Bruins 2021 Season Thread

Mr. Wednesday

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 27, 2007
1,590
Eastern MA
I’m not usually one to call for more replay but the league should be able to review hits to the head when a player is injured similar to what NCAAF has for “targeting.”
This is already a thing in NCAA hockey (and has been for a couple of years). In college, that play gets reviewed, and Wilson gets five and is ejected.
 

Ferm Sheller

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2007
20,404
B’s don’t play the Caps again for five weeks, and then four times in two weeks. Will he miss those?
I doubt it. The Caps have 16 games between now and the next time they face the B's. The biggest beneficiaries of a lengthy suspension would seem to be Philly, NYR, and NJD.
 

Ferm Sheller

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2007
20,404
In person hearing has to mean that he's getting something. I'll stick to five games because I don't trust the league.

EDIT: Damn, I just watched the hit again several times for the first time since watching on NESN last night and Wilson brings his shoulder up as he's gliding in (and actually as Carlo's raising his head). I say Wilson gets more than ten games. I actually think he could get twenty given his RO status. He was targeting the head.
 
Last edited:

RIFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
3,087
Rhode Island
The Wilson hit should be treated like Torres in the past. That won’t happen because Parros is the guy reviewing. The biggest thing to me is not where Wilson’s shoulder was when he made contact, but his hands and stick. The hands were high and the stick was pointed to the rafters. The shaft of his stick hit Carlo square in the temple and his hands around the chin. That’s what drove his head into the glass. There is no “hockey play” that involves the shaft of your stick being more than 6’ off the ice. Never mind that with his stick straight up his blade was 10’ from the ice. Given his history he should be gone for the rest of the season. This Is one case where the peanut gallery is about 80% in calling for a suspension. There definitely isn’t the normal split where there is a chorus on the league going soft. I think that will lead to a suspension, but I’ll be shocked if it is even 5 games.
 

barclay

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 27, 2006
1,333
This is already a thing in NCAA hockey (and has been for a couple of years). In college, that play gets reviewed, and Wilson gets five and is ejected.
Here's the problem. The NHL refs did in fact review this during the periods and told Bergy they did not think it was a shot to the head (from 1:20 on in this video)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7dDSrMgA8A


To make matters worse, Vrana cross-checked Carlo when he was lying prone on the ice and got away with it. Here is the link:

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2021/03/tom-wilson-to-have-in-person-hearing-with-nhl-player-safety.html?fbclid=IwAR3EKw1NRPO4UyZVdPm_VYXodh4XHfobpoCP-nfLxkEZQZv3AsSwE1ABJow
What is especially concerning in the above is this beaut:

The league has also not publicly commented on the performance of referees Dean Morton and Pierre Lambert, who failed to penalize Wilson (with many options available) or Vrana and were inconsistent with calls all night.

The continued problem is not only dirty players but the refs, as almost all on this board have agreed. Because of either incompetence or (fill in the blank), refs are not held accountable. In cases where serious injury and/or lives could be at stake, they need to be disciplined, especially when they failed to even call a penalty. I am not aware of that happening in the past. Perhaps someone on this board has a better memory and, if so, do share.
 

durandal1707

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 18, 2007
6,131
The continued problem is not only dirty players but the refs, as almost all on this board have agreed. Because of either incompetence or (fill in the blank), refs are not held accountable. In cases where serious injury and/or lives could be at stake, they need to be disciplined, especially when they failed to even call a penalty. I am not aware of that happening in the past. Perhaps someone on this board has a better memory and, if so, do share.
Amen. The league gave referees a solution for this problem: if it looks like a major penalty, call it, and a review will take care of any situations where the infraction was less severe than it looked. That Morton and Lambert didn't exercise this option is where I start getting really mad. And the story of looking at the video during intermission just reeks of them cobbling together an excuse for their egregious non-call. The real problem is the NHL officials don't have the integrity to issue a genuine mea culpa mid-game.

And yes, I'm all in favor of reviewing the officials' performance post-game, especially in cases where a suspension was issued on a play that didn't get penalized in-game. Sure, the refs aren't going to get everything, especially something like a behind-the-play spear or slewfoot. But having a full view of repeat offender Tom Wilson attempting to decapitate Brandon Carlo and doing absolutely nothing about it deserves a vacation from the job, perhaps a permanent one.
 

barclay

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 27, 2006
1,333
Amen. The league gave referees a solution for this problem: if it looks like a major penalty, call it, and a review will take care of any situations where the infraction was less severe than it looked. That Morton and Lambert didn't exercise this option is where I start getting really mad. And the story of looking at the video during intermission just reeks of them cobbling together an excuse for their egregious non-call. The real problem is the NHL officials don't have the integrity to issue a genuine mea culpa mid-game.

And yes, I'm all in favor of reviewing the officials' performance post-game, especially in cases where a suspension was issued on a play that didn't get penalized in-game. Sure, the refs aren't going to get everything, especially something like a behind-the-play spear or slewfoot. But having a full view of repeat offender Tom Wilson attempting to decapitate Brandon Carlo and doing absolutely nothing about it deserves a vacation from the job, perhaps a permanent one.
Thanks for the info and Amen right back atcha. The non-action by the League has repercussions. I'm assuming I am not alone when I say that as a fan, things changed for me after game 5 of the Blues series, when 2 bruins received headshots (no penalties; one later deemed worthy of a suspension), followed by two more non-calls (one leading directly to the winning goal). I simply no longer think this league is legit. I watch of course, but the incompetence is so bad that I do wonder (and I mean rationally, not just due to anger) about whats going on here behind the scenes. We are dealing with actual lives on a shot like the one Carlo received (what if he were a member of your family and in a coma at Mass general?). its not a joke, and we should not simply say "well, thats the NHL now." Its criminal, and letters to the commish are in order.
 

ColdSoxPack

Well-Known Member
Silver Supporter
Jul 14, 2005
2,351
Simi Valley, CA
I read that Wilson 's last suspension was in 2018 so he is no longer considered a repeat offender. This situation has the potential to be epically bad.
 

IdiotKicker

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 21, 2005
10,783
Somerville, MA
Based on Wilson’s history, if the league actually cared about precedent and doing the right thing, this should be between 15-20 games.

I bet we get 6.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,096
Greg Wyshinski, trash writer and terrible podcaster, has come out in favor of the hit, so you know, that might give you an idea that the league is going to fuck this up more and not suspend him.
He is proof that it is far better to be lucky and well connected than talented or knowledgeable.
 

ColdSoxPack

Well-Known Member
Silver Supporter
Jul 14, 2005
2,351
Simi Valley, CA
From today's Washington Post:

“To me, it was a hockey hit,” Laviolette said Saturday afternoon after the team’s optional practice in Philadelphia. “If this is a suspendable play then all hitting really is going to probably have to be removed because he didn’t take any strides, he didn’t target the head, a player was up against the boards, he was upright and Tom hit him hard.

Lol. Most of the commenters on the article disagree with coach.
 

Jordu

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2003
8,961
Brookline
From the NHL website: “The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: boarding. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.”

NHL starts the hearing with illegal hit to the head not being considered. That is not good news.
 

locknload

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
3,773
Haverhill MA
The league is a joke on player safety, always has been, and seemingly always will be. Certain players get away with scrambling other players brains on the regular and the league taps them on the wrist. Wilson, while being a piece of shit, is a decent hockey player but he's no super star. If this was #8 I would at least sort of understand not wanting to season ban him but why they go so far protecting predatory players is beyond me.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
I like how they didn’t suspend him for an illegal check to the head but spend the whole video saying this rises to supplemental discipline because of head contact.


Guessing the dart landed on 7 because 7 in a 56 game season is roughly equivalent to 10 in an 82 game season and we know they like their convoluted formula’so justify suspension length.
 

NYCSox

chris hansen of goats
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
May 19, 2004
10,446
Some fancy town in CT
Also probably means that Carlo is going to be out a while. We all know what would have happened to Wilson if Carlo was cleared to return.
 

ColdSoxPack

Well-Known Member
Silver Supporter
Jul 14, 2005
2,351
Simi Valley, CA
I like how they didn’t suspend him for an illegal check to the head but spend the whole video saying this rises to supplemental discipline because of head contact.


Guessing the dart landed on 7 because 7 in a 56 game season is roughly equivalent to 10 in an 82 game season and we know they like their convoluted formula’so justify suspension length.
Agree. Quote: "it is the totality of the circumstances that cause this play to merit supplemental discipline.” Seems like they just made it up.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,053
Alamogordo
Fuck Ovechkin. Can't believe I kind of/sort of rooted for this team on their Cup run. What an enormous piece of trash organization.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
Tinordi through 3 games:

58% Ozone start, getting out shot 24-14, out chanced 19-9, losing the high danger battle 8-2 and rocking a 27% xGF%.

I know they are banged up but it's coaching malpractice to put him on the ice.
 

burstnbloom

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
2,761
Tinordi through 3 games:

58% Ozone start, getting out shot 24-14, out chanced 19-9, losing the high danger battle 8-2 and rocking a 27% xGF%.

I know they are banged up but it's coaching malpractice to put him on the ice.
He is SO bad. It's not just the numbers, he looks terrible out there. Desperate times, I guess, but I'd take almost anyone else over him.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
Tinordi through 3 games:

58% Ozone start, getting out shot 24-14, out chanced 19-9, losing the high danger battle 8-2 and rocking a 27% xGF%.

I know they are banged up but it's coaching malpractice to put him on the ice.
I haven't been watching too closely but I note at least a couple of dumb plays a game as well. For example, in the third period yesterday the B's had numbers back and Devils were gaining the zone on the boards. Tinordi was on the weak side and came to give support to his dman, leaving the guy on the opposite side wide open. It didn't hurt them but it was a lack of awareness that could've screwed them with minimal upside if things went "right".
 

NYCSox

chris hansen of goats
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
May 19, 2004
10,446
Some fancy town in CT
Tinordi through 3 games:

58% Ozone start, getting out shot 24-14, out chanced 19-9, losing the high danger battle 8-2 and rocking a 27% xGF%.

I know they are banged up but it's coaching malpractice to put him on the ice.
I can see the need against the Caps because of their style and size but the Devils are soft and a guy like Moore would have been more useful.

Our nemesis (the Isles) are next. Other than their fourth line and a couple of D men they aren't terribly physical either so hoping we see Moore (can't believe I'm typing that).
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,096
Tinordi through 3 games:

58% Ozone start, getting out shot 24-14, out chanced 19-9, losing the high danger battle 8-2 and rocking a 27% xGF%.

I know they are banged up but it's coaching malpractice to put him on the ice.
He did the needful when he went after Wilson.

Carlo, Lauzon, and Miller are out. Leaves Grzelcyk, Vaak, Zboril, and John Moore for the left side. Right side, however, is thin with McAvoy, Clifton, and Kampfer, and so Cassidy had one of the LHD's cover the right side against the Devils.

It was fine to see what Tinordi can bring. Probably best limited to situational use going forward.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
Jake has always been streaky but he's got 5 goals in his last 44 games dating back to last season, including the playoffs.

He's a guy who has always needed a kick in the pants from time to time. We'll see if this does anything. Personally, I don't know if constantly moving around helps him. He seems to be a player who is better when he's put on a line and left alone. He's done the LW, RW dance this year. They've had him play on the first, second and 3rd lines. That's partly due to circumstances and injuries but I get the impression he doesn't like it. I know last time he was forced to play RW he said he wasn't comfortable over there.

Either way, they need more out of him. The first line can't do it all. He's a big part of their depth and secondary scoring.
 

cornwalls@6

Less observant than others
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2010
6,247
from the wilds of western ma
I usually appreciate Bruce’s candor, but worry his comments could further devalue a tradeable asset here. He probably should’ve left it as “coaches decision” and been done commenting.
He's been so inconsistent, and really just plain bad for long stretches this year, that I completely understand Cassidy feeing like he needs to be brutally honest with him, and take some pretty aggressive measures to try and get him going. Particularly if they have come to the conclusion that this is an effort and attitude issue. But I will say, I was a little taken back by the candor as well. About as harsh as public criticism gets from a professional coach in 2021.
 

burstnbloom

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
2,761
Lots of chatter out of Marlborugh that Zach has stepped forward significantly. I thought he was pretty good last year before he got hurt so I'm excited to see what he looks like. I'm sure the bruins fan base will eat him alive for not being Barzal.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,053
Alamogordo
Where does Charlie McAvoy rank right now among NHL defensemen? He's got to be top 5, right?

He's like the perfect combination of brains, speed and strength in the D-zone, with just enough offense to be dangerous, and he's getting better seemingly every week. He is absolutely awesome.

And he's 23.
 

veritas

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 13, 2009
3,151
Somerville, MA
Top 2, in my opinion (with Josi). The combination of being elite defensively (including PK) and in transition is incredibly valuable and rare. And other than shooting, he's really good in the offensive zone too. His 5v5 primary point rates are great, not playing on PP1 has hurt his points totals.
 

Ferm Sheller

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2007
20,404
He's certainly the guy the Bruins can least afford to lose by a long shot, I know that. Losing anyone from the top line would be brutal, don't get me wrong, but they absolutely need McAvoy.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
He lasted all of 3 games last time.

Don't know what he could've done differently but FFS man. When you get your opportunity you've got to take the bull by the horns. He ends up on the shelf.
 

Ferm Sheller

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2007
20,404
I guess they don't need to replace him on the roster, but if they bring someone up, who's next? Lauko?
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
Tinordi through 3 games:

58% Ozone start, getting out shot 24-14, out chanced 19-9, losing the high danger battle 8-2 and rocking a 27% xGF%.

I know they are banged up but it's coaching malpractice to put him on the ice.
6 game now, double the sample size!

90 minutes TOI
63% O zone start
37% CF (52 for 88 against
38% SF (30-49)
31% SCF (18-41)
24% HDSCF (5-16)
31% xGF
40% actual goals (2-3)

The indication from morning skate today is Tinordi is playing with Steve kampfer tonight. Vaakanainen is being scratched (healthy as far as I know) They literally could not have put Vaakanainen into a worse spot and now he seems to be getting blamed for that pairings ineffectiveness.

This is the most confusing thing the Bruins have done in a long, long time. Jarred Tinordi is awful and they are continuing to play him over superior options. I can see the argument for using him against Washington as a big body face puncher. That is literally all he is useful for. When he is on the ice it is a fire drill in our own end, hold your breath we don't get scored on.

I know I'm being very negative here but I just don't understand what they see and think he does that will help them win games. They excel at defending and limiting chances against. They don't need a stay at home guy (and it's being generous to describe Tinordi as stay at home). They need someone who will move the puck a little bit.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,462
Gallows Hill
6 game now, double the sample size!

90 minutes TOI
63% O zone start
37% CF (52 for 88 against
38% SF (30-49)
31% SCF (18-41)
24% HDSCF (5-16)
31% xGF
40% actual goals (2-3)

The indication from morning skate today is Tinordi is playing with Steve kampfer tonight. Vaakanainen is being scratched (healthy as far as I know) They literally could not have put Vaakanainen into a worse spot and now he seems to be getting blamed for that pairings ineffectiveness.

This is the most confusing thing the Bruins have done in a long, long time. Jarred Tinordi is awful and they are continuing to play him over superior options. I can see the argument for using him against Washington as a big body face puncher. That is literally all he is useful for. When he is on the ice it is a fire drill in our own end, hold your breath we don't get scored on.

I know I'm being very negative here but I just don't understand what they see and think he does that will help them win games. They excel at defending and limiting chances against. They don't need a stay at home guy (and it's being generous to describe Tinordi as stay at home). They need someone who will move the puck a little bit.
Any chance they are holding Vaakanainen out because he’s in a deal?