Post-Game Talk: GAME 36 - BRUINS 4 Washington 1 - HO HO HO

[sarge88]

Rumor has it there were scotch and eggs and empty kfc buckets everywhere

Scotch and eggs?

or --- Scotch eggs?

Tenor of the party is very different, depending on which is available.

 

[sarge88]

It would be great if someone made a thread with stats starting when Sacco took over.

I'm not suggesting it to disparage Monty --- I just think it would be interesting if we saw PP/PK/PIM per game/GA/GF/Winning %, etc. under Sacco all in one place.

I look at the coaching change as a re-set, so to speak and taking away the abysmal numbers from early in the season and just looking at what they've done under Sacco provides clarity as they move into the middle/end of the season.

 

[CellyHard]

One of the best parts of this game is seeing this Marchand-Lindholm-Coyle line

Lindholm is playing much more inspired and showcasing his skill. Coyle at this point in his career (or cause he's battling something) just looks so much better on the wing. He's never been much of a playmaker and he can just take full advantage of the opportunities that line creates. This isn't just a viable 2nd line but also an incredible shut-down line.

If we can just find an upgrade to the 1st line with Zacha and Pasta, then this team could make a little noise.

They are starting to develop that "it" factor (grit, determination, will) whatever you want to call it that's propelling them further

 

[Maine Fan]

They are on a good rum since they got rid of Montgomery who they should never had hired. Cassidy was a much better coach for the Bruins.
Merry Christmas and happy Hunakkah everyone.

Go Bruins

 

[sarge88]

Lindholm motor warming up for 2nd half of season.

I don't think we give enough weight to how difficult it must be to move your family 2,500 miles away to a new city, and new culture and then expect a guy to "work" in a new system with new coaches, teammates, support staff, etc. in the best league in the world.

I mean, I'm a social worker and I can't imagine uprooting my family and moving to Vancouver, while learning the laws, and the expectations, of a new work environment, along with the tendencies, and habits of my boss and co-workers, without a pretty significant degree of frustration and uncertainty.
I guarantee it would take several months until I were adequate at it.

 

[Therewolf31]

It almost feels wrong to single out a player for playing a great game, when the entire team really showed up (except maybe Freddy ), but I really liked Zaddy’s game tonight.

Couldn't get the game here but not surprised Freddy did nothing. Hopefully Sweeney's got something in the pipeline for his trade. Bring Poitras back up after the break. Merry Xmas all you B's fans!!!

 

[DominicT]

I don't think we give enough weight to how difficult it must be to move your family 2,500 miles away to a new city, and new culture and then expect a guy to "work" in a new system with new coaches, teammates, support staff, etc. in the best league in the world.

I mean, I'm a social worker and I can't imagine uprooting my family and moving to Vancouver, while learning the laws, and the expectations, of a new work environment, along with the tendencies, and habits of my boss and co-workers, without a pretty significant degree of frustration and uncertainty.
I guarantee it would take several months until I were adequate at it.

It's more complicated than that.

Lindholm/Zadorov were traded to the Canucks and had to learn a new system.
Then they signed as free agents in Boston and had to learn a new system.
Then Monty gets fired 20 games in and had to learn a (yes) new system.

Four coaches, 4 systems, all in a matter of a few months in hockey terms. That itself is enough to work through without even adding all the off ice stuff.

 

[TD Charlie]

Did anyone else catch Lindholm mouthing off to the caps bench as he skated over for his goal celebration line?

 

[sarge88]

It's more complicated than that.

Lindholm/Zadorov were traded to the Canucks and had to learn a new system.
Then they signed as free agents in Boston and had to learn a new system.
Then Monty gets fired 20 games in and had to learn a (yes) new system.

Four coaches, 4 systems, all in a matter of a few months in hockey terms. That itself is enough to work through without even adding all the off ice stuff.

As always, good points.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

Washington looked off much of the night, but the bigger story is that the Bruins at no point let them get away with it.

At some point, even though none of us are in that room, Sacco deserves significant credit. The “cuteness” that was becoming nauseating in the Brubs’ play style at the end of Montgomery’s tenure has been largely eliminated and replaced with straight-line, hard-working, smart hockey. It’s often not pretty but it’s a far more effective way for this team to win games.

 

[bruins19]

I was waiting to see how they do against better teams to guage the turnaround and this was a pleasant surprise. The effort for a full 60 minutes was lacking from the team the first 20 games.

I said they needed to play to their strengths before that time frame. Keep it simple, all pucks at the net and do not be fancy. They are not a high scoring hi-lite reel team but a blue collar team.

The stars are leading and we found a line that got Coyle and Lindy going. Marshy has been fantastic. Geekie is back, Zad is keeping it simple. If somehow they can add another scorer the team can be a dark horse. Keep playing and supporting each other on the ice and use your speed and size.

Bruins’ Lunchpail Athletic Club still holds the record for the most 20 goal scorers in a season (11 in 77-78). You can do a lot of damage with a balanced attack that drives the net and both uses and sacrifices the body. https://nesn.com/2023/07/bruins-legend-reflects-on-nhl-record-boston-still-holds-45-years-later/amp/

Washington looked off much of the night, but the bigger story is that the Bruins at no point let them get away with it.

At some point, even though none of us are in that room, Sacco deserves significant credit. The “cuteness” that was becoming nauseating in the Brubs’ play style at the end of Montgomery’s tenure has been largely eliminated and replaced with straight-line, hard-working, smart hockey. It’s often not pretty but it’s a far more effective way for this team to win games.

Yes, and more entertaining to watch.

 

[kdog82]

Since the coaching change Zadorov and Lindholm have been excellent. Completely different players.

Love the snarl Lindholm brought against the Capitals, oh and the goal was a beautiful thing!

 

[DominicT]

Since the coaching change Zadorov and Lindholm have been excellent. Completely different players.

Love the snarl Lindholm brought against the Capitals, oh and the goal was a beautiful thing!

 

[quietbruinfan]

Time for Potrais i think. Skill is neede

I do not care for Poitras and still think he is a 4A, but yep I think that's the move.

 

[bruins cup]

He definitely will be coming up with 88 out indefinitely for the foreseeable future

 

[Aussie Bruin]

That was a very capable performance. Bruins had the schedule advantage and the Caps were definitely looking pretty gassed by the end, but have to give the boys credit, they made the most of it. Solid defensively, the offense improved as the game went along. Still blew a few golden chances, but they got the job done eventually and put away a strong if tired opponent.

I thought the Wahlstrom major was arguable both ways. Could have been just a minor, but, while not malicious, it was definitely sloppy play and put Fehervary in a vulnerable position. so can live with the call. More importantly the Bruins followed it with probably their best kill of the season. Masterful. More of that please. The refereeing standard was otherwise poor. The Caps got away with a lot of nonsense. On the positive side it fired up Lindholm and I liked the results. Feisty Lindy seems to play with an extra gear. More of that too would be nice.

While Geekie didn't score in this one he had some more very good chances. Seems to be getting himself in good areas a lot more lately. Sacco's had a positive effect on him, amongst others.

Sway didn't have to do much but was fine. Vrana beat him with a rocket but that happens.

Hopefully whatever is wrong with Pasta is not too serious but he hasn't looked right all season. Giving him a proper chance to rest and get healthy could well be a good thing in the long run. And the rest of the team is probably better-placed now to cope in his absence as long as it's not too lengthy. Fingers crossed he can return to full fitness.

The Bruins sell hope, it's what they do. Mostly unfulfilled but we keep coming back for more. That's the way of it. And they're threatening to do it again. I wrote this team off after the debacle in Seattle, and I'm not jumping fully back on board so fast. They still have a lot of work to do and there are still obvious deficiencies in the roster. But they are trending in the right direction and it's pleasing to see most of the guys now playing closer to their ability and potential and to see more of a cohesive, purposeful team on the ice. Whether they are actually building something of substance, who knows. For now, a nice way to go into the Christmas mini-break, and that will do.

 

[Therewolf31]

Since the coaching change Zadorov and Lindholm have been excellent. Completely different players.

Love the snarl Lindholm brought against the Capitals, oh and the goal was a beautiful thing!

and no penalties for Little Z!

 

[lopey]

I noticed last night that Lindholm looks wuick fast. Might finally be coming around from his offseason injuy

 

[Ladyfan]

Did anyone else catch Lindholm mouthing off to the caps bench as he skated over for his goal celebration line?

He is very feisty!

 

[Jorah Marshmont]

He definitely will be coming up with 88 out indefinitely for the foreseeable future

Can you start posting links with your baseless claims because there’s been nothing said about Pasta being out “indefinitely for the foreseeable future”.

 

[Hookslide]

Yes. Make no mistake.... Pavel Zacha is your quietly underrated very good ultra megastar of the game. It's just what it is. Good kid getting the job done.

Very underrated.

 

[Hookslide]

I do not care for Poitras and still think he is a 4A, but yep I think that's the move.

Not anti, Poitras, but do not want to see him at this point, leave him where he is.

 

[quietbruinfan]

Not anti, Poitras, but do not want to see him at this point, leave him where he is.

If you call up Lieteri or Lysell that means line shuffling though.

 

[CellyHard]

I do not care for Poitras and still think he is a 4A, but yep I think that's the move.

He's 5v5 Corsi numbers are the best on the team and was 2nd last year, which gives us two seasons of evidence that Poitras tilts the ice in the Bruins favor for puck possession, shot attempts and offensive pressure.

I promise you this is not Jack Studnicka. The eye test and the underlining numbers do not show a 4A player. He just needs man strength.

 

[TD Charlie]

He's 5v5 Corsi numbers are the best on the team and was 2nd last year, which gives us two seasons of evidence that Poitras tilts the ice in the Bruins favor for puck possession, shot attempts and offensive pressure.

I promise you this is not Jack Studnicka. The eye test and the underlining numbers do not show a 4A player. He just needs man strength.

Needing man strength isn’t always a simple task. Some guys adapt. Some guys shy away from their own shadow. Others put on some weight and then their skating is impacted.

Along with a little mass, Poitras desparately needs to learn how to avoid getting pummeled every game.