GDT: 11/2: Aint No Party Like a Boston Party! 7pm ET: NESN, 98.5 FM

[smithformeragent]

Agreed, not sure Johnson is a guy who can push or compete with Tuukka but any way we cut it, goaltending is far from being an issue with this team IMO

Definitely true.

I find that people who don't understand hockey tend to give goalies too much blame/praise.

You can always spot a hockey novice because they lean on the "hot goalie wins playoff series" argument haha.

 

[TCL40]

And god forbid Tuukka gets injured but if he does-is there anyone who thinks Svedberg gets called up to man the door? My gut says Svedberg gets the starts and Johnson still mans the door.

 

[ODAAT]

Definitely true.

I find that people who don't understand hockey tend to give goalies too much blame/praise.

You can always spot a hockey novice because they lean on the "hot goalie wins playoff series" argument haha.

Or has a great pre season...see Nick Johnson

Or has a hot playoff run Steve Penney cough cough

Found it funny when I heard a goalie was/is now working for a company who makes/distributes eye glass frames

 

[OutspokenMinority*]

Definitely true.

I find that people who don't understand hockey tend to give goalies too much blame/praise.

You can always spot a hockey novice because they lean on the "hot goalie wins playoff series" argument haha.

for multiple reasons... just

 

[ODAAT]

And god forbid Tuukka gets injured but if he does-is there anyone who thinks Svedberg gets called up to man the door? My gut says Svedberg gets the starts and Johnson still mans the door.

Now THAT....could be scary...I`ll pretend I didn`t read this

 

[Dellstrom]

And god forbid Tuukka gets injured but if he does-is there anyone who thinks Svedberg gets called up to man the door? My gut says Svedberg gets the starts and Johnson still mans the door.

Maybe... I think Svedberg played better and deserved the spot, but Johnson had to go through waivers and another season in the AHL never hurt anyone, so they went the safe route.

Honestly I think they'd have to make a trade if it was (and please, PLEASE, God forbid) season-ending. Can't afford to waste any years with this group. Not looking more forward than that, though. I'm scared now.

I'm comfortable with Johnson as the backup. He let up 3 goals in a game where we forgot how to play defense and the offense scored one goal. Two of them weren't his fault, the first was a really awkward save and there wasn't much he could do there either. He won his first game. You can't expect a Rask-esque backup anymore, I think we're pretty set with Johnson.

 

[ODAAT]

Maybe... I think Svedberg played better and deserved the spot, but Johnson had to go through waivers and another season in the AHL never hurt anyone, so they went the safe route.

Honestly I think they'd have to make a trade if it was (and please, PLEASE, God forbid) season-ending. Can't afford to waste any years with this group. Not looking more forward than that, though. I'm scared now.

I'm comfortable with Johnson as the backup. He let up 3 goals in a game where we forgot how to play defense and the offense scored one goal. Two of them weren't his fault, the first was a really awkward save and there wasn't much he could do there either. He won his first game. You can't expect a Rask-esque backup anymore, I think we're pretty set with Johnson.

I think Johnson is better than both options in Philly and Edmonton

 

[smithformeragent]

Again, big picture.

When all 4 lines are clicking, and 3 lines are scoring, opponent's can't possibly match up. Chiarelli looks like a genius.

When they struggle to score, it's easy to point to the lack of a legitimate top 10 super star goal scorer/play maker who can carry the load.

 

[ReggieMoto]

I don't think Rask has to play, put a number on it, 85% of the games to justify his contract. He just needs to play well and help win games in the playoffs. I don't see why a 67%/33% split is out of the question. Healthy competition is good for the position and pushes the starter.

Agreed, not sure Johnson is a guy who can push or compete with Tuukka but any way we cut it, goaltending is far from being an issue with this team IMO

I haven't looked in any kind of depth on this so I don't know for sure, but it looks like out of 13 total games Rask has started and finished 11 and Johnson 2. Maybe this is where you got your 85% number from because that appears to be Rask's present workload.

Lots of folks here complaining about having Johnson in net for this game so apparently they prefer Rask to carry more (what, 92%)?

Regardless of the percentage, is this really what folks are looking for: Svedberg backing up Rask to the tune of playing only 10%-15% of the season? Right now he's staying sharp getting the lion's share of the starts in Providence.

It seems to me that an emotional attachment to a particular player is definitely getting in the way of reason for many. Johnson is not a bad goalie and is demonstrably a suitable (edit: in-game) backup for Rask. Svedberg is getting tons of work in Providence. This will keep him sharp in case the team needs to call him up (he will likely fill in for Rask if need be, not Johnson). Rask is currently getting 85% of the starts in Boston.

I really don't get what the complaints are all about.

 

[ReggieMoto]

And god forbid Tuukka gets injured but if he does-is there anyone who thinks Svedberg gets called up to man the door? My gut says Svedberg gets the starts and Johnson still mans the door.

Yes, my belief as well.

 

[smithformeragent]

^RM, you're right. It serves no purpose to have Svedberg just sit and rot on the bench w/ the parent club.

 

[DKH]

Reilly Smith doesn't even look like a full time NHLer to you but rather a tweener? Good one. He's definitely an NHLer, does he have the offensive skill to be a top six guy is to be determined but he's already at least a steady third liner.

Agree Riley Smith can play on third line; they need to get Eriksson back healthy; Bergeron will get going; Marchand plays better when he is out to prove something- he's pretty comfortable these days and needs to just go out and play loose and fast. Skate more think less Brad.

The second line is the key and as long as Loui gets back they should be very good.

I've never seen a player in Boston with the 'contact flu' be do loved like Seguin,

 

[DKH]

I just find it funny everyone thinks we are gonna start scoring again when loui gets back.
I dont see it happening.

Not scoring as much as winning

 

[mislysBB]

Now THAT....could be scary...I`ll pretend I didn`t read this

I don't think anyone wants to think about Tuukka getting injured...that would be a complete nightmare for this team.

 

[Over the volcano]

Agree Riley Smith can play on third line; they need to get Eriksson back healthy; Bergeron will get going; Marchand plays better when he is out to prove something- he's pretty comfortable these days and needs to just go out and play loose and fast. Skate more think less Brad.

The second line is the key and as long as Loui gets back they should be very good.

I've never seen a player in Boston with the 'contact flu' be do loved like Seguin,

It will be great to watch how boston comes out against him on tuesday- they knew the same about Kessel and used it to completely eliminate him as any kind of threat for years.

 

[ReggieMoto]

I've never seen a player in Boston with the 'contact flu' be [so] loved like Seguin,

It will be great to watch how boston comes out against him on tuesday- they knew the same about Kessel and used it to completely eliminate him as any kind of threat for years.

Agree! This has the potential to be an extremely entertaining game from the perspective of laying hits on TS. Even Marchand, his buddy, is likely to get in pretty good on this, if for no other reason than to tease the crap out of him. Imagine, though, Lucic, Iginla, Campbell, Kelly, Chara, Seidenberg, Hamilton...all of them chasing him down and applying some good ole Bruins hockey on him? Wouldn't miss this for the world!

 

[Caper Bruins fan]

Ratings, based on expectations compared to results thus far:

KREJCI-A
LUCIC-A
IGINLA-B

The KREJCI line was, and has been for some time now, the only consistently dangerous offensive threat.

BERGERON is playing like a third line centre. Great on the dot, solid defensively and kills penalties but he's a second line centre and paid as such, he supposed to produce offensively too.
MARCHAND has his huge %^$#&*^ nose up his own a$$ and again he's paid to produce.
SMITH is a gamer but better suited for a third line role. ERIKSSON was playing as advertised until he got hurt.

BERGERON-C
MARCHAND-D-
SMITH-B
ERIKSSON-B

KELLY is KELLY, not going to produce often but he's a solid third liner. Paid too much for his role IMHO but he's playing to his strengths.
SODERBERG is still finding his way.
SPOONER has skill but he's young and like SODERBERG trying to find his NHL game. CARON sucks!

KELLY-C+
SODERBERG-B-
SPOONER-B
CARON-F

The Merlot line is NOT playing like the best fourth line in the NHL this season. THORNTON looks like he's fading. PAILLE is PAILLE, great speed, solid D and no hands. CAMPBELL appears unmotivated this season.

CAMPBELL-C
PAILLE-B-
THORNTON-C

On D-CHARA is still a force.
SEIDENBERG has been inconsistent, some good shifts and some where he's making mistakes rookie's typically make.
BOYCHUK is playing his typical game.
KRUG is a PP specialist IMHO. He's try hard in the D zone but frequently gets outmuscled.
HAMILTON is learning and improving every game. He'll be a good one soon.
MCQUAID has been a solid #6 guy.
BARTOWSKI is an AHLer.

CHARA-B-
SEIDENBERG-C
KRUG-C+
HAMILTON-B-
MCQUAID-B
BOYCHUK-B
BARTKOWSKI-D

Goaltending has not been an issue. In fact, RASK has probably saved won a couple of games on his play alone.

RASK-A+
JOHNSON-B

I agree with most of this except I don't see Krug losing that many 1-1 battles.Paille also appears unmotivated. Neither Paille or Campbell are playing anywhere near like they did in the playoffs. It is a cliche but overall this team is not working/competing hard enough to win hockey games.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Would like to see the B's bring up a legit right winger (or pick one up).

With Eriksson out the Bruins have 2 lines that do not have a natural right wing. Hell, the 3rd line has no wingers (3 centers). Neither Smith or Marchant look comfortable on the right side. Might even consider switching Spooner and Smith, letting Spooner center and move Bergy to right wing. Bergeron could still take key (or all) face-offs.

 

[Bruinswillwin77]

The epiphany last night around half way through the game was the thought of "Waaiiitt a minute... Who's even playing good, right now..Nobody..."

 

[BklyNBruiN]

Coach Julien said last night after the game "talent alone is not gonna win hockey games. Effort and compete level does" That's for sure Coach J. I have said that many times.

 

[Trap Jesus]

People are really complaining about Johnson? I thought he looked more than fine last night.

 

[Fire Sweeney]

Ratings, based on expectations compared to results thus far:

KREJCI-A
LUCIC-A
IGINLA-B

The KREJCI line was, and has been for some time now, the only consistently dangerous offensive threat.

BERGERON is playing like a third line centre. Great on the dot, solid defensively and kills penalties but he's a second line centre and paid as such, he supposed to produce offensively too.
MARCHAND has his huge %^$#&*^ nose up his own a$$ and again he's paid to produce.
SMITH is a gamer but better suited for a third line role. ERIKSSON was playing as advertised until he got hurt.

BERGERON-C
MARCHAND-D-
SMITH-B
ERIKSSON-B

KELLY is KELLY, not going to produce often but he's a solid third liner. Paid too much for his role IMHO but he's playing to his strengths.
SODERBERG is still finding his way.
SPOONER has skill but he's young and like SODERBERG trying to find his NHL game. CARON sucks!

KELLY-C+
SODERBERG-B-
SPOONER-B
CARON-F

The Merlot line is NOT playing like the best fourth line in the NHL this season. THORNTON looks like he's fading. PAILLE is PAILLE, great speed, solid D and no hands. CAMPBELL appears unmotivated this season.

CAMPBELL-C
PAILLE-B-
THORNTON-C

On D-CHARA is still a force.
SEIDENBERG has been inconsistent, some good shifts and some where he's making mistakes rookie's typically make.
BOYCHUK is playing his typical game.
KRUG is a PP specialist IMHO. He's try hard in the D zone but frequently gets outmuscled.
HAMILTON is learning and improving every game. He'll be a good one soon.
MCQUAID has been a solid #6 guy.
BARTOWSKI is an AHLer.

CHARA-B-
SEIDENBERG-C
KRUG-C+
HAMILTON-B-
MCQUAID-B
BOYCHUK-B
BARTKOWSKI-D

Goaltending has not been an issue. In fact, RASK has probably saved won a couple of games on his play alone.

RASK-A+
JOHNSON-B

Pretty good assesment except that I'g give Thornton a F and Chara isn't a top 10 D in the league anymore, going back to last season. We are really fortunate to have the best goalie in the league.

 

[Bruinswillwin77]

People are really complaining about Johnson? I thought he looked more than fine last night.

I don't get it either. He didn't lose the game, we all know that.

 

[DKH]

It will be great to watch how boston comes out against him on tuesday- they knew the same about Kessel and used it to completely eliminate him as any kind of threat for years.

Kessel was intimidated for years but last playoff season he was anything but. He played to win the puck battles and took hits to make plays. I was surprised and happy for him. Seguin likely will follow suit but as of today Kessel is a better player and as crazy as it sounds has more compete than Seguin in battles. Now in fairness to Tyler he could just be tired but the kid doesn't like contact.

 

[Trap Jesus]

Ratings, based on expectations compared to results thus far:

KREJCI-A
LUCIC-A
IGINLA-B

The KREJCI line was, and has been for some time now, the only consistently dangerous offensive threat.

BERGERON is playing like a third line centre. Great on the dot, solid defensively and kills penalties but he's a second line centre and paid as such, he supposed to produce offensively too.
MARCHAND has his huge %^$#&*^ nose up his own a$$ and again he's paid to produce.
SMITH is a gamer but better suited for a third line role. ERIKSSON was playing as advertised until he got hurt.

BERGERON-C
MARCHAND-D-
SMITH-B
ERIKSSON-B

KELLY is KELLY, not going to produce often but he's a solid third liner. Paid too much for his role IMHO but he's playing to his strengths.
SODERBERG is still finding his way.
SPOONER has skill but he's young and like SODERBERG trying to find his NHL game. CARON sucks!

KELLY-C+
SODERBERG-B-
SPOONER-B
CARON-F

The Merlot line is NOT playing like the best fourth line in the NHL this season. THORNTON looks like he's fading. PAILLE is PAILLE, great speed, solid D and no hands. CAMPBELL appears unmotivated this season.

CAMPBELL-C
PAILLE-B-
THORNTON-C

On D-CHARA is still a force.
SEIDENBERG has been inconsistent, some good shifts and some where he's making mistakes rookie's typically make.
BOYCHUK is playing his typical game.
KRUG is a PP specialist IMHO. He's try hard in the D zone but frequently gets outmuscled.
HAMILTON is learning and improving every game. He'll be a good one soon.
MCQUAID has been a solid #6 guy.
BARTOWSKI is an AHLer.

CHARA-B-
SEIDENBERG-C
KRUG-C+
HAMILTON-B-
MCQUAID-B
BOYCHUK-B
BARTKOWSKI-D

Goaltending has not been an issue. In fact, RASK has probably saved won a couple of games on his play alone.

RASK-A+
JOHNSON-B

First line is fine, although I don't see Iginla as being a step down from the other two.

Bergeron looks fine to me. He might not be as dominant as usual but I blame the lack of offensive production on Marchand being bad so far and Smith having no finish. Eriksson didn't help much when he was in either, although the combination of him, Smith and Bergeron started to look a lot better just before he went down.

No arguments for Marchand. He's had a couple moments this season, but overall... awful.

Smith is about right. He is a player that looks great out there, but just doesn't have any finish.

Really small sample size for Eriksson, but I don't see how he came anywhere near expectations when he was in. He was one of the most disappointing players to start the season. Came around a bit before he got hurt though.

I'd put Soderberg more in the C-range. Since that giveaway two games ago I thought he's looked really good, but before that he was really underwhelming. Looked great in preseason though.

Kelly has been mediocre for sure, and it's too small of a sample size for Spooner. Caron looked good to start the season. Sure he trailed off, but giving him an F is just stupid, and just makes it seem like you're in the "hate-Caron no-matter-what crew".

4th line has been par for the course. They all should be around a B-, I think.

Chara is about right. Great defensively, although he's mishandling the puck even more than usual. A bit hit and miss on the PP as well.

Seids has been a big disappointment so far. He's making a ton of mistakes.

Boyhcuk was a bit up and down, although he's been stronger than Seids.

I've been pleasantly surprised with McQuaid. He was one of my goats in previous years, but he's looked good so far.

Hamilton has impressed me in every facet of the game except for keeping the puck in the offensive zone. He's been absolutely atrocious at that and needs to get better. Other than that, I can't ask for more at this stage in his career.

Biggest disagreement here is Krug. What could you possibly be watching if you give a C+? I think you could make an argument for him being our best player, and when you're grading a rookie d-man based on expectations, that doesn't constitute anything less than an A. He's more than held his own in the d-zone and has been an absolute dynamo offensively.

Sample size is too small for Bart, although he hasn't looked very good when he's in.

Can't give Rask an A+ because he's faltered a bit as of a late, but I can't go outside an A for him; he's been terrific.

Too small of a sample size for Johnson.