Playoffs and more on the mind

And even though the playoffs will be on everybody's mind soon, diehard fans ask about previous draft classes, whether Patrice Bergeron might be shopped during the offseason, and how good Phil Kessel could become.

According to the NHL's website, the playoffs will start on Wednesday, April 15. Since the Celtics are home at the Garden on that night, is it safe to assume that the Bruins will play on Thursday, April 16, and Saturday, April 18? If so, do you think Saturday's game will be an afternoon game?
Tim, Charlestown

A: Tim, good bet that the Bruins will start on Thursday, April 16. Game 2, then, would be on Saturday. Not sure whether it would be an afternoon or night game. Last year, the Bruins also started on a Thursday-Saturday schedule, with both games taking place at night in Montreal.

Are you not concerned that the Bruins drafts of 2008 (Joe Colborne, Maxime Sauve, Michael Hutchinson, Jamie Arniel....) and 2007 (Zach Hamill, Tommy Cross, Denis Reul....) seem to be weak, especially comparing to their crop of 2006 (Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic) and 2004 (David Krecji, Matt Hunwick, Kris Versteeeg - since traded)? None of the drafted players of 2007 or 2008 played in last year's World Junior Championship. With the specter of the Bruins not being able to sign all of their upcoming UFAs and RFAs, these weaker drafts could potentially set the team back several years. Or do you see solid NHL talent (top-six forward or top-three D-man) in Providence ready to step in next year or the year after?
Jean-Marc, Montreal

A: Jean-Marc, tough question considering these drafts were so recent. Very hard to look at a draft and rate its success one or two years after it took place. That said, there's no doubt the players from the 2007 draft have gotten off to a rough start. Hamill missed the first month of this season with a thumb injury. It's taken him a long time to rediscover the offensive touch that made him the WHL's leading scorer in his draft year. Cross had no luck shaking his injury history in his first year at BC. Reul is a project and has big-league size, but I'd be surprised to see him in the NHL. Alain Goulet put up some good numbers in the QMJHL and should get some playing time with Providence next season. They might not sign Radim Ostrcil, and Jordan Knackstedt is another player who will have a tough time ever making it to the bigs. As for players in Providence who could play up here next year, I'd rank Tuuka Rask, Mikko Lehtonen, Brad Marchand, and Jeff Penner as the top four candidates.

Great coverage! I am interested in your take on the development of Mark Stuart. He was Boston's first selection in the absolutely star-studded 2003 draft class (Eric Staal, Thomas Vanek, Zach Parise, and Dion Phaneuf to name a few) and then spent three solid years at Colorado College before making the jump to pro. How do you feel he has progressed since joining the AHL in 05-06? As of late I feel he has really turned his physical play up (big hits coming more often) and his mistakes have drastically dropped. Also, do you have an all-time favorite NHL draft class?
Mark, Somerville

A: Good observation Mark. You're right that Stuart has picked up his game recently. Looks more confident and playing his game -- leaning on guys, playing well positionally, jumping up on occasion. He's one of the strongest players on the team and an above-average straight-line skater, which gives him the chance to join the rush and get back without damage being done. However, I'm surprised it's taken him this long to find a comfort zone. Maybe it's a reflection of how hard it is for defensemen to adapt to the NHL, but I thought he'd more effective sooner. Looking ahead to next year, I think he needs to be a top-four defenseman. Given the cap squeeze, it's going to be tough to have a guy with his salary on the third pairing. He'd be attractive on the trade market. As for favorite drafts, that 2003 has to be the best one. It's a once-in-a-generation draft. Just amazing to look at the list and the depth of the talent. You could have a dozen first-rounders from that year playing in the Olympics next year. Then you have Shea Weber at No. 49, Kyle Quincey at No. 132, Joe Pavelski at No. 205, Tobias Enstrom at No. 239 -- sick stuff.

Great job on your Bruins coverage. You are a must-read for this hockey fanatic! My question is about the Bruins goaltending. Manny Fernandez seems to be faltering over his past few outings and lately his appearances are few and far between. I have heard the comment about Thomas playing better when he is well rested. While conceding that the backup should see an occasional game to spell relief for your No. 1, do you really think that Tim Thomas needs frequent rest to be at the top of his game? He seemed to play a lot last year and was very sharp late in the year and in the playoffs also. What is your take? Also, should the Boston faithful be nervous that Thomas is not locked in for next season yet?
Jim, Dracut

A: Yes, Jim, I'm in the Thomas-needs-rest camp. If you look at the 4-3 win over Philly, he was very busy with the acrobatics and athleticism part of his game. That takes a lot out of you. Also, every goalie needs a break from the mental pressure of the position. He'll play every game in the playoffs, but he'll get his rest before then. If I'm Thomas, I'm waiting until July 1 to see what kind of offers might come in. He likes it here and is a good fit for the system. But this is his last crack at a big-time contract, and he has earned the right to test the market.

How likely is it that the current rotation of Hunwick, Steve Montador, and P.J. Axelsson through the defense and fourth line will continue into the playoffs? Do you expect to see Byron Bitz and Shane Hnidy back in before the season ends? I've not seen anything to convince me Montador is any better defenseman than Hnidy, and while he's willing to drop the gloves he seems to spend most of his fights getting his blood on someone's knuckles.
Mike, Newbury

A: Mike, so much of this depends on the health situation. You saw against Tampa that Bitz got back in because Thornton was unavailable. I'd say that if everyone's healthy, Bitz and Hnidy stay out. Montador is a third-pairing defenseman and a fourth-line forward, but the Bruins like his versatility and compete level. On the back end, I think Montador adds a bit more mobility than Hnidy. Tough situation for Hnidy considering he's done everything the Bruins have asked him to do and he's been a good soldier. But he's the odd man out until injuries take place. Yes, Montador's taken his share of licks. But I like that he's game enough to challenge anybody.

Any word on whether Card Soderberg could or would play in the playoffs for the Bruins. Also, how has he been playing in Sweden?
Mark, Niagara Falls, Ontario

A: Soderberg will not play for the Bruins in 2008-09. Still up in the air whether he'll come over for training camp in the fall. Have not discussed Soderberg's play with anybody from the Bruins, so I can't answer the second part.

What do you think the Bruins are going to do with Bergeron after the season? He might be a decent overall player, but he's not close to being the player the Bruins expected when they signed him to that contract. Any chance they buy him out? For a guy putting up a 10-goal pace over 82 games, $4 million plus a year sounds awfully pricey.
Christian, Framingham

A: Christian, Bergeron has been their best two-way center the last few weeks. He's getting closer to being the player he once was. They will not buy him out. However, he will be included in trade chatter because of his contract. With Thomas and Krejci being their top two priorities, they might have to move Bergeron's salary to make space. But if I'm the Bruins, I think twice about moving him. Yes, there's always the threat of the third concussion. But he's a natural leader who can play in all situations. One of the team's positions of strength is the center depth. I'd try something else before moving Bergeron.

Should the Bruins trade for Vincent Lecavalier? Lecavalier is very unhappy in Tampa, he's 28 years old, I say go for it in June during the draft. Give Tampa what they want except for Chara, Kessel, and Wheeler. We lose a center, we get a better one. We lose Lucic, that would be big. But I believe we can get further with Blake Wheeler (Milan will often get injured with his style of play). Promote Rask and keep Fernandez or get another good veteran willing to play second. I can see Lecavalier and Kessel flying around, just like with Martin St. Louis in Tampa. Again, Lecavalier is only 28 years old and signed forever! What do you think?
Daniel, Quebec

A: I like Lecavalier too, Daniel. But the price to get him would be steep, and you're also saddled with his millstone of a contract. You really mess up your existing salary structure if you bring on his deal. If I'm Tampa, I'm asking for Lucic, Wheeler, Hamill, and a first. You willing to give that up?

What is Phil Kessel's ceiling? Could he ever become a 50-goal scorer/game-changer or will he always be the speed and finish. Also, are there any prospects in the organization that have the potential to take control of a game through their skill?
Jay, Amherst

A: Jay, that's one of the team's biggest mysteries. Nobody questions Kessel's skills. He's one of the fastest skaters in the league who doesn't get slower when he has the puck. He and Michael Ryder have the best releases on the team. You can't teach those kinds of skills. But it remains to be seen whether Kessel can put the other parts of his game together and become an elite finisher. You can talk all you want about him being young, but this is a third-year NHLer who still has to be reminded to compete. Maybe it will all come together. If so, he's in the 50-goal conversation. And no, there are no other prospects in the organization with that kind of game-breaking skill.

Why has Shane Hnidy been a healthy scratch the last 7-8 games? Picking up Montador was a waste of time and there was no reason in my mind that any team should sit a person that has been there for you all year and does what they are supposed to do: defend. Hnidy is a pure true blue-liner. I guess I just don't understand why they are sitting him. It really is not fair to him unless there is something I am missing. Plus, I want to add that Bergeron has no business being on the ice in any situation. He is gun shy and has not impressed my grandmother, if you understand. I would like to know Boston's record since his return from injury. You will see that it was about the same time the B's started to go into a slump. He is another player that's taking someone's spot on the ice.
Chris, Haverhill

A: Chris, I mentioned earlier that it's a tough situation for Hnidy. But with the team back to its winning ways, it's going to be hard for him to get back in the lineup. As for your Bergeron observation, I doubt you'll find many people agreeing with you.

Why is Claude Julien still behind the bench? He's lost this team just like he did in New Jersey! Zdeno Chara should be stripped of the "C" period. Maybe he could benefit from some time on the bench. My heart will be broken another year. While we're at it maybe Peter Chiarelli needs to go, too!
James, Welland, Ontario

A: James sent in his thoughts after the 3-2 overtime loss to LA. Perhaps his tune has changed since then.

FYI for Ben from Oakton, Va., in the last mailbag regarding his inability to receive the NESN feed down south. I am out here in California doing an internship for the semester and ordered the package on NHL.com so I could watch the B's games. Not only can you get all the B's games, but also every other game happening in the NHL on that particular night for a reasonable monthly price.
Chris, Framingham

A: Thanks for the tip, Chris.

The most recurring theme over the last week is the importance of practice (contrary to the opinion of the Allen Iversons of the world). But I was wondering, does the coach ever schedule an evening practice? As players try to carry over to real games the lessons learned in practice, would it make sense to try and simulate a game day as well?
Joe, Billerica

A: Interesting thought, Joe. Never occurred to me. But no, they have never had a night practice. These guys are highly dependent on routine and schedule. NHLers have been practicing in the mornings for seemingly forever. It would be hard to change that rhythm at this point. Logistically, there's also the morning skate on game days. Would be difficult to practice on Wednesday night, for example, skate again on Thursday, then play.

In the NJ game, where I live I couldn't see the game. But I saw that in the third period, there was a huge shot differential in NJ's favor, 17-3. Were the B's just sitting back? If so, why would you do that against a powerhouse like NJ? They even had a power play and got only one shot?
Steve, Dallas

A: Probably the first five minutes of the third were clearly in NJ's favor. But for the rest of the third, the Bruins didn't play that poorly. It's a function of a team being down by three goals going up ice and throwing lots of pucks on goal. Thomas didn't have to make too many tough saves. One of those instances where the statistics aren't a good reflection of what took place.

I know the contract with NBC is ready to expire and I was wondering if there are any other networks that may possibly sign with the NHL (ESPN, FOX, ABC, etc.)? It would be great for the NHL to be broadcast on a major network more often.
John, Weymouth

A: John, I've heard some chatter about ESPN wanting to get back in. But it's a tough sell for the NHL in the US. Obviously no problem getting TV contracts in Canada but it's a different story here. I think we have to acknowledge that south of the border, the NHL is a niche sport that's far behind the others when it comes to national interest.

One of the problems I have with the line pairings is I believe Ryder should replace Kessel on Marc Savard's line. Savard is a playmaker supreme and can create offense down low. Ryder is a sniper with a quick release as well as a pure goal scorer's knack for being in the right place at the right time. Kessel is not a good fit to play with Savard as he doesn't put himself into good position to score. Yes he leads the team in goals scored, but he usually creates his own opportunities himself. Savard needs someone to feed the puck to. Think Janney to Neely.
Ghost of Willi Plett, Mansfield

A: They tried pairing Savard with Ryder in the preseason. Absolutely no chemistry. Not sure why either. Maybe it was a case of Ryder not being familiar enough with Savard's game. Even in tight quarters when a pass might not be expected, Savard is always looking to dish and can get rid of the puck. Might be tough to try it again this late in the season when Savard and Kessel seem to have a decent comfort level.

Do you share my belief that Coach Julien needs to use more passing drills in his practices? It seems to me that in every Bruins game I watch there is at least one 5-10 minute stretch where the Bruins passing or pass receiving becomes mediocre or worse. Passes behind the intended receiver are the most consistent problem, but there are also times when it seems the intended receiver can only handle perfect passes. That hurts the offense badly enough, but hurts the defense even worse, in my opinion.
John, Boston

A: They work on passing a lot in practice, John. Not sure if it's a problem that's unique to the Bruins. Julien hasn't cited passing as an issue lately.

How many times have the Bruins had a 100 point or better team record, and how did they do in those years? Think it's a good story, and I can't seem to find any answers online. Bet it's only 15 times in history, maybe less. Pretty good milestone for the team, but they better get their heads straight, because New Jersey (big trouble), Detroit (big, big trouble), and maybe the Caps and Sharks, are the real deal. Still be a good year to survive two rounds of the playoffs, doubt it'll be much more.
John, Needham

A: Including this year, they've had 100 points or more in 18 seasons.