GoonBlog.com

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks.

Old Time Hockey

The week that Was


in AHL, Albany River Rats, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils, Milan Lucic, Old Time Hockey, Philadelphia Flyers, Ray Bourque, Tom Rowe, Trevor Gillies, Worcester Sharks

The first annual Hockey Week in Acton is over. I did four games in four nights, and watched another three on television. The highlight was obviously Saturday’s tilt against Washington. MOL, my brother and I were there for the old time hockey showing in Boston. I actually called it in Halftime Pizza that they would go right off the hop, and damn I am glad I was right. Lucic is now officially a God in Boston. Some other highlights and low lights of the week.

-The woman in Ray Bourque’s entourage in Lowell last Wednesday. I don’t know if it was Chris’s girlfriend, or his daughter, or who the hell she was, but she was easily one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Jaw droppingly hot.

-Seeing Trevor Gillies wearing the Captain C in Worcester Friday night. I don’t think anyone wanted a piece of him. Tom Rowe loves him, and it was cool to see.

-I still can’t get over how disrespectful the Toronto fans were during the National Anthem Thursday.

-Speaking of Thursday. That was the worst game of the week. Here they are in order. Worst to first.
Bruins vs. Toronto
Bruins vs. Washington (Monday)
Bruins vs. Florida
Bruins vs. New York
Albany vs. Worcester
Lowell vs. Hershey
Bruins vs. Washington (Saturday)
Bruins have a lot of games upcoming, and they look out of gas. If they make the playoffs, it’ll be one and done I feel. I am looking forward to the tilt Saturday against Philly. I’d give a lot to be there. Anyone that can hook me up, I’d give them a free Goonblog T-shirt? No?

{ 6 Comments }

Just Like Old Times


in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils, Mike Commodore, Old Time Hockey

During the lock out season the Lowell Lockmonsters were bringing a wagon. The roster was awesome, and they were a fun group of guys as well. Every one of those guys would say hello and share a minute of their time with you. Guys like Eric Staal, Chuck Kobasew, Matt Lombardi, and Mike Commodore. Oh, the goalie was a future Conn Smythe winner in Mr. Cam Ward. He is the single season record holder for wins, GAA, and shutouts, and a super nice kid to boot. The team had talent and personality, and of all the years I have been going to Lowell, they were my favorite.

The new regime in there is a total 180 from what was there. The New Jersey Devils own all their minor league affiliates, and as such, they run them all like they run their NHL club. I really believe they don’t care about wins and losses at the minor league level as long as when they make a call to the lower ranks they can get a player to plug into the lineup. Ultimately that is what the minor leagues are for; development for the upper levels, but I think there should be a different attitude in the AHL, and below. I realize the Devils are trying to develop a winner, but it was just more fun when you had more access to the team from the front office down.

I mention all this, because yesterday’s game felt like the old days at the Paul. First of all, there were people there. According to the Boxscore, they had 3535 in the house, which for them is a miracle. To say they have been drawing poorly is the understatement of the year. I feel a little like Joe McGrath, You boys have not been drawing them in like we used to. The Devils play a very boring style, and coupled with the fact they kind of suck, people stay away from them like girls stay away from me. Yesterday’s 5-1 win, in a game in which there were 2 fights should do plenty to bring them back. Let’s hope.

I also spoke to a Devils player. Yeah, it’s true. I ran into Pierre-Luc LeBlond after the game. He didn’t play, but Lowell sure could have used him. I told him Lowell could have used him, and he said he knew and that he felt Paul Crosty was being an idiot. When I asked him if he had ever fought him before, he said, No, but I guess I’m going to have to now. What happened was Crosty was taking out some anger or whatever on Lowell defenseman Jean-Luc Grand Pierre. Hence forth known as Big Peter.

It all started in with about six minutes to go in the first. Big Peter hit Crosty in the corner, and they went back up ice. Big Peter was at the point, when Crosty got back to him, and jumped him. Big Peter got the shirt over Crosty’s head and went to work on him. Crosty did well to fight him off even though he was blind. Nice little fight, I score it a win for Big Peter.

With about 5 minutes to go in the second, Crosty was at it again. He tackled Big Peter in front of the Lowell goal and got him with a high stick in the head. Apparently he cut him as he was given 5 minutes to feel shame, and that’s when Lowell opened it up. Barry Shooter Tallackson scored on the PP, and they never looked back.

In the third period, Lowell’s Patrick Davis scored one of the prettiest, if not THE, prettiest goals I have ever seen in Lowell. He scooped the puck up in his own zone, and was off to the races. He went around a couple of Monarch’s players, and put a nifty toe drag on the final Monarch D-man, totally flummoxing him with his trickery. He was then in alone on the goalie, and while skating left, he fired a nice wrister to the right corner. It was beautiful. I think he may be the next guy to get the call to New Jersey. Kid has some sick hands.

Near the end of the third, Paul Crosty was at it again. I am not sure what he has against Big Peter, but it’s safe to say they are off each other’s Christmas list. Again with about 5 minutes to go in the period, Crosty jumped Big Peter again. It was right in front of me this time, so I had a great view. Big Peter threw a couple of very hard right hands once he got his gloves all the way off, and Crosty tried to score a few of his own. He landed a couple, but it was Big Peter again with the win after Crosty go the take down. Now, when they were down I’m not sure if something happened, or if Big Peter was just plain tired of Crosty picking on him all day, but on his way to the box he was heated. It took both Linesmen and the penalty box attendant to hold him back from going into the visitor’s box after Crosty. Paul was getting the gate anyway, for 2, 5, 10, but I think Big Peter was just going to get 5. Well, after he flipped, he got a 10 as well, and was lead off to thunderous applause from the Lowell Faithful. He made kind of a throat slashing motion to the Manchester bench. Not sure if he’s in trouble for that or not. Paul Crosty on the other hand, got a different farewell from the Lowell crowd. He was led off to boos, but to his credit played it up well with a nice wave to the fans thanking them for their time. It was a great game yesterday. One that makes you feel happy to be alive. Here’s hoping it is the start of the all new Lowell Devils.

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This is Big


in Chris, Colton Orr, GoonSquad, Jeremy Reich, Milan Lucic, Old Time Hockey, Shawn Thornton

Mother is in the living room putting the Christmas decorations away with the NHL Network on in the background. She’s getting around in the wheelchair pretty well, and the doctor said she could put 50% weight on her ankle, so she’s allowed to roll around and put her decorations away. I know they’ve been driving her nuts, and she’s been driving me nuts asking me to bring up boxes for her. Up until now, it was a no deal. Now that she’s on the mend, she can have at it. She’ll be back before Sidney Crosby is back from his high ankle sprain he sustained last night. In about an hour I’m dropping her off at the movies with instructions she’s to actually go, and not stand out in front of the liquor store and ask someone to buy her beer.

I mention the NHL network because as I was brining up boxes for her, they were showing the Eastern Conference standings, and it struck me how huge of a weekend this is for Boston. At this point in time, Boston, the Rangers, and Atlanta are all tied with 49 points. New York and Boston play a home and home this weekend. This is a series that has playoff implications in January, and it’s pretty darn exciting. What with the football game Sunday, no one will notice, but still, I’m darn excited.

Boston needs to set a tone early today. I would get the puck deep and start taking the body right away on these guys. Orrsie and Thornton will hopefully be looking for each other to set a tone as well. 2008 Youngstar Milan Lucic, (Congratulations by the way) still has the cage on, so the other duties fall to Jeremy Reich. He’s a guy that hasn’t fought in a while, so hopefully he can get a hold of someone today.

Tomorrow’s game is even more important. New York has had Boston’s number in the MSG, as they have beaten the Bruins there in every contest for 6 years. I think its 6 yearsmaybe its 4.listen; you want stats, go to the NHL website. Come here for dick and fart jokes. Anyway, their dominance at home will play into the psyche of both clubs coming into tomorrow. In the Rangers’ room, the attitude will be, these guys can’t beat us in here, and in the Boston room, it will be the exact opposite. Can we win here? It’s Original Six, Old Time Hockey. I’m hoping for some real grudge match type victories from the black and gold.

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Two guys walk into a Bar…


in Chris, GoonSquad, Old Time Hockey, Philadelphia Flyers

This is a joke. The NHL suspended Scott Hartnell 2 games for hitting Andrew Alberts last night. Are you serious? Why even bother suspend him at all? Listen, the hit Randy Jones put on Patrice was bad, but it was a hockey play. He shouldn’t have hit Bergeron when his back was to him, but it was two guys going after a puck. Nine times out of ten, Bergeron doesn’t even get hurt. The hit last night on Albert’s was totally uncalled for. Here was a guy that was on both knees, totally prone, and Hartnell saw him in time to pull up but chose to hit him. Where is the respect from the other guy? He could have seriously hurt Alberts. It was a cheap shot, and he should have gotten more than 2 games.

Where the fuck was the response from Boston? OK, you get the 5 minute power play. They didn’t seem interested in scoring as they worked the puck around and around. As soon as that PP is over, why is there not a fight? Another thing. I could care less about the fine and the suspension for instigating. Why isn’t there a fight when the Bruins go up 6-3 after Kobasew’s empty netter? And once again, Chara as Captain does nothing. I think at some point the NHL is going to go in reverse of what they want. At some point if this kind of behavior isn’t ended these guys are going to be forced to take matters into their own hands, and then the NHL will have a real problem. Players policing themselves, and honoring a code. They didn’t seem to like things that way, so this is what they get.

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Gobble Gobble Goonblog


in AHL, Chris, Dave, Goons, GoonSquad, Gordie Dwyer, Lowell Devils, Old Time Hockey, Philadelphia Flyers, Trevor Gillies

I am coming to you live from the new Goonblog HQ on the other side of Acton! MOL and I moved last weekend, and we finally got cable installed Friday morning. Manny and the boys hooked me up for my plasma with a brand new HDMI cable, so I am now actually getting real HD. It’s awesome. I gave him and his buddy 5o bucks for a great install. I hope they spent it on beer.

With Internet and cable installed, I am typing this on my new HP desktop I scored through our employee purchase plan at work. To say this is a bad ass machine is an understatement. Quick highlights. PD 3.4 gig processor. 2X300 gig hard drives. 4 Gig memory. DVD everything. Here the capper: 21 HDTV LCD monitor. I have it hooked up to the cable box, so I can come in here and watch the games in HD while MOL enjoys Brothers and Crap, or Desperate Housewives or whatever the hell else is on. I am psyched. This machine is bad ass.

Moving on to the business at hand. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This ’07 edition was a bit of a departure from my normative behavior around this time of year. I look forward to the night before Thanksgiving all year. It is by far my favorite holiday. Usually I drink my face off with people I hadn’t seen since the Thanksgiving prior and old friends I hang with all year. There is always someone totally random that shows up (Susan in ’06.) that makes the evening a lot more interesting. This year however, was a bit different. For starters, the only person that may enjoy Thanksgiving more than me, and newly minted US Citizen, Dave, was up in the motherland. To say I missed him around this year was an understatement. He has been the best at keeping in touch with everyone, so he always plans the best events. It was not the same without him around. Secondly, the red house is no more. Jim and James packed it in and moved to Sommerville, so that was out. Thirdly, I went to the Lowell Devils game the night before, and drove to my brother’s in Connecticut Wednesday night. It was an odd Thanksgiving, but at the same time, I liked it. It was nice to be able to actually EAT turkey, and have a normal conversation with people. As well as I got to hang with my Niece and Nephew, which is always a blast. Still though, some traditions must live on, so I am announcing it early. Mark your calendars now. The night before Thanksgiving next year will be right here at Goonblog HQ! Dave, I better see you at 4:30 brew in hand.

Although the Holiday was a bit different, it did afford me a lot of hockey action featuring two Goonblog favorites over the years. Wednesday I was in Lowell for the Pirates tilt. Gordie Dwyer was in the house, but not dressed for the game. I spoke with him for about 20 minutes, and it was great to see him. I would have to say he is the nicest kid I have ever met in hockey. He talked of his chance in Portland, and Sweden last year. He spoke of the family, and they are well. I’m not mental or anything, but it was good to see him and have a few minutes to talk to him. I hope they sign him up there because he deserves the shot.

Friday marked the return of Trevor Gillies, and Tom Rowe to the Paul. Tom has always been very high on Gillies, and signed him this off season. Gillies played about 10 shifts and took a bullshit charging call. I was close enough to hear him screaming at the clock operator, penalty box attendant, and hell anyone that would listen. He was yelling, How can you guys watch these guys?! What a bunch of pussies! You haven’t had anyone tough here for 6 years since I left! Everyone got a good chuckle out of it, but sadly, he is right. Later after getting in a fight with Lowell’s Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre with 3 minutes left in the third he chose to stay in the box as opposed to retiring to the dressing room. Gillies was heated because he felt JLGP had jumped him late in a shift as opposed to waiting for a draw. The fight was a good one in which Gillies landed some good hard shots, but JLGP landed some of his own too. I think he may have even cut Gillies on the chin. I would say it was a win for Gillies, but JLGP handled himself nicely. Being back in the box afforded Gillies more time to scream and yell, and when Lowell’s Mark Fraser took two near the end of the game, Trevor took the opportunity to yell over to Fraser. This I could also hear. He said, He Fraser. Tell your boy to get me off a draw next time, not when I’ve been out there for 2 minutes. He’s a fucking coward! It was pretty hilarious, and Fraser even managed a dry smile. While I agree it goes against the code to get a guy late like that, I think Trevor would have had more beef if it was one of the leagues real tough guys. Not some wanna be tough guy with two hyphenated names.

Yesterday was game three for me in Lowell, and it featured Gordie Dwyer again. This time he played, and he didn’t look too bad. Gordie is a surprisingly good skater for a rough and tumble winger, and gives an honest effort every shift. He took a crappy minor for elbowing, but other than that, there was no rough stuff from him. Lowell also actually played another hyphenated player, Pierre-Luc LeBlond. It was the first time I’d seen him play for Lowell, and he didn’t look out of place at all. Decent skater, and plays crash and bang. They should take note of the lineup they had yesterday and play it more often, as they finally won a fucking game, and looked interested in playing. Tonight is the Flyers and Bruins in the first tilt since Bergeron was sent into the press box for the rest of the year. I’d like to see an old Broad Street Bullies vs. The Big Bad Bruins type game, but in the new NHL, I am not sure that’s possible. Either way, I’ll be tuned in at the All New Goonblog HQ!

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Not My Captain


in Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Jesse Boulerice, Milan Lucic, Old Time Hockey, Philadelphia Flyers, Shawn Thornton

What a week eh? Patriots killed the Redskins, and the Red Sox won their second World Series in 3 years. It’s an incredible time to be a Boston sports fan. Unless of course, you are a Bruins fan. That’s not exactly true. The team is off to a surprisingly good start. They seem to be playing pretty well together and the Thornton and Lucic dynamic is very interesting. They had two great fights last Saturday back to back. They are indeed tougher to play against. I am happy with the start, with the exception of Zdeno Chara.

I got a text from Goonblog fan, Brownie the other night. It read, NHL ’08 for PS3 is amazing..Chara is a pussy in it though. Hands down it is the funniest text I have ever received, but at the same time it’s true. I really don’t want Goonblog to turn into anti Chara blog, but it seems he is our new whipping boy here. It was Hal Gill a few years ago, and to be honest, I think Chara is an inch taller Hal Gill. To say I am disappointed he wasn’t the one to go after Randy Jones instead of Chuck Kobasew is a gross understatement. Claude Julien should have walked up to him, told him to remove his jersey. Then he should have handed it to Donny Delnegro and told him to remove the C because he wasn’t fit to wear it. I’m sure he works hard, and is a nice guy, but he’s no Captain. You think Terry O’Reilly would have let Chuck Kobasew do the dirty work if he was on the ice? Exactly.

As far as the suspension goes, I think it’s fair. It was a bad hit, and he knows better than to hit anyone when their back is turned, but it wasn’t vicious like the cross check Boulerice laid on Kesler. I think the punishment fit the crime, and I think he’ll get some code justice when these two teams meet again. No weekly wrap up on Sunday. TKO and I will be in Indianapolis for the Patriots game. Should be a blast. I might try a running diary tomorrow night for the Bruins. We’ll see how the schedule works out. Meantime, I am off to bed, and by that, I mean I am off to get more brew.

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WWU V


in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils, Milan Lucic, Old Time Hockey, Philadelphia Flyers, Shawn Thornton

Good week here at Goonblog HQ. I got to games Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Obviously there were no fights Wednesday and Saturday, duh, it was Lowell, but Thursday’s Bruins game was quite a different story. Bridget took me for my birthday and we had a great seat for the fight Bruins fans had been waiting for for a year now. That’s right. Big Z finally dropped them.

It started right in front of us with a disagreement between Zdeno Chara and Blackhawk tough guy, David Koci. The two had a very spirited bout, and I score it a win for Chara. A lot has been made about Koci’s nose already being broken, and that’s why he was bleeding. My point? Who cares? If Chara doesn’t raise his fists to him, then he doesn’t hit him. He doesn’t hit him, we never find out he already had a broken nose. I am just glad Chara finally got in a fight. Bummer he didn’t break his hand like Jack Edwards speculated.

Yesterday’s Bruins game was a spirited affair as well. After two disappointing bouts as a Bruin, Shawn Thornton really impressed me yesterday in his to to toe battle with Riley Cote. The 2 stood in and traded a bunch of bunches. Thornton was fired up after the fight too, as he was trying to get the crowd into it after being separated from Cote. I call it a draw.

Not to be outdone, new Bruin favorite Milan Lucic got into it with Ben Eager about 10 seconds later. I was once again very impressed with the rookie from Vancouver. He traded shots with Eager, and once again showed great balance. I think Eager landed more, but Lucic kept coming. I score the fight a win for Eager, but Lucic gets very high marks once again.

I’m sure Bruins fans everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief for Patrice Bergeron. That was a scary hit, and I take issue with Chara who was on the ice at the time, not being the one to go after Randy Jones. When Chuck Kobasew is doing that kind of thing over the Captain of an Original Six team, I think it shows the make up of both guys. Anyway, it was a scary and dirty hit, and I’m glad Bergie is OK. I would expect Jones to get some discipline after this one. Colin Campbell should just set up an office in Philly eh? I am off to the Patriots game, then the Sox later. Monday should be an interesting day!

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Hockey Night in Acton


in Chris, Georges Laraque, Goons, GoonSquad, Jesse Boulerice, Milan Lucic, Old Time Hockey, Philadelphia Flyers, Shawn Thornton

Last night was hockey night at Goonblog HQ. MOL was doing something in the other room, so I was in the living room drinking Miller Lite while watching several hockey games. It started with the first period of the Penguins and Montreal, and ended with the 8-2 drubbing by Philadelphia on the Canucks. Oh, by the way, guess who’s getting suspended? I’ll give you a hint, it rhymes with Messy Moulerice. In between I saw the Isles and Rangers, and the Bruins and Ducks. All told, I watched about 8 full periods of hockey, drank about 10 beers, and went to bed at 1:15. The hockey was decent, but sadly there were no fights.

The Penguins and Canadiens featured the first NHL star, and win, by Montreal’s latest star goaltender in the making Carey Price. Price looked very solid. He is the third Montreal goaltender to get their first win in the NHL against the Penguins. The other two, Ken Dryden, and Pat Roy. Anyhow, the more I watch Sid the Kid, the more I am impressed with him. He is a god, and I think he may very well go down as the greatest ever. If I ever played in the NHL, I would like to think I would do it like Gary Roberts. I think I saw him try to kill at least two Montreal forwards. The man obviously does not like anyone in the other sweater, and I like that about him. Rounding out the highlight was Georges Laraque. He had no fights, but he’s still a force on the ice. I can’t wait until December 20th when the Pens are in town.

Here’s a recap of the Islanders and Rangers game. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.oh look, is that Hillary Duff? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. That’s not all true. There were a few goods hits, and Bryan Berard’s slapper goal was a laser. I was keeping an eye out for Gomez and Drury. Gomez is scoreless in his time as a Ranger. Shanny remains one of my favorites of all time. He’s awesome to watch on the PP. Again, this game featured no fights.

Next, we have the Ducks and Bruins. The Bruins started out like a house on fire with Chuck Kobasew scoring a beauty early in the first. My new favorite Bruin? By far, Milan Lucic. The kid is 19, but like Marc Savard said in the booth, he’s a man. He makes the most of his limited ice time, and the Bruins are going to have a tough choice in 5 more games. I am a little surprised Thornton and Parros didn’t fightthere were a couple of night body checks tooI thought Thornton would have wanted to go in front of the old fans.

Finally, the Canucks and Flyers in the night cap. Philly was up on side and down the other of the Canucks. Philadelphia was getting every bounce and every loose puck. The goal I saw Danny Briere score was pretty nice. Luongo looked really shaky too. Near the end, the game got very ugly. Jesse Boulerice (who I am glad is back in the show by the way) cross checked Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler in the head behind the Canucks goal. I am really not sure why either. Boulerice is no stranger to stick violence, as he was charged with assault following a stick swinging incident in 1998 during a Junior game. I suspect he’ll be suspended for this incident. I guess the Flyers are trying to bring back the Broad Street Bullies era in the City of Brotherly Love. For my night of hockey last night, I get to quietly type this while MOL watches Grey’s Anatomy. Hopefully, it will earn me the TV for the Sox and Bruins tomorrow.

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Admitting it is the first Step


in Chris, GoonSquad, Old Time Hockey

I was born in late October of 1974. My father was a life long hockey fan, and is the man that first turned me on to the game. I remember watching games on Saturday afternoon with him; in fact, I can still hear Fred Cusik, saying, Live, from Le Colisee in Quebec! It’s the Bruins and Nordiques next, on WSBK!

My memories are of Pete Peters, Cam Neely, and Randy Burridge. All the great battles they had when the Montreal rivalry meant something, and the wars they had with Quebec and Hartford. Is it just me and Taz, or did these guys have a zillion fights on Saturday afternoon? It was what Bruins fans loved, a Saturday afternoon game. Chances are excellent that I sat with my father as he fed me, or laid on the floor while the likes of Sanderson, Orr, and the end of the Big Bad Bruins played in the background. The point I am making is I have been a Bruins fan for almost 33 years, and what I am about to say is very, very hard. I can finally admit it out loud. The Bruins don’t want to be good.

Seriously. I LOVE the Shawn Thornton signing. I really do. He is a big tough sonofabitch, and for those of you that have never seen this kid play, I assure you, you’ll love him. A guy that really enjoys the role of enforcer, and I think could be the next PJ Stock from a fan perspective. He’s huge, and addressed a huge issue. Toughness. Done. Check.

Now, what is the other issues facing the Black and Gold? They can’t stop pucks. The jury is out on the Manny Fernandez deal. I don’t have any problem with what they gave up for him. A 4th rounder and a decent prospect aren’t bad if it pans out. However, he had his chance to take the reigns when Rollie the goalie was deemed expendable, and it didn’t exactly work out in Minny’s favor. Granted the guy was hurt, but he’s also 32, and may be in the twilight of his career. We got a guy like that already, his name is Tim Thomas. What does this do for the log jam in goal now? I heard Glenn Murray and Toivonen to Edmonton, but haven’t heard more on that. Personally, I think trading Toivonen is a mistake. I really think he’s a very good goalie, and once he’s 100% healed, and playing with confidence (which he should be this fall) he’ll surprise some naysayer’s around here. If I am wrong, which often happens, I will apologize.

The Bruins also can’t score any goals. This is a team that needs offense like I need a life coach. Why not, with six million dollars under the cap, go for Chris Drury. Daniel Briere would look good in a Bruins uniform, hell; even Scott Gomez would have been good. Drury is from New England for Christ sake. He may have wanted to play here. I am making my own point. They all want to go where it appears the organization is at least trying to try.

So, the big name forwards are all signed. Maybe it’d be a good time to go after Billy Guerin again, or Mike Comrie? Nope. These guys are standing pat with Shawn Thornton, and Manny Fernandez.

Another big hole for Boston is the defense. They have some glaring weakness there, and I’m not just talking about the big cone signing from last year. I think they have some very good prospects on the blue line, and signing Alberts was a good move. What isn’t a good move is not sending hookers, and guns and fire trucks to Sheldon Souray as incentive to get him to sign here. Could you imagine a Power Play unit with him and Chara on the point? Souray is an offensive defenseman with a cannon for a shot. He is also very tough and can fight. In my opinion, he’s been the best available free agent all along, and if the Bruins were interested in being a good team, they would have gone to his door with a hooker, a case of Molson, and six million dollars, and begged him to sign. Instead it looks like he will be an Islander.

Alas, the Bruins don’t want to be good. There is no way they can be this poorly managed. The directive to do nothing must be coming from somewhere. It has to be Jeremy Jacobs right? I mean seriously? Is there another logical explanation for why a team like Boston that needs to make improvements to be good, and has the money to do so would stand by and watch as the teams around them (some in their own division mind you) load up for bear? I really am at a crossroads here. Being a life long Bruins fan, this is hard to watch. It’s hard to comprehend how a team that used to be so vibrant in this City, is now less relevant than most of the college hockey teams in town.

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Just Don’t Kill Ray Bourque


in Hockey Fight Videos, Old Time Hockey, The Ref

I know we’re in the middle of the playoffs and everything, but I need to share. A funny thing happened on the way to Canada a couple of weeks ago. I just moved up here permanently from Boston’s North End, and to the uninitiated it’s a heck of a tough neighborhood to maneuver anything resembling a large truck through. When I arrived at my favorite automotive equipment leasing establishment (hint: it rhymes with RuPaul,) I discovered my reservation for a 10 foot truck had somehow translated into a 14 footer that wouldn’t be ready for an hour. By the time I finally got back to the North End from Dorchester not only was I an hour behind schedule, but I had serious doubts about whether I’d be able to back the behemoth down my little street that was of course designed for horses 300 years ago.

Luckily my copilot, Sean – the Bear to my BJ (that’s hot) – got out of the truck and helped me navigate backwards through the planters, pedestrians and fire escapes that litter Cleveland Place. We got the bugger in and we got it almost all the way to my front door when I noticed a man on a cell phone walking towards the truck in my rear view mirror. At the time, I thought he looked familiar but I was far too engrossed in not flattening Italian children to pay it any mind. And then Sean shouted his next direction my way:

“Cut the wheel to the right, straighten out past the lamp post and be sure not to hit Stanley Cup winner and Hockey Hall of Famer, Ray Bourque“.

I hit the brakes and turned around to look out the windshield as Ray heard his name, turned and waved at us. Had he not been on the phone, Sean swears he would have asked him to help load the truck so we could get a picture. That would have been quite a momento to leave Boston with. Still, it was very exciting to have almost squashed Ray Bourque that fateful morning. I’m not a fan-atic in a Mark David Chapman sort of way, but I’m starting to see where the fat bastard was coming from.

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