Thoughts on the
month of March
The Bruins capped off a wildly inconsistent month of March
last night in Buffalo, defeating the Sabres, 2-0. Boston lost 8 games in March,
many coming on late blown leads. Their play has attracted all kinds criticism
and negative attention. The B’s effort, desire, and overall capability as team have
been brought to the forefront of questioning.
I personally find myself wondering how a 9-6-2 March record
warrants any sort of intense scrutiny, especially in a truncated season. Yes,
the Bruins have seen a dip in offensive production. Slow starts have plagued
them and several third periods have been forgettable nightmares. Obviously
these are all trends that require rectification and a trade would certainly be
a welcomed improvement.
With that aside, I believe there is no reason to panic over
Boston’s play. They are a team capable of flipping the proverbial “switch.” The
Bruins are veteran bunch who have been down this road before. In 2011, we saw
the B’s have their fair share of struggles and we all know how that year turned
out. It’s not that they lack talent; it’s not that they lack emotion; Boston is
thinking ahead and conserving themselves for the upcoming months.
Playing a condensed schedule requires an exorbitant amount of
energy on a nightly basis and is damagingly taxing throughout the course of a
season. Boston recognizes this and has eased off the gas pedal. Sure the Bruins
are more skilled that what they have let on recently, but now that April is
upon us and the playoffs are nearing, expect the B’s to ramp things up again.
The Bruins were 14-2-2 in January and February. The team has
not changed all that much since and still they sit just one point behind
Montreal for first in the Northeast and second in the Conference. With 14 games remaining, Boston has
more than enough time to get back to their dominant ways and ease the minds of
many worriers.
Perhaps the B’s are saving their best for the playoffs. I am
a strong believer of that and fully expect Boston to pass the Habs, win the
Northeast, and be one of the final four teams standing come postseason. With Pittsburgh losing Crosby, Montreal
failing to string wins together, and the rest of the East up for grabs, Boston
is in as good of shape as anybody. They have a deeper team than most and are
poised to make another run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Realistic Trade
Deadline deals
Ryan Clowe, Forward,
San Jose Sharks:
Clowe is big, physical, gritty player who would be a great
addition and fit in perfectly with a Bruins team that embodies his style of
hockey. Clowe has not scored yet this season, but does have 11 assists in 28
games.
The rugged winger is working his way back from a shoulder
injury and could benefit from a change of scenery. He is twice a 20+ goal
scorer and playing in Claude Julien’s north-south system may ignite his
offense. Clowe would provide an imposing net front presence and bolster the
Bruins defense with his two-way ability.
Ryan Malone, Forward,
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Malone is plays a very similar game to that of Clowe. Malone
is more of a long shot considering he is banged up right now, but Tampa is
rumored to be shopping him. His offense talents and defensive responsibility
could attract Boston.
The former Team USA member plays a heavy style and is known
to mix it up from time to time. Malone has a heavy shot and excels in scoring
net front goals. He has 5 goals and 2 assists this season for the Bolts. If he
is medically cleared, many contenders will be interested in his services.
Ales Hemsky, Forward,
Edmonton Oilers:
Hemsky has top-six goal scoring talent and would definitely
improve the Boston lineup. The elusive winger has 9 goals and 10 assists on the
year. He is a polished offensive player who has been rumored to the Bruins for
a few seasons now.
The Oilers are in search of a gritty forward in return for
Hemsky. The Bruins do have an abundance of them, but the question is which one
will Boston be willing to part ways with. With Hemsky being one of the best
offensive talents available, Boston could pull the trigger on a deal.
Ryan Whitney,
Defensemen, Edmonton Oilers:
Whitney is a Boston native, playing his college puck at BU.
He has expressed interest in wanting to come to the Bruins and trains in the
offseason with several members of the Black-and-Gold.
Whitney plays a reliable defensive game and likes to jump up
into the offense as well. He his 3 goals and 7 assists this year. If acquired,
Whitney would help sure up the Boston backend.
Jay Bouwmeester,
Defensemen, Calgary Flames
Bouwmeester is an offensive minded defensemen that would
greatly aid a lackluster Bruins power play. He excels in moving the puck and
has totaled 6 goals/9 assists this year. The Flames blue-liner would pair
nicely alongside an Andrew Ference and could spark the Bruins offense in a big
way.
Calgary will likely blow things up and Boston may be the
first to receive a phone call after the Iginla debacle.
Other players on the
Bruins radar include:
Keith Yandle, Jaromir Jagr, and Dan Boyle
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