Post-Game Talk: ECQF GAME 7 - That's All Folks - It's Over - THANK YOU BERGIE

[Bruinfanatic]

Here’s my optimistic take…

The Bruins already have a “core” in place with Marchand; Pastranak; McAvoy; and Hall. What is desperately needed are centers for the top two lines, and some QUALITY depth to flesh out the roster. I know Taylor Hall can be very effective with a good center on his line. We’ve seen it with Krejci.

The front office and especially the scouting department are what really need to be blown up and rebuilt. The Bruins can be retooled even if Bergeron departs, but smarter people than the current front office need to be at the helm.

Man if Bergy is gone I don’t know how in hell the Bruins are going to find a number 1 and 2 Center ,they don’t grow on trees and talent has to go the other way to get what they need.Should be an interesting off season,and I do agree with you Sweeney isn’t the person to try and fix this .

 

[Cronuss]

I guess in the grander scheme of Game 7’s against Carolina, this doesn’t hurt as bad as 2009.

…f***ing Scott Walker.

That was probably the angriest I've ever been after a game.

 

[Spooner st]

I like you but you are ALWAYS so negative.

I don't know what will happen with the Bs .

Clearly there are holes to be filled. Where they find these players
who knows.

If I was as miserable as some of you I wouldn't watch.

I actually enjoyed the season from Jan to the playoffs. I still knew there were missing pieces and that the Bs would not win the cup.

Maybe you should cheer for another sport or another team.

Up to last year playoffs win against the Caps I was on the positive side. Since I was 8 years old and fall in love with Bobby Orr. I was always full of positivity, hope and wishful thinking.

Then we got taken out by an inferior team, out coached, physically manhandled and players taken out of the game by dirty players.

The next off-season Sweeney shit the bed again, Krejci decides to call it quits... the rest is history. I simply didn't believe in this version of the Bruins no more. Certainty don't believe in this FO no more. And I'm voicing my concerns and opinion.

Now you can call me Negative if you want... and miserable...

But in reality I think the miserable ones are the ones that can't stand those with a different opinion... I think they’re in denial of what's really happening, they simply refuse to look at reality. you're either a positive fan full of hope or a miserable fan that feeds on negativity. But hey... it's all good I'll stand by my opinion.

Now, knowing you... I also like you... but telling someone that you like, to cheer for another team... simply because you don't like his opinion?

Just to add, I'll be positive again... ounce this team gives me hope again.

 

[DarrenBanks56]

I like you but you are ALWAYS so negative.

I don't know what will happen with the Bs .

Clearly there are holes to be filled. Where they find these players
who knows.

If I was as miserable as some of you I wouldn't watch.

I actually enjoyed the season from Jan to the playoffs. I still knew there were missing pieces and that the Bs would not win the cup.

Maybe you should cheer for another sport or another team.

the nhl has so many good players now it doesnt take much to fill gaps. i dont worry about it.
we have mcavoy a stud
marchand a stud.
pasta
hopefully bergy back. who just had the best selke season ever.
a full year under swayman and he got plsyoff experience. hopefully next year he plays like oettinger in the playoffs.
The bruins will be right in the mix again next year.
we need that dynamic forward that can create and finsh chances. hopefully lysell next year?

 

[Bruinfanatic]

the nhl has so many good players now it doesnt take much to fill gaps. i dont worry about it.
we have mcavoy a stud
marchand a stud.
pasta
hopefully bergy back. who just had the best selke season ever.
a full year under swayman and he got plsyoff experience. hopefully next year he plays like oettinger in the playoffs.
The bruins will be right in the mix again next year.
we need that dynamic forward that can create and finsh chances. hopefully lysell next year?

We have more than a gap at Center if Bergy is gone ,we have a huge whole.

 

[Ladyfan]

Now, knowing you... I also like you... but telling someone that you like, to cheer for another team... simply because you don't like his opinion?

Just to add, I'll be positive again... ounce this team gives me hope again.

It isn't the" simply because you don't like his opinion". It's complaining about everything all of the time (and you aren't always like that) even when they win. I swear even if the Bs won the cup some would not be happy. I do NOT mean you.

It is when the only time some posters post is when the Bs lose. Almost like they enjoy pissing, moaning and complaining. It is like those few posters are happy when the Bs lose.

Some post stupid stuff just to stir the pot.

I get being disappointed. I want some changes too.

I hope the Bs make you positive again.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

It isn't the" simply because you don't like his opinion". It's complaining about everything all of the time (and you aren't always like that) even when they win. I swear even if the Bs won the cup some would not be happy. I do NOT mean you.

It is when the only time some posters post is when the Bs lose. Almost like they enjoy pissing, moaning and complaining. It is like those few posters are happy when the Bs lose.

Some post stupid stuff just to stir the pot.

I get being disappointed. I want some changes too.

I hope the Bs make you positive again.

Not almost.

It wouldn't be so bad if they actually brought something new or relevant to the table.

 

[Kate08]

I purposely took some time over the weekend to collect my thoughts on this game and the season as a whole before sharing anything. Not because I was mad or sad, but because after about 5 minutes following the end of the game, I was pretty apathetic about the outcome. They didn't deserve to move forward; the better team won. As Pedro would say, you just need to tip your cap and call the Canes our daddies.

I was vocal at the deadline about selling. I still think that's the right move. The team needs a change in identity, a change in talent, a change in direction, and a change in leadership. It's time to let 2011 go.

Cassidy isn't the issue. I'd like for him to stay IF there is a change at the top in Sweeney and Neely. If they stay, I think he has to go simply because something needs to change. If he does go, I want a new coaching regime, not Sacco or another assistant at the helm. A new system, a new voice.

I don't trust Sweeney and Neely to lead the rebuild I think this team desperately needs. There are fan favorites on this team that are signed to team-friendly deals...the risk of them walking at the end of those contracts with getting nothing in return is just too high for me. As much as it would pain me to see guys like Pasta and Marchand in another uniform, for the long term health of the franchise, anyone not named McAvoy or Swayman needs to be available.

Saying this doesn't make me stupid or foolish. Saying this doesn't make me a bad fan. Saying this is looking at the long term health of this organization and believing, as constructed, we're in the hockey purgatory of middling picks and first round exits/DNQs. It's time to let go of the glory days and the players that got us there and start building towards the next glory days era.

I fully expected this team to get swept by Carolina after their showing in their first two games, and I'm happy and proud of them that they made a series out of it. That doesn't change anything for me in terms of where I think this team is headed.

No, as a fan, I'm not satisfied with 2 Cup Finals appearances since 2011 and a bunch of series wins. They don't give out trophies for showing up. I don't care what Toronto fans have to put up with. The reason they're in that situation is their management is arrogant and thinks they're better than they are - which is exactly the situation we find ourselves in. It's avoidable. Let go of the past and look to the future. If sports are, indeed entertainment, I'd be more entertained watching a young, promising team on the upswing that DNQ's than an old, tired team get knocked out of the playoffs in the early rounds.

Just a note - the toxic positivity on this board is just as bad as the toxic negativity. Constantly posting that it's just a game is condescending. Of course it's just a game, and of course there are more important things going on in the world and, as we have learned, in many of our personal lives. But this is a hockey message board and we are here to talk about hockey, not the downfall of our collective society. People are going to have negative reactions to their favorite team losing. Telling people they're foolish for having a different point of view than you is intolerant of other views and opinions.

When the hockey talk here is on, it's an awesome place to be. When it's not, it's a miserable cesspool.

 

[Riverfront]

everyone keeps talking about forwards need to score. I think the problem really is you need forwards
who can chip in too score but you need forwards who can compete and defend at playoff time.
Why has Tampa Bay been so successful, players like Anthony Cirelli, alex killorin, andrei palat, can defend
and compete when time matters, even a guy like nick paul buys in and competes and defends when
its crunch time. The toronto maple leafs can score but can't defend that's why they don't get out of the
first round every year. So the bruins do have goal scorers up front marchand, pastrnak, but do they
have players that can do it at both ends other then bergeron. That is the key. Brayden Point can score
and also defend when need be. William Nylander can score but can't defend. ( see the difference )
so when it comes to playoff hockey sweeney needs to find players who can score + defend.
Bryan rust on the penguins ideal candidate to pick up in Free Agency for example. He can do both.
Those are the types of players i want on my team as forwards.

 

[KnightofBoston]

good post kate

trading marchand and pasta...that's a tough one. They're both faces of the franchise, and have shown they can be signed to friendly deals. You still need veteran talent to help develop young players, so i would be wary of trading them (aside from the fact that we can't have too much faith in the group doing the trading) I don't see it happening the right way, but I also can see them walking for nothing in the end. I say you retool over the summer and see where you are at next deadline. Either player will bring back far more in a deadline deal so you probably want to wait until then at minimum

if bergeron retires, I think having Marchand, Pasta, Chuckie M, Swayman, and Lindholm as your main core is a decent place to start. Guys like clifton and haula I hang on to. I promote young players, let little Z take a permanant role, and see what Lorhei and Lysell can do for you.

retooling on the fly is possible, but it'll come down to Sweeney to make more good moves than bad (i believe he has done this for the most part since 2016 on) and for them to let young talent come in and prove they belong instead of signing character guys to more money than it would cost you to get someone young with something to prove. Look for the danton heinen's of the league rather than the foligno's and we should be fine. Anything can happen year after year if you stay competitive.

 

[Bruinaura]

 

[Lobster57]

I purposely took some time over the weekend to collect my thoughts on this game and the season as a whole before sharing anything. Not because I was mad or sad, but because after about 5 minutes following the end of the game, I was pretty apathetic about the outcome. They didn't deserve to move forward; the better team won. As Pedro would say, you just need to tip your cap and call the Canes our daddies.

I was vocal at the deadline about selling. I still think that's the right move. The team needs a change in identity, a change in talent, a change in direction, and a change in leadership. It's time to let 2011 go.

Cassidy isn't the issue. I'd like for him to stay IF there is a change at the top in Sweeney and Neely. If they stay, I think he has to go simply because something needs to change. If he does go, I want a new coaching regime, not Sacco or another assistant at the helm. A new system, a new voice.

I don't trust Sweeney and Neely to lead the rebuild I think this team desperately needs. There are fan favorites on this team that are signed to team-friendly deals...the risk of them walking at the end of those contracts with getting nothing in return is just too high for me. As much as it would pain me to see guys like Pasta and Marchand in another uniform, for the long term health of the franchise, anyone not named McAvoy or Swayman needs to be available.

Saying this doesn't make me stupid or foolish. Saying this doesn't make me a bad fan. Saying this is looking at the long term health of this organization and believing, as constructed, we're in the hockey purgatory of middling picks and first round exits/DNQs. It's time to let go of the glory days and the players that got us there and start building towards the next glory days era.

I fully expected this team to get swept by Carolina after their showing in their first two games, and I'm happy and proud of them that they made a series out of it. That doesn't change anything for me in terms of where I think this team is headed.

No, as a fan, I'm not satisfied with 2 Cup Finals appearances since 2011 and a bunch of series wins. They don't give out trophies for showing up. I don't care what Toronto fans have to put up with. The reason they're in that situation is their management is arrogant and thinks they're better than they are - which is exactly the situation we find ourselves in. It's avoidable. Let go of the past and look to the future. If sports are, indeed entertainment, I'd be more entertained watching a young, promising team on the upswing that DNQ's than an old, tired team get knocked out of the playoffs in the early rounds.

Just a note - the toxic positivity on this board is just as bad as the toxic negativity. Constantly posting that it's just a game is condescending. Of course it's just a game, and of course there are more important things going on in the world and, as we have learned, in many of our personal lives. But this is a hockey message board and we are here to talk about hockey, not the downfall of our collective society. People are going to have negative reactions to their favorite team losing. Telling people they're foolish for having a different point of view than you is intolerant of other views and opinions.

When the hockey talk here is on, it's an awesome place to be. When it's not, it's a miserable cesspool.

Thank you so much for writing this so I didn't have to, I agree completely with all of it. The worst case scenario is that ownership gets persuaded that this team is close to competing and just needs a couple minor-to-mid tweaks. There are lean years coming. Taking some bold steps now can help shorten them, and result in a better team on the other side, ownership needs to decide if their okay with a couple stinky years for the possibility of eventual success or if continual mediocrity is good enough

says a lot about the roster that i was upset he wasn't dressed for game 7

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I purposely took some time over the weekend to collect my thoughts on this game and the season as a whole before sharing anything. Not because I was mad or sad, but because after about 5 minutes following the end of the game, I was pretty apathetic about the outcome. They didn't deserve to move forward; the better team won. As Pedro would say, you just need to tip your cap and call the Canes our daddies.

I was vocal at the deadline about selling. I still think that's the right move. The team needs a change in identity, a change in talent, a change in direction, and a change in leadership. It's time to let 2011 go.

Cassidy isn't the issue. I'd like for him to stay IF there is a change at the top in Sweeney and Neely. If they stay, I think he has to go simply because something needs to change. If he does go, I want a new coaching regime, not Sacco or another assistant at the helm. A new system, a new voice.

I don't trust Sweeney and Neely to lead the rebuild I think this team desperately needs. There are fan favorites on this team that are signed to team-friendly deals...the risk of them walking at the end of those contracts with getting nothing in return is just too high for me. As much as it would pain me to see guys like Pasta and Marchand in another uniform, for the long term health of the franchise, anyone not named McAvoy or Swayman needs to be available.

Saying this doesn't make me stupid or foolish. Saying this doesn't make me a bad fan. Saying this is looking at the long term health of this organization and believing, as constructed, we're in the hockey purgatory of middling picks and first round exits/DNQs. It's time to let go of the glory days and the players that got us there and start building towards the next glory days era.

I fully expected this team to get swept by Carolina after their showing in their first two games, and I'm happy and proud of them that they made a series out of it. That doesn't change anything for me in terms of where I think this team is headed.

No, as a fan, I'm not satisfied with 2 Cup Finals appearances since 2011 and a bunch of series wins. They don't give out trophies for showing up. I don't care what Toronto fans have to put up with. The reason they're in that situation is their management is arrogant and thinks they're better than they are - which is exactly the situation we find ourselves in. It's avoidable. Let go of the past and look to the future. If sports are, indeed entertainment, I'd be more entertained watching a young, promising team on the upswing that DNQ's than an old, tired team get knocked out of the playoffs in the early rounds.

Just a note - the toxic positivity on this board is just as bad as the toxic negativity. Constantly posting that it's just a game is condescending. Of course it's just a game, and of course there are more important things going on in the world and, as we have learned, in many of our personal lives. But this is a hockey message board and we are here to talk about hockey, not the downfall of our collective society. People are going to have negative reactions to their favorite team losing. Telling people they're foolish for having a different point of view than you is intolerant of other views and opinions.

When the hockey talk here is on, it's an awesome place to be. When it's not, it's a miserable cesspool.

Good post.

But I don't agree that the "toxic positivity" is just as bad as the negativity.

And your dissatisfaction with two Cup finals and a bunch of series wins since 2011 is not foolish. Personally, I haven't been disappointed. We see things differently because we clearly look from different perspectives. That's fine.

 

[Kate08]

Good post.

But I don't agree that the "toxic positivity" is just as bad as the negativity.

And your dissatisfaction with two Cup finals and a bunch of series wins since 2011 is not foolish. Personally, I haven't been disappointed. We see things differently because we clearly look from different perspectives. That's fine.

Agree to disagree. I find it condescending, but that's just me.

It was a fun ride the last 13 - 15 years. I don't expect a team to win every year. The measure of success isn't necessarily a cup for me, which probably wasn't clear with my post. I want to feel like the team is going in the right direction, and despite any "success", the team has been on a backwards slide since 2013. Chicago was so good that year, they deserved to win. We were good too and it was a great series. Since then, for me, it's been watching an aging core get older without the right levers being pulled to give them a legitimate chance. Sure, some of it is luck (see Nash concussion) - but luck works both ways (see being 1 game away from a Cup in 2019).

I remember feeling like something special was brewing in 07 - 08. The anticipation was incredible. Despite being a fan my whole life (literally - my mom would go to games pregnant with me at the Old Garden as my parents had season tix), 07 - 11 was probably the most invested in and excited about this team I've ever been. Maybe it's where I was in my life stage then v now (definitely part of it), but the anticipation of what was to come was intoxicating.

I also like Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day, so it's definitely an overall personality trait.

 

[Bruinfanatic]

Thank you so much for writing this so I didn't have to, I agree completely with all of it. The worst case scenario is that ownership gets persuaded that this team is close to competing and just needs a couple minor-to-mid tweaks. There are lean years coming. Taking some bold steps now can help shorten them, and result in a better team on the other side, ownership needs to decide if their okay with a couple stinky years for the possibility of eventual success or if continual mediocrity is good enough


says a lot about the roster that i was upset he wasn't dressed for game 7

The forth line as it was this season,makes me wonder why he wasn’t on it all season really.

 

[duffy]

Man if Bergy is gone I don’t know how in hell the Bruins are going to find a number 1 and 2 Center ,they don’t grow on trees and talent has to go the other way to get what they need.Should be an interesting off season,and I do agree with you Sweeney isn’t the person to try and fix this .

There is going to be players available due to teams with serious cap issues. But I agree with you that DS is not the guy to fill our holes, since he never filled a 2nd line winger since taking over the GM role.

 

[KnightofBoston]

Good post.

But I don't agree that the "toxic positivity" is just as bad as the negativity.

And your dissatisfaction with two Cup finals and a bunch of series wins since 2011 is not foolish. Personally, I haven't been disappointed. We see things differently because we clearly look from different perspectives. That's fine.

you can't win every year but 2019 was a MAJOR missed opportunity

2013 I blame on chia for thinking we didnt have significant holes. HUGE let down for Rask, who imo had a better performance than Thomas did two years prior. One of my biggest regrets from this iteration of the bruins is we never got rask his cup while he was actually in net. The series win over pittsburgh was primarily rask standing on his head and....well, pittsburgh is overrated. The hawks weren't. You can also blame it on a bad injury to bergeron, but maybe the guy isnt breaking his back and literally his ribs if we dont have kaspars f***ing daugavins playing significant minutes. Reminded me of the 2010 team. Overperformance until it wasn't.

overall this team is one of missed opportunities. Shoulda been in the final against the kings in 2014. Could have beaten the hawks in 2013 if they filled holes on defense. But 2019 is the worst one for sure. Clear path, home ice, better team on paper. Poor execution all around there. It's depressing to me that the kings who bottomed out and then restocked to have one of the best prospect pools in the league has two cups to our 1 in three appearances

 

[Lordstanley]

Not happening. Not a smart move.

You do realize both are excellent players that are underpaid. Both are top NHL players and those don't come very often.

You get f***ed if you move them.

You may as well get rid of the rest of the core while your at it ..lol If Bergy goes than I will start to worry. They definitely need to get rid of alot dead wood. Maybe some management while they are at it..lol

 

[KnightofBoston]

There is going to be players available due to teams with serious cap issues. But I agree with you that DS is not the guy to fill our holes, since he never filled a 2nd line winger since taking over the GM role.

im sorry did i dream that we got taylor hall to come here and sign long term or?

you can kavetch about the kid's play but he looked sick with a true #2 in krejci. You have Hall in 2019 and we're talking about how Z, Rask, and Krejci all got to end their tenure with the bruins with 2 cups.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Agree to disagree. I find it condescending, but that's just me.

It was a fun ride the last 13 - 15 years. I don't expect a team to win every year. The measure of success isn't necessarily a cup for me, which probably wasn't clear with my post. I want to feel like the team is going in the right direction, and despite any "success", the team has been on a backwards slide since 2013. Chicago was so good that year, they deserved to win. We were good too and it was a great series. Since then, for me, it's been watching an aging core get older without the right levers being pulled to give them a legitimate chance. Sure, some of it is luck (see Nash concussion) - but luck works both ways (see being 1 game away from a Cup in 2019).

I remember feeling like something special was brewing in 07 - 08. The anticipation was incredible. Despite being a fan my whole life (literally - my mom would go to games pregnant with me at the Old Garden as my parents had season tix), 07 - 11 was probably the most invested in and excited about this team I've ever been. Maybe it's where I was in my life stage then v now (definitely part of it), but the anticipation of what was to come was intoxicating.

I also like Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day, so it's definitely an overall personality trait.

Don't know how that is true when they came within a game of winning the Cup 6 years later.

As for Christmas, it's for the kids.

When I was a kid Christmas was better. When I had kids, Christmas was better. When I had grandkids, Christmas was better. In between, I'll take Christmas Eve.

 

[Alicat]

Comes as no shock that some in the fan base want to chase Marchand, Pasternak and Hall out of town.

They aren’t the problem and you are taking too much of a risk trading them for picks for a full rebuild which is not needed.

You might as well trade away the entire team if you trade Marchand or Pasternak because it will destroy the locker room.

 

[duffy]

Here’s my optimistic take…

The Bruins already have a “core” in place with Marchand; Pastranak; McAvoy; and Hall. What is desperately needed are centers for the top two lines, and some QUALITY depth to flesh out the roster. I know Taylor Hall can be very effective with a good center on his line. We’ve seen it with Krejci.

The front office and especially the scouting department are what really need to be blown up and rebuilt. The Bruins can be retooled even if Bergeron departs, but smarter people than the current front office need to be at the helm.

Not disagreeing one iota, but do you think it's DS/CN that's the problem with finding legit vets or is it who they consult?

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

you can't win every year but 2019 was a MAJOR missed opportunity

2013 I blame on chia for thinking we didnt have significant holes. HUGE let down for Rask, who imo had a better performance than Thomas did two years prior. One of my biggest regrets from this iteration of the bruins is we never got rask his cup while he was actually in net. The series win over pittsburgh was primarily rask standing on his head and....well, pittsburgh is overrated. The hawks weren't. You can also blame it on a bad injury to bergeron, but maybe the guy isnt breaking his back and literally his ribs if we dont have kaspars f***ing daugavins playing significant minutes. Reminded me of the 2010 team. Overperformance until it wasn't.

overall this team is one of missed opportunities. Shoulda been in the final against the kings in 2014. Could have beaten the hawks in 2013 if they filled holes on defense. But 2019 is the worst one for sure. Clear path, home ice, better team on paper. Poor execution all around there. It's depressing to me that the kings who bottomed out and then restocked to have one of the best prospect pools in the league has two cups to our 1 in three appearances

Sorry, just don't see how a team can get that close to the Cup and blame the GM for not winning it all.

Seems to make a lot more sense to praise the GM for putting together a team that had a very real chance to win Cup.

 

[duffy]

Comes as no shock that some in the fan base want to chase Marchand, Pasternak and Hall out of town.

They aren’t the problem and you are taking too much of a risk trading them for picks for a full rebuild which is not needed.

You might as well trade away the entire team if you trade Marchand or Pasternak because it will destroy the locker room.

Agree 100%! Hall I will say has been a bit of a disappointment to me but like you said, who are you replacing him with for the same dollar value. Players I would like to see replaced are Foligno, Nosek, Carlo, Reilly, Gryzz, and JDB only if he still wants out! We are set in goal, have some good D pieces and forward peices. We need 2 mid pairing D men and at least one top 2 centers. I believe Bergy will come back for at least one more year if his body allows it!

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Comes as no shock that some in the fan base want to chase Marchand, Pasternak and Hall out of town.

They aren’t the problem and you are taking too much of a risk trading them for picks for a full rebuild which is not needed.

You might as well trade away the entire team if you trade Marchand or Pasternak because it will destroy the locker room.

Coming into the series with the Canes these players were clearly problematic because of Carolina's ability to feast on blue line turnovers. Marchand did really well in cutting down on his turnovers, but Pasta and Hall just do not seem to have the hockey IQ to adjust their play. Maybe if they dodged the Canes those guys would have been the stars of a series against the Rangers or Leafs.