Well, the Leafs are out, the Bruins are still in and I’ve taken a multi-vitamin. That means all is right with the world, at least for now. Unfortunately, things could still go awry since the Lightning and the Sens just couldn’t beat their respective opponents (the Caps and the Sabres) last night and so the race continues. Oh and I guess my multi-vitamin could wear off.
As interesting as the season has been to this point, I can’t help but think of next season’s training camp sometimes. The reason for this is that the following players are injured:
Marc Savard, Patrice Bergeron, Manny Fernandez, Andrew Alberts, Chuck Kobasew and Andrew Ference.
Yet the team continues to survive and even occasionally looks good. For those keeping tally, that’s the team’s two best forwards, their supposed number one goalie, two second pairing d-men (at least those are expectations), and probably the Bruins’ best right-winger this year, all out. Not only that but there have been extended periods where guys like Ward, Chara, Schaefer, Thornton, Thomas and Lucic have been out (and I’m probably forgetting some). Considering the quality job that their replacements have done, next year’s training camp is going to be one competitive affair.
I’m certainly not suggesting that Savard has to worry about his job but it is great to see David Krejci finally thriving at the NHL level. He was very good last night, registering two assists and two official hits (though I think it was likely more in reality). Matt Lashoff was a plus one yesterday and has done a great job over the past couple of games. Peter Schaefer popped back into the line-up last night and, much to my surprise, he was very, very good. His goal was definitely fluky but he was competing hard last and I thought his hustle (yes, he actually hustled, I’m as surprised as you are) and play were worthy of ice-time. Not only that but Phil Kessel has been heating up and I’ve not noticed him making questionable plays nearly as much these days. Then there are guys with loads of potential like Nokelainen, Sobotka and Lucic (plus others in the AHL).
I guess my point is that it would be a shame to see some of these guys end up back in the AHL next year but there is quite a logjam at every position – assuming there will be healthy players - and it’ll be very interesting to see how things work out, especially if Metropolit and Ward are re-signed. For the Bruins, it’s a good position to be in and for the fans, it’s a relief that no one injury has been able to sink this team.
If the Bruins do make the playoffs, take a look at the roster and ask yourself how many of these guys are household names. It’s quite an interesting scenario and it’s certainly different from Bruin playoff teams in the past where most players in the line-up were already somewhat established.
But the keyword in the last paragraph is “if”, for the Bruins still have quite a piece to go. With two games against the Sens, one against the Devils and two against the Sabres, the Bruins are far from out of the clear. Washington is a frightening team, filled with gall and drive, and they simply won’t go away. This makes me question whether or not it was really wise for the Bruins to throw up advertising for playoff tickets onto the front of their web-page. I know from a business perspective one wouldn’t want to start selling those tickets too late, but it still makes me nervous to see it.
Since I don’t want to be a jinx, I’ll leave it up to you to determine whether or not I think the Bruins will make the playoffs (I hope it’s obvious what I think) but I would put out there that even if the Bruins do not make the playoffs, if Krejci, Kessel, Lucic and Lashoff continue to show this type of improvement, then this year must be considered an absolute success.
Some other random thoughts:
- It was great to see Muzz finally pot a goal that wasn’t a fluke and didn’t come on a low shot from 30 feet out. Seriously, I’m not trying to sound like a jerk, I really am happy about it. We all know that while Muzz may not be the player he once was, he has always been a streaky scorer and I’m hoping that this kicks off a bunch of goals for him.
- Tim Thomas got the job done last night but he had me nervous for much of the game. I thought he looked a little shaky for a lot of the time and that he was having some serious problems with rebounds and covering the puck up.
- I know it doesn’t really matter for the Leafs now but look at Kubina go. That guy has been on fire and it looks like he has a lot of confidence lately.
- The first twelve minutes or so of the game was some of the best hockey I’ve ever seen. There was only one whistle in that whole time and it came early on in the game but the intensity never dropped for a second during the whole exchange.
- The crowd last night looked great. It was nice to see and hear a noisy Garden once again. Hopefully the race for the playoffs really draws crowds in over the last couple of home games.
-Gerz
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