Plenty of work to do before the playoffs

Like any postseason-bound team, the Bruins will have to get quality goaltending. But as some observers have noticed, the goaltending situation is not ideal because of the recent struggles of Manny Fernandez.

On to the questions ...

I'd like you, Fluto, to ask Coach Julien if he feels the B's problems are mostly mental and motivationally oriented now. I think because they've essentially exceeded even their own expectations this season that they've lost their target to shoot at. Logically, one could say every club's annual goal is to win the Cup, but as you know, there are many steps to be taken along the way. Having taken most of those many steps already this year, I wonder if the B's need to make winning the Cup their goal now, so as to find something "new" to focus on. Simplistic? Maybe, but I suspect this is a valid point.
Al, Manchester, N.H.

A: Al, it's all mental. All in their heads. This is not about execution, game plans, X's and O's. They've gotten too soft and too complacent. A few games ago, Julien started talking about the President's Trophy and how that's something the team can aim for. It's a tool to give the players a tangible goal, even if it doesn't mean much. I don't think it would be a bad thing if New Jersey catches them and finishes with the East lead. They need something to motivate themselves and make them mentally sharp again. They didn't suddenly become bad hockey players. It's that they aren't as tough mentally as they were before.

I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on how deep the Bruins will need to go into the playoffs in order for this season to be successful. Obviously at the beginning of the year, the idea of just making the playoffs would have put a smile on the face of every Bruins fan. But seeing as the team has grossly overachieved during the regular season, how far has the success bar been raised in terms of a playoff run? Go B's!
Jeremy, Tampa

A: Jeremy, winning one round is a must. Perhaps even two. I think, based on what we've seen in the last month, that the Bruins played above their heads in November and December, like you mentioned. But that's no excuse for not making some noise in the playoffs. You've got an ace goalie, the best defenseman in the league, and a team that, when it plays with emotion and is focused for 60 minutes, can play a dominant puck-possession game.

When it all comes down to it, do you think Thomas has what it takes mentally to win a Stanley Cup and what do you think of giving Thomas only half of the remaining games, giving him a Brodeur-esque rest? Secondly, same goes for Chara/Wideman with Hnidy/Hunwick. With home ice all but sealed could the rest give these guys some pop in the postseason?
Dave, Halifax, Nova Scotia

A: Yes, I think Thomas can win a Cup. You can't argue about his production the last three seasons. Granted, he's only been to the playoffs once, and he wasn't exactly a world-beater against Montreal last season. But I think he can get hot and do good things in the playoffs. But you bring up a good point in rest and how that might affect Thomas's game. I think the Bruins should have given Fernandez more of an opportunity to find his game in the last two weeks. Even after that dud against the Rangers, I would have played him against Columbus in the next game. Alternate both goalies, then let Thomas take the last five regular-season games and ride into the playoffs. Right now, I'm seeing a slightly overworked Thomas and a Fernandez struggling with confidence issues -- not an ideal goaltending situation. As for Chara and Wideman, perhaps they could see their minutes trimmed heading into the playoffs. But I would not sit them entirely and replace them with Hnidy or Hunwick.

What do the Bruins do down the stretch with balancing goaltending with the need to right the ship before the playoffs? They have to get Fernandez some time, but they need wins too. Also, is there a scenario where Manny struggles to the point where you don't trust him as a backup for the playoffs and call up Rask?
Steve, Feeding Hills

A: Steve, as I noted in the previous answer, I don't like how the goaltending is looking at this moment. If the Bruins don't trust Fernandez enough to give him some games between now and the playoffs, you risk burning out Thomas and not having your No. 1 goalie fresh (physically and mentally) for the playoffs. I also don't think Rask can be trusted now or in the playoffs. Rask is still letting in untimely goals that he should stop. It's also not good for a young goalie's development to come into a pressure situation this late in the year. The Bruins have to hope that Fernandez turns things around and gives Thomas some rest down the stretch.

In my opinion the Bruins lost their confidence after the San Jose loss. They don't win those battles along the boards like they have been throughout the season. I understand that other teams are battling for playoff positions and playing harder than they were the first half of the season. I feel to get back on the right stride the physical play needs to pick up, especially in front of the net. I would like to see more physical play from Lucic and especially Blake Wheeler. Wheeler is a big kid and he has been playing small. If they keep playing this way, do you think they could be going into the playoffs as a third-place team or a first-place team?
John, Napa, Calif.

A: John, emotion is a requirement for the Bruins to be successful. Emotion leads to physical play and being hard to play against in those dirty areas. Don't think we'll ever see Wheeler being a physical presence, though. That's not his game and not sure he can introduce it at this stage of the season. Wheeler's game is more finesse than Lucic's straight-line, smashmouth style. Don't see them dropping to third, but I wouldn't be surprised to see New Jersey pass them for the East lead.

This season Chara has been spectacular. Are the Bruins working on a contract extension for him?
Matt, West Warwick, R.I.

A: Matt, Chara has two more years remaining on his contract. They cannot complete an extension until the final season of his current deal. He's certainly playing like he's due at least one more big-time contract.

I am from Newfoundland and noticed that Michael's brother Daniel Ryder is now playing with the Baby B's. I just wanted to know if he is now Bruins property or his rights still belong to the Flames. Although he has recently had some personal troubles, I think that he has great upside and is a former OHL playoff MVP for the Peterborough Petes.
Marcus, Newfoundland

A: Dan Ryder is currently in the middle of a 25-game tryout with Providence. If they like what they see, they could bring him back under a standard contract next year. He is no longer Calgary property.

Two questions for you. For the playoff push could you see the B's grabbing a re-entry waiver player like Gary Roberts or Miroslav Satan? Both have playoff experience and would add depth with little hit to the cap. Homegrown talent campaign: New Hampshire's Bobby Butler will be going into his senior season for the Wildcats next year. Having put together a solid career so far in Durham, the Marlborough native bleeds Black and Gold and plays the Bruins' style already. Any chance on getting his name out there to see if the B's sign him to an amateur tryout after next year. "Butler in 2011" buttons go on sale in the fall . . .
Bill, Roanoke, Texas

A: Bill, since you submitted this question, Roberts has announced his retirement. With the way he performed in Pittsburgh this season, Satan is going to have quite the challenge finding big-league work next season. Bruins certainly need some kind of spark, but I don't think they'll be adding to the roster now. It has to come from within. Butler in Boston posters being printed.

What happened in practice on Tuesday that had a couple of players "fired up" at each other? Were there any fights? And what did Claude Julien mean when discussing Manny and "issues" that they are keeping internal?
Al, Toronto

A: No fights in practice on Tuesday. But the level of competitiveness was higher than usual. The players know they're not in a good spot right now and they have to get things fixed before April. They're being pressed by the coaching staff, but they're also challenging themselves. On Fernandez, I don't know what the issue is. I'd suspect he's frustrated at his own play and not playing as much recently. Beyond that, I don't know.

What is Julien's/Chiarelli's fascination with Montador over Hnidy? Don't get me wrong, if Hnidy was playing for another team I wouldn't care how he is playing. But it seems to me that they should have let Montador get used to the system in practice first before kicking Hnidy to the curb. Both play the same style of game and I believe that Hnidy has earned the right to play every game.
Chris, Manchester, N.H.

A: I don't think Montador has been an issue. The Bruins have always considered Hnidy a No. 7 defenseman. When injuries come (just about a guarantee), Hnidy will be back in the lineup. Montador had played in every game with Anaheim this season. Montador is what he is -- a depth defenseman who's most effective when he isn't noticed.

I stupidly scheduled a vacation in mid-April and will likely miss a lot of the first round. My question is due to the season ending a couple days later this year, what date do you think the playoffs will start? Secondly, how many (if any at all) of the Bruins games can we expect to be nationally televised?
Corwin, Allston

A: Just a guess, but I could see Games 1 and 2 for the Bruins taking place on April 22 and 24 (Wednesday and Friday). Believe NESN will be carrying all first-round games.

I have a couple of questions about the upcoming playoff season. Who do you think finishes 1-8 in the East? From those teams, who do you think are the better matchups for the Bruins? Also, what teams would give the Bruins a run for their money?
Jaci, Boston

A: My 1-8 guesses: NJ, Boston, Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Montreal, NYR, Florida. I think the Bruins would be OK against Montreal (if that doesn't get this team jacked up, nothing will) and the Rangers. Florida would be tough because of their speed and coaching.

I think the Collective Bargaining Agreement right now is very bad for hockey fans. With the salary cap and the restricted and unrestricted free agents ombined it's impossible to keep your players that you draft and develop. The Bruins took 3-4 years to go to the top of the standings and had to good players with good drafting and now the players have to leave because of the cap or RFA or UFA. I understand cases like Fernandez and Thomas (age 34 ) but come on, Kessel, Krejci, Lucic, Wheeler ( 2-3 years to come), and the list goes on and on. What do you think?
Marc-Andre, Quebec City

A: Unfortunately, that's the reality of the sport, declining revenues, and shrinking cap. The Bruins won't be alone in facing cap problems with their young players. It's a tough situation, but I wouldn't place the blame on this current situation on the CBA. The players voted unanimously not to opt out of the CBA for good reason. While it has its flaws, it presents the most effective agreement for both parties to operate under.

Why isn't Hunwick dressing more often? I feel he's as good if not better than 90 percent of the defensemen on this team and he's not considered in the top six? Ference is very overrated, he's been here for while and has had a two-month stretch that he played fairly well, but he gets a second D shift and everyone seems to think he's a solid defensman. Also gets plenty of PP and PK time -- it makes no sense. Hunwick can fill any of those roles, is a much better skater, makes the outlet pass, and best of all, joins the rush, a skill most defensemen on the team lack. He knows how to read the play and also has the skill to gap up and maintain D position without getting caught up ice, etc. In my opinion, Ference, Stuart, Montador, Ward, Hnidy (and at times, Wideman) should not be playing over this kid.
T, Worcester

A: I like Hunwick's game, but I don't think he's better than 90 percent of the current defense. Hunwick's somewhere between a healthy scratch and the off-the-charts player he was when he first got regular playing time. I like the way he skates and competes, but I don't consider him an upgrade over Ference (veteran, more physical, better hockey sense). I could see him and Stuart sharing ice time to give the Bruins more of a puck-moving element. But I think it would be tough scratching any of their other D's for Hunwick.

Does Patrice Bergeron play a role in the future of this organization? What expectations does Julien have for him now? I still believe Bergeron is a great talent. He contributes, does the little things, etc., and would love to see him flourish here. But is Boston ultimately the place where that can -- and will -- happen, and did he figure into any trade talks?
Matt, Salem

A: Matt, Bergeron is absolutely a franchise cornerstone. Didn't hear his name come up in talks this time around. Considering his cap hit and the concern about the next concussion, dealing Bergeron won't be out of the question. But he's shown when healthy, he's exactly what the Bruins are looking for -- a natural leader who plays a tough, two-way game and has offensive creativity.

This is more a statement than a question but I think we should shed some light on Aaron Ward's interviews every Wednesday at 8 a.m. on WBCN. His interviews with the Toucher and Rich show are extremely informative and give a good insight as to the B's locker room and current thoughts/actions. I have full confidence in the boys and their ability to right this ship just from what Ward has been saying. He's very straightforward, I think everyone should give a listen.
Ryan, Framingham

A: Ward is a good go-to guy who can articulate what's going on with the team. None come close in the self-deprecating category, either.

Can Julien please, please take Bergeron off the point on the power play? What's the point on having him there? His one-timers are awful. Just seems to me he would be more useful down low. In fact, you know what, why not move Chara to the front of the yet? Yeah, he's got a big blast, but so what? All it takes is a wrist shot, and if the goalie can't see it, same result. Two defenders would be aware of Chara freeing up other players to make a play. Thoughts?
Sully, Wilmington

A: I don't mind Bergeron at the point because of his vision and puck-moving ability (no, not exactly a rocket of a one-timer). But I'm with you on putting Chara in front of the net more often, not just in late-game, empty-net situations. I understand the hesitation to do so, considering the beating net-front PP guys take and the possible drop in Chara's defensive play if he's subject to such punishment. But he takes up space. Other D-men can't move him. He's got good hands around the net. I think when you really need a PPG, you park the captain in front and put Wideman up top with Bergeron.

Does the B's transition problem lie with the D not making the crisp outlet pass on time, the O not being in the right position, or other teams picking up on a year's worth of video showing the B's basically use the same angles and lanes almost every time?
Rosenblatt, Beverly

A: Probably a bit of everything. There were times when the forwards didn't have good gaps and weren't coming back for the puck hard enough. Or when the defensemen were having trouble getting the puck off their sticks because of the forecheck. Or when opposing teams know that the Bruins don't like to go up the walls on the breakout and take away the middle of the ice. Bottom line: moving the puck from defense to offense is a hard thing to do. Not many teams out there like Detroit.

My inability to receive NESN down here hinders my ability to watch the Bruins, so following your blog is my only way of seeing how the boys are doing. Thank you, and I appreciate your hard work. Now down to the business: 1. Why didn't the B's go for a player like Billy Guerin, a proven veteran and familiar with the B's organization? 2. Which brings up another one, do you think Mark Recchi fits into this lineup, because he just doesn't seem to skate well enough to keep up with the B's hard forechecking, stretching-the-ice style of play?
Ben, Oakton, Va.

A: I think Guerin wasn't in the picture because he's a righthanded shot. The Bruins needed a lefty. I think Recchi can still play. He was outstanding against Chicago a few games back and had no trouble keeping up with Bergeron and Kobasew. He's been inconsistent, but I like his play around the net. He'll be fine.

Fluto, what's your take on Joe Colborne? The Bruins seem to be bringing these guys along slower to help develop them. But with Colborne, I can see a Blake Wheeler situation happening. He will play out his three years at college and then become a free agent. That would be a complete waste of a draft pick. So why would the Bruins use their first-round draft pick on someone who may never play on their club?
Pete, West Roxbury

A: I don't see a Wheeler situation taking place. Colborne is their second-best prospect behind Rask. Would be a disaster if they let him walk, and he's shown no indications that he wants to play for another organization. He'll stay at Denver for one more season -- if that. I could see him turning pro and starting next season in Providence if he chooses to leave school.

What kind of salary cap hit would the Bruins take if they had Tuukka Rask on the team in the playoffs but not the regular season?
Augustus, Somerville

A: No cap hit in the playoffs, Augustus. They can bring up Rask and anybody else from Providence they want without cap ramifications. Playoff teams sometimes bring up extra bodies (Black Aces is the popular term). But that's usually when the farm team is out of the playoffs. Doubt management would want to take too many players off the Providence roster.

My rhetorical question or simple question on the subject of NHL trade deadline were both unanswered the last two mailbags. So, I think it prudent to ask neither type of question. I think the trade deadline should be at the end of January or earlier. The speculation is both debilitating to the sport and the competition. The actual trades affect who or who does not make the playoffs. It demeans the NHL regular season schedule. It gives undue advantages to lower-level teams in the playoffs. What can I say ---play hockey, not speculation.
Carson, Keene, N.H.

A: Carson, kept meaning to ask Peter Chiarelli this question and never got around to it. He'd be in better position to answer the question. Will get you a response when I hear back from him.