The Long, Long Lucic Recovery Road

I’m not really sure why the universe hates me, but clearly, it does. Maybe I’m being a little dramatic, because there are some very positive things in my life. Maybe it’s just the hockey gods who hate me? Or at least don’t like my face?  What has got me thinking this way are two recent developments around our beloved Boston Bruins.

When Ryan Reaves signed in Toronto this offseason, everyone had November 2^nd circled on their calendars. It marked the first time the Leafs were coming into Boston, and the excitement was palpable. The Ref was even talking about making a long awaited return to the Garden. As Mrs. Francine Dunlop remarked in Slapshot, “It’s been a long time since this building has seen my shadow“, and the same can be said for the (often fairweather) Ref. We were excited at the potential for Milan Lucic and Reaves having an old school Thursday night throwdown at center ice for all to see!

As it turns out, the universe had another idea. Lucic took a puck off the foot in early October and would not be in the lineup when Reaves and the Leafs arrived. Not a huge deal, right? We can probably be treated to Ryan Reaves acting a fool and running around all night, right? RIGHT?! Nope. Instead, we got a decent hockey game, with zero antics, and just a lot of tough talk from Reaves with the old, why I oughta….let me at em… bullshit.

Reaving Something to Be Desired

Ryan Reaves got called out post-game by John Scott, Sean Avery, and Chris Nilan (just to mention a few) for his lack of response to what many thought was a dirty play by Brad Marchand against Timothy Liljegren as they were battling for a 50/50 puck. We at Goonblog already mentioned Ryan tends to be a non-factor, and I am glad I didn’t pay the excessive price (to quote Wayne Campbell, a “gun ticket” price) to get into the Garden to witness that lackluster affair.

With Lucic out, and the Leafs game a bit of a bust as a result, my attention turned to the upcoming tilt against the Montreal Canadiens on November 18^th. It was looking like it would be Milan’s triumphant return, Part Deux, as he’ would’d be off Long Term IR and ready to roll. After watching last Saturday’s loss in Montreal, where both sides were getting a bit testy with one another, and Goonblog favorite Arber Xhekaj looking like he wanted to fight – this Saturday’s game was primed to be a doozy.

Big Bad Bruins… and Tuna

Did I mention I am going to be in the building Saturday? As part of the Bruins Centennial Season, they’re doing Eras Nights. Not to be outdone by Taylor Swift, the Bruins will be celebrating periods of time in their history. How fitting then is this Saturday’s Era of the Big Bad Bruins? Montreal coming to town off a contentious game last Saturday. Milan Lucic potentially making his return from LTIR. Goonblog in attendance. It’s a match better than lamb and tuna fish!

Well, the hockey gods hate my face, remember. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery has given a less than promising update on Lucic’s return. Apparently Milan is about a week behind on rehab, so will definitely not be playing this Saturday against the Habs.

Back in the day when the Bruins and Montreal really hated each other, they played 8 times a year. These days, they don’t play as often, meaning we have to wait until January 20^th to see if Lucic and Xhekaj will tangle. Knowing the hockey gods disdain for me, I am not holding my breath.