Boston Bruins Re-Sign Tory Krug and Reilly Smith

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Good news for the Boston Bruins, they have "finally" re-signed former college hockey stars Tory Krug (Michigan State) and Reilly Smith (Miami University). Last season, Krug's play helped revive the Bruins powerless play.

BOSTON, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, September 29, that the club has signed defenseman Torey Krug and forward Reilly Smith to one-year contracts through the 2014-15 season, each worth an annual cap figure of $1.4 million.

In his first full season at the NHL level last year, Krug appeared in 79 regular season games, netting 14 goals (second among B's defensemen) to become the fifth rookie blueliner in team history to score 10 or more goals. His 14 goals rank third overall among all-time B's rookie defensemen behind Ray Bourque's 17 in 1979-80 and Greg Hawgood's 16 in 1988-89. Krug's 26 assists in 2013-14 ranked first among Bruins D-men, while his 40 points were tied for first among blueliners with captain Zdeno Chara. The 23-year-old finished 2014 fourth overall in the NHL rookie scoring race, but was first among NHL rookie defensemen. He was named to the 2013-14 All-Rookie Team.

In total, Krug has played in 82 NHL regular season games, where he has racked up 14-28=42 totals with a plus-17 rating.

In his first two NHL postseason games in 2012-13, Krug recorded goals in back-to-back games against the New York Rangers and finished his first playoffs playing in 15 games tallying 4-2=6 totals. In the 2013-14 postseason run, Krug led all Bruins in scoring with 10 points (two goals, eight assists). In total, Krug has accumulated six goals and 10 assists for 16 points with a plus-three rating in 27 NHL playoff games.

Prior to joining Boston, Krug spent 2012-13 with Providence (American Hockey League), where he racked up 13 goals and 32 assists for 45 points. Preceding the P-Bruins, the defenseman competed at the collegiate level for three seasons at Michigan State (2009-12), appearing in 114 games, registering 26 goals and 57 assists. The 5'9", 180-pound D-man hails from Livonia, Michigan and was signed as a free agent by Boston on March 25, 2012.

Looking at the Boston Bruins Capgeek.com page, the Bruins are going to have to make a trade or put Marc Savard on the long term injured reserve. It will be interesting to see what the club does. Some have suggested that Johnny Boychuk is going to be on the trading block. Boychuck is on record saying that he would like to remain with the Boston Bruins.

Let's try that again: Bruins got a steal with the Krug contract as he made around $1.75 million w/bonuses last season #BruinsTalk — Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) September 29, 2014

Resolution is not player-friendly, especially for Torey Krug. But they had no other choice. Arbitration will help next summer. — Fluto Shinzawa (@GlobeFluto) September 29, 2014

Chad Johnson Tweet - Wants to suit up for Habs so he can Fight Chara.

Yeah, let's think about this for a minute. I don't think that the Ocho Cinco has any idea how tough Zdeno Chara really is. Chara was ranked number one of the 10 toughest players in the NHL by the Bleacher Report in 2013.

As NHL training camp approaches I want to suit up for the HABS so I can fight Chara & Lucic...
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 15, 2014

Boston Bruins: David Krejci re-signed by the Bruins

#Czech media reports David Krejci has signed a 6 year, $43M extension with the #Bruins.
— NHL EXPERT PICKS (@NHLexpertpicks) September 3, 2014

Whew, the Boston Bruins have inked one of the key players to a nice long-term deal. Krejci signed a six-year, 43 million dollar deal. The Bruins still have to get their RFA Torey Krug re-signed.

D.J. Bean, WEEI --- According to a league source, the Bruins and David Krejci have agreed to a six-year, $43.5 million contract.

Krejci, 28, will carry a $7.25 million cap hit throughout the duration of the deal, which begins in the 2015-16 season. His salary breakdown will be $7.25 million for the first two years of the deal, $7.5 million for the next two and $7 million for the final two.

Hump Day Links

There's only 46 days until the University of North Dakota kicks off the 2014-15 season. Here's a few links of interest from the world of hockey.

Matt Greene Brings the Stanley Cup Back to Grand Forks - http://t.co/XKBF7MXZk7 #NHL pic.twitter.com/Vq8Ns9uDjE
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) August 20, 2014

Report: It's 'not looking good' for Bruins on Kevin Hayes http://t.co/JrHlEKUBdz
— Ian McLaren (@iancmclaren) August 20, 2014

Not looking good for #bruins on Kevin Hayes. I'm being told Rangers and Avs appear to have inside track.
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) August 20, 2014

Three concussion lawsuits filed by ex-NHL players consolidated, to be heard by federal judge in Minnesota. Details: http://t.co/8NdMpE1XHD
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) August 20, 2014

Did Doug Lidster Save The Canucks’ Season? http://t.co/sXodtikSJC #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 20, 2014

Checking In: Jake Guentzel: Forward Jake Guentzel returned to Pittsburgh for prospect developme... http://t.co/mVgJbBjUkc #NHL #Penguins
— NHL (@NHLLinks) August 20, 2014

OMG! A Boston Bruins Hate Map

I was actually kidding when I said this. But there's actually a Boston Bruins hate map. It's official, everyone hates the Boston Bruins.

@gopherstate Can we put that right next to the hate map for the Boston Bruins?
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) August 4, 2014

Bruins to Focus on Team Toughness

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With the loss of tough guy Shawn Thornton, the Boston Bruins are going to focus more on team toughness.

Joe Haggerty , CSNNE.COM – “I believe [the team toughness] is already there, I do. We have a couple of candidates that played in Providence that surely could fit in if we need them. But I really think it’s already there, I do,” said Chiarelli. “You’re going to see Adam [McQuaid] back, whoever’s playing D, so we’ve got some tough guys there that can hold up their own. So I believe it’s already there.”

On any given night the Bruins will feature multiple players capable of dropping the gloves if the team needs an emotional spark, or if there’s an opponent taking liberties with members of the Black and Gold tribe. Clearly Milan Lucic would be the most intimidating name at the top of that list, but defensemen Kevan Miller and Adam McQuaid are no slouches in that category either.

(Video) Zane Gothberg at the Bruins Development Camp

Check out this http://t.co/WvteBWoPeu video: http://t.co/lDfC8eGa8K
— Karl Goehring (@kgoehring1) July 11, 2014

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• Zane Gothberg is going Camping with the Bruins
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Boston Bruins have Cap Issues

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The Boston Bruins have major cap issues and need to sign some key players next season. With Jonathan Toews and Parick Kane signing new contracts, that might actually have an affect on the Bruins being able to sign UFA David Krejci  next season as well.

Eric Wilber, Boston.com -- It's no revelation that the Bruins truly have put themselves in a cap situation that’s going to be difficult to wriggle out of. Their payroll for 2014-15 sits at about $67.6 million right now, just up against the $69 million cap, one of the many reasons why 30-goal scorer Jarome Iginla will play in Colorado the next three seasons. Next offseason, Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Carl Soderberg, Adam McQuaid, and Johnny Boychuk are coming off the books, all joining Krejci in unrestricted free agency. Chiarelli will need to work out a way to keep Soderberg, face the reality that he might not be able to afford Boychuk, and wave farewell to the other pieces as well. As long as he wants to keep Krejci for the long term, that is.

As much as Bruins fans don’t want to acknowledge it, trading Krejci this summer would solve a lot of the Bruins’ headaches going forward, but in no way does that mean it's the logical avenue. If it were though, Chiarelli could more easily sign Soderberg and Boychuk to long-term deals, as well as give the likes of Reilly Smith, Torey Krug (restricted free agents), and Dougie Hamilton (RFA next summer) the paydays they’re due.

Zane Gothberg is going Camping with the Bruins

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE had this to say about UND goalie Zane Gothberg who's going to the Boston Bruins development camp. Notice, Haggerty referred to the University of North Dakota as the Fighting Sioux.

Joe Haggerty, CSNNE.Com --- Zane Gothberg – Goaltender, 2010 sixth round pick (165th overall): Gothberg helped lead the University of North Dakota to the Frozen Four, and set a school record with his .926 save percentage last season. The longtime development camp attendee should be one of the standouts after his 1.99 goals against average and three shutouts in 33 games for the Fighting Sioux last season.

B's ready to welcome plenty of hockey promise to development camp. Here's a rundown on 23-player roster http://t.co/aoBGbrxHfO #BruinsTalk
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) July 8, 2014

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• Z is for Zane (Gothberg)
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• UND Hockey: Zane Gothberg NCHC Goaltender of the Week

Patrice Bergeron credits Brad Marchand

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Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron won the Selke Award last night beating out former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews and Anze Kopitar. The humble Bergeron credited his linemate Brad Marchand for helping him achieve the things he's accomplished over the past few years. Bergeron played on Boston's second line with Marchand and former Miami RedHawk Reilly Smith last season.

Steve Conroy, Boston Herald -- “I think Marchy's proved over past years that he's a great player,” said Bergeron. “He's scored some big goals for us. I'm not too worried about him. I know next year he's going to have a great year and, like I've said before, I've got to give a lot of credit to him for helping me achieve the things I've been achieving over the past years. I really enjoy playing with him.”

Summer Links, Hockey Offseason

It's been kind of an uneventful summer so far. In my opinion, this has been one of the quietest summers that I can remember to date. Maybe that's good news. Maybe not. Of course there's a lot of summer left.

Will Junior Hockey Ban Fighting? http://t.co/vUjtnlZmgj http://t.co/p1LwXCUz84
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) June 24, 2014

Tonight is the NHL Awards and it's nice to see Patrice Bergeron get this award.

And the winner of the NHL Foundation Player Award is @NHLBruins Patrice Bergeron. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Y5hCNG9S1z
— NHL (@NHL) June 24, 2014

Make that two times for Bergeron who also won the Selke Award as well.

"This [Selke] Award goes to all my teammates." -Patrice Bergeron #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/IyHqIWlPVb
— NHL (@NHL) June 24, 2014

North Dakota Announces 2014-15 Freshman Class http://t.co/1Mjnq1UYae #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) June 24, 2014

Matt Greene and the Kings are reportedly close to agreeing to a four-year contract extension http://t.co/hyasfj90ME
— Kevin (@iDoPorn4Netflix) June 23, 2014

NHL Releases 2014-15 Schedule

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Today, the National Hockey League released it's 2014-15 schedule. As soon as the NHL releases their television schedule, I will post some games of interest.

Perusing the schedules, I found a few items of interest. My two favorite NHL teams, the Boston Bruins and the Minnesota Wild will meet on October 28, 2014, at the TD North Garden. They two teams meet at the Xcel Energy Center on December 17,2014.

The Boston Bruins play the Winnipeg Jets on Friday November 28, 2014 at the Boston Garden. On Friday December 19, 2014 the Bruins play the Winnipeg Jets in at the MTS Centre.

The @NHL has announced the #NHLBruins 2014-15 regular season schedule. View the 82-game slate here: http://t.co/gz0BwxZ41J ^BB
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 22, 2014

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The Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche kick off the regular season with a home-and-home series. This should prove to be interesting, because the Wild eliminated the Av's in the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Also, this will be the first meeting between Matt Cooke and Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. Cooke took out Barrie with a dirty leg check.

Hey #Avs, we'll see you Oct. 9 at @XcelEnergyCtr for the #mnwild opener: http://t.co/MKhIaqoR1V pic.twitter.com/2Bfw6QfKFn
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) June 21, 2014

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• Non Boston Bruins Fans: Why do you hate the Bruins?

NHL 15 Cover Vote... #NHL15Bergeron

RT this if you're going to vote for #NHL15Bergeron as much as you can today. pic.twitter.com/CbR6Z4Vjif
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 1, 2014

It ends today. You can use this link to vote. Voting closes today.

Lambert, "Stop your complaining about diving already"

Today, Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy fame has a blog post about diving. I always love those writers and fans that tell us to stop complaining about the on-ice officials. Moreover, I also love the people that tell us to stop complaining about player embellishment.

People seem particularly aggrieved these days by “the head snap,” that is, when a stick or a glove gets somewhere up near a guy's face, he throws his head back. Tomas Plekanec famously did this in Game 4, after everyone talked about how both teams had “embarrassed” the refs by embellishing for calls in Game 3. The reason why is simple: They'd been able to do it to great effect in the past, but because the officials were on the lookout for it, they spotted it in Plekanec's case. The guy who gets caught is always the one who gets vilified, and the quote-unquote hilarious hashtag “#Plekanecing” quickly made its way around social media (spurred on by, who else, Bruins media hacks). The reason for this is that it's hard to take a picture of throwing yourself on the ice with the force of 10 atomic bombs because a guy's stick tapped the back of your skate (#Marchanding), and that people's memories are short (#Boychuking).

I am sorry, but diving and embellishment has gotten way out of hand in all levels of hockey. It doesn't matter if you watch the NHL, College or youth hockey. Hockey players are flopping all over the ice to get calls and draw penalties. Face it, diving is poor sportsmanship and it cheapens the game of hockey. We don't want the NHL resembling soccer.



Seriously, I don't know too many hockey fans that want to see any more displays like these two examples. I posted two videos of Vancouver Canucks frauds Alex Burrows and Ryan Kessler. These two are the epitome of diving. Burrows is known around the NHL as being a head snapping embellishing clown. Lastly, Lambert a known Boston Bruins hater, is again using his blog to troll the Boston Bruins fan base, but none of us should be shocked by that.

Related articles

• Tomas Plekanec Called For Embellishment, Kicks Off #Plekanecing Movement On Twitter
• (Video) Tomas Plekanec embellishment, Brian Boyle two minutes

NHL Cover Vote: #NHL15Bergeron

Since former UND forward T.J. Oshie has been eliminated from the voting, I am not shifting my focus to Patrice Bergeron.

Humor: Milan Lucic's trip through the handshake line (Video)

This version is more than humorous than Milan Lucic telling someone that he's going F'N kill them.

Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Punches Tomas Plekanec before the Face-Off

This happened right before a face-off during the third period of last night's game. Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand punches Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec in the side of the head. This isn't going to play well with the Marchand haters. During the regular season, this would have probably started a line braul.

Milan Lucic's trip through the hand shake line. Lucic Threatens Dale Weise and Alexei Emelin

At the end of the game, Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic used the handshake line to say his piece to Montreal Canaidens Dale Weise and Alexei Emelin. According to Weise, Lucic threatened him. Traditionally, the handshake line is considered sacred ground and it a taboo to start something in the handshake line. Once the game is over, it's over, the handshake line is supposed to be devoid of extracurricular activities.

From Michael Hurley of CBS Boston.

Weise didn’t repeat exactly what Lucic said, but TSN’s Aaron Ward reportedly watched slowed down video that showed Lucic telling Weise, “I’m going to [expletive] kill you next year.”

“You look at a guy like Shawn Thornton who has been around the league and he plays hard and he plays that role and he had good things to say to everybody,” Weise told the media. “He [lost] with class and Milan Lucic just couldn’t do that. Well I won’t get into what he said — it’s just poor, it’s a poor way to lose.”

Weise says Lucic threatened him in the handshake and said something similarly threatening to Emelin. Emotional series ends with tough words.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 15, 2014

Milan Lucic and Dale Weise had an awkward moment with this handshake, and Lucic giving him a few choice F words. pic.twitter.com/eZMyQNz4AC
— Jeff Adams (@jeffmadams) May 15, 2014

(Video) Brad Marchand snows Carey Price

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand was given a two-minute penalty for snowing Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price, seven seconds into the second period. Fortunately for the Bruins, they were able to kill the Montreal power-play.

All class, Milan Lucic pelted with trash as he leaves the ice in Montreal

The Canadiens fans are unhappy with Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic as is pelted with trash as he leaves the ice. s/t the score.