It was a ground hog day of sorts, different score, same outcome, a Bruins win. Last Saturday in Philadelphia, the Bruins defeated the Flyers in an old time hockey style game that left Boston skating out of Flyers territory with a 4-3 shootout win. Just one week later, the Bruins repeated their winning tactics, topping the Flyers 5-2 and clinching first place in the Eastern Conference, giving them home ice advantage when the playoffs skate into town beginning April 16th.
“Well, something, I guess, we wanted to do but it wasn’t really our main goal, everyone knows what our main goal is,” said Bruins Rask on clinching the conference. “But it’s good to finish off first and we still have a few games left and try to finish strong and then really feel good about going in to the playoffs.”
Dropping their last two contests, the Bruins looked to put a halt to losses and move forward with wins.
“Yeah, we talked about that before the game,” said Bruins Loui Eriksson on needing to win after two losses. “We were not satisfied with losing two straight games. I thought at the beginning of the game we were kind of slow but I thought we took over the game and it was a big win for us to get back on a winning streak here.”
With just four games in the regular season remaining, the Bruins have an opportunity to nab the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the team holding the most points in the NHL. Currently reigning supreme with two points over St. Louis, the Blues have one game in hand on Boston. Rolling four lines deep on a nightly basis and exuding camaraderie on the ice, the Bruins are on the fast track to the ultimate goal. But a key component to their success is that no one is a star player, it has always been and will continue to be, a team affair. That mindset doesn’t mean that recognition goes unnoticed though.
One player that’s been an exceptional addition to the roster since becoming a member of the organization, Reilly Smith. The efforts of the young forward did not go unnoticed as fans nominated the 23-year-old as NESN’s 7th Player. Awarded annually, fans vote on the player who has exceeded expectations throughout the season. Smith will receive $5,000 to donate to a charity of his choosing.
“Yeah it’s remarkable. It’s something you wouldn’t expect joining a team,” said Bruins Smith on the Boston fan base. “The fans have been great here. It’s a treat everyday being able to come to the rink and play in front of fans that are really knowledgeable and who understand the game. You know they’re always there to support you. So it’s been great all year, and I don’t think anything will change going into the playoffs.”
In his first season with the Bruins, Smith has recorded 19 goals (fifth on the team) and 30 assists (tied for fourth on the team) for 49 points (fifth on the team), marking NHL career-highs in all categories. The winger had a season and career best seven-game point-streak from January 14 to January 28 that saw him rack up three goals and five assists with a plus-eight rating. In addition to his three game-winning goals this year (10/17 at FLA, 12/10 at CGY, 12/23 at NSH), Smith has recorded deciding shootout goals twice, with his tallies against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 8 and the Philadelphia Flyers on March 30.
An asset to the team, Smith has pushed hard game in and game out to impress not only fans, but teammates and coaches as well.
“Yeah, it is important, and I thought that Reilly was even better again tonight. I see his game picking up again to where it used to be and tonight, I thought he had good jump and he’s a smart player,” said Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien on Smith. “He makes plays, he’s pretty nifty with the puck as well, and he’s a good heads-up type of player. He sees the ice very well and he’s starting to show that he’s willing to go to those dirty areas as well. He’s not a big player but he’s trying to play big and go into the areas we’re asking him to go into.”
Sunday will be a day of rest for Boston, before traveling to St. Paul to face the Wild on Tuesday.
Want to see a few photos from the Eastern Conference Clinching Game? Check out our Game Night Album!
50 degrees in Boston is considered a heat wave. With that mindset, I chose a skirt in the ever popular spring pattern, floral. There was a time in my life, probably as close as six months ago, where I was the leader of the anti-floral movement. But then, I found a pleated floral skirt that I loved, after that, I found a floral pencil skirt, dirt cheap. In an attempt to explore a wider color palette, a floral supporter I’ve become.
Media Tip: Keep a mini lint roller in your bag. Maybe you don’t have pets, but as anyone I know will attest to, I’m constantly covered in dog hair. Even when I de-fuzz before leaving the house, I still manage to find a use for the lint roller on press level. Great investment!
Boston Bruins forward Gregory Campbell has faced his fair share of adversity, most notably during Game 3 of the 12-13′ Eastern Conference Finals — playing an entire shift on a broken leg. For those that remember, Campbell remained on the ice for 47 seconds, helping to kill a Penguin power play and giving the Bruins the extra body they needed to kill off the penalty. The Bruins went on to sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
While Campbell’s dedication to his team was magnified on a national stage through a 47 second bid in time, it was his resolve to get back in the game that earned him the nomination. Voted on by the Boston Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, the Masterton Trophy is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
“Gregory Campbell’s entire hockey career has been about perseverance, dedication to hockey and paying the highest level of respect to the game he loves so much,” said Joe Haggerty, PHWA Boston chapter chairman and Bruins beat reporter forCSNNE.com. “The image of Campbell gritting his way through excruciating pain to finish a penalty kill shift with a broken leg during last year’s conference final is one nobody will soon forget. It’s also the perfect example of Campbell’s dedication to his team, selflessness and willingness to give every last ounce he has to fully compete. That doesn’t even include Campbell’s heavy involvement in the community, including delivering pies to Boston homeless shelters on Thanksgiving morning each year. The Boston Chapter of the PHWA is proud to nominate Gregory Campbell for this season’s Masterton Trophy.”
Appearing in 75 games this season and registering seven goals, and twelve assists, Campbell has become a favorite among black and gold faithful — consistently providing the energy and camaraderie needed on a nightly basis. The winner will be selected at the conclusion of the NHL regular season, by a vote of all 30 PHWA chapters.
While the nomination is an honor, the flow of Campbell’s consistent game will skate on, the Bruins face the Flyers in a matinee contest at 1 pm tomorrow.
After 16 years at the helm, today Bob Nicholson announced he will be stepping down as Hockey Canada’s President & CEO. Nicholson leaves a legacy of success both at home at the grassroots level, as well as on the international stage. Nicholson’s resignation is effective June 1, 2014 and during the coming months Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors have the tough task of finding Nicholson’s replacement.
In an emotional news conference this afternoon in Etobicoke, ON, Bob Nicholson made the announcement official after news broke yesterday. With tears in his eyes, he thanked his wife Lorna and his two daughters, Mandi and Marijean, and his son, Grant – appropriately dubbed by Jim Hornell, Chairman of the Board of Directors, as “the first family of hockey.” Nicholson also stressed the importance of countless volunteers who make the game possible. “It’s all about volunteers, this game,” he said appreciatively.
An inductee into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004, Nicholson was humble in his address. He talked of his pride winning gold for the first time in 50 years in Salt Lake City, and spoke fondly of his memories at Vancouver 2010 and, more recently, in Sochi. Too modest to list his accomplishments himself, under Nicholson’s leadership Hockey Canada has secured an impressive 76 medals at world championships, Olympics and World Cups, including 44 gold medals. Summarized eloquently by Jim Hornell, Nicholson is responsible for “building the cultural fabric of our nation.”
Born in Pemberton, BC, Nicholson has played an integral role in building the game of hockey in Canada from coast to coast. During his tenure at Hockey Canada, Nicholson implemented skills development programs and high performance programs, as well as lending his leadership to corporate sales and marketing, communications, licensing, insurance and regulations. He is responsible for the growth of grassroots initiatives including the Hockey Canada Skills Academy and the Initiation Program, in addition to providing teaching resources and improving on-ice safety. Put simply, Nicholson has helped build the game we all know and love.
Above: Youth participating in Novice, Atom and Pee Wee training camps. Nicholson has built many of the youth hockey programs we see today.
“I have mixed emotions in making this announcement, as it marks an end to an extraordinary part of my life, but I think the time is right for me personally to step down,” said Nicholson in a statement issued today. “I want to thank the Hockey Canada Board of Directors, the volunteers and the staff of Hockey Canada for their support over the past 16 years. The hockey family is a close one, so I have many colleagues and friends around the world that have also played a large part in my life; I also want to thank them. Finally and most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Lorna, and my children, Mandi, Marijean and Grant, who have been by my side for this entire journey.”
Hornell added, “On behalf of the board of Hockey Canada, but also on behalf of the millions of Canadians involved in the game of hockey, I want to thank Bob Nicholson for his outstanding service to our organization, and also to hockey in Canada and around the world. I would personally like to wish Bob well in his future endeavours, and thank him for a legacy of success and professionalism that he has helped grow at Hockey Canada.”
During today’s announcement Nicholson said with a smile, “To the media. 90% of you have been real fair with me,” prompting the packed news conference to erupt into laughter. In another lighter moment from today’s news conference, Jim Hornell spoke of his reaction to hearing Nicholson’s plans yesterday. He explained his shock and disappointment, expressed his appreciation and gratitude, and quipped, “You would have to be a darn fool to leave this.”
And finally a personal note to Bob Nicholson. On behalf of our players, our coaches, our volunteers, our fans, and every child across the nation who dreams of stepping on the ice wearing red and white for their country. We thank you wholeheartedly.
A key cog in the Kings’ historic run to the Stanley Cup, defenseman Willie Mitchell was eager to help his team defend their first title in franchise history. Unfortunately, the lockout prolonged many NHL players’ summers, including Mitchell’s as he opted not to play in Europe. While working out to stay ready for the upcoming season, Mitchell suffered a knee injury that required surgery. Setbacks during rehab eventually required a second surgery.
The additional surgery forced Mitchell to miss the entire rest of the season and his presence was greatly missed throughout the entire season, especially in the playoffs. A steadying veteran on the blue line, Mitchell’s poise and keen hockey IQ left the Kings’ defensive corps incomplete and this was no more obvious than in the Western Conference Finals.
Tired, beaten up and outclassed in speed and skill, the Kings were no match for eventual Cup winners Chicago Blackhawks. Rookie Jake Muzzin seemed to have a difficult time with his reads and Darryl Sutter was forced to lean heavily on veterans Drew Doughty, Rob Scuderi and Robyn Regehr. The general consensus at the end of the season seemed to be that if they at least had Willie Mitchell, they would’ve had a better shot at winning that series and possibly repeating.
It wasn’t just Mitchell’s calm presence the Kings missed, though that was a significant part of it. With a tattered blue line at the start of the season combined with the up and down seasons of Muzzin, Martinez and Doughty (who had a slow start) by the end, LA sorely lacked Mitchell’s wisdom and knowledge. The Mayor John Hoven once wrote that if you asked Mitchell the time, he wouldn’t only tell you, but he’d also tell you how to build a watch.
Not ready to call it quits, Mitchell remained in LA during the season and the summer preparing for the start of the 2013-2014 season. He constantly took to Twitter to share his support for his teammates. On June 12, 2013, he once again went to his favorite social media outlet to express his commitment to returning.
Today, 36 year old Willie Mitchell is back patrolling LA’s blue line. He will be an important factor in the Kings’ push for the Cup as they look to make another deep post-season run. He has overcome long odds, but love for the game fueled an inspirational return for the long time veteran, which makes him a great candidate for the Bill Masterton award.
The St. Louis Blues have set a new franchise record for wins in a season with 52. Their 52nd win came against the Buffalo Sabres in a 2 to 1 victory on Thursday.
Ryan Miller was given a night off from defending the net, and did not face his former team. Instead, Brian Elliot got the start. Elliot stopped 25 of 26 shots to lead the Blues to victory.
The first period was played tight and stayed scoreless, but the Blues wanted to change things in the second period and take the lead. Maxim Lapierre score at 1:59 into the second period, when he received a perfect pass from Ryan Reaves in the slot, and ripped it high glove side. After that goal the Blues maintained momentum and dominated the Sabres. Even a casual hockey observer could pick out which one of these teams is getting ready to end their season. Brendan Morrow gave the Blues a 2 to 0 lead in the third, as he tipped in Vladimir Sabotka’s shot right passed Sabres’ goaltender Nathan Lieuwen.
The Sabres decided to save face in the last minute of the game, and took advantage of a power play opportunity. Cody Hodgson’s snap shot would deny the Blues the shutout in the final moments of the game. The Blues held on to the lead and gained two more crucial points in the race for the President’s Cup.
An exciting night to be a Blues fan, franchise record set, and they reclaim their spot atop the NHL. The Blues next game is Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche at 12:30 PM (CST).
The Columbus chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association named Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno the club’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded each year to the player who most displays “perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey.” The award was named for late Minnesota North Stars center Bill Masterton, first presented in 1968 after his death due to brain injury sustained in a game against the Oakland Seals.
Though the trophy has often been awarded to players battling back from career- or life-endangering injuries, many previous winners have also been recognized for long careers, significant statistical improvement, leadership ability, and overcoming personal tragedy or struggle.
Foligno’s daughter, Milana, was born with a congenital heart defect, and Foligno missed six games early in the season to attend her doctor’s appointments and open-heart surgery.
“I don’t know if I could have done what he did,” right wing R.J. Umberger said. “I know his thoughts were with his Janelle and Milana the whole time he was here, but he was still able to perform and give as much as he could to the team. And, honestly, it’s some of the best hockey I think he’s played.”
Previous Blue Jackets nominees include current players Jared Boll and Derek MacKenzie, as well as Kevin Dineen, Manny Maholtra, Raffi Torres, and Vinny Prospal. At the end of the regular season, the PHWA will vote on all 30 nominees to choose the winner.
Dean Lombardi announced on Thursday that Linden Vey has been recalled from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League. He was sent down due to cap restrictions following the acquisition of Marian Gaborik on the March 5th trade deadline, but Lombardi promised to bring him back as soon as there was enough available cap space. Vey is expected to join the team in San Jose at the start of their four game road trip. No word yet on how Darryl Sutter plans to use him.
On Tuesday, the Kings announced the signings of prospects Nic Dowd and Michael Mersch to entry level contracts following the end of their college hockey careers.
Mersch, the leading goal scorer in the Big Ten, signed a three year ELC shortly after the Wisconsin Badgers were eliminated from the playoffs. Electing to return to college for his senior year, Mersch scored 22 goals and racked up 35 points in 37 games. Ryan Evans of SBN College Hockey has more on the 22 year old native of Park Ridge, Ill. while Jon Rosen of the LA Kings Insider spoke to Nelson Emerson, head of LA Kings Player Development.
Nic Dowd is one of three Hobey Baker Award finalists along with the heavily favorited Johnny Gaudreau of Boston College. Selected in the 7th round of the 2009 draft, 23 year old Dowd appears to have come a long way, being nominated for college hockey’s top honor and signing a one year ELC (per the current CBA, prospects are eligible for 1-3 year contracts depending on their age). LA Kings Insider has more on the Huskies’ captain and Chris Dilks of SBN College Hockey wrote about Dowd being under appreciated for being such a complete player.
Per John Hoven, Mersch has already reported to Manchester and Dowd is on his way.
Michael Mersch will play for @MonarchsHockey this weekend. As of now, plan is for the #LAKings prospect to make his pro debut tmrw night.
And in case you missed it, goalie prospect Patrik Bartosak’s junior career with the Red Deer Rebels ended in mid-March after his team was eliminated from playoff contention. He signed his ELC on March 5th and reported to Manchester shortly after his season in Red Deer ended. According to Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider, Bartosak, 20, “finished the season as the WHL’s saves leader while accounting for the most saves in one season (2,129) and the most cumulative saves 4,546 in Rebels history.
In 145 games over three seasons, the Kings’ fifth round draft pick in 2013 was 80-50-6-5 with a 2.59 goals-against average, .927 save percentage and 14 shutouts with Red Deer. He was named the 2013 CHL Goaltender of the Year.”
Mathias Niederberger, who had been serving as Berube’s backup in Manchester due to Jones permanently joining the Kings’ roster, was officially reassigned to the Ontario Reign of the ECHL on March 25.
If you live in the east and support the American Hockey League, there’s a large chance that you’ve seen former Worcester Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock in action, protecting the pipes with brute force. If you’re an avid National Hockey League fan, you’ve probably seen the often underestimated abilities of the 26-year-old Sharks netminder.
The San Jose chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association has nominated Stalock for this years Masterton Trophy race. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is perhaps one of the more exciting awards given at the climax of the season. The nominees have gone above and beyond, often battling back from injuries and proving to the hockey world just what strength, dedication and perseverance to the game embodies. Stalock exemplifies those qualities perfectly, so it comes as no surprise to Sharks fans that the St. Paul, Minnesota native is placed in the running.
“Stalock suffered a potentially career-threatening knee injury on February 4, 2011 playing with the Worcester Sharks against the Manchester Monarchs during an American Hockey League (AHL) game. The injury, which required two rounds of surgery and a long rehabilitation process to learn how to walk properly again, caused Stalock to miss almost 12 months of action until he played in another hockey game.
Stalock returned to the ice on Jan. 21, 2012 with the Stockton Thunder, San Jose’s ECHL affiliate at the time. Stalock posted a 5-1-0 record as well as a 2.83 GAA and .914 SV% in six games for Stockton before being reassigned to the AHL.
Following his stint in Stockton, Stalock split time between Worcester and the Peoria Rivermen (AHL). He played in five AHL games before falling victim to another season-ending injury-this time, a broken finger sustained in warmups on April 5, 2012 before a game with the Texas Stars.
A summer of rehabilitation and strength-building in his knee followed however, eventually leading to a successful 2012-13 campaign. Stalock posted a 2.60 GAA and .912 SV% in 38 games for Worcester, earning a callup to San Jose where he made two appearances in relief.
This season, Stalock has played in 22 games for San Jose, compiling a 11-5-2 record, 1.91 GAA, .930 SV%, and two shutouts. He also set a new Sharks franchise record for longest consecutive shutout streak, posting 178:55 of scoreless play from Jan. 5 at Chicago to Jan. 27 vs. Los Angeles.”
The trophy was first presented in 1968 in honor of Bill Masterton, who passed away after suffering a game injury on January 15, 1968. The winner is selected from a poll of the 30 chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season and a $2,500 grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund, based in Bloomington, Minn., in the name of the winner. The Minnesota native would be a perfect addition to the already exemplary roster of past Masterton winners. The winner will be announced at the annual NHL Awards in Vegas on June 24th.
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