Bruins To Resign Chris Kelly

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The Boston Bruins appear close to signing Chris Kelly to a new contract. CSN's Joe Haggerty reports that both Kelly and fellow UFA Gregory Campbell are near multi-year deals, while there's been no progress in talks with Daniel Paille.

I don't really understand how the Bruins are going to fit these guys under the cap, but I am really happy Chris Kelly is back. He is a great player, and comes at a very managable price. I wish I understood the NHL cap more, because I would think the Bruins have to be close and I think they still have to resgin Rask.

DP Gets This Hockey Topic Right

It's very rare that I agree with DP on just about anything, and I can't believe one of the things I agree with him is hockey. Tim Thomas is pulling a douchebag move. I don't want to go too indepth, because for the most part DP was spot on.

It's true that even if Thomas retired the Bruins would get hit with his contract against the cap. So, my anger level has gone down a good amount. At first I thought that he just didn't want to retire and the Bruins were getting screwed. Yet, it turns out because of his age of when the contract was signed the Bruins get hit with it even if he did retire.

That being said, I am not buying that he doesn't want to play anymore. I do believe this goes back to the Bruins not having his back with the whole skipping the White House thing. I think he doesn't like his lower salary. I don't think he liked there was a good chance the Bruins were going to trade him this year. I think Tim Thomas took his ball and went home.

Tim Thomas won the Bruins the Stanley Cup. There is no doubt about it. That doesn't mean I have to sit back and agree with him not living up to his contract. Not only do the Bruins lose the best goalie in the NHL, and not get anything back for it, they still have to pay top goalie price for a ghost. That's not good in a tough cap environment like the NHL is now.

You can basically kiss Chris Kelly good buy over this, and he won't be the only one. This hurt, and Tim Thomas is really going to hurt the 2012-2013 Bruis' season. As a fan of the team that pisses me off, and I think I have that right.

Kings 4, Devils 0

What the LA Kings are doing is nothing short of amazing. They are 15-2 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They're 10-0 on the road. And all as an 8 seed. Simply unreal.

Those two words also describe the performance of Jonathan Quick. He's allowed 24 goals in 17 games this postseason. He has a 1.36 GAA after last night's 4-0 shutout over New Jersey (Quick's 3rd of the playoffs). His SV% in the postseason is .950. Only one out of twenty shots on goal are getting past him. In the Finals, he has a GAA of 0.59, and a SV% of .972.

Last night the Kings killed 6 New Jersey power plays, including a 5-on-3. Quick stopped 22 shots. Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist. Jeff Carter scored a PP goal. One of the assists on that goal was from Mike Richards. Sorry, Philadelphia. Dustin Brown had an assist. As did Drew Doughty.

The Kings have won mostly because of Quick. But they've got a roster full of solid guys who can score, who can play smart, who can play physical, and who can keep themselves from getting in bad positions.

They've also been able to keep their key players healthy. That's a reward for winning their previous series so easily. They only needed 14 games to get to the Finals. The Devils needed 18. Five of which went to OT. The Kings only played two overtime games.

Ilya Kovalchuk is obviously hurting, and without him, the Devils' offense is considerably less potent. Kovalchuk has only managed 5 shots on goal in the Finals. He had been averaging over 3 per game in previous rounds, and over 4 per game in the regular season. The Devils are 7-2 in the playoffs when he manages to get more than 3 shots on goal, 5-7 when he doesn't. The Devils are 6-1 when he scores, 6-8 when he doesn't.

It's possible that the Devils can turn this into a series, but hard to imagine. Quick, Brown, Doughty, Carter, Kopitar, they're all playing very well right now. And the Devils' best forward is not physically at 100%. The one detraction I'll make on this amazing run of theirs is that these series are getting a tad boring.

The Kings winning is good for hockey. It's a big market, obviously. So that's good for TV contracts and drawing fans. It's a warm weather city that has shown an interest in the game (the Kings had 100% attendance and were 15th in total attendance). But the team itself also play the game the right way. They have some American stars (Quick is from Milford, CT, Dustin Brown is from Ithaca, NY), and some likable players. Not to mention a funny, well-run, engaging Twitter feed.

Game 4 Wednesday night in LA.

-The Captain

Tim Thomas Might Not Play Next Year

"A source told ESPN.com Thursday that the 38-year-old Boston Bruins netminder was contemplating taking next season off. Which doesn't mean he will, but it's something he's apparently raised (Pierre LeBrun, ESPN.com)."

Tim Thomas won't sit out, but one has to wonder if this is a strategic move by Thomas. No team will want to deal for him if they run the risk of Thomas just sitting out the year. Also, it could be to put pressure on the Bruins to give him a longer deal.

Honestly, I don't think it's a very smart move by Thomas. The Bruins and their system have made him a star. He is getting paid well next year, and the Bruins have good backups behind Thomas to be able to withstand the loss.

I don't know how true this story is, but I doubt much will come of it.

Evidence Tim Thomas Is On His Way Out?

According to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com, several sources report Thomas "abruptly" moved his family from their Boston-area home to Colorado ... mid-season. The alleged change in residence might be considered extra weird since Thomas had been relatively rooted in Boston -- and New England in general -- for several years. And Haggerty suggests the move could speak volumes to the 38-year-old's current intentions.

"... His move to the more politically conservative state of Colorado might explain why Thomas has been so noncommittal when asked about retiring as a Bruin. He also wasn't very forthcoming in declaring his happiness as a member of the Bruins organization after the team fell to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs this season ... (ESPN)"

I think this has more to do with Thomas knowing that no matter what next year is his last with the Bruins. There is no way they bring him back, as long as the resign Rask. I have been saying it all offseason, but I think the best move is to move Thomas. He is the best player on the the Bruins, but it's his last year and we either trade and get something for him or risk losing him for nothing. Plus, if you are going to resign Rask, it's going to cost a decent amount, and it would just be too much money wrapped in two goalies, and the Bruins will have some holes to fill.

Nicklas Lidstrom To Retire Today

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will announce his retirement after 20 NHL seasons at a news conference Thursday afternoon. Lidstrom is one of the best defenseman that has ever lived. 7 times he was voted the NHL top defenseman, and 3 times he was the runner up. That means half the time he was in the NHL he was either the best or 2nd best defenseman in the NHL, that's pretty amazing.

Lidstrom never missed more then 11 games in a season. Even in his last season (actually the year he missed 11 games) Lidstrom had 34 points and a plus-21 that ranked among the league leaders.

This 12 times All-Star, 4 time Stanley Cup winner, 7 time Norris Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Gold Medal winning is a no doubt Hall of Famer, and even though I have never liked the Red Wings he will be missed.

Bruins Trading For Rick Nash?

"... Most expected that the Blue Jackets would be looking for Tuukka Rask in any Nash exchange given Columbus' dreadful performance between the pipes, but indications to CSNNE.com from several places are that the Blue Jackets are looking for either Milan Lucic or Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton as their desired price tag. Seguin is an untouchable for the Bruins coming off a sophomore NHL season where he blossomed into an All-Star performer, but Lucic appears to have his name coming up more and more often in trade discussions ..."

Instead, Haggerty proposes a Jackets/Bruins deal could go down if Columbus GM Scott Howson is willing to accept a package including forward David Krejci and picks/prospects in return (CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty).

I have said before I am totally opened to trading Krejci and/or Lucic. I am guess from this article that they wouldn't just do a deal for Thomas, which makes sense since they were the worst team in the NHL last year and Thomas is too old to grow with that team. If I was the Bruins Seguin and Hamilton would be untouchable, but if they could do a deal that was either Krecji or Lucic and prospect picks for Nash I think it would be a good deal. The problem here is money. Nash makes almost 8 million a year for the next 6 years. His age is right (27), but that is a lot of money tied in one player and my thinking is that the Bruins would have to deal Thomas as well in another deal to clear the cap space to be able to bring in Nash and resign Rask.

Nash is really good, I know his numbers have declined over the past coupe years, but I really that has more to do with him playing on a shitty team. This is something very interesting to keep an eye on and I am starting to here the Bruins mentioned in a lot of trade rumors.

Nathan Horton Injury Update

As far as his agent is concerned, Nathan Horton (concussion) should be ready to go when the Boston Bruins return to the ice in late summer.

"Nathan is coming along," Paul Krepelka told CSNNE.com via text message. "We would hope he is good to go at the start of training camp (ESPN)."

Horton missed the last 36 games last season (plus playoffs) with a concussion. Although the status of these types of injuries can change at anytime, the Bruins do sound like he should be ready to go when camp opens. This could be huge for the Bruins. Unless some major moves are made (trading Thomas/Krejci/ect) the Bruins are going to lose Chris Kelly to free agency. It's not they don't want him back, but they just don't have the cap space to bring him back. With Kelly gone, the Bruins will likely finally make the move to put Seguin at center, so you would have Krejci, Bergeron, and Seguin in center, and it would leave a glaring need for a wing to step up.

When the Bruins signed Horton I really thought he would be a 30+ goal scorer every year. I still think he has the skills to do it, and hopefully he can come back healthy and have a shot to do so. This is a big year for Horton, as this is the final year of his 6 year $24 million deal.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #2 Sidney Crosby

Born: August 7, 1987 (age 24)
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Position: Center

Some people might not like this pick because he hasn't been able to play a lot because of concussion over the past 2 seasons, but there is just really no way to argue against this kid's resume. Trust me it's hard for me to admit, because I hate his guts, but sit back and think about all the things he has already done.

He as already led the NHL in goals (2010), led the NHL in points (2007), is a 4 time All-Star, won an MVP (2007), won a Gold Medal (2010), and won a Stanley Cup (2009). Even with my hatred towards him it would be a shame for this kid's career to get cut short, because he has a shot at being one of the best of all-time.

Look at the record he has set...

First rookie to record 100 points and 100 penalty minutes in a season
Youngest player to record 100 points in a season (18 years, 253 days)
Youngest player to record 200 career points (19 years and 207 days)
Youngest player to record 2 consecutive 100 point seasons (19 years, 215 days)
Youngest player voted to the starting lineup in an All-Star Game
Youngest Art Ross Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award winner
Youngest player to be named to the First All-Star Team
Youngest full team captain
Youngest Player to Lead NHL Playoffs in scoring (20 years, 9 months, and 28 days)
Youngest NHL captain to win Stanley Cup (21 years, 10 months, and 5 days)
Fewest games played by an NHL team's leading scorer

Speaks for itself. Even if he didn't play another year, he would probably make the Hall of Fame, and if he can play a full career he will no doubt be one of the top 10 NHL players of All-Time.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #5 Steven Stamkos

Born: February 7, 1990 (age 22)
Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Position: C

He is 22 years old and already has 179 goals and 150 assists, and is just getting started as he had 60 goals this year with 12 of them being game winning goals and 5 of those being in overtime. In the last 16 years there have only been 2 players to score 60+ goals in a season (Ovechkin/Stamkos). That should tell you the kind of season he had.

Stamkos just finished his 4th season and has already led the NHL in goals twice, made 2 All-Star teams, set the record for the most overtime goals in a single season (5), and most goals in a season by a Tampa Bay Lightning player (60).

Having a guy score like this just doesn't happen anymore. The next closest was Malking and he had 50, and behind him Marian Gaborik with 41.

Top 25 Under 25: #16 Johnathan Toews

Born: April 29, 1988 (age 24)
Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Position: Center

For a 24 year old this kid has certainly already accomplished a lot in his career. He is the captain of the Blackhawks (after only 64 games), he has already won a Stanley Cup, while winning the Stanley Cup he won the Conn Smythe (MVP for finals), he is the youngest person ever to be part of the Triple Gold Club (Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship Gold Medal), voted best forward in the 2010 Olympics, voted 3 times to the NHL All-Star game, and already has 144 goals and 180 assists in his career.

Yea, that's pretty damn good for a 24 year old. We could be talking about a future Hall of Famer here. He has the size (6 foot 2, 208 pounds), and obviously has the skill with everything I listed above.

Capitals @ Bruins Preview: Game 7

The Bruins forced game 7 by winning in Washington in game 6, and to be honest I thought they were a little bit lucky. The Bruins have outplayed the Capitals almost the entire series, but near the end of that 3rd peroid I thought the Capitals were playing better, and in particular Ovechkin was starting to take over. It doesn't matter now, but that scared the hell out of me.

This series is the closest series of all time. There has never been a series that went 7 games where every game was determined by just 1 goal. Yet, I have come away from basically every game in this series thinking the Bruins were the better team. The better team doesn't always win in playoff hockey, so this is really up in the air.

The Bruins won 2 Game 7's in Boston last year in the playoffs. They are used to this atmostphere. The Capitals have a young goalie that might not be able to handle it, plus the Capitals seem to fizzle out every playoffs early. Is this the year they finally break through? Or is this just what "Bruins hockey" is now where we expect every series to go 7 games?

Thomas has been solid, not great, but not bad either. There are so many storylines heading into this game, but one of the most interesting (and/or upsetting) is the fact that this COULD BE TIM THOMAS' LAST GAME AS A BRUIN. It's really odd to think about, but he has a big salary, the Bruins need to commit money to Rask in the offseason, which makes Thomas very likely to be traded.

That doesn't matter tonight, but it's hard to get off my mind. I think Thomas is going to come up huge tonight. I think the Capitals are going to fall apart, and although I don't see a blowout I think the Bruins do what they did so many times last playoffs. WIN GAME 7.

Bruins win 4-1
Player of the Game: Thomas/Peverley
Game starts at 7:30pm

Top 25 Not Under 25: #20 Claude Giroux

Born: January 12, 1988 (age 24)
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Position: Center

You know you're career is going the right way when your just 24 years old and you are already an assistant captain. In each of the last two years Giroux has had over 25 goals and over 50 assists. Just looking at his stats you can tell his stock is going to continue to rise. This year was his best season, he had 28 goals, 65 assists, which works out to be 93 points in just 77 games.

He isn't just a great regular season player either, as we just saw him knockout what many people thought was the best team in the playoffs (Penguins). During that series
Giroux had 6 goals and 8 assists in 6 games, which is just silly.

Outside NHL fans might not know this kid yet, but I do think he could be a future MVP with the way his career is heading.

Bruins @ Capitals: Game 4

Must win game for the Capitals, and they are going to have to do it with Nicklas Backstrom not playing (suspension). All 3 games during this series have been decided by a goal.

The Capitals have done a good job converting themselves into a defensive first team. The Bruins are just better at it, and that's why I think they will win this series, but there is still one thing that kind of scares me.

I am expecting a tightly called game tonight, as the NHL tried to control the chaos. If that's the case and there are a bunch of power plays, I think that benefits the Capitals a lot more than the Bruins.

Still, I just don't pick against Tim Thomas and Chara in the playoffs.

Bruins win 4-2
Player of the Game: Marchand
Game starts at 7:30pm

Backstrom Has Hearing Scheduled

"According to a tweet from TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Capitals have been informed that center Nicklas Backstrom will have a hearing with the NHL, likely on Wednesday, over his cross-check to the face of Rich Peverley Monday.

After the final seconds ticked off the clock in Boston's 4-3 victory over the Capitals in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Backstrom cross-checked Peverley in the face and was given a match penalty, which carries with it an automatic suspension pending review of the league (WEEI)."

This is actually going to be a real good test for the NHL. We are going to find out if "superstars" get special treatment. This is blatantly something that should carry a 1 game suspension, I don't think he should get any more than that, but he should get that 1 game. The league needs to get rid of these head blows, especially when the guy isn't expecting it. We should find out sometime tomorrow if he is suspended, so we'll keep you posted.

Bruins @ Capitals: Game 3 Preview

A lot of people are giving Braden Holtby a lot of credit, and rightfully so to a certain extent, but you you really want to give someone the MOST credit, that would go to the Captials coach Dale Hunter.

The Capitals are known for scoring, not playing defense, and basically choking in the playoffs. Over the first two games the Capitals have played an extremly patient game. They are using a 1-4 attack, which mean only 1 guy forechecking, while the rest shut down the neutral zone. It not the most exciting thing in the world, but it's basically how the Bruins got it done last year.

Boston needs to crash the net harder, they are taking way to many shots from the outside. Rob made the point the other day that they miss Recchi, and he is right. They are missing that guy who will just go in front of the net and try to tip shots coming from the point. When I think of players that can fill that void I think of Marchand. He has the skill set, adn he is tough as nails.

I realy have nothing bad to say about the Bruins goaltending or defense. They just need to keep hitting, and I think they can wear down this Caps team. It's starts night..

Bruins win 3-1
Player of the game: Marchand
Gand starts at 7:30pm

It's Hockey Time!

I have a moral question?

Does it matter if I pick up a team only when they are in the playoffs? I'm not the biggest hockey guy and I'm not the biggest Bruins guy, however, I was intensely rooting for them last night without knowing much about them. The female population probably knows more about hockey than I do. Before last night, I probably couldn't name 6 people on the team.

I watched the Bruins a lot more last year when I lived with a Bruin fan in BMack, but haven't watched 5 minutes of the Bruins until last night. Last year I had my man crush in Michael Ryder (who was the ONLY reason they won the Cup last year) and once they didn't re-sign him, I had nothing to look forward to.

Whatever getting back to the topic, I'm going to be loud and cheer for the Bruins and take them under my wing now that they are in the playoffs. So does that make me a bad person, because I hate me when it comes to Red Sox and Patriot fans.

Johnny Boychuk Injury Update

Fortunately for the Bruins, the issue doesn't seem severe at all. Sportsnet's Ian Mendes reports Boychuk could be back as soon as the postseason gets underway.

"Based on Claude Julien's update, I would expect that Johnny Boychuk (mild knee strain) is available for Game 1 of the playoffs"

I am shocked. When I saw him go down I thought he was done for the year. Maybe a torn ACL or something. Now this is far from certain, but this is a very good update for Bruins fans, as Boychuk is an above average defenseman, and his "grinding" style of play is perfect for the long playoff series ahead. Right now they are calling it a mild knee sprain.

Horton/Rask Back Skating

"Bruins forward Nathan Horton and goaltender Tuukka Rask skated for 40 minutes with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides prior to Wednesday's practice at Ristuccia Arena. Neither players was not on the ice as the team began their practice Wednesday (WEEI)."

Horton has been out since late January. I won't get too pumped about getting him back though, as we have been down this road before only from him to have a setback and be shutdown.

As for Rask this is a good sign. It sounds more and more likely that he will be able to holdup his backup goaltending duties for the playoffs, which is important if anything happens to Thomas.

We have no word on Boychuk, which is my biggest concern. As Rob said earlier it sure didn't look good, and if he can't play in the playoffs then Corvo will be back on the ice, which no one wants.

Penguins @ Bruins Preview

This could've been a great game, but the Bruins will be treating this more like a spring training game then a regular season games, as they have already clinched the #2 seed in the playoffs. Since they aren't playing for anything Thomas will get the night off, and actually won't even dress. Marty Turco will get the start, with recently added Anton Khudobin serving as the backup. Defenseman Torey Krug will make his NHL debut, while defenseman Adam McQuaid will remain out with a swollen eye.

On top of that the Bruins are said to be using different lines tonight designed to get key players more rest. I think this is really smart since the Bruins have played so many games over the past year, and the rest is probably very needed.

The Penguins are a great team, but have been struggling lately. They have a lot to play for tonight, as they are battling for home ice in the first round. My guess is that the Penguins take care of business easily with the Bruins playing their "B" squad.

Penguins win 6-2
Player of the Game: Crosby
Game starts at 7:30pm