It’s been an overall positive month for the Boston Bruins, winning 5 and dropping just two games, one to the New York Rangers in OT on January 23rd and the other to the Buffalo Sabres on January 31st. It’s safe to say the Bruins are riding a hot streak exactly when it matters the most. For every team in the NHL the abbreviated season means a strong start is necessary and every game counts.
“I understand the fact that it’s about your division, but at the same time I think when you look at this short schedule, every game is important,” said Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien. “The games mean so much right now, that every one has almost equal meaning.”
The Bruins have been able to get their heads in the game early on and that’s all that fans could hope for.
Closing out January, the Buffalo Sabres came to town Thursday evening ready to lay down the tempo of the game early on. Recent addition forward Chris Bourque, who had a notably successful season in Providence got the scratch, allowing forward Lane MacDermid the start after sitting the first 6 games of the season.
The first period proved the speculation of rough hockey right as Shawn Thornton dropped the gloves with Sabres designated enforcer John Scott at 2:53, although that would be the only fight of the period. Thornton a notably strong enforcer on the ice was dropped quicker than usual. It was announced that Thornton would not return to the game after the tousle. While the Bruins outshot the Sabres 13 to 9, neither team was able to get the puck in the net.
Getting the scoring going, Thomas Vanek continued his hot streak netting his 4th of the season, assisted by Hodgson and Pominville, a line that has been nothing short of solid for the Sabres line. Often underestimated, but key player Rich Peverly made it a 1-1 game after continued pressure at 5:12, Chris Kelly and Daniel Paille assisted on the goal. The goal train kept coming for Boston as Brad Marchand found the back of the net with help from Patrice Bergeron at 7:43. Celebrating his 21st birthday, Bruins Tyler Seguin and line mate Patrice Bergeron helped Brad Marchand put the puck past Miller for his second of the game. Buffalo caught a break as Lucic and Chara were both sent to the box, giving the Sabres a 5 on 3 advantage, one they capitalized on as Vanek scored his second of the game. Mimicking the Bruins scoring opportunities from the beginning of the period, the Sabres made it a tied game as Tyler Ennis beat Rask and gave Buffalo their third goal at 18:19.
Hungry to end the game in regulation, Boston came out strong to start the third. Patrice Bergeron came off a hit and skated right to the locker room less than a minute into the period. Putting the game at 4-3, David Krejci scored at 1:45, but the score wouldn’t remain in Boston’s favor for long as Buffalos Alexander Sulzer made it 4-4, scoring his first of the season at 2:28. While fans were hoping for the next goal to go in the Bruins favor, Buffalos Cody Hodgson found the net and made it 5-4 in favor of the Sabres.
Just when the Bruins thought they’d caught a break as Buffalos Tyler Myers took a double minor high sticking penalty, Dennis Seidenberg got sent to the box for tripping leaving the teams playing 4 on 4 hockey and the Bruins unable to score during their opportunity. Putting a nail in Boston’s chance to come back, Sabres Vanek scored his third for a hat trick and a 4-6 lead, followed by Jason Pominville grabbing an empty net goal to make the final 7-4.
The Bruins will look to skate into February with the same determination that had them an almost undefeated team in January. While February is a short month, fans can expect no shortage of their black and gold, as the team plays 11 games during the month. Only 3 of those will occur on home ice, beginning on February 9th when Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lighting face off for a 1 pm puck drop.
An unlikely hero emerged as the Leafs battled their goalie Goliath Tuesday night in Buffalo. Playing in an arena where they have won just once in the past 12 showings and their roster riddled with ailments, Toronto emerged victorious with a 4-3 overtime win finally defeated nemesis Sabre goalie Ryan Miller.
Without Joffrey Lupul, Clarke MacArthur, Jake Gardiner and Mike Komisarek Toronto’s second line stepped it up in the win. Recent call-up and Lupul replacement, Matt Frattin, scored the overtime winner with just 1.5 seconds left in OT and finished the game with two goals in 16 minutes. Frattin, who didn’t make the Leafs cut this season, has five points in just three games.
Komisarek’s absence had a big impact on the game with Cody Franson skating in his place. Franson had a goal and an assist in the win. First time Leaf Jay McClement opened scoring 10 minutes in, taking a rebound off a Nazem Kadri beating Miller. Kadri leads the team in scoring with six points in six games and Phil Kessel is still scoreless.
That win improves the Leafs record 3-3-o as they head into Thursday’s home game against the Washington Capitals.
In Boston, “Horton hears a WOO” signs are speckled throughout the Garden just about every game night. But last night fans were certainly making the infamous “WOO” noise, as Bruins forward Nathan Horton capitalized on an opportunity during the 3rd period. Netting his 3rd goal of the season, Horton was able to effectively crack NJ Devils goaltender Johan Hedberg at the 15:55 mark. Forwards Milan Lucic and David Krejci tallied assists on the goal which marked a memorable milestone for Krejci as his 200th assist of his NHL/Bruins career. The goal tied up the score for Boston, as they struggled to make something happen on net throughout the majority of the game; especially after Devils David Clarkson scored his 4th goal of the season during the 2nd period at the 8:30 mark.
With Horton’s goal tying the score near the end of the third, the game went into an all too familiar overtime. With neither team able to get one on net in the allocated 5 minutes, Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask was faced with another common occurrence as of late- the shoot out.
Fans were treated to an interesting shoot out scenario as forward Tyler Seguin, who took the first shot skated to the net. Effectively scoring and bringing fans to their feet, Seguin was forced to shoot again after an unconfirmed object, quite possibly a hot dog was thrown on the ice mid way through his shot. Per the NHL rules, Seguin was required to take the shot again and much to the dismay of Devils fans found the back of the net yet again. Rask was undoubtedly fantastic in net for Boston allowing one goal in the shoot out and keeping the hopes for a win alive. Brad Marchand took his spot at center ice to shoot for Boston and slipped the puck past Hedberg to give Boston the 2-1 win.
Every hockey team is made up of players that have different styles and approaches when it comes to the game. It’s easy to see the skill players that are always finding the back of the net or the goaltenders that are trying to turn those skill players away. There are other roles to fill as well and sometimes those do not get as appreciated even though they are just as important. Having energy players that are not afraid to drop the glove to defend their teammates is just as important to the game. On the San Antonio Rampage, AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, that player is third year pro, Eric Selleck.
“I think it is important,” Selleck said of his role on the Rampage. “You have skilled guys and young guys and you don’t want to get run over or taken advantage of by other tough guys.”
The 25-year-old left wing out of Spencerville, Ontario has made his way up through the leagues to find his way to the AHL. He has always known that his type of player was valuable. “If you’re losing and you need momentum or need some energy to get the boys going,” Selleck said. Selleck spent two years in the CJHL with the Pembroke Lumber Kings before spending two years in college at SUNY-Oswego. Although Selleck was not able to fight in college, this role is one that he has always embraced. When he spent his first season in the AHL with the Rochester Americans, he did not waste any time. He notched 28 fighting majors in 67 games.
“You have to find a job that’s going to suit you and your team,” Selleck said about being a fighter, “so I just kind of found this role as I moved up in the leagues.”
Although energy guys and tough guys like Selleck might not get the same amount of ice time as the guys scoring every night, it can still be exhausting. A fight might only last a minute or two, but taking punches can take a toll on the body. It is something players have to condition for. During the off season, in addition to regular training, they also have to condition their body for if and when they get into fights during the season.
“I took boxing lessons and I don’t know if it helped or not,” Selleck says of his off-season training with a laugh. “You’re kind of winging it when you get into a hockey fight.”
Currently in his second season with the San Antonio Rampage, Selleck is continuing to drop the gloves when he has to in order to protect his teammates. But he has also had a chance to take part in the charitable initiatives the Rampage take part in. Selleck recognizes how good it is to help out different charities and lend a hand when he can.
“It’s important to me and to all the guys. We’re trying to raise money,” Selleck said. “We enjoy it and it’s amazing to be a part of it. It’s great to see the smiles and feel that we’re helping.”
One such example that has been a huge success in San Antonio is their Pink in the Rink event, which will happen for the third time this season. Pink in the Rink is a night where the Rampage take to ice dyed pink in pink jerseys to be auctioned off after the game. The goal is to raise money to help fight breast cancer and the Rampage have raised nearly $75,000 so far. Last season, the game created the first ever sellout for the franchise as the team took the ice in front of over 16,000 fans.
“We just feed off the energy when it’s loud. It gets us excited and motivated to play,” Selleck said of the game last season. “We appreciate the sell out and are hoping for another one this time around.”
The Rampage come back from the All-Star Break on Friday, February 1st and will take on the Rockford IceHogs for their third annual Pink in the Rink game. They are hoping to sell out this game for the second year in a row. In addition to the game, Rampage players and staff members will be out in the community during next week leading up to the game to help promote it. It’s a great cause and it’s great to see Eric Selleck and the rest of the Rampage players embrace it the way they do.
Last night the Springfield Falcons hosted the Worcester Sharks for the first of four times at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA. The Falcons were looking to get a win after having dropped the first contest of the season in Worcester on January 11th. With All-Star goaltender Curtis McElhinney back from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Falcons looked going into the game against the Sharks.
The Falcons looked strong, scoring just over three minutes into the game. Veteran forward Bryan Helmer took a hard shot from the blue line that found it’s way past Sharks goaltender, Harri Sateri. Forwards Andrew Joudrey and Ryan Russell registered the assists. This goal was the first as a Falcon for Helmer who came on to fill in some holes created by the end of the NHL lockout.
Unfortunately for the Falcons, just over a minute later, the Sharks found their way to the scoreboard. On a powerplay, a Falcons defenseman mishandled the puck. Sharks forward Tommy Grant capitalized on the opportunity and scored the shorthanded goal for the Sharks. Despite that, the Falcons were able to hold the Sharks to just four shots while putting nine shots up of their own as the first period ended tied at one.
In the next frame, the Sharks outshot the Falcons by one and it paid off as they found the back of the net again to take the lead. James Livingston of the Sharks got in close to Falcons goaltender Curtis McElhinney and was able to put the puck into the net over McElhinney’s left shoulder. Despite that goal, Falcons head coach Brad Larsen still felt his goaltender played well.
“He was fine. The goals we gave up were breakaways and not smart plays or they were two on ones,” Larsen said after the game. “He stopped a couple of breakaways too, so it could have been much worse.”
In the final period, Sharks rookie Daniil Tarasov capitalized on a shot putting another one behind McElhinney to make the score 3-1 in favor of the Sharks. Despite a late period effort where the Falcons pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, the scored remained 3-1 and the Falcons were unable to get the win. McElhinney finished the night with just fifteen saves, but some of them came at crucial moments.
The Falcons close out the month of January tonight down in Hartford as they take on the Connecticut Whale. Even with the loss last night, the Falcons record for January only falls to 8-2-1-0. A big part of the success has been the play of All-Star Jonathan Audy-Marchessault and rookie Michael Chaput. Chaput has registered 4 goals and 8 assists this month after only putting up 6 points before January started.
“He’s really elevated his game. He had a slow start like a lot of young guys trying to find their role,” Larsen said of Chaput. “He’s earned his responsibility and you see the plays he’s making with the puck. He’s a confident player.”
But Chaput seems to have a different take on his success, giving more credit to his linemates. Chaput is currently playing on a line with captain Ryan Craig and Tomas Kubalik. It is a line that Brad Larsen does not seem to want to change up.
“My wingers have helped me a lot,” Chaput said. “I’ve just been trying to play as hard as I can with high energy and I try not to worry about the points. Things have been working out so far.”
The Falcons will look to end the month on a high note and get a rebound game after last night’s loss before going into the All-Star Break. Games do not resume until Thursday, January 31st as the best in the league get together for the All-Star Classic. The Falcons will have three representatives in weekend with goaltender Curtis McElhinney, forward Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, and defenseman Tim Erixon. They will hope to help the Eastern Conference team bring home bragging rights.
The Bruins looked to give Boston hockey fans an early start to the weekend on Friday night as they played host to the New York Islanders. After suffering a 4-3 OT loss on Wednesday against the Rangers the team came out strong looking for the win. With Tuukka Rask looking secure and confident in net similar to his previous 3 starts this season, it’s safe to say that the Bruins have a solid goaltending option heading into a flurry of games in the coming weeks.
With his first goal of the season, Shawn Thornton got the Garden going by lighting the lamp with an assist from Daniel Paille at 4:52 of the first. Milan Lucic dropped the gloves with Matt Carkner at 5:54 in an attempt to get the team going. Massachusetts native Keith Aucoin released a snap shot on Rask at 11:13 tying the game 1-1. If the excitement of heading into the locker rooms at the end of the first tied 1-1 wasn’t enough, fans were treated to a minor scare about 4 minutes into the second period with what would have been Matt Moulson’s 100th goal as an Islander; but a vanishing puck beneath Rask’s pads gave an unclear vantage point for officials who ruled it no goal.
With what should have been consistent effort throughout the period, the Bruins didn’t skate to their full potential. Allowing the Islanders a shot to claw their way to the top of the game Keith Aucoin scored his second goal of the game at 9:50 of the second period. Consistency came for the Bruins at 13:42 of the second after a Gregory Campbell scored his 1st of the season, proving that simple hockey can often be the best way to go.
“Straight lines, get the puck to the net, go to the net,” said Campbell between periods. “To make it harder on them, we have to play our game.”
The assists on Campbell’s goal belonged to David Krejci and Chris Kelly, effectively making it a 2-2 game.
Playing the game is just what they did, 1-1 in the first, 2-2 in the second, the third period sung a different tune than the first 40 minutes with Boston coming out aggressive, and showing the Islanders what a first place team should look like. Effort, effort, effort landed Bruins captain Zdeno Chara a goal at 7:07 of the third to give Boston a much needed lead. The third period continued to be an all Bruin effort, when Patrice Bergeron got the puck past Rick DiPietro at 13:33 from Brad Marchand and Dougie Hamilton. It’s been a quick submersion into the NHL lifestyle for Hamilton, who’s stride has become more comfortable every game he skates in.
“I’m just trying to get comfortable,” said Hamilton. “And make good plays.”
Hamilton’s abilities were showcased and rewarded with two assists, making it a multi point game for the rookie defenceman.
In what seems to be a trend in the NHL with an abbreviated season, rest isn’t an option as the Bruins will travel to Carolina on Sunday for a Monday night face off. Following Monday’s contest, the Bruins will skate games both Tuesday and Thursday at home against the Devils and Sabres respectfully.
Everyone has an idea of how the typical professional hockey player got his start. He grew up in Canada or somewhere in the US that had a lot of snow. Then he played in one of the three big Canadian junior hockey leagues or for a powerhouse college before getting his first professional contract. It is far less common to hear about a hockey player that was born in Southern California and raised in Las Vegas. However, that is exactly where rookie forward Jason Zucker got his start. After having played two seasons with the University of Denver, Zucker left college and signed his first contract with the Minnesota Wild, even suiting up for them at the end of the 2011-2012 season.
“It’s a dream come true. It’s something I cherished,” Zucker says of his first taste of the NHL. “It was a big opportunity for me and I’m very thankful to the Wild. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Zucker seems to be doing everything he can this season to get the call up to the Wild. He currently leads the Houston Aeros, the Wild’s AHL affiliate, in goals with 17 and overall points with 35. Although the transition from college to professional hockey can be a difficult one, Zucker seems to be making it look easy. However, he does understand that there is a huge difference, especially in the level of skill.
“Turnovers didn’t always end up as goals in college. But here, if you turn the puck over it’s in the back of your net,” Zucker said seriously. “You have to play solid defensively and do all the little things that you might have been able to get away with not doing in college.”
Working daily on becoming a smart defensive player will surely help Zucker catch the eye of the Minnesota Wild organization. That work ethic and his season so far have also gained him notice from the AHL. Zucker is currently tied among the rookies currently on AHL rosters for the lead in overall scoring. For that reason, and as a result of his play overall, Zucker will be representing the Houston Aeros at the upcoming AHL All-Star Classic. He and the other All-Stars from the Western Conference will take on the Eastern Conference All-Stars this weekend.
“It’s an honor to be selected to that team and play it that game,” Zucker said. “A lot of good players have played in that game and then have been able to excel later in their careers.”
Despite his clear talent, Zucker refuses to take all the credit for his success for himself. He mentions he and his family have a joke, that a watch given to Zucker by his grandfather a few years back has been the secret to success. He has worn it every game day since he got it. But on a more serious note, Zucker gives a lot of credit to the guys he plays with every night. He understands the value of good people playing around him that allow him to be better.
“A lot of it is the linemates that I have and the teammates I have who set me up with passes and things like that,” Zucker says of his success through his career. “It’s playing with guys like Charlie Coyle and Johan Larsson. They’re pretty easy to play with.”
No matter what the secret, it’s hard to deny that Jason Zucker is a successful player with big things ahead of him. After having gotten his first taste of the NHL at the end of last season, Zucker is willing to do whatever it takes to get back there as soon as possible. Between his skill, his work ethic, and his dedication to the game, Zucker is definitely a player to watch going forward.
While hockey has been the forefront of the national and international stage, it’s events and leagues such as the World Junior Championships, NHL and AHL that land center ice in the minds of most people. With winning a Stanley or Calder Cup as the ultimate dream for most professional players. However, your last name doesn’t have to appear on a draft list or NHL roster to garner the dream of going for the gold. Jeff Mansfield of Cambridge, MA and Ryan Krajewski of Duluth, MN have been invited to represent the US in the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships in Finland. Unlike the aforementioned roster of hockey’s elite, these two players have to fund their own dreams of skating for the gold.
A notoriously expensive sport with the cost of equipment and ice time, players looking to participate in the Championships will not only be required to fund those costly requirements, but airfare, meals and lodging as well. The opportunity to head to Finland is given to only a few US hockey players in the hopes of beating out Finland, Canada, Russia and Sweden and adding another gold medal to the United States trophy case.
With opportunity and dreams in the penalty box, Jeff and Ryan turned to GoFundMe to help reach their goals. An online donation platform, GoFundMe makes a point of helping heartfelt causes and dreams become realities.
“GoFundMe is quickly becoming the place where friends and families come together and make a real difference in one another’s lives,” says Brad Damphousse, GoFundMe’s Chief Executive Officer.
While winning the gold is at the forefront of participating in the Championships, the opportunity is about so much more for both Jeff and Ryan. “Hockey is the common bond that brings us together,” said Ryan Krajewski, certainly a sentiment that rings true at every level and inside every arena. Both athletes took a moment to share insight with The Pink Puck on what heading to Finland means to them and why they appreciate the donors supporting their plight.
The Pink Puck: Why is this opportunity so special for you?
Ryan Krajewski: I’ve made friends from across the country who are deaf and hard of hearing, and hockey is the common bond that brings us together. As I get older, I don’t know how many more opportunities like this I will have. Spending time in the deaf and hard of hearing culture is unique and special. Many of our family members will make the trip to Finland to watch us which will make the experience even more special. My wife, for instance, has seen me play hockey but has never been able to see me play on the international stage. It’s a special experience for me, but it is equally special to her.
Jeff Mansfield: For so many reasons. Growing up as a deaf hockey player comes with its challenges, and when you put together a group of deaf hockey players, these challenges become moot, and we can focus on being hockey players and enjoy fluid, effortless communication with each other. Every year, over one hundred hockey players of all ages converge in Chicago for a week of training at the Tony Granato Hockey School (formerly the Stan Mikita Hockey School), hosted by the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association, and over the years many of us have developed close friendships. The World Championships is a unique opportunity to bring together a great group of hockey players together, bound by our deafness and by our quest for Gold.
The Springfield Falcons have certainly been a team everyone that follows AHL hockey talks about this season. When the NHL season did not start on time, the Falcons benefited from a few talented players that would have been playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets otherwise. Although the NHL season has picked back up, the Springfield Falcons are still finding success. A big part of that connects back to the season that second year pro, Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, has been having.
Although you won’t be noticing him for his size, you can’t miss the skill that the 22 year old Quebec City native displays on the ice. The puck seems to follow him around the ice and he always seems to know just what to do with it. That is probably a big part of the reason that Audy-Marchessault has found himself on the AHL All-Star roster for both of his professional seasons. JAM, as he’s known in Springfield, answered some questions for us here at The Pink Puck.
Pink Puck: You were named to the AHL All-Star Classic for the second straight year. How does that feel?
Jonathan Audy-Marchessault: Obviously it’s a good feeling. To go to the All-Star the second year in a row, you’re probably doing something good. So I think I’m on a good path and I’m pretty honored to get to go back there. It’s pretty good.
Pink Puck: Having taken part in the All-Star Classic last year as well, are you planning on approaching the weekend any differently?
JAM: Not differently, but I know what to expect and what we’re going to do. So, it’s cool knowing that going in. It’s a fun weekend to get to go there and see some of the other guys from the league.
Pink Puck: Given the choice, would you want to do the same events as last year or switch it up for the Skills Competition?
JAM: I think I did good last year and I was happy with it. Obviously I would like to be shooting the puck. Maybe it would be good to showcase some of my other game as well and try out different events.
Pink Puck: Going back to your time in juniors with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL is there one moment that really stands out?
JAM: Probably my playoff run during the last season. We had a good run and made it to the semi-finals. My last game, we lost and it was sad. But it was a good moment for me and to say goodbye to the fans.
Pink Puck: How did you enjoy playing there overall?
JAM: I grew up in the area, it was my hometown. So I got to live at home still for most of the time. My family was able to at almost every game and that was really special.
Pink Puck: How would you describe your style of play?
JAM: Obviously I’m not a big player, but I think I’m a fast skater and I have a good shot. I’m able to produce offensively and make my teammates better on the ice.
Pink Puck: Who has been your biggest influence in your career?
JAM: Patrick [Roy] was a good coach for me. I played for him for four years with the Remparts and he was a good influence. He was a good winner. He was a really passionate about the game. I think the assistant coach from the Remparts and the assistant coach in first pro year with the Whale helped me really develop my game. They were really there for me and there for my confidence in times I was doing badly as well as times I was doing well. They were good for me.
Pink Puck: Playing in New England, you don’t have a lot of long road trips, but what do you absolutely have to have with you on the road?
JAM: I need my cell phone and iPad the most. I don’t go out at all really, so I stay in the hotel room with those and just relax.
Pink Puck: If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing?
JAM: I think I would be a teacher. I like kids and I always liked physical education in school. When I was young, I liked history and geography a lot too. So maybe I would teach one of those three.
Pink Puck: Last, but not least, everyone in Springfield seems to have taken to abbreviating your name to JAM. Is that something new or has it been following you around?
JAM: It actually started when I was 16 or 17 years old. The radio guy from the Remparts just pulled that name out one game and it really stuck. Last year in Connecticut it started dying a little and nobody really used it. But this year with Springfield, our trainer Ralphie has really been bringing it back and everyone is calling me JAM again.
Make sure you check out the action from the AHL All-Star Classic this weekend if you get a chance. Also, big thanks to Jonathan Audy-Marchessault (@AMarchessault18) for answering our questions.
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