The bi-polar or “Jekyll and Hyde” Bruins were back at it on Monday. After having had an amazing game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers that saw the Black and Gold not only win with an impressive 6-3 score, but also saw Brad Marchand have a five point night (1 goal, 4 assists), the flat and lacking emotion team took to the ice as the Boston Bruins hosted the New York Islanders for the second time in less than 30 days.
David Backes vs. Thomas Greiss
The last time the Islanders were in town, the home team lost in a 4-2 game that made the Islanders netminder Thomas Greiss look like a superstar as he earned a career high 48 saves and the win. This time, Greiss got to do something that hadn’t been done by an Isles’ team in Boston before—shut out the Bruins on their home ice.
The Bruins were certainly lacking in many aspects of their game Monday. There was an uncharacteristically high number of incidents where Bruins players fanned on their shots—almost as though the sticks they were holding weren’t the right length for them. They were outmaneuvered in the faceoff dot, with the exception of Patrice Bergeron. And by the end of the second period, they had let the Islanders score three goals in 5:20 of play.
This “lack of battle” approach to a team that is not in a playoff position has been seen all too frequently this season with the Bruins. It’s almost as though their inner voices tell them they can take the game off.
“I mean, it certainly has that sort of trend in how we’ve played and what teams we have gotten points against and what teams we haven’t,” a frustrated David Backes said postgame. “But, I think we should have a little séance, burning the standings, and just kind of play each game for the two points that are there each night and let you guys write the stories and let somebody with a big calculator figure it all out at the end of the year. If we concentrate on one game at a time, no matter who it is, the points add up and you get to play into April, May, June.”
“Well yeah, maybe in a way, but at the same time they beat us 4-2 the last game so we knew that they’re still a good team even though they’re in last place,” concurred a somber Patrice Bergeron. “And it was an opportunity for us to keep moving up or keep pushing teams down, and we have to realize that you need to do that to those types of teams because the standings are really tight.”
The Bruins will travel to Detroit to take on the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night before returning back to Boston to play host to the Chicago Blackhawks. Both teams will require that the more motivated and emotional Bruins team show up, because they can’t afford to take many more losses or they will see their season end in early April.
Friday night was a special one for the Tampa Bay Lightning. A Bolts player will never wear the number 26 again. Martin St. Louis was honored for his 13 years of dedication to the Tampa organization by having his jersey retired. This is the first number to be retired by the Lightning.
Martin “Marty” St. Louis was 25 when he began his career with the Lightning. He came from the Calgary Flames after years of rejection and bench warming. When he signed with the Lightning in 2000, he seemed to find home. He became a leader for the Lightning and guided them to the Bolts’ 1st Stanley Cup win in 2004, despite suffering a broken leg during the 2001-2002 season.
After the win, St. Louis was named First Team All-Star, voted recipient of the Lester B. Pearson award (no the Ted Lindsay Award) as the NHL’s most outstanding player during the regular season and was the recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player.
St. Louis continued to be a leading player for the Lightning until 2014 when he was traded to the New York Rangers. He played with the Rangers until his retirement in 2015. St. Louis ended his career with seven All-Star selections, 391 goals, 642 assists, 1,033 points and played 1,134 games.
The Lightning honored St. Louis by wearing throwback jerseys with the number 26 for their warm-up. They also wore patches on their game jerseys with the number 26. The legacy’s number was plastered all over the ice and boards.
St. Louis gave an emotional speech at the pre-game ceremony. He thanked his family and friends for all of their support throughout his career. He also thanked his mother, France, who unexpectedly passed away in 2014. As his number was raised into the air, the cheers of his fans rang through Amalie Arena.
Unfortunately, the Bolts could not pull out a win last night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Bolts will face the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, January 16 at 4:00.
The Bolts have suffered some crucial losses due to injury this 2016-2017 season. As a huge prospect for the 2017 playoffs, the Lightning has been closely watched by fans and the rest of the Atlantic division.
In mid-November, the Bolts lost captain Steven Stamkos to a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. A few days after Stamkos’ injury, SB Nation reported the 26-year-old center would be out approximately 1-3 months.
Losing “Stammer” was a devastating blow to the Bolts, but they held their confidence. The team played without Stamkos for most of the 2016 playoffs and they were determined to prove they could do it again.
Unfortunately, at the end of December the Bolts lost another star player. Ben Bishop suffered a lower-body injury from a stretch save against the Detroit Red Wings. The player has a history of groin injuries. Although it is unclear what the injury is, he was projected to be out 3-4 weeks. We could see him back on the ice by the end of the month.
Andrei Vasilevskiy replaced Bishop as a starter. Kristers Gudlevskis has been pulled up from the AHL Syracuse Crunch – the Bolts minor league team – to be alternating backups.
Brayden Point began his NHL career with the Lightning in the beginning of the season. The 20-year-old center proved to be an asset on the team. Out of 36 games played he scored 3 goals and had 12 assists. However it seems the Lightning hit another streak of bad luck. Eight days after Bishop’s injury, Brayden Point suffered an upper-body injury. The rookie is out for 4-6 weeks.
Gudlevskis is not the only player brought up from the Crunch. The Bolts have made up for these losses throughout the season by calling up players from the Syracuse Crunch, who have proven they are more than ready to play in the big leagues. Among these players is, forward Matthew Peca. He scored is first NHL career goal in his 4th NHL game, making him the first Quinnipiac alumni to score a goal in the NHL.
Although the Lightning have struggled with injuries this season, there is good news for the team. As of six hours ago, the Lightning’s Twitter page announced Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov have been selected for the 2017 NHL All-Star game. This is the first time either of the players have been selected.
The Bolts will face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. The organization will also retire Martin St. Louis #26 jersey on Friday.
Thursday night’s game between the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers was not just another game for the Bruins. Their biggest champion, Milt Schmidt passed away on Wednesday. During a speech he once gave, he said “The Spoked-B is practically my family crest and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Bruins honored Schmidt in many ways with the lowering of his number partially from the rafters before the game; the addition of his number 15 behind each net; and the number 15 patches now seen on the Bruins jerseys. Before the game began there was a “moment of celebration” in his honor—which I’m sure he much preferred over a moment of silence. This was followed by a wonderful video tribute accompanied by the most applicable song one could attribute to this amazing man—Young at Heart.
Gone but never forgotten!
There were some tears shed by many in the stands through the tribute, but as the puck dropped it was all about the game. Schmidt wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, although he would have preferred that the Black and Gold scored first and held the lead through to the final buzzer. Such was not the outcome. After twenty years of denying the Oilers a win in Boston, and with so many thinking about the “Ultimate Bruin,” the players with the Spoked-B on their chests are left again disappointing themselves, their fans, and unfortunately this time someone they all truly admired.
“For sure a tough game to lose; especially on a night like this,” Captain Zdeno Chara told assembled media after the game. “It was a night where it was dedicated to Milt [Schmidt] and what he has done and I felt that we let him down and obviously his family, including the fans down.”
Perhaps what made Thursday’s game all the harder to accept, was the fact that overall the Bruins were the stronger team. They outshot the Oilers and were at 59% in the face off circle. But 1:08 into the first period it was the Oilers’ Patrick Maroon who was smiling and being congratulated as Edmonton scored their first of four goals. Maroon would ultimately score his first career hat trick, though Ryan Nugent-Hopkins perhaps put the dagger in the Bruins’ hearts when he put the Oilers up 3-2 a mere 14 seconds into the third period.
There was a moment during the second period where the Bruins were up 2-1, off a beautiful pass from David Pastrnak right on the stick of Patrice Bergeron. But the Oilers, or perhaps more specifically, Maroon was not to be denied, and less than three minutes later the score was again tied.
That early goal in the first period had some wondering if the emotions of the evening were too much for the team. The Bruins had apparently addressed this concern before the game though.
“You know [Schmidt]’s one of the best players obviously that played in this organization and we realize that. We are thankful for everything that he has done for this organization but it’s a game and we have to be focused right from the start. I think that was one of the big things that we focused on,” Austin Czarnik explained.
But despite that focus and the stronger play, those “gift goals,” as head coach Claude Julien called the two early period goals, hurt and the Bruins once again found themselves lacking.
“I just think that they were able to finish their chances,” continued Czarnik. “We got a couple goals but we didn’t finish enough and they capitalized on theirs I think overall. Pretty good game for us but we just need to find ways to win. If we can do that, then we will be successful. But as of right now we aren’t doing it.”
Patrice Bergeron with the No. 15 memorial patch.
Czarnik was correct that it was a pretty strong game for them, and though they wouldn’t ever use it as an excuse, there were some unlucky bounces along with a couple of posts that kept the puck out of the net behind Oilers Cam Talbot. However, this lack of finish is becoming an unsettling trend with the Bruins, especially when they are playing on home ice—which is supposed to give them an advantage. Perhaps more disquieting is the fact that the players cannot look to anyone but themselves for where their season stands right now.
“I think we’re the only ones that can really find the answer and turn this around, I guess,” a somber Patrice Bergeron shared. “It’s up to this dressing room to do it and to all look at ourselves in the mirror—I said that before—and be better. You can’t wait for anyone to do it. It’s up to us. We’re the ones that are playing on the ice and we have to be better.”
The Bruins walk a tight line between emotion and chaos, and perhaps the loss of someone so many of them held dear was harder on them than they expected. Unfortunately, the hockey season will not wait while they grieve, nor will it forgive mistakes or give them a game. They must dig deep inside and find their inner Milt Schmidt to turn this season around. Perhaps it is time for them to embrace the Spoked-B as their family crest as Schmidt once did. It could be a game changer.
On Wednesday, January 4, the hockey community lost one of the greats, when it was announced that Milt Schmidt had passed away at the age of 98—the oldest NHL player to that point. For the NHL, but especially those in the Boston Bruins organization and its many fans, the passing of Schmidt is the passing of an era, the loss of Mr. Bruins himself.
“Kraut Line” Bobby Bauer, Milt Schmidt, and Woody Dumart
Schmidt centered the “Kraut Line” of the Bruins with Bobby Bauer (d. 1964) and Woody Dumart (d. 2001), who helped take the Bruins to their Stanley Cup Championships in 1939 and 1941. The three not only played together, but during World War II, the three of them enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served from 1942 to 1946. The trio would return to the Bruins for another year before Bauer retired.
After his retirement in 1954, Milt Schmidt continued to be involved with the Bruins organization, this time behind the bench as head coach through the 1960-61 season—a job he would undertake again in the mid-1960s after serving as assistant general manager for two seasons. During his term as just the fourth general manager of the Bruins organization, he was behind the acquisition of Phil Esposito and Ken Hodge, two players who would be key pieces to the Stanley Cup-winning Bruins teams of 1970 and 1972. He has the distinction of being the only person in the history of the Bruins to have served as a player, captain, coach, and general manager.
“Milt’s impact in Boston, as both a player and a coach, will forever be felt amongst hockey fans,” said Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs. “He was a legendary personality in the Bruins organization and goes down in history as the ultimate Bruin. We should all be envious of the longevity and meaningfulness of his life.”
Schmidt’s connection to the Bruins was more than just a paycheck or a uniform. His love of hockey was intense; something that never left him, as was exhibited in an episode of Behind the B in which after meeting people in the suite at a game, he asked emphatically “Can I sit down here and watch the game?” Even in his 90s he was still that “ultimate Bruin” rooting for his black and gold.
“Milt embodied everything it meant to be a Boston Bruin both on and off the ice. Milt has impacted the Boston Bruins organization in many different capacities, as a player on the ice, a coach behind the bench and as a general manager, cementing himself in NHL history as one of the all time greats,” shared Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs. “Anyone who knew Milt personally knows he was one of the all time greats off the ice as well. His beaming smile, sharp wit and infectious laugh could light up a room with such an incredible presence that can’t be matched.”
Bergeron, Schmidt and Orr
His smile and wit were still with him on opening night this season, when he and Bobby Orr were present for the ceremonial puck drop. Chatting before the game, his comments had Orr in stitches. His knowledge of the Bruins organization will unlikely never be matched.
“I got to know Milt when I arrived in Boston, and I quickly learned that he was an outstanding ambassador for the game of hockey, a true gentleman, and that he epitomized what it means to be a Bruin,” recounted Bruins President Cam Neely. “When people today talk about ‘Bruins Hockey’ they talk about the style that Milt created, and generations of Bruins after him tried to emulate. After his playing and coaching days were over, he remained incredibly giving of his time and the wealth of knowledge that he had accumulated over his career to everyone associated with the Bruins and the game of hockey.”
Bobby Orr and Milt Schmidt get some Bruins love
“Bruins hockey” is a phrase that you hear often around Boston. The tenaciousness and grit of Schmidt, the “Kraut Line” and the Big Bad Bruins of the 70s are as intrinsic to the organization as the Spoked-B worn on the front of the team’s sweaters.
“When you think about the Bruins, you think about Milt Schmidt,” assistant captain Patrice Bergeron said. “It has been amazing for me to see the impact that he has had, and continued to have on the organization. The last time I saw him, he was on the ice with Bobby [Orr] earlier this year. He shook my hand and said ‘Go get ‘em.” He was always rooting for the Bruins and in our corner.”
You would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t think much the same way as Bergeron and others within the organization who have been fortunate to have known him throughout the years.
Chara, Orr and Schmidt
“Milt has been one of the most respected and friendly human beings that I have ever met and spent time with. Losing Milt, who spent his life dedicated to the game of hockey, is a great loss for the Boston Bruins organization and the entire hockey community,” stated current team captain Zdeno Chara. “I will always cherish the times we had together listening to him reminisce about old time hockey as well as our conversations on today’s style of the game—the game that he just loved so much.”
So much has changed in the game, from the equipment to the rules to the number of teams, since Schmidt stepped out on the ice with the Bruins. And gone is a hockey connoisseur who had such a passion for the sport.
“It would be a challenge to find anyone who took greater pride in being a Boston Bruin than Milt Schmidt did—be it as a player, an executive or an ambassador over the 80-plus years he served the franchise, the City of Boston and the National Hockey League,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Milt’s respect for the game was matched by his humility and was mirrored by the great respect with which his opponents, and generations of Bruins players, treated him through the years. Milt was a landmark presence in Boston’s sports landscape. The NHL family cherishes his contribution to our history.”
For his family and friends this is indeed a sad day. Perhaps knowing how highly he was regarded by those within the Bruins organization, the hockey community and among the fans of hockey and the Bruins, may combine with their fondest memories of an amazing man and bring a smile when it is needed most. The hockey teams in heaven have welcomed one of the best, and undoubtedly the Kraut Line is already planning their first game above the stars. Oh to be a witness to that reunion.
Three unanswered Blues goals in the third period–two from Russian sniper Vladimir Tarasenko–shot down the Blackhawks’ chance to take two points away from Busch Stadium.
The Blackhawks, who now have lost five of their last six games, now remain atop the division and conference with 51 points. They’re closely followed by the Wild (50) and, now, the Blues (45). They’re now 1-4 in outdoor games.
Coach Joel Quennville talked about the breakdown Monday.
Here we’re in a 1-1 game, had a couple decent looks on the power play, had a good forecheck and had the puck and it’s in our net and a quick transition on the third one. So it wasn’t like we weren’t in the game, Corey [Crawford] kept us in the game as well, but it certainly, it was disappointing that you’re there, you’re looking to get a point, and hopefully, you can get two.
After Saturday’s practice, Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews emphasized the importance of an early lead as the team strives to maintain first in the division with a quickly-creeping Wild team on their tails.
“We need those points. We know coming into St. Louis that they play well with their fans. We’ll be ready. We’ll try to get a good start and get the lead. We’d much rather start hard and play with a lead.”
That’s exactly what they did. Unfortunately, things didn’t go so well on the follow-through. The Blues scored once in the otherwise tight second period, but added another three goals to finish the third.
Blues Coach Ken Hitchcock told media before the game that he was less interested in puck possession time and more focused on chip-ins and a physical presence against the Hawks. However, the Blues closed outshot the Hawks 35-23. Then, they definitely showed their physicality by outhitting the Hawks 25-18, including a dangerous boarding by Robby Fabbri as the Blackhawks lost sight of their play.
Set in prime position to stop the goal, Niklas Hjalmarsson instead took Tarasenko’s shot off his foot and past Crawford.
“I thought we played really good the first period. We came out good today, had a decent second, then we got away from the gameplan a little bit–and I scored a goal in our own net.”
Fabbri assisted on the goal at 12:05 in the third.
“We kind of had a breakdown,” Keith said. “He played it smart, Hjammer [Hjalmarsson] did. Those things just happen.
“We got away from our game and from keeping it simple. It comes down to sticking to the game plan.”
Just under two minutes later, Tarasenko went top-shelf across the net on a play set up by Lehtera and Fabbri.
After all the concerns over weather and ice conditions, coaches and players said the ice was great.
“The ice surface was really good,” Hjalmarsson said. “It’s probably better than the last game in Carolina.”
Hitchcock was pleased with all aspects of the game:
I felt we played great today. I thought we ground on them hard, I thought we did a great job in getting pucks deep. I thought we managed the game really well. I thought we played really well. This is the same way we played against Philadelphia, and the way we played for the first half of the game against Nashville. I thought we played a really smart, sound hockey game and, quite frankly, deserved to win.
And, of course, Tarasenko, who tallied two in 1:35, was ecstatic after his first Winter Classic experience:
“I don’t think you can rank this more. It was just different. A different experience than what we have, maybe once in a lifetime, and there is no way to rank it.
“It’s just to say that it’s really cool and I was really happy to win tonight, especially to make all our Blues fans happy here.”
The Blackhawks are focused on moving forward, and anxiously awaiting Marian Hossa‘s return to the lineup–with Keith and Hjalmarsson, among others, praising the veteran’s presence on and off the ice. They said Hossa has great offensive and defensive puck control and is a leader in the locker room.
“We all know how big a part he is of this team. He’s played as good [this year] as any season even if he’s getting up there,” Hjalmarsson said. “It’ll be a big boost for us when he comes back.”
As for dropping the recent slump, the team agrees it’s about getting back to their own style of play.
From Hjalmarsson:
“This is a veteran group. We know what it takes to win games. We’re not too down. We need to do some small things. I think we’ll be back on the winning track.”
Hossa has been skating in Chicago and will likely return to the lineup soon.
The Blackhawks host the Buffalo Sabres at 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday.
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