That was really really funny.

Some posts on this board present facts, observations and an attempt to support opinions.

Others.......well. Ugh
- JIwasinskiJr

meh. some do. are you one of those?

I agree, those are the holes.

That D looks way better to me then this year, given that Free Agent or Player x would be a top pairing defenceman. Every other Dman's roles now get slightly diminished including assignments and minutes. Trotman isn't in the top pairing. Chara is not left out to dry (we don't need to discuss Chara, lol) Krug and Seidenberg are put in better roles, etc...

Assuming Louie is gone, this team needs to find a capable top 6. Outside of Bergeron, Marchand, Krejci and Pastranak, somebody has to step up. Connolly isn't producing the point totals everyone would like to see, but he is doing an ok job with Bergeron/Marchand. He should be a cheap signing that plays top 6.
If Belesky can't play in the top 6, that signing is a huge mistake.

So in my opinion and to agree with you, we need a top line RW. Can Spooner not transform to the wing like they have dabbled with.
- Tachmo

The D "in my opinion" will countinue to fall apart if we go that path. I just think the D is much worse than people realize and one top pairing guy is not going to fix it.

Morrow, Miller, and Trotman have not been given enough ice time and have not taken any steps forward because of it. This was supposed to be the main driver for this season. Are any of these guys worth keeping and what is there potential..........still unanswered. So that's a "missed" goal so far this season. No better than when we started. (But that's because CJ is playing for his job. Not playing for the team's future.)

Seidenberg and Chara will countinue to digress as play does with age.

And a guy to put in the top pair replaces Hamilton from last year.

The D "in my opinion" will countinue to fall apart if we go that path. I just think the D is much worse than people realize and one top pairing guy is not going to fix it.

Morrow, Miller, and Trotman have not been given enough ice time and have not taken any steps forward because of it. This was supposed to be the main driver for this season. Are any of these guys worth keeping and what is there potential..........still unanswered. So that's a "missed" goal so far this season. No better than when we started. (But that's because CJ is playing for his job. Not playing for the team's future.)

Seidenberg and Chara will countinue to digress as play does with age.

And a guy to put in the top pair replaces Hamilton from last year.
- JIwasinskiJr

The D "in my opinion" will countinue to fall apart if we go that path. I just think the D is much worse than people realize and one top pairing guy is not going to fix it.

Morrow, Miller, and Trotman have not been given enough ice time and have not taken any steps forward because of it. This was supposed to be the main driver for this season. Are any of these guys worth keeping and what is there potential..........still unanswered. So that's a "missed" goal so far this season. No better than when we started. (But that's because CJ is playing for his job. Not playing for the team's future.)

Seidenberg and Chara will countinue to digress as play does with age.

And a guy to put in the top pair replaces Hamilton from last year.
- JIwasinskiJr

pssst. they're not that good.

pssst. they're not that good.
- Fountain-San

But, K. Miller and McQuaid are? (Bottom pairing guys). Seidenberg and Chara are not getting any younger. Krug is a 4-5 D man because of his size. (Heart of a lion)

I just don't know with the young guys. Everyone gave up on Spooner, but when forced to play him he has done pretty good.

What's to say the same isn't true with Morrow, Trotman or Miller? They have been alright when they play.

Maybe it isn't that Trotman or Morrow suck, maybe it's there D partner on that shift?

I see!

I think Pete will look to make some major changes in Edm this offseason. Yes the good ol boys was a huge problem there.

I really hope that isn't the case in Boston, but it is looking that way. I have faith for now, but I think Sweeney has a small window to fill the holes before he is crucified.

It sure is a small circle it seems in Boston and if you are square peg trying to fit into the round hole you are done. Round pegs - Kessel, Seguin, Hamilton. To me that is really what happened, these players don't fit it and instead of working with them we just kick them out the door. It really makes me question the scouting staff if management keeps saying they either disliked playing in Bos or they aren't mature, it sure would be nice to do some better interviews or background checks before the draft?
- Tachmo

I know I tend to blow a lot of what I say out of proportion to drive a point home, but Sweeney really needed to come in and do better. ( I would add Blake Wheeler to your list too). Everyone wants to give him credit and highlight the return for Lucic. Fine, ill admit he got way more for him than I was thinking. Including a couple of nice prospects.

Then you have Hamilton (for whatever reason he needed to leave) the return was awful and at the very least there needed to be a D-man coming the other way to bolster the roster or at least fill the damn hole that Hamilton left. Rinaldo ((frank)ing yikes), Bringing in a big player like hayes and reducing the scoring even further. ( i get that some of these things need to happen, but it just seemed like we focused on "just getting bigger" at the time and nothing else). The beleskey signing. Never should have happened. I'm glad they didnt give him the 5 mil he was asking, but again the focus was "getting bigger" "more hits" "give the opponents anxiety in the offensive zone", all fine and dandy until you look at our own end.

Lots of young and new faces on the back end. Resigning McQuaid for 4 years at that price was absolute ludicrous. I'm glad we have him for maybe 50-55 games a season at that price. Always hurt, and contributes what? "bigger and tougher".

I think we will end up trading a crap ton of assets for someone like Rick Nash who has clearly lost his touch because they want that top line RW and scoring, but want to stay "big and tough". They will probably bring in home town boy Yandle too, which doesnt fix anything defensively on the back end.


Long story short, there is a downward trend going on. While Boston has Overachieved in a weak Division this year, they do not have the tools to compete for a cup, and they are not close to doing so.


UGH! (frank) I need a beer

But, K. Miller and McQuaid are? (Bottom pairing guys). Seidenberg and Chara are not getting any younger. Krug is a 4-5 D man because of his size. (Heart of a lion)

I just don't know with the young guys. Everyone gave up on Spooner, but when forced to play him he has done pretty good.

What's to say the same isn't true with Morrow, Trotman or Miller? They have been alright when they play.

Maybe it isn't that Trotman or Morrow suck, maybe it's there D partner on that shift?
- JIwasinskiJr

A lot of fans called for him. That was Julien's call. Also Spooner finally, finally stepped up when needed. He didn't do anything in every other call up to warrant another chance. He is a late bloomer and a lucky one at that.

But, K. Miller and McQuaid are? (Bottom pairing guys). Seidenberg and Chara are not getting any younger. Krug is a 4-5 D man because of his size. (Heart of a lion)

I just don't know with the young guys. Everyone gave up on Spooner, but when forced to play him he has done pretty good.

What's to say the same isn't true with Morrow, Trotman or Miller? They have been alright when they play.

Maybe it isn't that Trotman or Morrow suck, maybe it's there D partner on that shift?
- JIwasinskiJr

Keep Morrow and Colin Miller, Blow up the rest. Krug if he signs for cheap, but not if he is asking for more than 4.5 per year (even that is pushing it).

I know I tend to blow a lot of what I say out of proportion to drive a point home, but Sweeney really needed to come in and do better. ( I would add Blake Wheeler to your list too). Everyone wants to give him credit and highlight the return for Lucic. Fine, ill admit he got way more for him than I was thinking. Including a couple of nice prospects.

Then you have Hamilton (for whatever reason he needed to leave) the return was awful and at the very least there needed to be a D-man coming the other way to bolster the roster or at least fill the damn hole that Hamilton left. Rinaldo ((frank)ing yikes), Bringing in a big player like hayes and reducing the scoring even further. ( i get that some of these things need to happen, but it just seemed like we focused on "just getting bigger" at the time and nothing else). The beleskey signing. Never should have happened. I'm glad they didnt give him the 5 mil he was asking, but again the focus was "getting bigger" "more hits" "give the opponents anxiety in the offensive zone", all fine and dandy until you look at our own end.

Lots of young and new faces on the back end. Resigning McQuaid for 4 years at that price was absolute ludicrous. I'm glad we have him for maybe 50-55 games a season at that price. Always hurt, and contributes what? "bigger and tougher".

I think we will end up trading a crap ton of assets for someone like Rick Nash who has clearly lost his touch because they want that top line RW and scoring, but want to stay "big and tough". They will probably bring in home town boy Yandle too, which doesnt fix anything defensively on the back end.


Long story short, there is a downward trend going on. While Boston has Overachieved in a weak Division this year, they do not have the tools to compete for a cup, and they are not close to doing so.


UGH! (frank) I need a beer
- dothedougie

Nice pity party dude. Really pissed on the parade there.

I know I tend to blow a lot of what I say out of proportion to drive a point home, but Sweeney really needed to come in and do better. ( I would add Blake Wheeler to your list too). Everyone wants to give him credit and highlight the return for Lucic. Fine, ill admit he got way more for him than I was thinking. Including a couple of nice prospects.

Then you have Hamilton (for whatever reason he needed to leave) the return was awful and at the very least there needed to be a D-man coming the other way to bolster the roster or at least fill the damn hole that Hamilton left. Rinaldo ((frank)ing yikes), Bringing in a big player like hayes and reducing the scoring even further. ( i get that some of these things need to happen, but it just seemed like we focused on "just getting bigger" at the time and nothing else). The beleskey signing. Never should have happened. I'm glad they didnt give him the 5 mil he was asking, but again the focus was "getting bigger" "more hits" "give the opponents anxiety in the offensive zone", all fine and dandy until you look at our own end.

Lots of young and new faces on the back end. Resigning McQuaid for 4 years at that price was absolute ludicrous. I'm glad we have him for maybe 50-55 games a season at that price. Always hurt, and contributes what? "bigger and tougher".

I think we will end up trading a crap ton of assets for someone like Rick Nash who has clearly lost his touch because they want that top line RW and scoring, but want to stay "big and tough". They will probably bring in home town boy Yandle too, which doesnt fix anything defensively on the back end.


Long story short, there is a downward trend going on. While Boston has Overachieved in a weak Division this year, they do not have the tools to compete for a cup, and they are not close to doing so.


UGH! (frank) I need a beer
- dothedougie

I agree with most of what you said.

Although, I kind of wonder what Yandle would look like in a Bs sweater on a team friendly deal.

I would rather Yandle for around $4 over Seidenberg and I think Seidenberg may be our best D man. Not that that's saying much.

Nice pity party dude. Really pissed on the parade there.
- One_Eyed_Sweede

Keep it real yo.

I agree with most of what you said.

Although, I kind of wonder what Yandle would look like in a Bs sweater on a team friendly deal.

I would rather Yandle for around $4 over Seidenberg and I think Seidenberg may be our best D man. Not that that's saying much.
- JIwasinskiJr

I dont disagree, but if they get yandle I have a feeling he becomes your #2 next to Chara and the entire thing becomes an even bigger disaster

A lot of fans called for him. That was Julien's call. Also Spooner finally, finally stepped up when needed. He didn't do anything in every other call up to warrant another chance. He is a late bloomer and a lucky one at that.
- One_Eyed_Sweede

When you watched him play he had skills that were "clear." That's how I looked at him.

He has plus speed, plus skating, plus stick handling, plus passing, plus vision.........
He HAD minus confidence in his shot, minus faceoffs, minus defensive vision........

When he played you could see the reasons he would be a good player. I thought he was going to be good and it was almost a sure thing that he was a potential top six center.

But, maybe you saw things that made you think otherwise.

I dont disagree, but if they get yandle I have a feeling he becomes your #2 next to Chara and the entire thing becomes an even bigger disaster
- dothedougie

Hey, hey now!

I didn't say that. Yandle as a second pairing guy with maybe a Trouba or Myers type. A big strong D-man.

Maybe Yandle and Seidenberg would be a pretty good pair? But we would need to super revamp the top pair.

Even Chara and Yandle as your second pairing D-men would be sweet. But we would need a couple top pairing guys for that. It would benefit Chara's age perfectly too!

When you watched him play he had skills that were "clear." That's how I looked at him.

He has plus speed, plus skating, plus stick handling, plus passing, plus vision.........
He HAD minus confidence in his shot, minus faceoffs, minus defensive vision........

When he played you could see the reasons he would be a good player. I thought he was going to be good and it was almost a sure thing that he was a potential top six center.

But, maybe you saw things that made you think otherwise.
- JIwasinskiJr

Not me personally but he is in a situation where the coach is ridiculous when it comes to rookies unless they're "Sandpaper" or "grit" guys. It took Spooner almost too long rise above that crap.

Shouldn't be this way. This team has it's work cut out for it. To me it seems Sweeney wants to build a faster, transition game type of team. You're not going to do that with Julien. He would rather skate Talbot, Rinaldo, Chara and Seidenberg and bench anything under 27 years old.

Hey, hey now!

I didn't say that. Yandle as a second pairing guy with maybe a Trouba or Myers type. A big strong D-man.

Maybe Yandle and Seidenberg would be a pretty good pair? But we would need to super revamp the top pair.

Even Chara and Yandle as your second pairing D-men would be sweet. But we would need a couple top pairing guys for that. It would benefit Chara's age perfectly too!
- JIwasinskiJr

Second pairing sure with reduced minutes. But with CLOAD, thats your number one pairing getting 25+ minutes a night. Wasnt saying you were eluding to that, I just think that if the Bruins go after yandle thats what it would become. And it would be awful.

Not me personally but he is in a situation where the coach is ridiculous when it comes to rookies unless they're "Sandpaper" or "grit" guys. It took Spooner almost too long rise above that crap.

Shouldn't be this way. This team has it's work cut out for it. To me it seems Sweeney wants to build a faster, transition game type of team. You're not going to do that with Julien. He would rather skate Talbot, Rinaldo, Chara and Seidenberg and bench anything under 27 years old.
- One_Eyed_Sweede

This

Not me personally but he is in a situation where the coach is ridiculous when it comes to rookies unless they're "Sandpaper" or "grit" guys. It took Spooner almost too long rise above that crap.

Shouldn't be this way. This team has it's work cut out for it. To me it seems Sweeney wants to build a faster, transition game type of team. You're not going to do that with Julien. He would rather skate Talbot, Rinaldo, Chara and Seidenberg and bench anything under 27 years old.
- One_Eyed_Sweede

Hence, why maybe the coach isn't right for this team right now. Should be playing C. Miller, Morrow, and Trotman almost every game.

Hence, why maybe the coach isn't right for this team right now. Should be playing C. Miller, Morrow, and Trotman almost every game.
- JIwasinskiJr

Kevan Miller should play the 3rd line D...... in Providence

DJ Bean posted that McQuaid is off of the IR and that C. Miller is not on the roster. C. Miller sent down to Providence. (Wrong Miller)

What's the over under on games it takes for McQuaid to injury himself? 10 games?

I bet we have another D-man injury in less than 12 games.........one of Quaider, Seidenberg or Chara will be injured within a dozen games.

This
- dothedougie

It starts with Julien. Time to go. He is a good coach and honestly if Boston let's go St. Louis should dump Jabba the Hut and hire Julien. Perfect philosophy and team structure for Claude's style.

As for the Bruins, I don't know. Laviolette is already taken.

Kevan Miller should play the 3rd line D...... in Providence
- dothedougie

Oh god. Get him the (frank) out of here.

DJ Bean posted that McQuaid is off of the IR and that C. Miller is not on the roster. C. Miller sent down to Providence. (Wrong Miller)

What's the over under on games it takes for McQuaid to injury himself? 10 games?

I bet we have another D-man injury in less than 12 games.........one of Quaider, Seidenberg or Chara will be injured within a dozen games.
- JIwasinskiJr

This is terrible news.

Not me personally but he is in a situation where the coach is ridiculous when it comes to rookies unless they're "Sandpaper" or "grit" guys. It took Spooner almost too long rise above that crap.

Shouldn't be this way. This team has it's work cut out for it. To me it seems Sweeney wants to build a faster, transition game type of team. You're not going to do that with Julien. He would rather skate Talbot, Rinaldo, Chara and Seidenberg and bench anything under 27 years old.
- One_Eyed_Sweede

I agree with this for the most part. I do think Claude runs a great system but hes way too old school with some of his personnel decisions.

The only reason I'm optimistic about the future is because when i look at our prospect pool... It's pretty legit. At all positions. Sweeney had a legitimately great draft. Senyshyn, Carlo, Lauzon, JFK, Gabrielle, Bjork even Vladar are looking like killer picks. Zboril and Debrusk are OK, they could have done better. Theyve got Czarnik, Griffith and Vatrano running train on the AHL. Theyve got Spooner, Pasta, Krug and Chiller in the NHL still growing. Some of these guys won't pan out, but there's a pretty good chance a bunch do, and 1 or 2 really exceed expectations.

The only glaring hole I see is the lack of a first and second pair D for next year. We just have to accept that we probably aren't getting those players this year. But with 2 firsts and a bevy of prospects (not to mention whatever return we get for Loui) I think Sweeney will be aggressive at the draft. This was always meant to be a bridge year, we should be happy the team is doing as well as they are right now. If the D was even average we'd be running away with the Atlantic.

DJ Bean posted that McQuaid is off of the IR and that C. Miller is not on the roster. C. Miller sent down to Providence. (Wrong Miller)

What's the over under on games it takes for McQuaid to injury himself? 10 games?

I bet we have another D-man injury in less than 12 games.........one of Quaider, Seidenberg or Chara will be injured within a dozen games.
- JIwasinskiJr

If we get a heavy dose of Seidenberg-Miller I'm gonna turn on Claude real quick