With the postseason finally approaching, the Redsox have a tough first round against the the Angels. The Angels have the best record in the American league right now but I strongly beleive that the Bosox have what it takes to win four! Would love to see a Redsox vs Cubs final! I love the postseason, can't wait for the first of October! + Comment
Previewing the Providence Bruins
Written by Matt Zhe
MEET THE NEW BOSS, SAME AS THE OLD BOSS: Longtime assistant coach Rob Murray takes over for Scott Gordon, who left to become the head coach of the New York Islanders. Murray was Gordon’s right hand man the past five seasons, so the transition should be smooth. Assisting Murray is former Washington Capitals head man Bruce Cassidy. Last year under Gordon and Murray, the Bruins were known for their up-tempo, puck pursuit style of play. With the infusion of talented youth, it is likely Murray and Cassidy will look for more of the same.
POSSIBLE REINFORCEMENTS: The final three players cut from Boston’s camp must now clear waivers. If unclaimed, the P-Bruins roster could be bolstered with vets Nate Thompson (Providence’s captain the last few years), Jeremy Reich and Peter Schaeffer. Also, over the course of the season it would not be shocking to see Vladimir Sobotka, Petteri Nokelainen or Blake Wheeler.
GOALTENDING: Tuukka Rask will shoulder the load again this season. Rask, a top goaltending prospect, was solid but inconsistent last year. He plays a very controlled butterfly style, much more fluid than his fellow Finn Hannu Toivonen. Rask will be backed up by former UNH keeper Kevin Regan. Rask, an AHL All Star last season, should have another exceptional season and Regan will provide solid depth between the pipes.
Tuukka Rask Projection: 35 wins, 2.65 GAA
DEFENSEMEN: The P-Bruins blueline is a solid mix of youth and vets, skill and toughness. Anchoring the D is third year pro Matt Lashoff. Lashoff, along with returnee Matt Hunwick and newcomer Jeff Penner will provide an offensive spark and quarterback the power play. Adam McQuaid, Ryan Stokes and Johnny Boychuk are AHL vets who can bring a physical presence in the defensive zone. Also in the mix is Andrew Bodnarchuk who, along with Penner, received a cup of coffee with the Baby B’s after their Junior seasons ended last year.
Matt Lashoff Projection: 12 G, 46 A, 85 PIM Matt Hunwick Projection: 6 G, 32 A, 28 PIM Adam McQuaid Projection: 4 G, 11 A, 117 PIM
FORWARDS: Providence should not have a problem scoring goals, as there is talent up and down the roster. The big question will be the learning curve. Will some of the kids be able to continue to produce at the same rate they did in Juniors. Returning from last year are Martins Karsums, Wacey Rabbit and Byron Bitz. Karsums, Martin St. Pierre and rookie Zach Hamill are the top guns. Brad Marchand and Matt Marquardt are both bruising wingers who have been able to find the back of the net (sounds like a prototypical Boston Bruin). Wacey Rabbit will return in his checking role, hopefully to be joined by the likes of Thompson and Reich if they clear waivers. The Baby B’s should be able to attack with two strong scoring lines, and complement that with a solid defensive trio.
Martins Karsums Projection: 25 G, 31 A, 39 PIM Zach Hamill Projection: 16 G, 38 A, 32 PIM Martin St. Pierre Projection: 31 G, 64 A, 75 PIM Wacey Rabbit Projection: 11 G, 14 A, 84 PIM
THE COMPETITION: Providence plays in a strong division. The Manchester Monarchs (LA) and Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR) are perennial contenders. The Worcester Sharks (SJ) and Lowell Devils (NJ) also look strong. The Springfield Falcons (EDM) look to be improved, and Portland is a bit of an unknown this year, having switched their affiliation from Anaheim to Buffalo.
FINALLY: The Bruins will be young, fast, and exciting this season. It is unlikely that they will repeat last year’s wire to wire domination, but expect this team to get better as the season progresses. Another trip to the playoffs seems likely, and if they get Tuukka Rask hot at the right time, anything can happen from there.
*And to all The Who fans out there, I understand that the song is called Baba O’Riley, not Teenage Wasteland. Chalk it up to creative license.
