Bruins playoff run 2011

[JoeLassister]

So we can all agree that Lake Placid is in NY State. In the United States of America.

Both times the Winter Olympics were held there an NHL team from the same state won the Stanley Cup the following year.

Can you disprove that this happened? I thought not.

Its a statistic then...

Yeah, the kind of statistic that Benoit Brunet would throw in between the 1st and the 2nd period of a february 29th game between Habs and NYR while the temperature is -28 and both teams wear a Vintage jersey...

[YeahBud]

Yeah, the kind of statistic that Benoit Brunet would throw in between the 1st and the 2nd period of a february 29th game between Habs and NYR while the temperature is -28 and both teams wear a Vintage jersey...

[hab29RETIRED]

Damn useless MAB, and empty net goal for the Bruins. I really don't get why anyone wants this guy. He's usually good for one goal a game and at least 2-3 scoring chances. The problem is that it's usually for the opposition!!

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Damn useless MAB, and empty net goal for the Bruins. I really don't get why anyone wants this guy. He's usually good for one goal a game and at least 2-3 scoring chances. The problem is that it's usually for the opposition!!

MAB's a specialist. Those kind of players are both tantalizing and incredibly frustrating. C.f. Sheldon Souray. A poor PP can destroy your team's chances of even making the playoffs; MAB's defensive play can ruin your chances of winning once you're there. Indeed, you could make an argument that a truly strong team will not carry such players - it's a sign of organizational inadequacy that you have to 'make do.'

In any case, I prefer to see the Bruins advance because I think they have a better chance than Tampa Bay of beating Vancouver. Ultimately, though, no one will defeat the Canucks, barring injury.

[sakiqc]

MAB has made some solid defensive plays in this series. Some very solid body-checks. He's not a defensive dman so I don't think it is expected from him to be a shutdown dman. The things we can complain about him is that he seems to hesitate to let his slap shot go. Oh and he should absolutely avoid the wrister. He has a boom of a shot. His wrister doesn't come close to be a weapon.

[saskhab]

In any case, I prefer to see the Bruins advance because I think they have a better chance than Tampa Bay of beating Vancouver. Ultimately, though, no one will defeat the Canucks, barring injury.

I assume that the potential to cause injury to Vancouver's top players would be Boston's advantage over Tampa.

This Boston run is so frustrating in that it clearly shows we could've won the East this year if we could've gotten one lucky break in an OT. Like Cammalleri not hitting the back of Chara's legs on that open net. You know, the overtime after the first one when Michael Ryder made a save on an open net.

[BCHabnut]

I agree Saskhab. Very fruztrating indeed. I still don't want to see Boston succeed. I hate them with every fibre of my being.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

I assume that the potential to cause injury to Vancouver's top players would be Boston's advantage over Tampa.

This Boston run is so frustrating in that it clearly shows we could've won the East this year if we could've gotten one lucky break in an OT. Like Cammalleri not hitting the back of Chara's legs on that open net. You know, the overtime after the first one when Michael Ryder made a save on an open net.

No, I think Boston is a stronger overall team than Tampa, and their size up front makes them a better matchup against Vancouver's fleet but not especially hulking blueline. You're right beyond that; Boston's policy of deliberately attempting to injure opponents (a policy the NHL chooses to reward) also makes them more likely than Tampa to win (although Vancouver does have Torres, who at least raises the possibility of a tit-for-tat in the injury department). Anyway, like I say, while I give the Bruins a better shot than Tampa, it's still only about a 30% chance; no one is beating the Canucks.

What's funny about Game 7 OT losses is that everyone acts, going forward, as if the outcome was inevitable. I remember a quote from one of the Bruins to the effect that he expected Philly to be more difficult than Montreal because of their size - surely a testamony to the power of ideology (big = good) over reality (which is that the Habs came within one shot of eliminating Boston). Similarly, while Vancouver will be full value for this Cup, it's only by divine grace that they averted the single most catastrophic playoff collapse in NHL history (an OT loss to Chicago after being up 3-0 in the series).

Having said that, the Bruins won 3 of the last 4 against us, so that probably helps to support the narrative of Inevitable Bruins Victory. I also don't think you can infer that we necessarily would have beaten Washington. So yeah, it's frustrating, but there's a big jump from being a Round 1 Game 7 OT loser to reaching the Finals.

Me, I'd rather see Boston win than the Canucks - but then again I live in Vancouver and have to suffer their idiot fanbase on a daily basis.

[saskhab]

Its not just Game 7 OT loss, though... there were THREE OT losses in that series, and no OT victories. Its comical that in NHL regular season terms, we won that series 9 points to 8.

[BTH]

I assume that the potential to cause injury to Vancouver's top players would be Boston's advantage over Tampa.

This Boston run is so frustrating in that it clearly shows we could've won the East this year if we could've gotten one lucky break in an OT. Like Cammalleri not hitting the back of Chara's legs on that open net. You know, the overtime after the first one when Michael Ryder made a save on an open net.

That's what I was thinking. Boston's success shows how realistic Montreal's chances were.

[BCHabnut]

CC. If I was still in BC, I would probably feel the same way. I used to revel in Canucks failures, because of their fans. Now that I am in Alberta, I hate them less. If Boston advances, I will be hate cheering against Boston, but I must admit, I will enjoy watching either team fail. Lol. Spite... Ain't it great?

[BrenDittero]

That's what I was thinking. Boston's success shows how realistic Montreal's chances were.

We had an injury list a mile long that was only growing. Even if we got past Boston, I'm not sure we would have made it out of round 2 vs WSH.

I don't think our chances of making the ECF was all that great.

Next year, hopefully it's a different story for Montreal.

If Boston and Vancouver do meet up at the cup final, I'll take no small pleasure in watching the Canucks dismantle the Bruins.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

CC. If I was still in BC, I would probably feel the same way. I used to revel in Canucks failures, because of their fans. Now that I am in Alberta, I hate them less. If Boston advances, I will be hate cheering against Boston, but I must admit, I will enjoy watching either team fail. Lol. Spite... Ain't it great?

Yeah, the sight of a fanbase that has relentlessly bitched about the Sedins for their entire time in Vancouver, while simultaneously worshipping that fraudluent thug Bertuzzi - if I scored a goal for every time I heard someone say 'Moore's faking it' I'd be Rocket Richard - as well as whining about Kessler's and Luongo's contracts, to say nothing of completely panicking over the Chicago series - suddenly acting like they've been on the bandwagon all along...it's really a bit rich. Then there's the spectacle of a franchise whose symbol is designed as a logo for their corporate owners (Orca Bay Enterprises) and has never been able to settle on a decent uni, and retires the numbers of mediocrities like Smyl and Naslund. All told, not too cool. But I suppose every fanbase/organization looks like a bunch of jerks to those on the outside.

My sympathies actually incline toward the Bruins on this. I think you do have to respect your Great Opponents, and they've been a tremendous rival for us over decades and brought out the best in us. They are Original Six, too, and as noxious as they are, they're ridiculously overdue. I won't deny that just in terms of team make-up, though, Vancouver is more likeable: only one thug (Torres), dues paid in full and a ton of skill. It's more the franchise/fanbase that are unspeakably lame.

[Wamsley01]

Yeah, the sight of a fanbase that has relentlessly bitched about the Sedins for their entire time in Vancouver, while simultaneously worshipping that fraudluent thug Bertuzzi - if I scored a goal for every time I heard someone say 'Moore's faking it' I'd be Rocket Richard - as well as whining about Kessler's and Luongo's contracts, to say nothing of completely panicking over the Chicago series - suddenly acting like they've been on the bandwagon all along...it's really a bit rich. Then there's the spectacle of a franchise whose symbol is designed as a logo for their corporate owners (Orca Bay Enterprises) and has never been able to settle on a decent uni, and retires the numbers of mediocrities like Smyl and Naslund. All told, not too cool. But I suppose every fanbase/organization looks like a bunch of jerks to those on the outside.

My sympathies actually incline toward the Bruins on this. I think you do have to respect your Great Opponents, and they've been a tremendous rival for us over decades and brought out the best in us. They are Original Six, too, and as noxious as they are, they're ridiculously overdue. I won't deny that just in terms of team make-up, though, Vancouver is more likeable: only one thug (Torres), dues paid in full and a ton of skill. It's more the franchise/fanbase that are unspeakably lame.

As opposed to the fanbase who wanted Martin fired all season, wanted Carey Price traded, bailed on this team with every injury, booed Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden?? If the Canadiens make the Stanley Cup Final next season and it was on the back of Scott Gomez scoring 11 points in the Conference Final would you be a hypocrite and not allowed to cheer for Scott Gomez because you have complained about his contract? Should those who cheered for Halak and wanted Price traded be held accountable and not allowed to revel in Price's success?

Remove yourself from the situation and the things that irritate you about the Canucks fanbase will travel with you to EVERY city you re-establish yourself. Fan superiority is a self serving exercise that ignores personal bias and the individual flaws of your own fandom.

It isn't a particular city's fans that are absurd, it is FANS that are irrational and absurd, the city is irrelevant.

[BlueKross]

If the Canadiens make the Stanley Cup Final next season and it was on the back of Scott Gomez scoring 11 points in the Conference Final would you be a hypocrite and not allowed to cheer for Scott Gomez because you have complained about his contract?

I think we all would love to see Gomez succeed. When we scrape into the play-offs next year and are dismissed after a valiant effort with not enough horses for how many years in a row, can we take off the rose coloured glasses?

[Toronthab]

As opposed to the fanbase who wanted Martin fired all season, wanted Carey Price traded, bailed on this team with every injury, booed Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden?? If the Canadiens make the Stanley Cup Final next season and it was on the back of Scott Gomez scoring 11 points in the Conference Final would you be a hypocrite and not allowed to cheer for Scott Gomez because you have complained about his contract? Should those who cheered for Halak and wanted Price traded be held accountable and not allowed to revel in Price's success?

Remove yourself from the situation and the things that irritate you about the Canucks fanbase will travel with you to EVERY city you re-establish yourself. Fan superiority is a self serving exercise that ignores personal bias and the individual flaws of your own fandom.

It isn't a particular city's fans that are absurd, it is FANS that are irrational and absurd, the city is irrelevant.

Hahahaha. Funny stuff having to cheer for other teams. I'm a Canuck so I'll go with the whales... and it would be too tough to cheer for Boston who are a little too punkish for my love of hockey.

Good points all around though. Freaky goal to end it last night!

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

As opposed to the fanbase who wanted Martin fired all season, wanted Carey Price traded, bailed on this team with every injury, booed Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden?? If the Canadiens make the Stanley Cup Final next season and it was on the back of Scott Gomez scoring 11 points in the Conference Final would you be a hypocrite and not allowed to cheer for Scott Gomez because you have complained about his contract? Should those who cheered for Halak and wanted Price traded be held accountable and not allowed to revel in Price's success?

Remove yourself from the situation and the things that irritate you about the Canucks fanbase will travel with you to EVERY city you re-establish yourself. Fan superiority is a self serving exercise that ignores personal bias and the individual flaws of your own fandom.

It isn't a particular city's fans that are absurd, it is FANS that are irrational and absurd, the city is irrelevant.

100%. That's why I added, in my original post, "But I suppose every fanbase/organization looks like a bunch of jerks to those on the outside."

Heck, Montreal fans often drive me crazy and I AM one. But (as you know) when you live in a city that cheers for a different team, you really get a sharp read on how idiotic that team's fans are. Which is part of the reason why I find the Canucks annoying (their corporate identity and celebration of mediocrity being other reasons). The Bertuzzi thing was the defining moment for me - not that that idiot went bananas, but the way the fans self-righteously rallied to the defence of this scumbag. I'll admit that I like to think Habs fans would have shown more class, but they probably wouldn't.

Anyway, how I feel is irrelevant, unfortunately. The Canuckleheads are winning it all this year and I'll just have to hold my nose all summer.

[Wamsley01]

100%. That's why I added, in my original post, "But I suppose every fanbase/organization looks like a bunch of jerks to those on the outside."

Heck, Montreal fans often drive me crazy and I AM one. But (as you know) when you live in a city that cheers for a different team, you really get a sharp read on how idiotic that team's fans are. Which is part of the reason why I find the Canucks annoying (their corporate identity and celebration of mediocrity being other reasons). The Bertuzzi thing was the defining moment for me - not that that idiot went bananas, but the way the fans self-righteously rallied to the defence of this scumbag. I'll admit that I like to think Habs fans would have shown more class, but they probably wouldn't.

Anyway, how I feel is irrelevant, unfortunately. The Canuckleheads are winning it all this year and I'll just have to hold my nose all summer.

I felt the same way about Toronto for years. I didn't realize until the advent of message boards that Canadiens fans were just as irrational.

I would probably be irritated if I had to deal with Canucks fans justifying the Bertuzzi hit, just like Leaf fans annoyed me when they justified the Chara hit because defending the CH is not in their makeup. The notion that others are superior based on their proximity to a successful organization (something beyond their control) is ridiculous.

Hahahaha. Funny stuff having to cheer for other teams. I'm a Canuck so I'll go with the whales... and it would be too tough to cheer for Boston who are a little too punkish for my love of hockey.

Good points all around though. Freaky goal to end it last night!

Most bizarre goal I have seen in a long time.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Most bizarre goal I have seen in a long time.

2011 seems to be the Year of the Stanchion.

[SOOPAVILLIN]

2011 seems to be the Year of the Stanchion.

Lol

[brobin]

Boston sure does get the benefit of the refs. Another goal to take the lead after an obvious high stick. Tampa gets all the penalties, Boston makes just as many illegal moves.

I do find that Tampa is playing just like Montreal. They get an early goal, then stop trying to play offense. They are sitting back trying to defend a lead and what do you know, its 2-1 Bruins after one. Tampa has won games when they have played OFFENSIVE hockey. they are faster then the Bruins, but that doesn't matter when you are standing at your blue line. Add to that a weak Tampa defensive and I have to wonder why they want to spend all their time in their own end.

I sure hope Tampa wakes up and starts skating. I would love to see Tampa/Vancouver.

[brobin]

LOL, the Bruins get a powerplay after they skate into a guys stick, then make a big show of it. You just knew these refs would call Tampa for something after missing the Bruin call..

Interesting that these refs have a statistical favoritism for Boston coming into the game... 24-9

This league either needs to improve the reffing, or allow a coaches challenge. Too many games decided by poor reffing.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Boston sure does get the benefit of the refs. Another goal to take the lead after an obvious high stick. Tampa gets all the penalties, Boston makes just as many illegal moves.

I do find that Tampa is playing just like Montreal. They get an early goal, then stop trying to play offense. They are sitting back trying to defend a lead and what do you know, its 2-1 Bruins after one. Tampa has won games when they have played OFFENSIVE hockey. they are faster then the Bruins, but that doesn't matter when you are standing at your blue line. Add to that a weak Tampa defensive and I have to wonder why they want to spend all their time in their own end.

I sure hope Tampa wakes up and starts skating. I would love to see Tampa/Vancouver.

I haven't watched much of Tampa Bay, due to time zone issues, but most analysts suggest that Boucher's vaunted system (supposedly soooo much better than JM's) is based precisely on defensive clamp-down-once-you've-got-the-lead hockey. If this is correct I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for them to suddenly go all firewagon on Boston's ass. However, again, I'm speaking from hearsay rather than my own assessment. What about all you Boucher watchers out there? How 'defensive' is his famous system anyway?

[illWill]

Does anyone else admire Guy Boucher as much as I do? It is quite apparent to see how he as risen through the ranks so quickly and also very impressive. To go from junior one year, to the AHL the next and then have NHL teams bidding for a rookie coach and signing him to a 4 year deal is unheard of. Then he takes a non-playoff team all the way to game 7 of the East final....so far. His methodical and psychological approach seems to really resonate with his players. And not to mention produce an entertaining press conference. Tampa is a fairly exciting team to watch and they never seem to be out of any game.

Not to say that I am unhappy with Jacques Martin, but I often think what could have been had Boucher became the next coach of the Canadiens. Would they have finished higher in the standings this year? What about the next few years? Would I actually enjoy watching the coach's media address? We all know Martin is as dry as a Nun's vagina. I just think that it would have been nice to have some personality behind the bench. And again, I reiterate that I am happy with what Martin has done so far, an East final and a game 7 overtime loss are excellent results considering. I compare it to having a crush on a really beautiful girl who is absolutely perfect for you. However, she is in a relationship with some loser and it's just a matter of time before it ends. In the meantime, you find a really great girl who has a good job and takes care of the house, so you marry her. Then during your marriage, the other girl becomes available and you sit there and always think about what could have been with her. And then a friend will say, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be...

[illWill]

hahaha, that's awesome. I was writing a Boucher post and then CC had posted about him as I was doing it. I don't think his system is as "defensive" as you are lead to believe. However, it's hard to say because Tampa boasts many offensive players. It just seems that if they need a goal that they will at least be all over the opposition if they don't in fact score. I think he adjusts accordingly.