The 2011 NHL All-Star break has arrived. At the 'de-facto' halfway point (50 games), The Bruins sit atop the Northeast Division with a respectable record of 28-15-7 and a total of 63 points. Their position as #3 in the Eastern Conference is by virtue of the rule that division leaders are guaranteed a top-3 spot in the standings (technically the Bruins are 4th best in the conference as 4th place Pittsburgh has more points). There are many reasons for praise, as well as concern with these Bruins just as there are for any team in the NHL.
First up, Timothy "I'm way to old to be this good" Thomas. For real folks, if you told me that Tim Thomas would be the prohibitive Vezina (Best Goalie) favorite and a Hart (league MVP) Trophy candidate after a "miracle" hip surgery, I, along with almost everyone else, would have taken a jab at your hockey IQ. However, I, along with everyone else, am ecstatic over his impressive 24-5-6 record, his superb 1.81 GAA, and his superhuman .945 save percentage (which means for every 1000 shots, he saves 945). With "Tank" in net, the Bruins have gained at least a point in all but 5 contests. As of right now, the Bruins are Timmy's team. Tuukka Rask is a more than qualified backup and a nice little insurance policy....we hope.
The "Goalie of the Future" for this franchise is Tuukka Rask, no one denies this. A 4-10-1 record is less than desirable but is by no means cause for concern. There are three schools of though as to why Tuukka has only contributed to 9 of Boston's 63 points. (A) Tuukka grossly overachieved during the second half of last year and through the first round of the playoffs. During the second round of the playoffs he hit the "rookie wall" after game three and then ______________(no need to bring it up). (B) Tuukka has not recovered from ________________(again, no need). His confidence has been shaken up and he needs more time to get back to his pre-collapse form. However, opponents have not seemed to find Tim Thomas' "Kryptonite" so he is getting most of the workload right now. (C) The blueliners on the team fall asleep at the wheel and expect Tuukka to bring a Thomas-like performance every night and that is simply too high of an expectation. To say that the defense is hanging Tuukka out to dry is not completely correct but is starting to trend that way.
Although the Bruins are ranked #1 in the league in goals against per game, the defensive corps have been receiving criticism. Yes, much of the credit has to go to the outstanding goal tending, but not all. Zdeno Chara and co. have been playing pretty well in light of the criticism. The D-men are a collective +83 in +/- rating and have combined for 86 points....no complaints here. 7 capable defensemen are vying for 6 spots which should raise the level of play for the bottom half of the group. Rookie standout Steven Kampfer has given many hope with his puck handling and puck moving skills but still has a little more to learn about the defensive scheme that Coach Julien implements. In addition rookie Adam McQuaid has played a solid style of play that has given fans confidence. All in all it could be worse from this group, but as always, it could be a lot better.
On the offensive front, there is a lot to be excited about, but for every positive there is a negative to even itself out. On the plus side, the Bruins are getting unexpected brilliant play from relatively unknown forward Brad Marchand. Starting the season on the fourth line, Marchand's tough style of play has amassed 25 points, a regular shift on the PK, and a promotion to the second line playing alongside the ageless wonder Mark Recchi and solid 2-way player Patrice Bergeron. The Black and Gold has 10 players with 20 points or more, (matched only by Chicago and Detroit). The fourth line is bringing energy to this team when they desperately need it. Depth is a positive for any playoff team hoping for a cup, but inconsistency is plaguing this team like, well, the plague. Too many lopsided losses mixed in this season has fans worried about the resolve of this team. Along with scoring droughts from the two major off-season acquisitions, Nathan Horton and Tyler Seguin, there is much this group of forwards has to work on.
After returning from post concussion syndrome, Marc Savard played 25 games before being sidelined, maybe for the season, with another concussion suffered on a Matt Hunwick hit in Colorado. Prior to his latest setback, Savvy put up some pretty gruesome numbers (2-8-10 with a -7 rating) but started to show signs of life right before he got hurt again. It will be interesting to see how this team plays without their play-maker for possibly the remainder of the season. Expect to see Dan Paille getting a regular 4th line shift.
All in all, it has been a positive first half of the season for the B's after some thought a let down was in store after a grim (to be positive) ending to the 2010 season. They are on pace for 104 points and home ice advantage in the first round. Regular season success is expected but it remains to be seen how our beloved Bruins will perform in the post season. A drink from Lord Stanley's Cup is a real possibility if this team pulls it together when it counts. GO BRUINS!
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