It’s finally here. The long hot summer is finally over. Bring on the long cold winter. That’s right, the Boys of Winter are back tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. The new slogan, We want it as bad as you remains to be seen, but I must say I am encouraged by the 2008-2009 Bruins chances.
While I was bummed to see Jeremy Reich sent down, it made sense. Milan Lucic, and Shawn Thornton both play the agitator, and Blake Wheeler played his way right onto the roster. Reicher will be back though, as I would imagine he’ll be the first called from the Baby B’s should they need a little grit, and honest effort. Speaking of Wheels. My word is this kid impressive early on. He has size, and good body position in front of the net, and I love he’s wearing 42. If he can drop the mitts and go, I think I might drop one in my pants. If Phil Kessel can have a go in pre season, anything is possible.
My big concern for the Bruins is, and always has been, goaltending and defense. They are anchored by the most over rated player in the NHL (Zdeno Chara) a scary presence in Dennis Wideman, a question mark in Andrew Alberts, and other piece parts. They need a true puck mover, and a skilled stay at homer. The Bruins don’t score a lot, so it’s going to be up to this group to help keep pucks out of the net.
This brings us to the goaltenders. Tim Thomas has always scared me, and I am really not sure about Manny Fernandez. I know Tuukka Raask isn’t ready, so I dread the thought of having to bring him up. Over all, I think this team is improved over last year, and I am excited for the season to start. I have them losing to Washington in the second round. I want it more than them.
Blake Wheeler with his first career tally. Nice goal.
I think you’re being too harsh on Thomas. Thomas isn’t a top teir goalie, he can’t play 70 games and be consistent, he needs someone who can hop in net and give him a night off. If they can use Fernandez and Thomas right, give them each a little rest, I think they’ll surprise.
Good point Mike. I agree. I think that is what I was trying to say, but due to me being not bright, it didn’t come out that way.
Hey guys, back for another year of GoonBlogging. I will tell you this Manny did not get it done the other night against his former club. They got to ride Thomas this season. Also Milan looks a little off early in the year. I fear a sophomore slump for him. He needs to drop the mitts in the next game to fire himself up!
Well that didn’t take long. Thornton and big George just dropped em. Spirited go with both boys getting some good shots in. Thornton had an early takedown. Let’s hope they go again.
KSpecial, I agree with you. Lucic looks off his game so far. I’m hoping it’s just a slow start.
KSpecial, Just watched the Ottawa game from last night. Lucic looked a lot better.