Claude Julien vindicated...

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeAs a Boston Bruins fans I must admit that I have been critical of Claude Julien in the past... I think with his teams efforts on the ice this spring I believe he has vindicated himself with advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals  against the Vancouver Canucks, there were rumblings that if Claude Julien's team didn't get out of the second round Claude might get relieved of his coaching duties.

So if you look at it from another unexamined angle; while Claude Julien's Bruins teams have beaten the Montreal Canadians two out of the three times his Bruins have played them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Bruins also have faced some adversity... Last season after having a three games to none lead and a three goal lead in game seven the Bruins ended up chocking and losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in game seven. This season his team rebounded to beat the Flyers in four games to  exercise the demons from last season. Finally tonight; Julien's team advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs by beating a very good Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team... How do I like him now?

Chad Finn --- Boston Globe ---- If there was a concern among fans that that Roloson's ability to keep the Bruins off the board would lead to Tampa Bay stealing it on a fluky goal, it might have been justified. But the Bruins themselves never thought that way, maintaining their resolve even when frustration could have seeped in.

The evidence that the Bruins always kept their faith even as Roloson stymied them time and again became clear to Julien in the second intermission.

"When I walked into the locker room before the third period, I didn't have much to say," said Julien. "When I was outside, I could hear the points they were making, and they were bang-on. The attitude was that eventually we will get rewarded. And that's exactly what happened. I couldn't be prouder of the approach we took all throughout this game. We never let up once."

The victory also was a vindication of sorts for the coach, who as recently as the first-round series with Montreal -- in which the Bruins lost the first two games before winning in seven -- was perceived to be coaching for his job in some corners. Julien said that talk never gets to him.

"I say this all the time, but I don't care what anyone says. It doesn't bother me, and I don't really hear it," he said. "What matters to me is what happens in that dressing room. And as much as I'm getting criticism from some people, I'm getting pats on the back from others."

After the Bruins victory tonight, Julien can expect many more of the latter.

Related articles

• Claude Julien looks to improve his Boston record in elimination games tonight against Guy Boucher (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• 2011 NHL Playoffs: Can Zdeno Chara Solve the Boston Bruins' Powerplay Issues? (bleacherreport.com)
• Bruins coach Claude Julien cryptic about whether or not Patrice Bergeron plays tonight (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• Go Bruins (infieldchatter.wordpress.com)

Horton and Thomas lead the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals...

The Boston Bruins are off to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1990. I think one could say that game seven between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning will go down as an instant classic, tonight's game was also not for the faint of heart as both teams skated up and down the ice exchanging chances on the opposition's net.

Both goalies Dwayne Roloson and Tim Thomas were stellar and Nathan Horton scored the only goal (8th of the Stanley Cup Playoffs) at the 12:27 mark of the third period and then Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins defense held on for the win as Tampa Bay had a few good chances to even the score.

* The Bruins outshot the Lightning 38-24...
*  The Boston Bruins are 11-10 all-times in Game 7s
*  Tim Thomas had two shutouts during the ECF Finals.  
*  There were two players in their 40's playing in this series Recchi 43 Roloson 41.
* Two of the three Vezina finalist are in the Stanley Cup Finals.

This is what Tim Thomas had to say after the game... 

"I think a lot of people thought I was over the hill,"' said the 37-year-old Thomas, a Vezina Trophy finalist who was sidelined throughout last year's playoffs. "I knew it wasn't true. I put in a lot of work over the summer and I've had an unbelievable year. I've been blessed."

Steven Stamkos takes a slap shot in the face.

This is what happened when Steven Stamkos got in the way of a slap shot off of the stick Boston Bruins Defenseman Johnny Boychuk... All I can say is ouch!!! I think Stamkos is probably very lucky that he was wearing a half shield. Some might say that this is enough reason to make the half shield mandatory.  Oh yeah and Stamkos put on a full bird cage and returned to the game.

J.R. on Kaberle; his stick made out of Jell-O

Image via WikipediaI just love the stuff that comes out of former NHL star Jeremy Roenick's mouth, he is always good for a one liner or a zinger, he could probably write a book full of zingers. I couldn't agree more, Tomas Kaberle has been an utter disappointment and a passenger during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it's a shame that they gave up a first round draft pick to get this guy.

WEEI ---- Roenick said that he was sticking with his prediction, made before the Eastern Conference finals, that the Bruins would advance to the Stanley Cup finals in seven games. That said, he noted a couple of players whom he believes need to elevate their games in order for that outcome to reach fruition.

Roenick suggested that having Tomas Kaberle (who has no goals and 8 assists in the playoffs) anchoring the power play was a mistake, in part because he's not a threat to get the puck on net.

"He’s got a stick made of Jell-O. Kaberle doesn’t have a very good shot. He’s a playmaker and a very good playmaker. He shouldn’t be at the top putting shots on net," said Roenick. "You should have Dennis Seidenberg up at the top pounding the puck on net, Kaberle on the side positioning the puck to the net. I think Kaberle played his best game maybe of the playoffs his last game. But I don’t think he’s been very good in the playoffs at all, not to mention since he came over from Toronto. He’s got to up his game another level.

"He’s one of those guys who can make the difference if he just makes the simple play, the right play, like he has for many years, which has made him so good."

Related articles

• Would benching Tomas Kaberle be the right move for Boston to make? (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• NHL Playoffs 2011: Boston Bruins Looking For More Production from Tomas Kaberle (bleacherreport.com)
• Bruins' Kaberle also carrying Leafs hopes on his stick tonight (thestar.com)

Mikael Granlund postage stamp in Finland

 

S/T Hockey Wilderness... Wild Prospect Mikael Granlund now has his own stamp in his native country of Finland. Granlund became even more famous after his impressive lacross style goal against Russia in the World Hockey Championship earlier this month.

Related articles

• Mikael Granlund Goal: Sick Lacrosse Move Lifts Finland Over Russia In World Championships (VIDEO) (huffingtonpost.com)
• Granlund's lacrosse goal gets him a postage stamp in Finland (tsn.ca)
• Finland's Mikael Granlund scores highlight-reel goal at world championships (aol.sportingnews.com)
• Mikael Granlund Goes Top Shelf For A Goal At The World Championship (thebiglead.com)

Update --- No punishment for Bruins' Horton

Image by slidingsideways via FlickrNathan Horton will not be suspended or disciplined by the NHL, nor in my opinion should he be. According to James Murphy of ESPN Boston, there will be no punishment for Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton who squirted water and then threw the water bottle at a Tampa Bay fan at that was sitting behind the Boston Bruins players bench at the end of game six.

James Murphy; ESPN Boston ---- As the Boston Bruins skated off the ice following their 5-4 loss in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Tampa Bay Lightning fans at St. Pete's Forum peppered the ice and some Bruins with the hand-clapper instruments they were given by the Lightning for the game. Apparently the frustration over the loss and the fans' actions got to Bruins winger Nathan Horton, who sprayed a heckling fan and then threw his water bottle at the fan as he walked down the runway to the dressing room.

While the NHL doesn't like to see such actions by players, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPNBoston.com late Thursday afternoon that "no action is being contemplated" by the league.

"There is no way to substantiate what may or may not have happened," Daly said.

Horton's agent also confirmed that no actions would be taken by the league in response to Horton's actions, which videos posted on YouTube appear to confirm.

I actually find it funny that some of the big time sports pundits had feigned so much anger over this minor situation; did they really expect the NHL to suspend a player based on some home movie that was on YouTube? I am sure we will see the conspiracy theorist come out and tell us that since Collin Campbell’s son plays for the Bruins that is the reason the NHL didn’t suspend Nathan Horton.

Related articles

• No punishment for Bruins' Horton in fan spat (sports.espn.go.com)
• VIDEO: Bruins' Nathan Horton Sprays Tampa Bay Lightning Fan With Water Bottle (sbnation.com)
• Horton Squirts Water at Tampa Fans (thebostonsportslist.com)
• Bruins Vs. Lightning, Game 5: Nathan Horton's Persistence Pays Off In Boston Win (sbnation.com)

Will the Bruins Horton be suspended for squirting a fan?

This is the main reason you don't give away things to fans is because they can end up back on the ice at the end of the game, this was a horrible move by the Tampa Bay Lightning. If you didn't see the end of the game last night this was an ugly scene. At the end of the game between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning, thousands of noise makers were being tossed on the ice by the jubilant Lightning fans, by the video you can see that Bruins forward David Krejci was pelted numerous times with the noise makers while leaving the ice, you can also see from the video that Krejci was obviously agitated by being struck by the noise makers. This is unacceptable in my opinion.

Apparently there was some other bad behavior and the buzz around the internet today (every major blog is talking about it) is that Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton sprayed a Tampa Bay fan and then threw a water bottle at him while leaving the bench on his way to the Bruins locker room after the game. Some think this is ill advised and unacceptable act by Horton is worthy of a one game suspension, it might be,  because the coach of the New York Rangers John Tortorella was suspended for spraying a fan. We'll see how the NHL reacts in this situation.

The Queen maybe making a return to Winnipeg

Illegal Curve Picture

If you ever went to a Winnipeg Jets game or a Manitoba Moose game in the old Winnipeg arena you would have seen the Queen Elizabeth II picture that hung in the arena.That picture could be making a come back.

CBC --- An NHL hockey team may not be the only thing returning to Manitoba's capital.

The largest known portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which hung from the rafters in the Winnipeg Arena for 20 years, may also be coming home.

Anya Wilson, custodian of the portrait, says she got an exciting phone call which suggests the Queen may be returning to Winnipeg.

Wilson says she can't say much more but would love to see the portrait hung once again.

At five-by-seven metres, the portrait has been homeless since it was taken down from the Winnipeg Arena, where the former NHL Winnipeg Jets used to play.

The Arena was demolished in 2005.

Related articles

• Largest known portrait of Queen may return to Winnipeg along with NHL team (thehockeynews.com)
• A REMINISCE: NHL franchise hopes give Winnipeg its groove back (cbc.ca)
• NHL franchise hopes give Winnipeg its groove back (cbc.ca)

Negotiations inch forward on Thrashers deal

The latest news on the NHL's return to Winnipeg, Manitoba. TSN is also reporting that there will be no announcement on the sale and relocation of the Thrashers before next Tuesday at the earliest.

Winnipeg Free Press ---- A deal between True North Sports and Entertainment, the Atlanta Spirit Group and the NHL to move the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg is inching forward but still requires some work.

Multiple sources involved in the negotiations said this morning there are a number of items remaining to be worked out before a deal can be closed and an official announcement made.

A source said the purchase price of $110 million for the Thrashers and a $60 million relocation fee going to the league are set.

Details described as "consent, owner approval, proof of financial information, etc." remain on the table.

"There are complex issues that take time to work through," said a source.

It's understood none of the issues are deal-breakers but until they are resolved the sale cannot be completed.

Bolts uber hack Steve Downie tries to kiss Andrew Ference.

First off, most of you know that I don't like Tampa Bay's uber hack Steve Downie, I just think he is a dirty hockey players that is one stupid move away from another lengthy suspension from the NHL. Steve Downie is also a bit of a punk that has never seemed to grown up,  I would almost put him in the same category as Matt Cooke.

I think eventually these types of players, I call them uber hacks, will get whats coming to him, someone is going to catch him with his head down or finally decide they have seen enough and punch his lights out. Personally, I thought Jack Johnson's  elbow on this P.O.S. during the World Juniors was over blown and warranted. Tonight this lovely piece of dog excrement looks like he tried to kiss or blow Boston Bruins' defenseman Andrew Ference a kiss, here is a a more funny version of the kiss in question.. 

Related articles

• NHL won't fine or suspend Steve Downie for hit on Johnny Boychuk (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
•  
• Bruins' Boychuk 'feeling fine' after Downie hit (sports.espn.go.com)

Bruins defense coughs up a fur ball…

Well that was nice! The Boston Bruins blew an opportunity to send the Tampa Bay Lightning to the golf course for the summer and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals to take on the unlikeable Vancouver Canucks. I have have two word for the Bruins defense tonight "absolutely atrocious" add to that,  their penalty killers were equally "absolutely atrocious," these were the same penalty killers who had killed 16/18 Tampa Bay Lightning power plays in the first five games of the series. Tonight the penalty killers was way more generous giving up three power play goals on four power play opportunities.

Bruins second year defenseman Johnny Boychuk was also brutal tonight and worthy of sitting in the press box for game seven as he was on the ice for all five of Tampa Bay’s goals. I am not sure why Claude Julie kept coming back with the young defenseman, an example of his work can be seen in the video above.

The usually  steady Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was horrible tonight barely stopping 80 percent of the shots he faced. Thomas finished the night giving up 5 goals on 26 shots (21/26), no very Vezina Trophy like tonight. Not to be out down the aging Dwayne Roloson was equally unimpressive giving up 4 goals on 20 shots (16/20).

Dwayne Roloson to start for the Lightning.

Image by bridgetds via FlickrIt looks like the Tampa Bay Lightning are going to start goalie Dwayne Roloson in net tonight for game 6 against the Boston Bruins in Tampa Bay. If I was a player on the Boston Bruins I would be licking my lips because the Bruins have had good success against Dwayne Roloson. 

AMPA - Dwayne Roloson will be back in the net for the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight as the Bolts face elimination in the Eastern Conference final.

The 41-year-old goaltender was sat out by Tampa coach Guy Boucher for the Lightning’s 3-1 loss in Boston in Game 5, leaving the Bolts down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and facing elimination for the fourth time this post-season.

They were down 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening round and came back to win the series.

“(Roloson)’s going to be ready, willing and able to prove why he’s one of the big reasons we got here as a team,” said Tampa forward Steven Stamkos.

Boucher said he told Roloson, who is 6-0 in his career in elimination games, he would be playing in Game 6 Monday, the day of Game 5, same time as he told him he wouldn’t be playing that night.

Jason Gregoire: Snow Has Been “First-class” College draft picks weighing all of their options

Image via WikipediaChriss Botta an Islanders blogger has an interesting blog post about former Fighting Sioux Forward Jason Gregoire and former UNH defenseman Blake Kessel. It would appear that some hockey prospects aren't too keen on playing for the New York Islanders. My question to Jason Gregoire is why didn't you just stay and play another year for the Fighting Sioux hockey team?

Chris Botta; NYI Point Blank ---- For Jason Gregoire and Blake Kessel, it’s nothing personal with the Islanders. Four years after being drafted by the Islanders, three years into their college hockey careers, Gregoire and Kessel appear to be simply utilizing their Collective Bargaining Agreement rights to consider offers from the other 29 teams in the NHL. They hope you’d understand.

“The ideal for me would be to sign with the Islanders,” Gregoire told Point Blank in a phone conversation last night. “They are the team that drafted me and, from the beginning, I’ve had a great relationship with the team. I was at three prospect camps, got to know the area and the staff and come through the ranks with the guys. I have nothing but great things to say about the organization and I’m happy that no doors are being closed.”

It’s not difficult to read between the lines. Gregoire left North Dakota last week, Kessel withdrew from New Hampshire earlier this week. Unable to come to terms with the Islanders on Entry Level contracts to this point, Gregoire is taking advantage of a clause in the CBA that allows college players to become free agents four years after they were drafted. Kessel is said to be considering the same. Both Gregoire and Kessel played a year in the United States Hockey League before starting college.

Here is a link to a story that was also in the New York Times Slap Shot blog that was written by Chris Botta as well. [Slap Shot Blog]

San Jose Sharks hosed...

It would appear that the San Jose Sharks were hosed by a controversial icing call in the final seconds of regulation during the third period of Game 5. If you watch the video you will see that the puck hit Daniel Sedin in the shoulder and there shouldn't have been an icing call. Because of the blown icing call the Vancouver Canucks were able to score off of the face off to tie the game and send the game to overtime. The Canucks would go on to win in the second over time off of a goal by Canucks hack defenseman Kevin Bieksa.

Canucks wait the winner of Bruins and Bolts...

What a horrible way to end a terrific game. I think this game was an instant classic, unfortunately the Vancouver Canucks won... Don't get me wrong the best team won. Honestly, I really thought the San Jose Sharks were going to win tonight and return the series to San Jose, but it wasn't to be. I don't think we can tag the Canucks as a team of destiny, just yet. There is a lot of hockey left.

On the Vancouver Canucks, they are the most unlikeable hockey team in the NHL next to the "Les Habitants," personally, I can't stand them, they're extremely cocky, they run their mouths continuously, and some hockey fans and media pundits have already penciled them in as the Stanley Cup Champions.You shouldn't, they haven't won nothing yet. If the Canucks want to be Stanley Cup Champions they are going to have to earn Lord Stanley's Cup, because whoever wins the Eastern Conference final is going to bring it, both Tampa Bay and Boston are going to give the Canucks everything they can handle.


That being said, the Vancouver Canucks are a pretty  very good hockey team, they have decent defensive corps; just think, Keith Ballard is their 7th defenseman, that's how deep they are. They Canucks are deep up front and the Sedin Twins are very dangerous and you must be aware where they are on the ice at all times. 


Jumbo Joe one tough guy.

It was revealed after the game tonight that San Jose Forward Joe Thornton was playing with a separated shoulder in game five. Ouch.... I can't imagine playing a contact sport like hockey with a separated shoulders, Joe Thornton must have a high pain threshold to be able to play with that injury.

Steve Downie nails Johnny Boychuk into the end boards.

This was the hit that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steve Downie put on Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk; if you're expecting supplemental discipline from the NHL, don't. According to TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie Steve Downie's hit on Johnny Boychuk is NOT being pursued for supplementary discipline by the NHL. Personally, while I am not a fan of Downie or of the style of hockey he plays, I don't think that check warranted anymore than a two minute penalty.

Tim Thomas robs Steve Downie

Check out this unbelievable save by Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas as he robs Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steve Downie to keep the Boston Bruins lead at 2-1 midway through the 2nd period. The Bruins scored a an empty net goal to win the game 3-1. If it wasn't for Tim Thomas coming up big it could have been an ugly game for the Boston Bruins who were out shot 34-20 by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Many of the Lightnings shots on goal were of the grade "A" variety. Also, in the second period, Bruins all world goalie, Tim Thomas had another amazing save on  a Tampa Bay 3-on-2.

I think one could make the argument that this was the save by Tim Thomas was a game changer and probably the save of the year for the Boston Bruins. Saves like this, is the reason why Tim Thomas is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.

Something for Mike Smith fans to ponder...

Maybe just maybe this is the reason that Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Mike Smith hasn't got the start against the Boston Bruins just yet? Like I said before there is probably a valid reason why Dwayne Roloson is playing instead of back up goalie Mike Smith Smith.

I have also mentioned in the past, that the Boston Bruins have not challenged Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith when he has played against the Bruins in two relief appearances, the Bruins need to get bodies in front of the Tampa Bay goal and challenge him, to date they have not, the Bruins also need to get Smith's  feet moving. Let it be known that Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith is not a world beater or a goalie of Carey Prices stature, Mike Smith is a mediocre goalie with an .899 save percentage that the Dallas Stars traded away.

No more hockey games with the UW Badgers when the BTHC forms?

Image via WikipediaApparently the University of North Dakota won't be able to play the University of Wisconsin when the formation of the Big Ten Hockey Conference comes to fruition because of their Athletic Department Policy On Native American Logos And Names. I guess the policy didn't matter last season when the Sioux and the Badgers played in basketball last season on November 16th, 2010... Stay tuned.

Andy Baggot; Madison.com ----  Big Ten teams will play 20 league games - home-and-home series against one another - and hope to augment the rest of their schedules with eight games against WCHA and/or CCHA teams. That would leave six non-conference openings to fill in with opponents from Atlantic Hockey, Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and Hockey East Association.


During the American Hockey Coaches Association convention in Florida last month, Frazier said WCHA and CCHA officials are receptive to having some type of interlocking schedule with the Big Ten.

One complication to the Badgers playing against WCHA opponents is that they wouldn't be able to schedule North Dakota — a major rival and perennial national power — because of its Fighting Sioux nickname and Native American warrior logo.

UW has a policy that prohibits scheduling non-conference opponents with monikers that defy an NCAA mandate against racially insensitive nicknames.
"We'd love to continue our relationship with North Dakota," Frazier said, "but North Dakota has to figure (its nickname issue) out from an NCAA perspective."

Winnipeg Appears NHL's Only Option for Thrashers.

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeHere is an interesting article from the Spector blog about the NHL possibly making a return to Winnipeg. All I can say is whatever KDP, what does he know about Winnipeg? I wonder if Kevin can find Winnipeg on a map or even knows where the city of Winnipeg is at?

Spector Blog --- Since mid-May various reports suggesting the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports & Entertainment and their subsequent relocation this summer to the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, may occur in the near future has generated considerable stir in the NHL world.

As of this writing there's been no confirmation a deal is in place or imminent but various media sources claim it's either all but done, or will be in a matter of weeks, perhaps even days.

It remains to be seen when an official announcement could be made, but unquestionably this is the closest the city of Winnipeg has come to getting back an NHL franchise since their beloved Jets were sold and moved to Phoenix, becoming the Coyotes, in 1996.

Winnpegers in particular and a majority of Canadian-based hockey fans in general are thrilled by the prospect, but there is some question if the city of roughly 750,000 souls can be a viable hockey market, given its market size, location and other economic factors.

Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe raised those questions in his May 22, 2011 column, suggesting the Thrashers would enjoy an initial rush of strong support in Winnipeg until the team's losses started to pile up, Winnipegers realize the sticker shock of attending NHL games, and American TV interests make it clear they're not interested in televising games involving a Winnipeg team.