I was as ****** as anyone during that 6 game losing skid. It was soon after my first "WTF?" post on here that they did it too.

I just don't see the point in bashing WHILE in a 9-3-1 stretch.

Hell I forgot to mention that Sturm even missed the game with the flu.

So yes, Ottawa is struggling and without Alfredsson and still missing Heatley.

Bruins are still missing Bergeron and Murray, and tonight Sturm.

Before the season, even the blindly optimistic fan doesn't think they walk into Ottawa and dominate (for 2 periods) them without those 3 and a couple (albeit replaceable) defensemen.

Pittsburgh is weak. New Jersey could fall apart as they have in years past. And even Montreal can be caught (Even without being able to beat them). They're better than Carolina in record and I feel on the ice.

And none of the teams below them are worth talking about either!!

No it's not going to "restore the old glory". But this town doesn't give a damn about them for past decisions/seasons/disappointments?? Well how in the friggin hell were there still Red Sox fans to celebrate a title finally?

As I've said. Not once have I said "To the Finals with us" or any blatent homer bandwagon nonsense. I've presented facts, and have been met with snarky, ignorant attitude and look-down-your-nose smugness.

I'm 31 years old. My 1st Bruins games was Neely/Bourque vs. Verbeek/Francis Whalers in the Garden. I'm not some wide-eyed 18 year old. I remember their years of mediocrity with short bursts of contending. I remember the crowing about the "making the playoffs 20 some-odd years" when making the playoffs meant you weren't a bottom 2 team in your conference. Years of losing to Roy and Montreal every year after beating Hartford yet again.

Trying to build a winner around Thornton failed because of ignorant, apathetic ownership/management. No kidding. Those of us who paid attention know that.

I only could hope that the new GM/scouting overhaul would bear some fruit. They've made a few small deals that have seemingly had an impact on their depth. I'd say losing 2 major offensive players for most of the season would have them in the basement if not for the "solid" depth they've acquired/developed.

Also, Julien's system is obviously a factor as they've managed to "survive" despite giving up so many shots. Supposedly they focus on pushing everything to the outside and not giving up shots in the slot. Thomas obviously can handle the longer shots better. Less to "flop around at" when shots are hitting him in the chest and glove. They're only different from last year's basement dwellers in minor ways. The roster didn't turn over much at all.

Yet, they're a "hot streak" away from 4th/5th like I've predicted. I don't think my rooting for them positively will change a goddamned thing.

I just know what I see.

The Bergeron thing was a hit to my psyche. I saw some minor positives last year before the disasterous ending. Liked the coaching hire. Liked the little moves. But Patrice laying there was very very much like the cloud wouldn't leave this team.

However, every time I've thought they were done, they rally. It's a new 3rd or 4th line-type playing on the 1st/2nd line that contributes to another win. The wins aren't coming against the better teams, so I'll stop short of predicting ANYTHING in the playoffs without fluke opponent injuries.

I just want to see a trade deadline move and some kind of consistent D-play before I kick dirt on them for even this season. Also, as a Boston/New England fan, I'm psyched that the 5th best team (BC Football's Bowl streak baby! And yes, I'm aware that they're pre-Jan 1st Bowls--Different argument altogether) in the area is still "playoff bound". Offseason the cap goes up again. They can make another attempt at #1A/platoon goalie (or Rask improves). A real top 4 D-Man free agent. And hopefully Patrice's return.

Some teams took a major step back this season in the East. Boston happily hasn't. That's worth watching/rooting for I'd say.

To each their own for sure of course.

Kessel is going to be a star in the NHL. Why? Mike Milbury said if he was Bruins GM he would trade him. No better guarantee than that.

Well he is at that over the hill age now of 20 and if he can't must up a Hart trophey or score 30 to 40 goals, it's time to trade him for a veteran winger with a huge salary, Naslund?

Alright here we go. As mentioned above, it's the make or break section of the Bs schedule. Should they somehow have another 8-4-1 month (1-1 so far @Ott and vs. Detroit), the possibility is still there for upwards movement. Obviously, we won't hold our breath. I still see some positives should they go 3-1-1 somehow on the road trip.

Buffalo
@Buffalo
Florida
Carolina
@Pittsburgh
@Toronto
@Carolina
@Florida
@Tampa Bay
Ottawa
Pittsburgh

The only teams above them that they play are Carolina, Ottawa and Pitt. They have more points (in 3 less games) than Carolina, showed they can fluke into a win vs. Ottawa, and Pitt will be without Crosby both games(though they're still playing well). Otherwise it's all teams they "should" beat. Which we all know they don't always do.

First column is games played, 2nd is points. Bruins have a few games in hand over the Rangers, so I don't even count them. Pittsburgh they play twice, then it's New Jersey who've been inconsistent since January 1st. They still can't beat Montreal it seems, but luckily, don't play them.

1. * Ottawa 53 68
2. * Philadelphia 51 63
3. * Carolina 55 56
4. Montreal 53 65
5. New Jersey 53 63
6. Pittsburgh 53 63
7. NY Rangers 55 60
8. Boston 52 59
9. Atlanta 55 56


I'm gonna stick with my prediction (hope?) of 5th by the end of the month. Let's see if they start it off with sweeping this home and home with the Sabres (3-0-1 vs. them this year) who are coming off an awful loss their last game.

Greatness tonight.

They got whupped despite finally limiting shots. Thomas has been running hot, but if he has to start every game, he's going to wear down just like last year.

*Sigh*