2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Milan Lucic goal vs. Blackhawks

That's first goal of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs for Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic (4), assisting on the goal for the Boston Bruins, forwards Nathan Horton (11) and David Krejci (13).

The Boston Bruins outshot the Chicago Blackhawks 11-8 in the first period. That was also the first goal of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals.

#Bruins are 8-2 this postseason when scoring first goal of the game. #Blackhawks are 3-3 when allowing first goal.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 13, 2013

Final Third Round Numbers; Former NCAA Hockey Players

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently participating in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs that have played Division I college hockey.

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well.

This list doesn’t include players from teams that have been eliminated. The list doesn’t include players that are currently injured, or on their teams roster, but haven’t played in the Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list as much as I can.

Points lead after the completion of the third round

The third round is officially over. Former Vermont Catamount Patrick Sharp (8g-6a—14pts) is the leader in the club house.  Former Wisconsin Badgers and current San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski(4g-8a—12pts) hangs on to second place, but his team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the defending Stanley Cup Champions

Here’s how the rest of the top six places for former college hockey players in the Stanley Cup playoffs shakes out.

There is a two way tie for third place, is former Michigan State Spartan and current Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2g-9a—11pts) is tied with former Golden Gopher and current Penguins Defenseman Paul Martin (2g-9a—11pts).

In fifth place, is former Ferris State Bulldog forward Chris Kunitz (5g-5a—10pts).  The Stanley Cup playoffs are over for this pair of Penguins, as their team was eliminate by the Boston Bruins 4-0.

Leader Board (National Hockey League rank in parentheses)

1. (6) Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 17GP, (8g-6a—14pts)

2. (16) Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 11GP, (4g-8a—12pts)

3. (19) Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 15GP, (2g-9a—11pts)

3. (19) Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 15GP, (2g-9a—11pts)

5.  (27) Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 15GP, (5g-5a—10pts)

If I have forgotten a player on this list, feel free to drop me a line at thegoon48@gra.midco.net

Boston Bruins (3)

Torey Krug, D, Michigan State, 9GP, (4g-2a—6pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 15GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Chicago Blackhawks (6)

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 17GP, (8g-6a—14pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 17GP, (2g-9a—11pts)

Jonathon Toews, F, North Dakota, 17GP, (1g-8a—9pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 17GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 15GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

LA Kings (5) (Eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 18GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 18GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 7Gp, (0g-2a—2pts)

Matt Greene, D, North Dakota, 9GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 18GP, 9-9, .934 SV% 1.86 GAA

Pittsburgh Penguins (10) (Eliminated by the Boston Bruins 4-0)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 15GP, (2g-1a—11pts)

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 15GP, (5g-5a—10pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 15GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 8GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 15GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 12GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 15GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Joe Vitale, F, Northeastern, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 6GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Related articles

• Final Third Round Numbers: Former NCAA Hockey Players (thehockeywriters.com)
• Final Numbers Second Round: Former NCAA Hockey Players (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• The third Round: Former NCAA Hockey Players (6/03/2013) (thehockeywriters.com)
• Bruins Sweep Penguins; head back to the Stanley Cup Finals (hockeywilderness.com)

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Schedule for the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals

So, it could be almost July before the 2013 season is over, thanks to the lockout. All times will be 7:00 pm Central Standard time for us living in the Midwest.

(Video) Chicago Blackhawks Road To The Stanley Cup Final 2013 and Kings were banged up

Standing in the way of the Chicago Blackhawks are the Boston Bruins. Check out some of the injuries of the L.A. Kings. Sounds like they were a pretty banged up hockey team.

Dustin Brown says he tore his PCL in his knee in Game 6 last round. Played through it
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 9, 2013

Justin Williams says he played with a slight shoulder separation ever since Stuart crunched him last round. Doesn't think surgery needed
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 9, 2013

Drew Doughty had been playing on a bad ankle, since the San Jose series. More on that later.
— lisa dillman (@reallisa) June 9, 2013

(Video) Game Four: final minute and a half of Bruins and Penguins and then the Handshake

Wow! What a mad finish to the end of a great game. This was a hard nosed series. Hard fought series. The Boston Bruins are going back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second time in three years.

Against the Bruins in the ECF, Evgeni Malkin (0g-0a—0pts) -5 Sidney Crosby (0g-0a—0pts) -2 Jarome Iginla (0g-0a—0pts) -4
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) June 8, 2013

Tuuka Rask goes 4-0, 0.44, .986 in the series.
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) June 8, 2013

Incredible to think that the Bruins never trailed the Penguins at any point in their sweep. #domination #hockeynight
— MoniKa Platek (@MonikaPlatek) June 8, 2013

Blackhawks Dave Bolland won’t be suspended for hit on Kings Mike Richards

If you were asleep last night, #Blackhawks center Dave Bolland won’t be suspended for hit on Mike Richards: bit.ly/ZDWRc5
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 2, 2013

Chicago Blackhawks Dave Bolland will not be suspended or receive anymore scrutiny for his questionable hit on L.A. King forward Mike Richards. Yesterday I had said, “I have to think, based on everything that we have seen so far in the playoffs that this could be a potential one game suspension for Bollard.” I still there if there has been more time between games, there might have been more of a look at this play by the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Also, there was "no" penalty called on the play.

“He was there,” Bolland said of his jarring hit on Kings center Mike Richards in the final minutes of the Hawks’ 2-1 victory Saturday in Game 1 at the United Center. “I just came in and hit him.”

There apparently won’t be any repercussions — at least, not from the league. There was some concern that Bolland would face a suspension because the principal point of contact was Richards’ head, but the league decided against holding a hearing for Bolland, meaning he won’t face any discipline. [Adam L. Jahns, Suntimes.com]

I know that L.A. Kings fans will not be happy with this call and there is more examples of inconsistency during the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. If a repeat offender had made that call or if that had been against a star player would there have been a hearing this morning? I don't know? Maybe Crosby has a point? It could be his delivery though and how he relays his message.

Related articles

• Dave Bolland hit Mike Richards (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Torey Krug and Carl Hagelin goals; Rangers vs Bruins game

I have been doing a bi-weekly feature on the former college hockey players, that are currently playing in the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's two former college hockey players that had an impact in tonight's game, between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. First goal, Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug scored his third goal of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoff on the power play in his seventh NHL game. in four games with the Boston Bruins, Krug has scored (3g-1a—4pts) and in seven career games Krug has scored (3g-3a—6pts), that’s pretty impressive in my book.

Carl Hagelin answers the Torey Krug goal with this interesting goal almost a minute later. I am not sure that Tuukka Rask expected to slip and fall and give up that easy of a goal to the New York Rangers.

Any former #NotreDame player expect Torey Krug to be this much of an offensive weapon in NHL?I know he tied TJ for scoring title but wow.
— Darin Pritchett (@Sportsbeat960) May 24, 2013

Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/23/2013)

NHL's Stanley Cup. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently playing in the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffsthat have played college hockey (Division I & III).

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well.

This list doesn’t include players from teams that have been eliminated. The list doesn’t include players that are currently injured, or on their teams roster, but haven’t played in the Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list as much as I can.

Points Lead changes hands

We have a tightening at the top of the points standings. Former Vermont Catamout and current Chicago Blackhawk forward Patrick Sharp (6g-4a—10pts) is tied for the lead with former Wisconsin Badgers and current San Jose Shark forward Joe Pavelski (4g-6a—10pts). 

Here’s how the rest of the top five for former college hockey players, currently playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs shakes out.

In third place; the Pittsburgh Penguins have a pair of players, former Gopher defenseman Paul Martin (2g-7a—9pts) is tied team mate former Ferris State Bull Dog forward Chris Kunitz (4g-5a—9pts).  

Ottawa Senators forwards, former Notre Dame Irish forward Erik Condra (1g-6a—7pts) is tied for fifth with teammate former Wisconsin Badgers forward Kyle Turris (5g-2a—7pts)

1. Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 8GP, (6g-4a—10pts)

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 8GP, (4g-6a—10pts)

3. Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 10GP, (2g-7a—9pts)

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 10GP, (4g-5a—9pts)

5. Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 9GP, (1g-6a—7pts)

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 9GP, (5g-2a—7pts)

The Wisconsin Badgers are well represented in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs; if my math is correct they have six players that are still currently playing in the second round of the SCP.

 If I have forgotten a player on this list feel free to drop me a line at thegoon48@gra.midco.net

 Boston Bruins (3)

Torey Krug, D, Michigan State, 3GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 5GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 9GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

 Chicago Blackhawks (6)

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 8GP, (6g-4a—10pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 8GP, (1g-5a—6pts)

Jonathon Toews, F, North Dakota, 8GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 8GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 6GP, (0G-1A—1pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

 Detroit Red Wings (6)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 10GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 8GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 9GP, (0g-2a—1pts)

Danny Dekeyser, D, Western Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 6-4, .923 SV%, 2.43 GAA

 LA Kings (5)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 10GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 6Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 10GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Matt Greene, D, North Dakota, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 10GP, 6-4, .944 SV% 1.64 GAA

 New York Rangers (6)

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 10GP, (2g-3a—5pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 10GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (3g-0a—2pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 10GP, (1g-2a—3pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Darroll Powe, F, Princeton, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ottawa Senators (6)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 9GP, (1g-6a—7pts)

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 9GP, (5g-2a—7pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 7GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Colin Greening, F, Cornell, 9GP, (3g-0a—3pts)  

Eric Gryba, D, Boston University, 4Gp, (0g-0a—0pts)

Patrick Wiercioch, D, Denver, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

 Pittsburgh Penguins (9)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 10GP, (2g-7a—9pts)

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 10GP, (4g-5a—9pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 10GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 6GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 10GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 10GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 7GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks (8)

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 8GP, (4g-6a—10pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 8GP, (2g-4a—6pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 8GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 8GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 8GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 8GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Related articles

• Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/23/2013) (thehockeywriters.com)
• Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/21/2013) (thehockeywriters.com)
• Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/17/2013) (thehockeywriters.com)
• Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/15/2013) (thehockeywriters.com)

L.A. Kings let fan tweet for them for a period. Not a really good call.

We apologize for the tweets that came from a guest of our organization. They were inappropriate and do not reflect the LA Kings.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

This is what I'm talking about! - @thekevinryder RT @melvitomartinez: @lakings refuse to lose hope. #gokingsgo
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

Trivia time: What year did the @sanjosesharks win the Stanley Cup? Give up? Me too. I can’t see the future. - @thekevinryder
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

The L.A. Kings let a fan tweet for a period for them during tonight's game, I bet they don't do that again anytime soon. Check it out the ones that weren't deleted by the Kings. There was a tasteless tweet that made a joke about being raped that has since been deleted you can see it at the link provided.

just for the record, the Kings have been out shot by the Sharks in every game of this series. Badly. Find a way to win. - @thekevinryder
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

(1 of 2) “This is L.A.” by the Briggs used by the Kings. The Ducks, use…hang on, let me find a Ducks game. Be right back… - @thekevinryder
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

If they're reading my tweets we have bigger problems. RT@suemenval: @lakings @thekevinryder 2 periods to go...show the boys some positivity!
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

Jonathan Quick, like last year, is keeping us in it. Plus he punched a dude. @thekevinryder RT @lbchopshop: Angry Quick is hot. And angry.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

This is Kevin from the Kevin and Bean show on KROQ. Tough game to do a Twitter takeover. Sharks 1-0. #GoKingsGo - @thekevinryder
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

I’ll let @genamazzeo introduce me: twitter.com/kingestkong/st… - @thekevinryder
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 22, 2013

Brad Marchand wins it in O.T. for the Bruins... 3-2

The Boston Bruins were lucky to get the win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, the Boston Bruins outshot the New York Rangers 48-35 and had a 16-5 edge in shots in the overtime period. New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist kept the Rangers in the game by stopping 45/48 shots.

Brad Marchand had two points in the first six games that he played in during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, now has three point in two games and (1g-4a—5pts) in eight games. Patrice Bergeron had two points in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, now has four points in last two games and has been a big part of the Bruins turn around.

Odds to win the Stanley Cup (Boston 8/1)

Here are the odds for the Stanley Cup from Bovada. I guess the odds makers have Chicago and the Penguins as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. I would bet even money that both teams are gone by the final round.

(Video) Embellishment City

What's laughable is a Canucks fans would come up with this spoof video on another team in the NHL diving. The Vancouver Canucks are the poster boys for diving and embellishment, if needed we can do a review of the offenders. This remotely amusing video, calls out the Brad Marchand for what a play during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Whatever. You would probably circle the earth twice with video tape, of all of the instances of the Canucks diving and embellishing calls.

So the NHL wants us back... (RW77)

English: NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman in 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So the NHL is back with pretty much a joke of a season...but wait!

They have to get all those players back...  Will they succeed?  I'm not sure everyone will return.  There has to be concern that injuries may take control and there is no room to develop talent and anything that makes a team a team.  It's basically the ultimate scramble tournament format.  Who can get started fastest and play the best the quickest.  That's the test.

What does the NHL need to do to get the fans back?

Barry Melrose talks about how the fans always come back after a work stoppage, but I am hoping that they do come back... next season.  I think the fans should sit back and watch what the teams and the league does to try to earn our support back.  Here's a list of things that should be done:

1.  You know NHL Center Ice?  Yup.  Free for the season, playoffs, and ALL of preseason next year.  If they do anything for the offseason, that's free too.

2.  NHL Network - Free view for the same period of time NHL Center Ice is free (if possible... this might be more on the cable providers than NHL Network itself).

3.  The Players become available more than ever before.  ENDLESS autograph signings, school visits, community outreach programs, volunteer sightings.

4.  Promotion nights fall on EVERY GAME IN THE SEASON.  Teacher in the metro area?  Show us your ID and get $5 tickets!  Military?  FREE tickets to you and $5 tickets for one friend or nonmilitary family member with the display of a Military ID.  Civil Servant Night (see Teacher Night).  Got a hockey team of 12 year olds or younger?  Call ahead for seating and your entire team gets $1 tickets (Coach goes free) when they show up wearing their jerseys!

5.  Radio promotions - Give away ticket packs to the local radio stations

6.  The average ticket prices for NHL games (per Hooked on Hockey Magazine) for the 2011-12 season ranged between just under $30 (Dallas) to just over $123 (Toronto).  Well....  Dallas residents can look forward to $15 tickets.  I can see a Detroit game in Detroit for $25 (regularly $53.28).  Toronto residents still overpay at $61.50 per ticket but still...  Season tickets would be restructured to accommodate for the loss of games either by making this season tickets cost less than 50% of normal cost or discounting next year's season tickets by, say, 40% (I don't know....  either way it should be SIGNIFICANTLY discounted).

You cannot change existing TV contracts so unfortunately there is no free TV showings outside of what's mentioned but if it was possible, I'd do it.

I'd love to say Gary Bettman resigns but the smug so and so survives yet again to pull another work stoppage in 8 years.  You can market Sidney Crosby all you want but Gary Bettman is the face of the NHL and NO ONE outside of the ownership likes him.  What a better image saver than to offer Bettman early retirement?  The owners will never fire him, but surely Bettman could take the golden parachute and have roses pave his way back to obscurity if the League really cared about fan opinion (but they don't).

In any case, we'll see how things pan out but...  It's now or never for Columbus' Stanley Cup hopes.  :D

Matt Greene Caption?

Here is something that has become a weekly occurrence. Fill in your own caption, for former Fighting Sioux defenseman Matt Greene as he barks at the once ice official during the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Why I oughta..."

Lockout will hurt NBCSN

You have to wonder what NBCSN is going to show if the NHL doesn't start on time - I suppose that some of the sports networks could show AHL games to keep NHL Hockey fans semi-interested until the lockout is ended.

Sept 5, (Reuters) - NBC executives are hoping that the National Hockey League and its players union reach a new labor agreement and avoid a lockout that could leave the network scrambling to find a replacement for one of its sports programming mainstays.

Hockey is a linchpin of NBC Sports programming - the network signed a new $2 billion, 10-year contract with the league last year. A strike or delay in the upcoming NHL season would throw cold water on the momentum it built up from the London Olympics, which nightly averaged 31.3 million viewers for the network.

Labor talks between the NHL and the union representing its players broke down last week over economic issues such as revenue sharing. The league's owners have said they would lock out players if a deal is not reached by a Sept. 15 deadline. As of Wednesday afternoon, talks between the two sides had not yet resumed.

The worst case scenario for Comcast-owned NBC, which holds the exclusive national broadcast rights to NHL games, is for the entire upcoming season to be canceled. That's not without precedent. The NHL and its players union scrapped the entire 2004-05 season after failing to achieve a labor deal.

A better, but not ideal, scenario for NBC would be a delay to the NHL season, similar to what happened to the National Basketball Association last year. The first regular season NHL game is scheduled for Oct. 11, but exhibition games start about two weeks earlier.

I haven't seen anything official, but you have to wonder if there is a alternative plan? I know I enjoyed watching some of the AHL playoff games this past June, when the Stanley Cup games were over and those minor league hockey games did manage to fill the hockey void. Sometimes you wonder if the owners have thought this out.

Bill Daly: "It is obviously becoming increasingly unlikely that NHL training camps will start on time."@sbjlizmullen @sbjsbd
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) September 5, 2012

Video NHL - 'Together We Can' #nolockout (HD)

This is an awesome video that's making it's way around the Internet - lots of good memories on this video.

As a Boston Bruins fans that watched Ray Bourque play many games with the spoked "B" on his chest, I can still remember that day that Bourque "finally" lifted Lord Stanley's Cup above his head, Gary Thorne with the call - it seems like it was just yesterday, "after twenty two years...RAYMOND BOURQUE!"

Bruins extend their head coach Claude Julien

The Boston Bruins have signed their head coach to a new contract. Julien lead the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup championship during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. There is a news conference scheduled for today at 12:00 noon eastern time.

BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 23, that the club has signed Head Coach Claude Julien to a multi-year contract extension. Chiarelli and Julien will speak to media about the extension on Tuesday, July 24.M

Julien, named the 28th head coach in Bruins history on June 21, 2007, led Boston to the club’s first Stanley Cup Championship in 39 years in 2011, following a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7. In five seasons behind the B’s bench, Julien has led the club to an overall record of 228-132-50 (.617 win percentage). His 410 Bruins games coached rank third all-time in club history and he is fourth all-time in Boston wins, trailing only Art Ross (361), Milt Schmidt (245) and Don Cherry (231). During his tenure, Julien’s squads have never missed the postseason, registering a career playoff record of 36-27 (.571 win percentage) to rank first all-time among B’s bench bosses in post-season victories.

In January, Julien was named head coach for Zdeno Chara’s team at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, making his second appearance, having served as head coach at the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal.

In 2011-12, Julien led the Black & Gold to its fifth consecutive season recording 91 or more points with 102, and the second straight season above 100, after reaching 103 points in 2010-11. Under Julien, the B’s did not suffer a regulation loss in the month of November with a 12-0-1 record and recorded the most points (25) in a single month since a 25-point March in 1978. It also marked the first full calendar month without a regulation loss since finishing January, 1969 with a 10-0-4 mark. Boston’s 10-game win streak from November 1-23 tied for the fourth-longest streak in team history and was their longest win streak since a 10-game stretch from December 12, 2008-January 1, 2009. Within that same span, Julien led the Bruins to a 15-game point streak (14-0-1) from November 1-December 5, the club’s longest such streak since 1983.

The 2011-12 season for Julien also marked the first time his Bruins swept Toronto since the Maple Leafs joined the Eastern Conference in 1998-99, in addition to registering the best single-season shootout record (9-3) recorded in team history. The ability to keep his bench composed late in games led the Black & Gold to record a +42 third-period goal differential this season, which was higher than the overall differential of all but four NHL clubs. Julien’s B’s also posted a league-best overall goal differential of +67.

The Pens to make push for Parise and Suter

Apparently, the Pens have cleared a bunch of cap space and are going to take a serious run at signing Ryan Suter and Zach Parise.

This is an emerging story line that I first heard  on XM Home Ice today. 

I really hope that this does not come to fruition - the Pens with Evgeni Malkin, Zach Parise, Sidney Crosby and Ryan Suter would be the nucleus of a pretty solid hockey team. Adding Parise would give the Pens a legitimate shot at winning a Stanley Cup.

Rob Rossi, Tribune-Review Sports --- Their plan is to pursue the two top players on the market, Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter and New Jersey winger Zach Parise, sources told the Tribune-Review this weekend at the NHL Entry Draft.

Team sources said Crosby soon will sign a new contract in the range of 10 to 13 years with an average annual salary of between $9 million and $10 million and will try to recruit Parise, his longtime friend, and Suter.

The Penguins’ pitch will focus on the standard set by Crosby with his current deal, which is set to expire after the upcoming season. Crosby took less than market value — for him, the league maximum (20 percent of the salary cap) — to provide the Penguins room to build a championship nucleus.

That worked once, with the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup in 2009. They will try to make it work again by using Crosby’s willingness not to max out on salary as a benchmark for future contracts.

In the wake of the Jordan Staal trade Friday, the Penguins have identified their nucleus as Crosby, reigning league MVP and scoring champ Evgeni Malkin, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, winger James Neal and defenseman Kris Letang.

UConn Men's Ice Hockey To Join Hockey East for the 2014-15 season

STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut has been offered and has accepted an invitation to join the Hockey East Association in the sport of men's ice hockey in a joint announcement made on Thursday. Connecticut will join the league for men's ice hockey in 2014-15 and is already a member of the league in women's ice hockey.

Connecticut's membership in the men's league will put the conference at 12 teams for the 2014-15 season, including: Boston College, Boston University, Maine, Merrimack, UMass-Lowell, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northeastern, Notre Dame (beginning in 2013-14), Providence and Vermont.

The Huskies will continue to compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

"This is a historic day in the history of the University of Connecticut and its Division of Athletics," said Director of Athletics Warde Manuel. "Hockey East is the premier men's ice hockey conference in the country and we are proud to say that the Huskies are now part of it. I would like to thank Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna and the Athletic Directors at the institutions that comprise Hockey East for providing us this special opportunity.  We are committed to developing a men's ice hockey program that can and will perform successfully on the national level and compete for Hockey East and NCAA championships.

"I would also like to recognize Commissioner Robert DeGregorio and our fellow Atlantic Hockey institutions for their support during this decision making process."

The Hockey East Association was founded in 1984 and league teams have won eight NCAA championships in the past 20 years. Hockey East teams have made 37 appearances in the Frozen Four and 21 appearances in national championship games in the 28-year history of the league. Since 1999, Hockey East has won six NCAA Championships and has placed 20 teams in the Frozen Four, along with 53 teams in the NCAA Tournament. Thirty-two Hockey East alums have won the Stanley Cup with their respective NHL teams.

"This is one of the most historic and significant days in the history of our conference," said Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna. "We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with the University of Connecticut for more than a decade through our involvement with its women's hockey program. Today we start a new chapter in this relationship and we couldn't be more pleased.

"Warde Manuel and his staff did a commendable job in preparing for this moment and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the role played by the state's biggest hockey fan, Governor Dan Malloy. Our directors have always said that we would welcome growth through any institution that brings value to our conference. No other school was better positioned to do this than the University of Connecticut."

UConn plans to play its home Hockey East conference games at the XL Center in downtown Hartford and will continue to play non-conference games in Storrs at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum. The XL Center is the longtime off-campus home of both the UConn men's and women's basketball teams.

"The State of Connecticut is very excited that UConn is joining Hockey East and will be bringing the passion of college hockey to downtown Hartford," said Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. "I have been a longtime fan of college hockey and believe that this is an incredible opportunity for the University. It is also a great opportunity to bring more top-flight events to the XL Center and further enhance the quality of life in downtown Hartford."

"We are thrilled with the University of Connecticut's decision to join Hockey East," said Chuck Steedman, AEG Management CT/XL Center Senior Vice President and General Manager. "AEG is extremely excited about the opportunity to play host to UConn Hockey at the XL Center and will support UConn's program in a variety of areas.

"We commend the forward-thinking vision of both the University of Connecticut and Governor Malloy, as Hockey East represents a major win for the state of Connecticut and the capital region will see the direct impact of these games being played downtown."

Connecticut currently does not offer athletic scholarships in men's ice hockey, but plans to elevate to the NCAA maximum of 18 scholarships as a participant in Hockey East. UConn will also add additional athletic scholarships to women's sports to ensure compliance with gender equity regulations.

UConn joins an elite group of seven other schools that compete on the national level as a member of the BCS Conference in football and play college basketball and college hockey in a national elite conference. Those other schools with their future conference hockey affiliation are: Boston College (Hockey East), Michigan (Big Ten), Michigan State (Big Ten), Minnesota (Big Ten), Notre Dame (Hockey East), Ohio State (Big Ten) and Wisconsin (Big Ten).

"It is a very exciting time to be part of the University of Connecticut and the joining of Hockey East is a reflection of the continuing efforts to advance our great university," said President Susan Herbst. "UConn is one of the top 20 public research institutions in the country, and our athletic prowess has been a terrific part of our overall success.  I would like to thank Governor Malloy for his support of our membership in Hockey East.   I am also extraordinarily grateful to the leadership of Hockey East, and to the university presidents of the league.  We are honored to stand alongside such excellent institutions and look forward to meeting them on the ice." 

The University of Connecticut first fielded a varsity men's hockey team in 1960-61. UConn elevated its program to Division I status in 1998-99 as a founding member of both the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and Atlantic Hockey in 2003-04.

"The entire UConn men's ice hockey family is very excited about this announcement," said UConn head coach Bruce Marshall. Marshall is a 1985 UConn graduate and former men's ice hockey student-athlete. He has been the head coach of the program since 1988 and is the winningest coach in program history as he enters his 25^th season in 2012-13. "We are very grateful to the administration of the University and to the entire state for bringing Connecticut into Hockey East. From our current student-athletes to our dedicated hockey alumni base, there is great anticipation about this move. I believe that there is a strong appetite for this level of college hockey here in Connecticut and that Husky fans will embrace our entry in Hockey East."