Goodbye, 2008

Likes:
Chara has returned to form since about the time of his fight against fellow Slovac.

Goaltending. Even when the skaters leave TT & MF blowing in the wind they still get the job done.

Krejci & Stuart responding to more responsability with the same calm competence as always.

The fact that as a team they remembered how to play in three zones to win instead of standing around waiting for the other guys to beat themselves.

Dislikes:
Barely there players like Yelle and Kobasew who aren't doing anything wrong but are doing about as much right.

The fact that Sobotka, St Pierre, and almost certainly Hunwick will end up not playing because others are playing reliably mediocre.

Fluto,

for dislikes you forgot:

Misuse of players. Having your worst offensive player skate continuously on a top line and on the top powerplay. Using him in a third line/checking line and on the penalty kill is the extent of the ice time he should be receiving.

Likes:
- Definately need to include the stellar play of both goalies Thomas and Manny. Not only has Manny rebounded from subpar seasons but Thomas is putting together a strong argument for an extension.
- The developing play of our young stars - Krecji, Wheeler, Lucic, and Kessel are all blossoming into a strong nucleus of what the bruins will look like for years to come.
- Wins and alot of them

Dislikes:
- Lucic's move to third line after an 8 game point streak. Sure hes a protypical third line player but playing on the first line with Savard and Kessel allows them to actually become one of the best lines in the league. Lucic's dominanting play along the boards creates huge mismatches for smaller opponent players. Opposing teams have even tried putting their heaviest hitter on the first line to offset Lucic's play but they lack the overall talent that he displays when he has the puck.
- Per Axelsson on the Power Play. The guy is a grinder not a playmaking power player.
- Defensemen playing less physical in front of the net.

Likes:
60 pts in 37 games & 4 Bruins at the top four slots in +/-
The emergence of Kessel, Krejci and Wheeler
Manny Fernandez coming back strong
A crushing victory over the Habs
The 3rd jersey (it could've been worse...)
Winning faceoffs and aggressive defense
Michael Ryder and the veterans getting it done

Dislikes:
Tim Thomas still can't play the puck
Bergeron out with another concussion
People baggin' on PJ - he's got skill, it doesn't always show on the scoresheet

Dislikes - Supposed Bruins "fans" who don't understand the use of Axe on the power play. The Bruins have only three true wingers with left handed shots; Sturm, Lucic, and Axe. Julien likes to have a left handed and a right handed shot at wing on the first power play unit, because it gives the umbrella formation more options. Just look at the first goal last night. A right handed winger would have a difficult time making the pass Axe made to the streaking Chara coming on the weak side.
The power play is not simply just about individual ability, but the ability of the individual to work within the system. Due to the unique strengths of Chara and Savard, Claude uses a system that fits the strengths of those two players (which is what smart coaches do). That system works best with wingers who have opposite handed shots. Obviously Sturm is the first choice, but with a lack of left handed shots at wing, Axe is the next best option.

I agree Todd, I'm sick of the people hating on PJ, hes one of those huge role players that nobody gives credit to. I can assure you that if they lose PJ people will start to notice his impact.

I am surprised, given the bruins great success so far this season, that there isn't some discussion about why. is this team a result of chiarelli's eye for talent, or julien's, or just serendipity? Have they finally found a coach who can get players to realize their potential? Should i expect more of the same in the bruins' future, or are we doomed to the mediocrity we've witnessed over the past decade?Should i even ask, in case this is a dream and and i could suddenly wake up and find them, once again, fighting for the eighth spot in the playoffs?

Couldn't have said it better myself, Corpsie. If Axe ever leaves he will be the truest example of you don't know what you've got until it is gone. I have been a fan of his for years. He's the kind of lunchpail grinder that Bruins fans have always loved. Every single team in the league would take him in a second if they could. He is often offensively challenged but his role as an overall two-way player is key. he never spent a day in the minors and is the longest tenured player on the team. I'm proud to wear his jersey every game.

I really hate to say this, but this isn't really about Chia...it's all about Julien and his coaching staff..I'm sick of people bashing PJ too, people wake up and smell what your shovelling. If you ever met Claude in person(which i have) you too would go the extra mile.. He's a players coach, he has a personaity thats beyond belief..Way to go Jules..Plus he has the younger players believing in themselves..that speaks volumes. Now I can say goodbye to an absolute terrible year in my life(2008)..Let's go bruins!! Thank god for 2009...

please comment on the significance of the czech component of this team: happy accident, or something more deliberate?
is there a stat for takeaway/giveaway ?or a stat for minutes spent in the offensive or defensive zone?seems like a lot of production comes from turnovers in the other team's defensive zone, when the other team has possession but is unable to clear the zone

Matt...

Misuse of players?
PJ has one of the top hockey I.Q.'s on this team. Who cares if he's on those lines and not getting all these points. Plenty of other guys are. And besides...anyone who knows anything about hockey would know that sometimes a player's significance to a team is more than stupid statistics. I mean, we are still winning aren't we?

boston kyle - i dont think moving Lucic to the 3rd line is a permanent move.... it was used to shake up the lineup which had "gone stale" according to Julien himself...as you can see it worked with savard and kessel gettin their groove back

My girl friend and I have season tickets here in Providence. We watched the Boston game the other night and she asked if were were going to see Krejci back here at all? I told here better watch the TV as Mr Krejci will not be coming back to Providence to entertain us at the Dunkin Donuts Center. I hope with $$$ and cap issues we can keep all these guys. We do have a great nucleus for the future. Get well Patrice!!! Man, can that guy ever catch a break???

Stopping trashing PJ. He does exactly what he is asked to do, and he clearly is a favorite of Julien. So let it go, already.

PJ still seems like the 'Tek of the Bruins...you hate his offense, but he is a cornerstone of the team. I guess you kind of have to take the blow.

Ed: I have P-Bruins tickets, too. I highly doubt you'll see Krejci back there. You'll just have to settle for St. Pierre, Boychuk, Lashoff, Hunwick, etc...not that that's too bad. :)