, skating better, and strong positional play- lets see if he can hold up.

NEGATIVES

BERGERON AND KREJCI have struggled and that the Bruins are on a 92 point pace with what their two top centers have done to this point bodes well if they can return to their previous levels.

JIMMY HAYES seems a place holder at some point for FRANK VATRANO or at some point a winger in Providence. No need to pile on but he's obviously not had a good start.

The season has unfolded nothing like I expected other than the record- how they got there is fascinating and unexpected

Additional NEGATIVES:

BELESKEY: Continues to be a non-factor. Though he hustles (sometimes), his skill set is about two decades behind; basically adding nothing to team. Can't believe we have to have this guy on the roster for years to come.

BACKES: Is mostly a non-factor on too many nights; Most definitely not yet the player we hoped to be getting. Becoming increasingly worried about his long term contract, too.

KRECJI: Playing like his mind is a million miles away. Bringing his normally high level of disinterest to an even higher plateau. He and Backes just not jellin.

Without the superlative play of Rask, Pasta, Marchand and Carlo, our record is more like 8-16.

 

[ap3lovr]

Rask and Carlo are the only reason we have a hope of the playoffs at this point in time. The record is pretty much what everyone I think expected, outside of the playoffs, but in the mix of things. The shocking part is I think we all came into the season worried about the Defence. That has actually been one of the best in the league to this point in the year. It is the offence that has shown significant issues.

 

[Agent86]

As usual, well-grounded assessment of how things are so far. As for the off ice assessment of this team, I am glad there have been no panic or knee jerk moves. Despite a common perception here that Sweeney is failing because he hasn't pulled a top 2 dman or a McJesus out of his hat, I am sure he has explored various options and has not liked what he has seen or would have to give up. Once the full complement is together again a move of some spare parts (I'm looking at you Jimmy and Adam) for an upgrade on the wing would be great.
Claude is Claude and despite still never having figured out that he gets a timeout per game to settle things down when the momentum has obviously shifted or the ability to banish underachievers upstairs, he consistently has shown he can coach and get players to buy into what he preaches. While some might see it as his stubbornness when it comes to mixing up the lines, it can also be his way to keep loyalty with his vets. Personally. I would like to see Backes centre the 3rd line and slide up with Krecji only in late game situations but there's a reason why I work in retail management and not coach in the NHL.

 

[VanIsle]

Rask and Carlo are the only reason we have a hope of the playoffs at this point in time. The record is pretty much what everyone I think expected, outside of the playoffs, but in the mix of things. The shocking part is I think we all came into the season worried about the Defence. That has actually been one of the best in the league to this point in the year. It is the offence that has shown significant issues.

Don't forget Pasta 3rd in goals with less games played other then Crosby.

The guy shows passion and excitement without him this team would be even more painful to watch.

 

[ap3lovr]

Don't forget Pasta 3rd in goals with less games played other then Crosby.

The guy shows passion and excitement without him this team would be even more painful to watch.

He has, but when you are scoring as few goals as this team has, the goalie and D should get the bulk of credit for keeping us competitive on a nightly basis.

 

[Midship]

Additional NEGATIVES:

BELESKEY: Continues to be a non-factor. Though he hustles (sometimes), his skill set is about two decades behind; basically adding nothing to team. Can't believe we have to have this guy on the roster for years to come.

BACKES: Is mostly a non-factor on too many nights; Most definitely not yet the player we hoped to be getting. Becoming increasingly worried about his long term contract, too.

KRECJI: Playing like his mind is a million miles away. Bringing his normally high level of disinterest to an even higher plateau. He and Backes just not jellin.

Without the superlative play of Rask, Pasta, Marchand and Carlo, our record is more like 8-16.

I fully endorse these additions - especialy liked the observation that Krejci is playing "like his mind is a million miles away". Well said.

 

[Dr Hook]

Great post- I didn't see it coming. I was gearing up for a long, difficult year and had made up my mind to expect to be crap and lose a lot of games and have been pleasantly surprised. I still have this nagging feeling that the are just setting me up for a fall down the line, but it's hard to be a Bruins fan and not get that feeling sometimes.

Chara has been surprisingly good- his skating is miles better so far than it was at the end of last season. I know a lot of folks here don't care for Liles, but I think he's been steady and reliable for us most nights- I think it's a blow to have him out. The defense overall is just better than I expected. Morrow seems to be emerging, Chiller, I don't know, but he's shown some good stuff, Carlo- what can you say, and Killer in my view has been quite good of late now that he is back into playing form.

Yes, there are negatives and needs to be addressed mid- and long- term, but I will say that unlike last season, this team has some fight in it. I always felt last year that if the team went down a couple goals it was over (probably not statistically true, but it felt that way). This season's team, whatever its problems, has more heart and character and that is nice to see.

 

[BigBear83]

would really like to see backes at second line center before i write anything about him .(but i do agree that this contract will come back to haunt them )

 

[Oates2Neely]

Some good points here. Let's hope for good health and improved performances from Krejci Bergeron & Backes.

 

[wintersej]

I thought the team D would improve with the defensive improvements to the bottom six.

Did not think it would improve so much as Chara and Carlo have been better than expected.

Didn't expect the offense to go in the tubes so much.

The overall record isn't surprising, just how they got there.

 

[TMac21]

Fingers crossed Vegas takes Beleskey.

 

[Oates2Neely]

The big question is, is this team a playoff team, or are they headed for another 9th place finish? American Thanksgiving just passed us by. What is the game plan if they look to be headed for another 9th place finish?

 

[ReggieMoto]

I thought the team D would improve with the defensive improvements to the bottom six.

Did not think it would improve so much as Chara and Carlo have been better than expected.

I'm not buying into the D being enough yet. Chara is hurt from what appears to have been a seemingly innocuous play. Does he come back in good form? Liles -- who was never really intended to be much of a stalwart on the blueline, just veteran presence -- is also hurt. What's he going to be like when he comes back?

From last season, the team is still looking at the two Millers (not great, but okay), Morrow (again, okay), Krug (having his own struggles but mostly holding his own) and Quaider (struggling big time).

Then there's Carlo. A rookie having a great first season. Big addition to the team to be sure but still the ONLY addition.

So, basically the same defense as last season plus one, even including Chara and Liles. Yeah, I know, no Irwin, no Trotman, no Seidenberg. Still, the only thing new is Carlo. And while he's playing a pretty good game he's still not the be all-end all solution. This team is still shy of at least one more top pairing D-man.

Until the team gets this guy it's living on borrowed time. I can't see getting my expectations up too much because I think if there are no changes the second half of the season is not going to be all that enjoyable or successful.

 

[ReggieMoto]

Fingers crossed Vegas takes Beleskey.

Not me. I hope he stays. I'd like to see Hayes gone.

 

[TMac21]

Fixed it for you .
Fingers crossed Vegas takes Hayes.

Hayes only has one year left come expansion draft time, Bels has three and will be taking up a spot for Debrusk or Chelarik.

 

[wintersej]

Hayes only has one year left come expansion draft time, Bels has three and will be taking up a spot for Debrusk or Chelarik.

Bingo.

 

[DKH]

Fingers crossed Vegas takes Beleskey.

I'm a huge Beleskey guy but he's taken a step back this season which is really disappointing- he's been better of late and I can see a turnaround but not what I expected

 

[DKH]

The big question is, is this team a playoff team, or are they headed for another 9th place finish? American Thanksgiving just passed us by. What is the game plan if they look to be headed for another 9th place finish?

It would be how did they get there

Was it an epic fail like last year or while playing well and integrating younger players

If Bergeron ends up a sub 20 goal scorer this will be tough to overcome

 

[Jean_Jacket41]

It would be how did they get there

Was it an epic fail like last year or while playing well and integrating younger players

If Bergeron ends up a sub 20 goal scorer this will be tough to overcome

At least, just like Connolly last year when he was playing with Bergy+Marchand, his lack of production is not anchoring Marchand and Pasta and that line is still very productive.

 

[DKH]

At least, just like Connolly last year when he was playing with Bergy+Marchand, his lack of production is not anchoring Marchand and Pasta and that line is still very productive.

What do you think of his game? He seems to be getting chances and unless hurt more than I think he's probably got a good streak in him. His linemates are so good he should be able to get out of this If it's just a slump

 

[Oates2Neely]

It would be how did they get there

Was it an epic fail like last year or while playing well and integrating younger players

If Bergeron ends up a sub 20 goal scorer this will be tough to overcome

With Jacobs at the helm I can't see Sweeney selling off pieces (McQuaid KMiller etc) to let the O'Gara's/ Zborils get some ice. But I'm ok with keep the goal a playoff spot, as long as Sweeney doesn't trade top picks/ prospects for rentals going for the home run that we most likely know they can't hit yet.

 

[Fenian24]

Fingers crossed Vegas takes Beleskey.

Hate to break this to you but you have to be left unprotected by the team to be picked by Vegas, Bruins will protect Belesky, I would be amazed if they didn't.

While he is off to a rough start his cap hit is decent for a 2/3rd line lw who has produced like he has over the past few years. Hopefully he rights himself, Claude puts him on a line where he can be productive (Nash and Hayes as linemates for most of the year would hurt anybodies production) and he has a solid last 2/3 of the season.

He has played better with Czarnik as his RW instead of Hayes, put him with Backes and Kreji his production should rebound.

 

[TMac21]

Hate to break this to you but you have to be left unprotected by the team to be picked by Vegas, Bruins will protect Belesky, I would be amazed if they didn't.

While he is off to a rough start his cap hit is decent for a 2/3rd line lw who has produced like he has over the past few years. Hopefully he rights himself, Claude puts him on a line where he can be productive (Nash and Hayes as linemates for most of the year would hurt anybodies production) and he has a solid last 2/3 of the season.

He has played better with Czarnik as his RW instead of Hayes, put him with Backes and Kreji his production should rebound.

If he picks up his play I am ok with him sticking around, but as of now he's been pretty bad. Reminds me of myself when I play rec and I get the puck in the offensive zone, I just rip a flat footed slap shot.

 

[Dr Hook]

Beleskey while currently underperforming his contract has more value than someone like Hayes who shouldn't even have a contract. My guess is the Bruins still protect Bels but Jimmy from Boston has a hold on this CS/FO.

Then there's the hope Vegas would take Hayes- why would they? I would think in a league full of unprotected players he would be pretty low on the "must have" list