Post-Game Talk: GAME 68 - Ides of March - Lightning 6 BRUINS 2

Joki and Zad(except for penalties again) were very good. I thought Geekie and Pasta were "relatively" good.

But Mittelstadt was awful. 14:30 minutes 5 on 5 without a shot. The team was caved in with him on the ice. Outshot 8-0 with him on the ice, but also out "fenwicked" 16-0. I mean, they didn't even have a shot blocked or anything. Just got nothing going. Allowed 6 high danger chances and got none. It's one game, against a much better team, and the whole team was outclassed, but possession numbers-wise he was the worst of the worst.
I didn’t watch but did he still have Vinny & Lauko on his line?
It’s pretty tough to play with a 4th line & AHL talent against a good team
 
I'm not on board with the negativity. I see positive signs with what Sweeney has already done and we assume more will be done in the off season. This rebuild will be shorter than some people think.
This is of course, assuming Swayman gets his mojo back and becomes a true consistent #1 next year and onwards living up to his contract. That is of course the key thing.
Team is faster now and as new people adjust we will be very competitive. Maybe not as fast of a rise as Washington, but similar.
Nothing will be faster till they get a legit top line centre and if that is through the draft definitely not faster
 
Jack Eichel 26/27
I know Jack Eichel’s best friend from home, and he’s said more than once that Jack is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, and Jack has zero interest in playing for the Bruins. I’m sure millions of dollars could change that, but the Bruins aren’t on Eichel’s radar.
 
I know Jack Eichel’s best friend from home, and he’s said more than once that Jack is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, and Jack has zero interest in playing for the Bruins. I’m sure millions of dollars could change that, but the Bruins aren’t on Eichel’s radar.

Oh no, I guess we have to settle with McDavid instead :sarcasm:
 
I know Jack Eichel’s best friend from home, and he’s said more than once that Jack is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, and Jack has zero interest in playing for the Bruins. I’m sure millions of dollars could change that, but the Bruins aren’t on Eichel’s radar.
Strange he is big on them at his age, because they have sucked longer then he has been alive :huh:
 
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I know Jack Eichel’s best friend from home, and he’s said more than once that Jack is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, and Jack has zero interest in playing for the Bruins. I’m sure millions of dollars could change that, but the Bruins aren’t on Eichel’s radar.

I believe Eichel is on public record as saying he supported both the Bruins and Habs as a kid. Which is weird but to each their own. Regardless, even if he was simply Montreal all the way, I doubt he'd completely write off Boston if the deal and situation were right. Doubt it happens, but never say never.

Does raise an interesting discussion point though. Why have the Bruins had such a hard time getting any New England born and raised guys to play for them? They've had middling players like Coyle and Gryz from time to time, but the best ones almost always stay away. Do they simply know better than to take on all the extra attention and heat it would bring if they did play in Boston (think poor Jimmy Hayes), or something more?
 
Back to reality. I think some of these new players can be good contributors if some additions in the off-season allow them to play further down the lineup, where they should be. Let's face it, if Lauko's on your 2nd line, you're not quite a contender.

But, it's a rebuild. Probably will take the next two seasons to add the right pieces.

For next season, I look forward to seeing a 4th line with maybe Lauko, Kastelic and Koepke. Jettison Beecher somehow.

Mittelstadt and Dino could be part of a decent third line, maybe with Poitras.
Brown and Lettieri back in Prov.

The positive news is that the D is looking good, assuming Lindholm recovers fully and they can re-sign Joki-carlo.

Lindholm - McAvoy
Lohrei - Joki
Zadarov - Peeke
Defense-- set for next season.

Goaltending—hoping Swayman can recover from a poor season.

Forwards—need to add on the wings in the off-season. Could be trades, free agency or emerging prospects like Poitras or Minten.

Geekie - Zacha - Pastrnak
XXX - E. Lindholm - XXX
Khusnutdinov - Mittelstadt - XXX
Koepke - Kastelic - Lauko
 
Defense-- set for next season.

Goaltending—hoping Swayman can recover from a poor season.

Forwards—need to add on the wings in the off-season. Could be trades, free agency or emerging prospects like Poitras or Minten.

Geekie - Zacha - Pastrnak
XXX - E. Lindholm - XXX
Khusnutdinov - Mittelstadt - XXX
Koepke - Kastelic - Lauko
They have no top line centre ..Zacha penciled in there is a bit disturbing.On the other hand however it increases chances for another top pick and a better team longterm.Nothing there in free agency to be fair and I doubt anyone wants to trade that to the Bruins.So here we are.
 
I know Jack Eichel’s best friend from home, and he’s said more than once that Jack is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, and Jack has zero interest in playing for the Bruins. I’m sure millions of dollars could change that, but the Bruins aren’t on Eichel’s radar.
I don't believe you. Not one iota.
I remember clearly when Buffalo drafted him he said he grew up a Bruins fan. A few years after that Buffalo fans were annoyed and wondering when he showed up in the playoffs at a Bruins game in a Bruins jersey cheering the Bruins and meeting players.
Would he still want to play for his childhood team? idk, probably doesn't care and just goes where the money is but one can dream.
 
Defense-- set for next season.

Goaltending—hoping Swayman can recover from a poor season.

Forwards—need to add on the wings in the off-season. Could be trades, free agency or emerging prospects like Poitras or Minten.

Geekie - Zacha - Pastrnak
XXX - E. Lindholm - XXX
Khusnutdinov - Mittelstadt - XXX
Koepke - Kastelic - Lauko
I have it lined up a little different, but essentially I agree.

Geekie - Zacha/Mittelstadt - Pastrnak
Ehlers - Zacha/Mittelstadt - Poitras/Lindholm
Khusnutdinov - Minten - Poitras/Lindholm
Eyssimont - Kastelic - Lauko/Koepke
Lauko/Koepke

Lindholm - McAvoy
Zadorov - Jokiharju
Lohrei - Peeke
7th D-man (no targets yet)

Swayman
Korpisalo

At pretty generous salary projections, this team is about $3M under the cap. So even if I’m wrong, there’s a little wiggle room.
 
They have no top line centre ..Zacha penciled in there is a bit disturbing.On the other hand however it increases chances for another top pick and a better team longterm.Nothing there in free agency to be fair and I doubt anyone wants to trade that to the Bruins.So here we are.
That's why I say it's a two-year project. I doubt very much they can add 2 top-six wingers AND a 1C for next season.
 
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