The Blackhawks defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 in their final regular season game at the United Center, where fan appreciation night was being celebrated. Fans certainly appreciated the outcome of the game as they wait to see which team their Hawks will take on in the first round of playoffs.
The Blackhawks dominated the first period. Their first goal came from Patrick Kane at 9:34. This was Kane’s 23rd goal of the season and was assisted by Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith. Not to be outdone, at 13:02 captain Jonathan Toews also tallied his 23rd goal of the season at 13:02. Brandon Saad and Marian Hossa registered assists.The Flames would cut the lead in half in the second period with a short-handed Chris Butler goal on a Blackhawks power play.
However, in the third period Marcus Kruger restored the two-goal lead with his first goal in 32 games at 7:06. This goal would be the last of the night.
The Blackhawks are in action again Saturday night in Saint Louis for their last-regular season game before beginning the playoffs as the number one seed.
Last night the Bruins and the Lightning met for the third and final time of the season in a game that was initially scheduled for February 9th. That weekend, the Northeast was rocked by a snowstorm that shut down everything in the area. Tampa Bay looked for their first win of the season against Boston and just their fifth win against the Bruins in franchise history. This was the last road game of the season for Tampa, who close out their season on Saturday against Florida. With a win, the Bruins could guarantee that they finished no worse than fourth in the conference and seal up home ice advantage at least in the first round.
The game started off with the naming of the 7th player award, presented by the Bruins and NESN. In a move that seemed to take some people by surprise, rookie Dougie Hamilton earned the honors. Hamilton, a 6’5 defenseman, started the season in the Niagra IceDogs of the OHL. He was a 2011 Bruins draft pick that joined the team as soon as the lockout ended. So far his season, he has recorded 5 goals and 11 assists in 42 games.
The story of the night was definitely the Bruins goalie, Tuuka Rask, who came up with a number of big saves. The Bruins struggled to get control of the puck in the first, being outshot 9-4, but the game was scoreless at the end of the first period. Rask showed early on that he was going to have a great game.
“He’s been great all season but he definitely has saved us a few times when we had a couple of breakdowns here and there,” defenseman Dennis Seidenberg said of Rask. “So, going forward we don’t want to always rely on him obviously and be a little bit stronger, smarter, more assertive and manage the puck a little better.”
Although the first period was scoreless, it did feature a fight between former Bruin, Benoit Pouliot, and Andrew Ference. It had been chippy behind Lightning goalie Lindback before the two squared off at the other end of the ice behind Rask. Although Ference is not known for dropping the gloves, he clearly thought the team needed a spark.
“I think everyone that does it whenever they do it kind of shows something. It was a great job by him,” Shawn Thornton said of Ference fighting. “But obviously being who I am, I don’t want to take it away from the guys who do it a lot. But you know what, he thought we needed some emotion and he stepped up and got the boys going.”
The second period started scoreless but that only lasted until 4:22 when Dennis Seidenberg ripped a shot from near the blue line that beat Lindback. Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin earned the assist on the third goal of the season for the defenseman. Later that same period, the Bruins would take a 2-0 lead. Gregory Campbell passed the puck in front of the Lindback to Daniel Paille, who was on the opposite face-off circle. Paille managed to beat Lindback on his wrist shot with assists going to Campbell and Shawn Thortnon. It was a big goal for the energy-providing fourth line.
Before the end of the second, the game would see one more fight. Bruins Milan Lucic fought Keith Aulie. Although Lucic made a lot of contact with Aulie’s helmet, he landed the majority of the punches, eventually dropping Aulie to the ice. Lucic, who had been struggling lately, really looked like he got back to the game he is known for last night.
“It’s a lot different when you’re watching from up top, and another thing [is] you’re not happy about sitting out,” Lucic said about being scratched. “So you want to do everything in your power to make sure it never happens again, and that’s where my head is at.”
The third period would be another story of Rask coming up big for his team. He kept Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis off the board and made it look easy. With the 2-0 win, Rask earned his fifth shutout of the season. It was the fourth game in just six days for the Bruins who have two more games before their season ends. They head down to Washington for a Saturday night game before closing at home on Sunday against Ottawa. That final game had been rescheduled from April 15th when the city of Boston shut down due to the tragic Boston Bombing. In honor of that, the Lightning wore decals on their helmets for the game and will auction them off to benefit the One Fund Boston.
After a surprisingly successful start to their season, the New Jersey Devils were officially eliminated from the playoffs Sunday afternoon against the Rangers. It was a disappointing end to the season for Devils fans, but looking ahead to next year, there are some things they can do to have a better run next time around.
Put the puck in the net. Shooting was not the issue for the Devils. It was getting the puck past the goal line. In their last 13 games, they outshot their opponents 401-257, and still only managed to win two of those games. They were also shutout for 3 of those losses. Clearly they’re getting the chances, but with Ilya Kovalchuck out for most of those games, no one else was able to step up and turn the shots into goals. Including in overtime. Ilya was the only Devil this season to score an OT goal. Come on Devs.
The Hockey Writers
Hope the stars stay healthy. Speaking of Kovy, it’s crucial for the Devils to stay healthy. Of course, this is something they don’t have much control over, but it was a significant issue for New Jersey this season. Goalie Martin Brodeur was out for 12 games in the middle of the season with a back injury and soon after, forward Ilya Kovalchuk was out for a few weeks with a separated shoulder. Without Marty, the Devils were 3-7-2. Without Kovalchuk, the Devils were 1-6-4. It’s tough to put all the weight on one or two guys, but it’s evident that the Devils were desperately missing their top players.
Fix the goaltending situation. Devils fans have been loyal to Marty Brodeur for more years than a lot of fans have even been alive. But it’s nearing time they find someone new. With Marty going into the last year of his contract next season, the Devils really need to start searching for their new man in net. Backup goalie Johan Hedberg is only one year younger than Marty, so there’s no use in looking to him, either. Being the oldest team in the league, the Devils need to use the upcoming draft and off-season to gain some youth.
Figure out overtime. The Devils had a league-leading 10 overtime losses this season.
Get back to being tough. The Devils are no “Broad Street Bullies” or “Big Bad Bruins”, but they are perfectly capable of playing a tough, physical game. So far in this shortened season, the Devils are tied for 28th in the league with only 16 fighting majors. There have certainly been times when the Devils could have used a spark in their most recent losing streak—a solid fight could have been just the thing to get a game back on track. They have plenty of guys that can land a big hit or drop the gloves; next season they need to find their hunger again.
Something they did right: They New Jersey Devils have an incredible 11 short-handed goals this season. The average for the rest of the league is about 4.
It’s that time of year, when the weather gets warm and we head into party mode. Whether it’s an end of the season party with teammates or a shindig to watch the race for the Cup; you may find yourself in need of a creative food to bring to the party. Don’t worry, we have you covered. The Pink Puck taste test approved – we bring you the Spinach and Artichoke Ring!
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
1 bag spinach, washed and chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package (4 oz) crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise 2-4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 pkg cresent rolls
***Optional as a topping/glaze, sometimes we use it, sometimes we don’t!
2. In bowl, combine artichokes, spinach, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Best way to describe and you use both cans here, make a sunburst pattern with the rolls and overlap them as you go. Scoop filling evenly over cresent roll shape then fold the excess dough over the filling and tuck under.
Optional (see above): Brush with egg white. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
*We’ve used a pizza pan, but if you don’t have one a large cookie sheet will do the trick!
Many of us can’t get enough hockey. But, when ice time runs out, where do we skate? In a world filled with technology, gaming systems and phone apps, playing hockey virtually is a fun alternative. Many games currently on the market are developer based and feature input from players themselves. In video games, emphasis is on the players; as more often than not goaltenders are an afterthought on the virtual ice.
Ice Hockey Shootout, is the creation of Nolan Schaefer, a professional goaltender with a long tenure across the leagues. An art major during his time at Providence College has given Schaefer a creative outlook, while his experience as a professional goaltender adds to the accuracy of the game. Schaefer has had a glove and blocker in the overall design since the games inception.
Ice Hockey Shootout will be coming to an app store near you on May 15th. Schaefer took the time to talk about his season in the Swiss National League and what it takes to bring the game we all love off the ice and onto your device of choice.
The Pink Puck: You’re currently playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League, how is the season going?
Nolan Schaefer: It’s going great! We have had a couple of tough seasons results wise; but I’m personally playing very well. I have received my Swiss passport, and am looking forward to a lengthy career here in this beautiful country.
The Pink Puck: You’ve played within a few fantastic organizations (AHL, NHL), what has been the most enjoyable part of playing in Europe?
Nolan Schaefer: I think playing in Switzerland has been a highlight. Just the food, the country, and the culture is amazing. Really clean and just amazing how such a small place can thrive!
The Pink Puck: Game development is a time consuming process. What was the driving force in deciding to create the game?
Nolan Schaefer: I love hockey and I always wanted to do something creative. I was an art major in college and I guess it’s that side of me coming out. Like I said, I just love the game. It will be so great to see people enjoying my game, from my imagination. It’s a great feeling to actually finish this and be proud of it!
Photo: @Hockeyshootout
The Pink Puck: How much input have you had in the process? Have any past or present teammates put in their two cents during the games creation?
Nolan Schaefer: I’m a character in the game and I’ve basically designed all the artwork myself. There are aspects of the game that were created by the developer. But mostly when concerning application of the artwork into animation; I came up with almost all of it. I’ve spent many hours editing images, designing new ones, taking photos, and just trying to make my ideas come to life.
All my new teammates are excited. Everyone is adding their thoughts on what would be good in the game, and that’s great! That’s exactly what I like to hear. This is the first version and we can always add ideas in or change a few things. It really shows the interest people have for hockey and my APP.
The Pink Puck: Can you give a little synopsis on what fans can expect from the game?
Nolan Schaefer: Fans should expect an easy to play, yet fast paced and fun hockey game. It’s similar to target practice or the accuracy shooting you would see in an All Star competition, but with a goalie to contend against.
I have created the coolest goalie upgrades and will update the game with many more. The best part is that people can play live against their friends. Meaning you can score on your friend or make the save against him/her. LIVE!!!
The Pink Puck: What’s your favorite aspect of the game?
Nolan Schaefer: I like the gear! One of my favorite parts of being a goalie is picking my equipment colors and designs. The ones in the game have a real reflection of where I’ve been in my career.
The Pink Puck: Often hockey games are centered more around forward and defensive players; you’re a goalie. Is the game targeted more towards goaltenders or all positions?
Nolan Schaefer: Well, its more of a target shooting game. I find full ice games or role games for hockey on iPhone to be boring, or too difficult to control. This one, you can be either the goalie saving the shot or the shooter scoring on the goalie. So I think it will appeal to everyone!
The Pink Puck: What’s the expected release date and how can fans get it?
Nolan Schaefer: I hope to release the game in the next couple weeks. Fans can get it in their app store as it’s a universal application for most devices.
The Pink Puck: Recently, there has been a rise in hockey apps and games, what sets ‘Ice Hockey Shootout’ apart from others on the market?
Nolan Schaefer: I’ve been a professional hockey goalie for 10 years now. I think I know hockey, and I think I know what fans will like to play. There is no game out there like this one. Each goalie movement was designed by me, frame by frame. There are no games with these awesome upgrades.
You can play in a contest Live against your friends! It will also feature some sick music in the game from some new up and coming artists. Keith Caro/ Michael Benedetto and Miss M/Adam Jack. I think that really sets the game apart, and its truly a game for fans of all ages – most of all, it’s got the attitude that should come with any hockey game!
Bostonians’ have felt a spectrum of emotions since the Marathon Bombing on Monday. A tragedy that was meant to tear us apart, only strengthened our bond and united a commonwealth.
When tragedy strikes, the outpouring of support closely follows. Hockey isn’t just a sport, its a community, a family and teams across the league skated to Boston’s bench when we needed it the most.
While the Bruins may be their greatest rivalry on the ice, the photos below show that this week, every team was Boston.
Bruins give “Shirts Off Their Backs” to First Responders
Pittsburgh Penguins support Boston with patches
The Montreal Canadiens have a moment of silence for Boston
Bruins players wore these in support during their Saturday tilt vs. Penguins
AHL Portland Pirates ice
The boards in Ottawa
NJ Devils had a Boston themed national anthem.
A photo of the youngest victim taped to the glass in Buffalo
617 Boston Strong hung in the Bruins locker room on Wednesday
A makeshift Martin Richards jersey graced the ever famous statue outside the TD Garden in Boston
Just one of many Bruins images from the week.
A Bruins sticker on the mirror of a SWAT truck
Jaromir Jagr wearing a MA State Police hat during warm ups.
Phoenix Coyote and Boston native Keith Yandle added a message to his skate.
Bruins players take in the national anthem on Wednesday.
If you’re looking to donate, here’s the place: Onefundboston.org
Only opponents until the buzzer sounds. Sabres and Bruins plans salute the crowd following Wednesday evenings game.
Vancouver Canuck and Boston native Cory Schneider supports his hometown.
Vancouver.
This jersey, worn by Keith Yandle was signed by the Phoenix Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks and will be auctioned off to benefit Boston families.
Photo Credit: NHL Bruins, NHL.com, NHL Coyotes, TSN
Closing out a hectic week in Boston, the Bruins played host to the Florida Panthers on Sunday. Following a tough 3-2 loss to the Penguins on Saturday, Tuukka Rask was between the pipes yet again for Boston. On the opposing end, protecting the crease for Florida, Jacob Markstrom.
Jaromir Jagr (16) got the Bruins going early in the first period 3:03 to be exact. The goal gave Carl Soderberg his first NHL career assist and point; Chris Kelly also assisted.
It turned out to be a goal per period, as a continued effort to keep the puck in play by Shawn Thornton, helped to produce a goal for Dougie Hamilton at 13:33. Despite numerous offensive chances, the goal, Hamilton’s fifth of the year was the only one of the period.
Down two goals, Florida did what any team would and pulled Markstrom. It didn’t take long for Boston to capitalize on the empty net and Brad Marchand made it 3-0 Boston at 18:38, Seguin and Bergeron with the assists.
With an emotional week finally coming to a close, the Bruins hosted their annual “Shirts Off Their Backs”. This year, first responders were the rightful recipients of game worn jerseys.
Struggling as of late, the win will hopefully be the turning point that Boston needs going into the final week of games. Next up, Jagr will face off against last seasons teammates as the Bruins travel to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
On Friday night, the Providence Bruins hosted the Springfield Falcons at the Dunkin Donuts Center for the final meeting of the two teams for the regular season. It was destined to be an emotion packed game without anything else going on as the two teams battled for first in the conference. With a Providence Bruins win, they would clinch the conference and possibly have a chance to clinch the most points in the league depending on what else happened. However, if the Falcons pulled off a win, the Bruins would need at least three points in their remaining two games to win the conference.
“The guys knew going in that we could clinch the conference and maybe the highest point total,” Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy said. “But, that wasn’t our main focus. We knew the Falcons would bring a tough game.”
It was clear that emotions were high between the two teams when the first scuffle broke out less than a minute into the game. Cody Bass of the Falcons was the only one to come away with a penalty as he went to the box for roughing. It was just after the penalty expired, though, that the Bruins struck first. Craig Cunningham put home his 24th of the season after tipping a shot from the point. The assists went to Zach Trotman and Jared Knight.
The next goal would come on the next penalty of the game. Nick Drazenovic of the Falcons got two minutes for a check to the head along with a 10-minute misconduct. Just 8 seconds into that penalty, Carter Camper fielded a pass in front of the crease from Chris Bourque and easily put the puck into the wide open net. Torey Krug earned the other assist. Krug finished as the only Bruin to average a point a game against Springfield.
“I’m not sure why I was so successful,” Krug said. “They’ve been towards the top of the conference all season, so maybe I make myself work harder.”
But, the Falcons wanted to let everyone know that they knew what was at stake. Just 14 seconds after Camper put his Bruins up 2-0, Matthew Ford tipped in a shot from the left point with assists to Will Weber and Jonathan Audy-Marchessault. The Falcons had a surge of momentum and scored another goal just 29 seconds after their first. This time it was Audy-Marchessault snapping the shot from the right circle with the assists going to Ford and Weber.
The score remained tied going into the first intermission. When the teams took the ice again, it was clear that it was still tense. Springfield had a 5 on 3 advantage but could not convert before the first penalty ended. The powerplay did not go unused, though, as Blake Parlett gave Springfield the 3-2 lead with assists to Sean Collins and Boone Jenner.
Colby Cohen of the Bruins missed a big chance to tie the game after failing to convert on a breakaway. It would prove to be okay, though, as captain Trent Whitfield earned a breakaway of his own and was able to get the puck past Falcons goalie Curtis McElhinney with Cohen earning the assist. With just 1:14 left to go in the period, another scuffle broke out behind Bruins goalie Niklas Svedberg. The officials had a difficult time breaking everything up, especially after Bass from Springfield and Christian Hanson from Providence started exchanging punches. Once they sorted it all out, Springfield came out with the man advantage.
But the moment that stole the show on the night came as the second intermission started. Prior to the start of the game, the Bruins had shown a tribute to the Boston Marathon Bombing and announced they were collecting money to donate. Immediately following the second period, the Bruins made the announcement that the second suspect in the Boston Marathon Bombing was in custody. The whole building erupted with cheers as people celebrated. While Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy says it was not something you could talk about, the excitement at the start of the third was high.
“We didn’t hear the announcement, but Kevan (Miller) came in and told us what happened,” Cassidy said. “The guys were following it all day and were glad it was over.”
The Falcons found themselves in the penalty box early in the third. It was not until Spencer Machacek took a tripping penalty that the Bruins were able to recapture the lead. Boston area native Chris Bourque took a hard shot from the point to put the Bruins up 4-3 with Jaron Caron and Cunningham earning the assists. Caron sealed the win from the Bruins at 12:52 as he beat the lone defender as well as McElhinney to put his team up 5-3. Cunningham earned his second assist of the night and Tommy Cross also picked up an assist.
Although Providence was not trying to think of what a win would mean for their season, the excitement was undeniable. When the game ended, they knew that they had won the Eastern Conference. Just over an hour later, the Texas Stars fell to the Houston Aeros. With that loss, the Bruins sealed the highest point total in the league. The Bruins have two more regular season games and then start up the first round of the playoffs on Friday, April 26th.
It’s an annual tradition for the Boston Bruins to give the shirts off their backs at the conclusion of the last home game of the season. Well, traditions can change and in light of recent events, that’s exactly what will happen.
The Bruins would have played their last home game of the regular season tomorrow April 21st, but unforeseen scheduling changes have pushed that date a week into the future. Fan Appreciation night will take place April 28th against the Ottawa Senators. However, the “shirts off their backs” tradition will take place at the conclusion of tomorrow afternoons tilt with the Panthers.
In years past, player jerseys have been given to lucky fans and season ticket holders drawn at random. Tomorrow’s rendition will be a little bit different. At the request of season ticket holders, signed game-worn jerseys will be given to first responders. The change will certainly be a memorable one. Boston has suffered a trying week and this change is a small token of gratitude for the many people involved in keeping our city safe.
Every game counts, especially during an abbreviated season. Yet, one game meant so much more on Wednesday night. By now, many have seen the moving national anthem and pre-game ceremony that was supposed to help start the healing process for a broken city. While it certainly had that effect, it was short lived as people around the country waited with baited breathe for a killer to be captured and a manhunt to end on Friday.
With an entire city on lock down, the Bruins found themselves with yet another scheduling change. With the Pittsburgh Penguins already in town and the Bruins already under a packed schedule, the NHL made some changes. Friday evenings tilt turned into a 12:30 Saturday matinee and the Penguins who were slated to host the Sabres Saturday evening had their match up pushed to Tuesday.
The Boston Marathon bombers were both captured (one killed), looking to continue the excitement that carried over from Friday’s victory and a way to move forward in a city so drastically changed; fans were anxious for a win. The game for Pittsburgh was business as usual, but Boston had the added motivation to not only win for the points, but the city they so strongly represent.
The game marked the NHL debut of the much anticipated Swedish center Carl Soderberg, who has been waiting patiently for his chance to suit up for Boston. It also brought would have been Bruin Jarome Iginla to the Garden. The game also featured a healthy scratch in Milan Lucic- who has proven to be lackluster as of late.
It was Boston who came off strong with 7 shots on goal in the first 4 minutes of play, to Pittsburgh’s 2. It was a rocky few shifts of pushing and shoving for both teams, before tempers boiled over at 8:11. Adam McQuaid and Tanner Glass dropped the gloves resulting in 5 minutes each for fighting. Slashing from Penguins Cooke, gave Boston the first power play of the game, and the first goal as Brad Marchand (assist Chara, Rask, 10:18) beat Tomas Vokoun making it 1-0. Proving to be a chippy first period, Nathan Horton threw a few punches with Jarome Iginla for matching fighting penalties (17:56). Bruins Soderberg took his first trip to an NHL penalty box at 18:38 (hooking), closely followed by Penguins Matt Niskanen for interference (19:00).
Jussi Jokinen made it a 1-1 game to start the second period with his 10th of the season (assists Niskanen, Glass, 5:10). Physicality was a continued theme during the entirety of the second. The halfway marked numerous opportunities for Boston but none went through although the consistent effort did not go unnoticed by fans as the Garden stood to applaud the Bruins. It was apparent that the Bruins were struggling as penalties came rolling in, Rich Peverley hit the penalty box for high sticking (13:20).
Matt Cooke has a torrid reputation in the NHL and his actions during the second period did nothing to dispute that claim. Cooke had a questionable hit on Bruins Adam McQuaid which resulted in McQuaid being dragged onto the bench without a stoppage in play.It’s important to note that McQuaid made his way back to the ice for the third period. Following the hit, Captain Zdeno Chara took a roughing penalty at 16:15. The calls kept trickling in as Penguins Jokinen was called for cross checking (17:10). Bruins Jaromir Jagr went off for hooking at 19:14 to round out the period.
Emotions running high started the third period with Boston’s Marchand in the box at 3:25 (roughing). Adding salt to the wounds of Boston, Pittsburgh’s Iginla scored on the teams 4th power play of the night. The go ahead goal gave the Penguins a 2-1 lead (assists Jokinen, Bennett, 4:43). With an obvious shift in energy, Boston was left with the task of rebounding and tying the score. Unable to catch a break, Boston’s Matt Bartkowski went off at 8:17 (high sticking), which resulted in another Penguins goal ((G) Kris Letag, (A) Jokinen, Kunitz. 8:29). Bruins Tyler Seguin was able to score at 19:57 ((A) Chara), but it just wasn’t enough.
Boston fell to Pittsburgh 3-2.
While the week has exhausted a city- it didn’t exhaust the teams overall effort. It’s the final week of regular season with Boston playing Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and the final game coming Sunday the 28th. With no rest in sight, the quest for the cup is right around the corner. Believe in Boston, believe in Bruins and get your black and gold on.
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