Ty Anderson: Thoughts from a back-to-back split

Boston is still the team to beat in a best of 7 series.

If the habs manage to get a little bit of toughness, they could give them a hard time.

Boston is still the team to beat in a best of 7 series.

If the habs manage to get a little bit of toughness, they could give them a hard time.
- soad_live

I'm very concerned about this year's Bruins team when it comes time for the playoffs, to be honest. Is Rask the goalie to power them past the second round? Can they survive if they only have one line clicking? How about Hamilton, will his skates touch the ice for more than 10 minutes a game in the postseason? I don't know, I just think that there's a lot of questions about this team right now, and the roster (as it is right now), is not enough to power you by a Pittsburgh, NY Rangers, or LA Kings attack.

With all due respect to Montreal, Boston is probably the best team the Pens have played so far. They played a very solid road game, but I think they let their foot off the gas too early (about midway thru the 2nd period) in terms of trying to get a 3rd goal and the Pens took the momentum of the game away from them...then the Pens started getting chances and the crowd started to get back into the game, and when the first goal went it things started snowballing and went downhill quickly for the B's....conversely, if they could have pushed and gotten a 3rd, it would have been lights out...

I'm very concerned about this year's Bruins team when it comes time for the playoffs, to be honest. Is Rask the goalie to power them past the second round? Can they survive if they only have one line clicking? How about Hamilton, will his skates touch the ice for more than 10 minutes a game in the postseason? I don't know, I just think that there's a lot of questions about this team right now, and the roster (as it is right now), is not enough to power you by a Pittsburgh, NY Rangers, or LA Kings attack.
- tyanderson

I think the Bruins have set themselves up nicely for a playoff push, Soderberg sounds like a legit forward and they have the money and assets to add a top 6 forward or top 4 d-man. The addition of Soderberg and a top 6 forward would make the whole forward group pretty deep just like team that beat the Canucks.

With all due respect to Montreal, Boston is probably the best team the Pens have played so far. They played a very solid road game, but I think they let their foot off the gas too early (about midway thru the 2nd period) in terms of trying to get a 3rd goal and the Pens took the momentum of the game away from them...then the Pens started getting chances and the crowd started to get back into the game, and when the first goal went it things started snowballing and went downhill quickly for the B's....conversely, if they could have pushed and gotten a 3rd, it would have been lights out...
- Emperor Filonius

I agree. But its tough to say that there is a more hard working team than Mtl. Also, i think they get the better depth up front.

But i think Boston get the edge right now, over Pitts and Mtl.

But as far as the playoofs are concern, the east is wide open due to inconsistent goaltending.

Just wait until the Bruins have to play against the Fly...oh, right...sorry.

I think the Bruins have set themselves up nicely for a playoff push, Soderberg sounds like a legit forward and they have the money and assets to add a top 6 forward or top 4 d-man. The addition of Soderberg and a top 6 forward would make the whole forward group pretty deep just like team that beat the Canucks.
- Nucker101

IF he shows up. Exciting as it sounds he has waffled a few times on coming to the NHL. But they do have plenty of cap room if they can find a trade partner(s).

Chris Kelly out indefinitely with fractured tibia. That's the injury that ended Chuck Kobasew's year in 2007-08 and caused Andrew Ference to miss 31 games in 2008-09.

Chris Kelly out indefinitely with fractured tibia. That's the injury that ended Chuck Kobasew's year in 2007-08 and caused Andrew Ference to miss 31 games in 2008-09.
- tyanderson

What do they do now? They can't go the rest of the season with that 3rd line from last night.

What do they do now? They can't go the rest of the season with that 3rd line from last night.
- GSDIV

Hope that Soderberg's (who may be suspended according to some Swedish reports 'cause of a crosscheck to a dude's head late in the game last night) club gets bounced and that he actually reports over. In the now, Peverley's an OK option at center, but I'm not keen on him doing it for the rest of the year. We'll have to see.

Chris Kelly out indefinitely with fractured tibia. That's the injury that ended Chuck Kobasew's year in 2007-08 and caused Andrew Ference to miss 31 games in 2008-09.
- tyanderson

This is a big blow to the Bruins. He may not be producing offensively but he brings so much in the defensive aspect. A move needs to be seriously considered soon because a 3rd line of Caron/Peverley/Pandolfo is not going to work out long term. It will be interesting to see how these next few weeks pan out.

This is a big blow to the Bruins. He may not be producing offensively but he brings so much in the defensive aspect. A move needs to be seriously considered soon because a 3rd line of Caron/Peverley/Pandolfo is not going to work out long term. It will be interesting to see how these next few weeks pan out.
- fudd1689

Yep ... I expect PC will look to add a vet 3C that can play that defensive role in addition to a winger, and in addition to Soderberg.

I wonder if he's suspended if he can just come over now.

I agree. But its tough to say that there is a more hard working team than Mtl. Also, i think they get the better depth up front.

But i think Boston get the edge right now, over Pitts and Mtl.

But as far as the playoofs are concern, the east is wide open due to inconsistent goaltending.
- soad_live

Agreed on MTL. Therrien is a very solid coach when he can get the players to buy in to what he wants them to do. He's a smart guy who recognizes that their best player is Price and built a system that maximizes him and enforces the discipline to stick with it. He's a great guy in the short run, but as you know, the message wears thin after a few years...but in the short run he's just what MTL needs.

Chris Kelly out indefinitely with fractured tibia. That's the injury that ended Chuck Kobasew's year in 2007-08 and caused Andrew Ference to miss 31 games in 2008-09.
- tyanderson

Ouch. Sorry to hear that.

Yep ... I expect PC will look to add a vet 3C that can play that defensive role in addition to a winger, and in addition to Soderberg.

I wonder if he's suspended if he can just come over now.
- Double_A

I know Chiarelli has been reluctant to overpay for players, which is understandable. Maybe this deadline is the one he finally overpays slightly, not by a lot but adds that extra incentive into a deal.

Agreed on MTL. Therrien is a very solid coach when he can get the players to buy in to what he wants them to do. He's a smart guy who recognizes that their best player is Price and built a system that maximizes him and enforces the discipline to stick with it. He's a great guy in the short run, but as you know, the message wears thin after a few years...but in the short run he's just what MTL needs.
- Emperor Filonius

Exactly. I give him 3 years.

I'm a fan of the western conference, but I live in the Eastern timezone so I watch a lot of Eastern hockey. And while I appreciate your non-homer reaction to Neil's hit( very refreshing)...to say he isn't dirty is a stretch. In fact, how he has never been suspended is absolutely shocking to me. I watch a ton of Ottawa games and almost game to game he does something that is borderline suspendable.

Everyone would love to have him on your team...he plays hard. He's mean...picks his spots nicely, but he is definitely dirty.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Lno7clSS2J0

How did he not get a suspension for what was clearly an attempt to erase Grabovski, who doesn't and never did have the puck with a shoulder to the head from the blindside?! And while I'm not a fan of the Bruins, whether Neil meant to hurt his "friend" or not, it was still a reckless play. And again, Kelly didn't have the puck.

still think the Bruins are the team to beat in the East. but a ton could happen. If the standings stay like so, the earliest Boston/Pittsburgh could see each other in the playoffs is the ECF, Boston/Montreal in the 2nd Round.

I think the Penguins need some grit down in the bottom 6 at the deadline. if the penguins make the right moves at the deadline then I think they become the team to beat.

it will be a battle though. very excited for the finish

Hope that Soderberg's (who may be suspended according to some Swedish reports 'cause of a crosscheck to a dude's head late in the game last night) club gets bounced and that he actually reports over. In the now, Peverley's an OK option at center, but I'm not keen on him doing it for the rest of the year. We'll have to see.
- tyanderson

It looks like he will fit right in, not only does he have a ö in his name but he also likes to cross check guys in the head who give him a hard time!

Hope this works but here is the play where Söderberg gets the match penalty: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SEcPXySv_KU

I thought the decision to play Rask against the injured Senators over the streaking Penguins was an odd choice. Having said that, Khudobin looked great out there. Also, his name sounds like a Street Fighter attack, which rules.

I expect you guys to win big on Sunday. 1-4 or something similar.

I know Chiarelli has been reluctant to overpay for players, which is understandable. Maybe this deadline is the one he finally overpays slightly, not by a lot but adds that extra incentive into a deal.
- fudd1689

Not really, he overpaid for Kaberle....
If he's got the man love for a player, he'll pull the trigger.

I thought the decision to play Rask against the injured Senators over the streaking Penguins was an odd choice. Having said that, Khudobin looked great out there. Also, his name sounds like a Street Fighter attack, which rules.

I expect you guys to win big on Sunday. 1-4 or something similar.
- kill.monsters

That's one of the sad things of the Pens game, Khudo played his laces off, coulda been 10-2 with out him, and its not like he gave up softies

I'm a fan of the western conference, but I live in the Eastern timezone so I watch a lot of Eastern hockey. And while I appreciate your non-homer reaction to Neil's hit( very refreshing)...to say he isn't dirty is a stretch. In fact, how he has never been suspended is absolutely shocking to me. I watch a ton of Ottawa games and almost game to game he does something that is borderline suspendable.

Everyone would love to have him on your team...he plays hard. He's mean...picks his spots nicely, but he is definitely dirty.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Lno7clSS2J0

How did he not get a suspension for what was clearly an attempt to erase Grabovski, who doesn't and never did have the puck with a shoulder to the head from the blindside?! And while I'm not a fan of the Bruins, whether Neil meant to hurt his "friend" or not, it was still a reckless play. And again, Kelly didn't have the puck.
- Mrbs71

Marchand would have been suspended for that hit, it was knee to knee. It just didn't look intentional, despite it being Neil... that said he was pasted on the boards earlier, and maybe he was looking for a little justice.

I'm a fan of the western conference, but I live in the Eastern timezone so I watch a lot of Eastern hockey. And while I appreciate your non-homer reaction to Neil's hit( very refreshing)...to say he isn't dirty is a stretch. In fact, how he has never been suspended is absolutely shocking to me. I watch a ton of Ottawa games and almost game to game he does something that is borderline suspendable.

Everyone would love to have him on your team...he plays hard. He's mean...picks his spots nicely, but he is definitely dirty.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Lno7clSS2J0

How did he not get a suspension for what was clearly an attempt to erase Grabovski, who doesn't and never did have the puck with a shoulder to the head from the blindside?! And while I'm not a fan of the Bruins, whether Neil meant to hurt his "friend" or not, it was still a reckless play. And again, Kelly didn't have the puck.
- Mrbs71

I'm really sure the Neil/Kelly hit was dirty or intentional. They were long time teammates and apparently close friends outside of Hockey. If that hit is really intentional, then Neil is a pretty poopty friend and person.

Neil's norm that is he is gritty guy that plays on the line. It's a contact sport and people are going to get hurt. It''s not like he was Raffi Torres out there.