Bruins to Focus on Team Toughness

#490588433 / gettyimages.com

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.

NHL Hockey: Fourth Line Players Expected to Contribute

#490602401 / gettyimages.com

I have said this in the past, fourth line players in the NHL are going to need to be able to fight and actually play the game of hockey. Gone are the days of the two fights, and three shift players. One dimensional goons like John Scotts aren’t going to have a job much longer because they’re a waste of a roster spot.

Amalie Benjamin, Boston Globe – The real question, perhaps, is whether the concept of the fourth line is shifting toward more skill, as the Bruins saw in the second round of the postseason, when the Canadiens got production from their fourth line (Brandon Prust, Daniel Briere, Dale Weise) and the Bruins did not.

That was the role the Bruins’ Merlot line played in the past, notably in the Stanley Cup Final against Vancouver, when they helped turn around Game 7. It was a line emulated throughout hockey, as teams realized they needed to roll four lines, as the Bruins did, to be successful.

With that in mind, it will be telling to see what happens to the large number of free agent enforcers this summer, with quite a few set to be unrestricted, a quirk of enforcers mostly getting short-term contracts. In addition to Thornton, George Parros, Paul Bissonnette, Kevin Westgarth and John Scott, among others, are without deals.

“I think if you look across the league, you look at more and more teams rolling four lines and getting some production out of the fourth line, like we’ve had for a number of years,” Neely said.

NHL Hockey: Evolution of the game?

#490625631 / gettyimages.com

I have said in the past, that players that score 30 goals and fight will be a premium some day. I still stand by the assertion. The one dimensional goons (that can only fight) are going to be a thing of the past. Moving forward, in the years ahead, players will need to actually play hockey and contribute to their team in some way.  The John Scotts of the world are going to be on the NHL's unemployment line, very soon. There will still be fighting, just less of it.

Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe -- But it takes an agreement to fight. If a skilled team doesn’t have a slugger, the opponent’s tough guy has no dance partner. Through attrition, the fighter is becoming irrelevant. Heavyweights such as Thornton, Scott (Buffalo), Micheal Haley (Rangers), George Parros (Montreal), Mike Rupp (Minnesota), Cam Janssen (New Jersey), Steve MacIntyre (Edmonton), Ben Eager (Edmonton), Paul Bissonnette (Phoenix), and Kevin Westgarth (Calgary) will become unrestricted free agents this summer. Some of these players may be on their final NHL contracts.

“The fisticuff trend — this doesn’t characterize Thorty as just a fighter, because he’s contributed on that line and that line has had a lot of success in the past — we’re definitely trending away from that style,” Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said.

The Bruins are in transition. Thornton is doubtful to return. Paille and Campbell will enter the final year of their contracts. This could be the beginning of refreshing the fourth line to keep pace with Chicago’s innovation.

Paille is a good No. 4 left wing. He’s fast, kills penalties, and is good in battles. Justin Florek could replace Thornton on the right side. Florek is big and smart. He’s strong on the walls. He can also kill penalties.

Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton fined for water bottle incident

I know it's not supposed to be funny, but.... I could just see the video now. Saturday night in Boston, in the waning minutes of game five, Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton squirted water from the players bench at Montreal Canadiens Defenseman P.K. Subban, striking him in the visor. This is unsportsmanlike conduct. The NHL Department of Player Safety has decided to fine Thornton $2,820.52.

James Mirtle (@myrtle) tweeted at 10:09 AM on Sun, May 11, 2014: Shawn Thornton fined $2820.52 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" i.e. the water bottle incident with PK Subban. Ho hum.

(Video X2) Shawn Thornton sprays P.K. Subban with the water bottle

It appears that Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton squirted Hab's defenseman P.K. Subban with a water bottle from the players bench. When asked if it was Thornton that squirted him.

“I don’€™t know if it was him, but somebody had squirted water twice at the end of the game there,” Subban said. “Hit me in the visor. I couldn’€™t even see the last minute and a half out there. I was pretty upset about that.”

While Subban doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, the NHL Department of Player Safety might be taking a look at this incident. Shawn Thornton could be looking at a fine from the NHL.

As lame as it may sound, Hockey Ops and safety dept will discuss potential of fine for Thornton squirting water at Subban during play.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 11, 2014

There was a little bit of discussion about the water bottle incident in Subban's post game scrum as well.

T.J. Oshie hit on Torey Krug

Well former Fighting Sioux forward T.J. Oshie was engaged tonight. I wish the refs would have let Johnny Boychuk and Oshie fight first. Osh had his glove off.

The box score reads.
17:59 BOS Johnny Boychuk Roughing - 2 min against T.J. Oshie
17:59 BOS Johnny Boychuk served by Shawn Thornton Roughing - 2 min against T.J. Oshie
17:59 STL T.J. Oshie Roughing - 2 min against Johnny Boychuk

Bettman upholds Thornton's 15-game suspension

The Ruling has come down. The NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld Shawn Thornton's 15-game suspension.


NEW YORK -- Commissioner Gary Bettman today upheld the 15-game suspension that was assessed to Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton by the Department of Player Safety for punching and injuring an unsuspecting opponent, Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins, in NHL Game No. 438 at Boston on Dec. 7.

Commissioner Bettman heard Thornton's appeal at a hearing in New York on Friday, Dec. 20. The original decision was assessed Dec. 14.

The incident occurred at 11:06 of the first period. Thornton was assessed a match penalty for violating NHL Rule 46.15.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Thornton will forfeit $84,615.45. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Click here to view Commissioner's complete ruling (PDF)

Shawn Thornton to appeal 15-game suspension

Shawn Thornton's agent Anton Thun confirms his client will appeal his 15-game suspension
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) December 16, 2013

Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton is going to appeal his 15-game suspension. I can't imagine an independent arbitrator ruling in his favor, but we will soon find out.

So Shawn Thornton is appealing his 15-game suspension. First appeal is to Bettman, who will provide written judgment.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 16, 2013

If, after receiving Bettman's judgment and narrative, Thornton wants to appeal that, he can go to independent arbitrator.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 16, 2013

Doesn't look good for Shawn Thornton

I going to predict that that this isn't going to end well for Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton. Now, it's just a matter of how long the suspension is going to be... That discussion will happen on Monday.

Again, it doesn't matter that Brooks Orpik caught Loui Erikkson with a questionable, late, high-hit early in the game. The hit in question sent the Bruins forward to the locker room with a concussion. That's his second concussion of the season. None of that matters.

The Department of Player Safety won't look at that, when they make their decision on Monday. What they will look at; Thornton attacked a guy while he laid on the ice. That's not acceptable behavior in any league.

Shawn Thornton has a hearing and will not be traveling with the team to Toronto ^CS— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 8, 2013

s/t puck daddy... Shawn Thornton said this, in an ESPN interview recently.

DOES THE CODE STILL EXIST? IS THAT SOMETHING YOU TAKE PRIDE IN/ABIDE BY?

I take a lot of pride in that. I do. People could probably criticize that I’m a little too honorable, I suppose, in some instances. I've been a firm believer my whole life that what goes around comes around. If you’re one of those guys that suckers someone when they’re down or you go after somebody that doesn’t deserve it or isn’t the same category as you, that will come back and bite you at some point, too. I also take a lot of pride in the fact that I can play 8-12 minutes a night. I’ve had to work extremely hard on that part of my game to bring more to the table than just fighting. That’s part of my game, but I can do a lot more.

There's some good news for Boston Bruins fans. NHL announces Pittsburgh forward James Neal to have a phone hearing Monday with the NHL's Department of Players Safety. A phone hearing means that Neil won't be suspended more than five-games.

Lastly, I was reading the one of the local Pittsburgh Newspapers and this is what they have to say on the matter. James Neil doesn't sound very contrite for his bush league kneeing incident on Brad Marchand.   For the record, Neil has been suspended before.

Rob Rossi, Trib Live -- About four minutes passed before Penguins captain Sidney Crosby tripped Bruins winger Brad Marchand near the Boston bench. Neal skated past and clipped Marchand in the head with his knee.

“I was skating by him,” Neal said, noting he had not seen a replay of his hit, which resulted in a minor penalty for kneeing. “I hit him in the head with my leg or my foot or my knee or my shin area; I don't know. He went down. I guess I need to try and avoid him.

“I need to be more careful and get my knee out of the way. I'm not trying to hit him in the head or injure him or anything like that.”

Marchand said he “could not comment” on Neal's hit.

Bylsma said Neal “didn't make an attempt to get out of the way on Marchand.”

VIDEO: Loui Eriksson concussed after hit from Brooks Orpik: Shawn Thornton Attacks Orpik

First, this is the hit by Brooks Orpik on Loui Eriksson that caused Shawn Thornton to snap tonight. This hit also injured Eriksson, and from the video, you can see that the puck was nowhere near Erikson. 

While the hit definitely a penalty; it's probably nothing more than a two-minute minor penalty for interference. 

That being said, there’s no excusing what Shawn Thornton did, this is unacceptable. I believe that Thornton broke the hockey code by attacking a player that was laying on the ice. You can't have that. 

Thornton is going to have a hearing with the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety. While Thornton has never been suspended by the NHL, they have to respond to this hit.

I think that it would be safe to say that Thornton will be looking at a very long suspension. The NHL has to respond harshly to this act of violence. I am going to predict that Thornton is looking at a 10-game suspension, minimum. Some might compare what There's no excusing what he did. Before Boston Bruins fans eviscerate me, I am Boston Bruins fan, but we can't excuse this. 

Shawn Thornton on the Mandatory Visor Rule

22 Shawn Thornton I think this is my favorite Shawn Thornton shot thus far (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is worth a read, you have to wonder what is going to happen to the players that wear the visor and get into a fight. Just for the record, the American Hockey League has a mandatory visor rule and the players seem to work their way around it. Junior leagues in the USA and Canada also have mandatory visor rules as well.

Joe Haggerty, CSNNE.COM -- One change about which at least one Bruins player feels very strongly is the adoption of the protective visor.

Starting this season, any player with less than 25 NHL games played will be forced to wear a protective visor, following the path of the protective helmet introduction where eventually every player will be donning a visor.

For a dyed-in-the-wool NHL enforcer like Shawn Thornton, there is no love for the visors and the hardship it will create for guys in his role.

“I don’t even know all the new rules yet. Nobody has explained them to me,” admitted Thornton. “What if a guy’s helmet is taken off during a fight? Are they going to stop the fight? I know he’s not allowed to take off his own helmet. I’m not looking forward to punching [a visor] when I’m throwing at somebody’s face. If I’m in the middle of a fight with a guy with a visor on, I’m getting his helmet off. That’s the first thing I’d be doing.

Boston Bruins moving.... Take on the Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals.

No fight in the hand shanke line @pucknut9 RT @bruinsdaily: Best tradition in sports twitter.com/BruinsDaily/st…
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) May 26, 2013

There is a new drinking game; every time the Boston Bruins fourth line/Merlot Line is mentioned drink a beer, or take a shot or you can take a drink. You would never make it through the game sober, unless you're drinking water or pop.

That being said, the Pittsburgh Penguins probably aren't going to be as impressed with the Boston Bruins fourth line, because they're a really talented hockey team, but the fact remains you can't discount what they accomplished during the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's the stats for the Merlot line Shawn Thornton (0g-3a—3pts), Gregory Campbell (3g-2a—5pts), Daniel Paille (1g-3a—4pts).

Jagr back in Pitt. Iginla saying no to Boston and yes to Pitt..Matt Cooke's hit on Savard..Two great hockey cities. 4 lines vs 4 lines. Yes.
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) May 26, 2013

Related articles

• (video) The legend of Torey Krug keeps growing; four goals five games. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

(Video) Shawn Thornton and Derek Dorsett Fight

New York Rangers forward Derek Dorsett has been begging for beat down all series long and after screwing with Boston Bruins forward Daniel Paille at center ice, Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton was more than willing to oblige the Rangers pugilist. Developing story.

(Video) James Reimer save on Shawn Thornton

Check out this amazing save by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer on Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton. This is just how the last three games have gone for the Boston Bruins. Can't get a goal when they need one. Not burying the chances when they are presented to them.

Boston Strong and National Anthem, Bruins and Sabres game - Daniel Paille goal.

Unbelievable night in Boston, Massachusetts. I don't believe that there were very many dry eyes in the arena tonight, I know there wasn't in my living room at home tonight. According to Mike "Doc" Emrick, every Boston Bruins player lives with in the city of Boston.

“Boston is a tough and resilient town," President Obama said. So are its people

More P.K. Subban and Canadians Diving.

After the game last night, Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julian wasn't happy with the Montreal Canadians, he said they were embellishing to draw penalties on the ice. I don't think that you would have to work very hard to prove his point. The Canadians historically, are a team that is known for it's embellishment.

I included the check that Boston Bruin's tough guy Shawn Thornton put on Canadian's defenseman P.K. Subban, in my opinion, it looks like Subban over dramatized that hit quite a bit. Sounds like Bruins head coach Claude Julian agrees with me as well.

“It’s about the game and the embellishment embarrasses our game and we need to be better,” Julien said, before turning his focus solely to Subban. “It’s pretty obvious when P.K. gets hit and throws himself into the glass and hold his head. You know what? If we start calling those for embellishment, maybe teams stop doing it. Until we take charge of that, it’s going to be an issue.”  

Was that hit a penalty? I suppose, but because of  P.K. Subban's reputation of being a diver, and a flopper, he's not going to get the benefit of the doubt. Personally would compare Subban to an Alex Burrows type player, I would imagine the ref wasn't inclined to call a penalty on that play, look at the video, it's there for you to see. 

To me it looked like an embellishment and Subban should have received an Academy Award for his acting skills. 

“Tonight, as everybody saw there is a lot of embellishment,” Julian said. “This is embarrassing for our game, embellishing. Right now They [Canadians] got over 100 power-plays so far and it’s pretty obvious why. We’re trying to clean this out of our game and it’s got to be done soon."

In my opinion, the Habs are becoming the Vancouver Canucks of the east.

Buffalo Pylon John Scott works Shawn Thornton

The Sabres John Scott is 6'8" and 270 and plays about 3:30 minutes a hockey game and has no other value other than he's a goon, some might refer to him as an insurance policy.

On the other hand, Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton is a role player that sticks up for his teammates and is also known to chip in goals. Thornton definitely took one for the team here.

For comparison sake, Thornton has scored (31g-43a—74pts) in 456 games, while John Scott has scored (1g-4a—5pts) in a 152 games.

Is a deal close between the NHLPA and the NHL Owners

You have to wonder if a deal is close to being done. Articles like this give me hope that we can salvage a NHL season.

Dan Oldfield, CBC Sports --- We've heard that the No. 2 guys in the NHL and the NHLPA, Bill Daly and Steve Fehr, held a "marathon" bargaining session this weekend. We also learned there are plans to bring the parties together for more formal talks this week. What does that mean?

I’ll be bold here and say it means a deal is inevitable.

One can only believe that a marathon session (with several breaks) means that Daly and Fehr had something to talk about and they were clearly checking compass directions with other key players. More than that, there obviously is reason to return to the table. They would not be doing this merely to restate positions already well known to each other.

The two sides are meeting today in New York City. According to the NHLPA the following players Craig Adams, David Backes, Martin Biron, Chris Campoli, Sidney Crosby, Mathieu Darche, Ron Hainsey, Johan Hedberg, Milan Lucic, Manny Malhotra, Steve Montador, Shawn Thornton, Kevin Westgarth.

Thursday links and tweets...

Is #NHLPA conf call with exec & negotiation committee plotting new CBA offer? Or merely ensuring everyone's on same page w/current stance?
— Spector's Hockey (@SpectorsHockey) November 1, 2012

Good morning to you... It's day 47 of the NHL lockout and it looks like nothing is happening really... It looks like the NHLPA and the NHL Owners are talking but nothing really official or with any substance. Also, it appears that some of the players are starting to feel the pinch of the lockout and wondering if the lockout will kill their hockey careers.

Shawn Thornton said he "didn't like the way things were going" in NHL talks during a radio interviewcsnne.com/hockey-boston-… #BruinsTalk
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) November 1, 2012

This is what Shawn Thornton told Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com.

“I’m worried. Financially I’ve made some pretty good money the last couple of years. So I’m not hurting, but I’m definitely concerned that I don’t have any paychecks coming in at this point,” said Thornton. “For guys like me I have a few years left and I’m kind of caught in the middle and squeezed out on both sides. If this goes on for a year or two then I’m probably done and I have to go back to working for a living.

“That’s fine. I’ve done it before. I worked in a steel factory when I was younger. But on the other side I’d like to play out the last two years of my contract and be a little bit ahead after fighting 400 times over the last 15 years.”

NHLPA source,sense NHL open to negotiating 'making whole' aspect but still holding firm on all other components of last offer 'as is' #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@aaronward_nhl) October 23, 2012

According to some of the tweets that I have seen in my twitter feed today, It looks like Friday is the day that the Winter Classic gets cancelled. Also, no news is not good news...

Quick roundup: #WinterClassic likely bagged Friday. Hints of hope for movement among #nhlpa but far more guarded within #NHL
— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) November 1, 2012

#CBA Updated story on the frustrating stalemate and fate of Winter Classic espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id…
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) November 1, 2012

Next up on the chopping block: the Winter Classic. On the Blueshirts Blog: nydn.us/SxtaTL #NYR #NHL #NHLPA #BecauseItsTheLockout
— Pat Leonard (@NYDNRangers) November 1, 2012

Related articles

• Is there an end in sight to the NHL lockout? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Sabres Pylon Scott was not brought to the Buffalo for his defensive skills

The North East Division teams got tougher this off-season, the much maligned Buffalo Sabres signed former Dallas Star uber punk Steve Ott and former New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks pylon John Scott – not to be out done – the Montreal Canadians signed former New York Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust, who shared the NHL’s league lead in fighting majors with the Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton.

By signing these players – some have said that the North Eastern division teams are playing right into the Boston Bruins hands – last season when the Boston Bruins have at least one fighting major they have a winning record. When the Boston Bruins don't record at least one fighting major last season they had a losing record.

I do predict that these teams are not going to beat the Boston Bruins at their own game. These aforementioned teams were better off to let sleeping bears slumber.

Boston Bruins forward/tough guy Shawn Thornton led the Bruins and tied Brandon Prust for the league lead with 20 fighting majors – thirteen of Thornton’s fellow teams mates dropped the gloves as well. According to Hockeyfights.com, the Boston Bruins were second in the league in fighting majors and held a record of 37-16-8 when they recorded at least one fighting major.

James Cook, Record-Eagle --- A bruising blueliner brought in by the Sabres to contend with fiesty teams such as the Boston Bruins, Scott makes a living as an enforcer. And that role often includes fighting.

"I tell him the only thing uglier than an MMA fight is a hockey fight," Bustance joked. "He's got a good nature. But he's patient like a boxer. He's got a good eye. We can even work with the same foot position so he can do it on skates."

The 270-pound Scott isn't out there for his deft scoring touch. In 146 career NHL games, he's scored just one goal and added four assists. But he's piled up 236 penalty minutes over four seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers before signing a one-year contract with the Sabres this off-season.

Scott is ranked as one of the top 10 fighters in the NHL as a result of several vicious beatdowns he's handed out in his four seasons in the NHL.

His most infamous fight came when he was with the Blackhawks. It was Nov. 27, 2010, and Scott destroyed Kevin Westgarth, who is no small man himself.

Even at 6-5, 241, Westgarth appeared dwarfed by Scott, who heaped punishment on the Los Angeles Kings forward. Westgarth tapped out to end the fight, which is somewhat unusual because both participants were still on their feet.

The first thing that the Buffalo Sabres should try to do is teach former MTU defenseman John Scott how to skate, so he can take a regular shift on the ice and not just take up a roster spot. I couldn’t resist when I read this article.

The Rangers valued John Scott so much that they made John Scott a healthy scratch during the Rangers “entire” playoff run, because his former head coach John Tortorella felt he was a defensive liability and beating the crap out of people is not a desired trade that you need in the Stanely Cup Playoffs. For whatever reason, the New York Rangers also failed to resign Brandon Prust in the offseason as well.

Just for the record, I am a big fan of fighting in hockey and I relish a good fight between two willing combatants and would never be an advocate for eliminating fighting in the junior or professional ranks. That being said, let’s not kid ourselves – John Scott has one role in the NHL and that’s to beat the tar out of the opposition but let’s call it as we see it – he can’t skate or play hockey very well at all.

Finally, while the Boston Bruins might have been second in the league in fighting majors last season – all of their tough guys can skate and play a regular shift and a vital role on their team. There aren’t any one dimensional goons taking up a roster spot on their team. So while the Sabres employed Scott to dance with a few Bruins in six league games, the Sabres are still wasting a roster spot on a one dimensional player that has a hard time staying in the lineup.