Wouldn’t he just be taking Poitras roster spot and sitting up in the rafters for scratches and playing when Poitras would have played? I can’t remember if Poitras was ltir already.
23-24 Bruins Season Thread
- Thread starter cshea
- Start date
Wonder if the Bruins will approach Heinen about an extension, something like 3-years $1 million AAV or therabouts.
He's 28 and been the perfect jack of all trades 12/13th forward. He's basically been going year to year since being traded by Boston. Anaheim non-qualified him, signed with Pittsburgh for a year, signed a 2nd contract with Pittsburgh for a year and then found himself on a PTO this season and had to earn a contract in camp. He's fit in perfectly, plays up and down the lineup wherever needed. I wonder if offering something long-ish term with guaranteed money would be appealing to him, especially with an organization he's familiar with playing with a coach he has had a lot of success with.
He's 28 and been the perfect jack of all trades 12/13th forward. He's basically been going year to year since being traded by Boston. Anaheim non-qualified him, signed with Pittsburgh for a year, signed a 2nd contract with Pittsburgh for a year and then found himself on a PTO this season and had to earn a contract in camp. He's fit in perfectly, plays up and down the lineup wherever needed. I wonder if offering something long-ish term with guaranteed money would be appealing to him, especially with an organization he's familiar with playing with a coach he has had a lot of success with.
Yeah, he seems to be the 13th forward. If he is staying, I assume he'll rotate with Steen. I just thought it was strange that they called him up a few hours prior to game time as opposed to prior to the morning skate. That sometimes suggests there's a player ailing.
They haven't done anything with Poitras yet, he's still on the active roster. Richard, McLaughlin, Brown, Megna, Brett Harrison were basically their only options cap wise. To get anyone else up (Beecher, Markulov, Lysell, etc.) they would have to make another move, either LTIRing Poitras or waiving/demoting a player.
Isn’t Poitras to LTIR basically in the offing? It gets them probably less than $1M of cap relief before the deadline, right? Miniscule, but given how little space they have, it could end up making a critical difference, no?
I would assume so but I'm not sure. They are using Lucic's LTIR at the moment and I don't see that changing anytime soon so I don't see any reason to not put Poitras on LTIR.
Shattenkirk isn't practicing today. He has been healthy as far as I know so we'll see if something is up. He played the first game out of the break and then sat the next 2.
Some line juggling too.
Marchand - Coyle - Pastrnak
Frederic - Zacha - Debrusk
van Riemsdyk - Geekie - Richard
Lauko - Boqvist - Heinen
Steen
Grzelyck - McAvoy
Lindholm - Carlo
Forbort - Wotherspoon
Some line juggling too.
Marchand - Coyle - Pastrnak
Frederic - Zacha - Debrusk
van Riemsdyk - Geekie - Richard
Lauko - Boqvist - Heinen
Steen
Grzelyck - McAvoy
Lindholm - Carlo
Forbort - Wotherspoon
Currently with the 2nd most points in the NHL at 73, three points behind Vancouver's 76. But the Canucks have played one more game as well.
#8 in the NHL in goals scored per game at 3.38
#3 in the NHL in goals allowed per game at 2.58
#7 in the NHL in power play % at 28.4%
#7 in the NHL in power play kill % at 82.1%
#4 in the NHL in shooting % at 11.4%
#2 in the NHL in save % at .917
They are a very well-rounded team. They do everything well, and a few things at an elite level. It's not like they're dominating in one aspect and are suspect in another. They're really good on offense and on defense and they're efficient. They've also got star power (Pasta and Marchand, for example) but are also getting production all up and down the roster. Nine guys have 24 or more points right now. 14 guys have 10+ points.
They seem to be able to play any style as well. I like this team. I am surprised they're as good as they are, because I thought after last year they'd be a massive step down. They're clearly not as good as last year's edition, but they're also just really good. Fun times.
#8 in the NHL in goals scored per game at 3.38
#3 in the NHL in goals allowed per game at 2.58
#7 in the NHL in power play % at 28.4%
#7 in the NHL in power play kill % at 82.1%
#4 in the NHL in shooting % at 11.4%
#2 in the NHL in save % at .917
They are a very well-rounded team. They do everything well, and a few things at an elite level. It's not like they're dominating in one aspect and are suspect in another. They're really good on offense and on defense and they're efficient. They've also got star power (Pasta and Marchand, for example) but are also getting production all up and down the roster. Nine guys have 24 or more points right now. 14 guys have 10+ points.
They seem to be able to play any style as well. I like this team. I am surprised they're as good as they are, because I thought after last year they'd be a massive step down. They're clearly not as good as last year's edition, but they're also just really good. Fun times.
View: https://twitter.com/conorryan_93/status/1757435499222806640?s=46&t=OXP-P0l2aEBrD1Q_l9zjsg
if you want to be in the house for Marchand’s 1000th game celebration, get tickets for February 19th
if you want to be in the house for Marchand’s 1000th game celebration, get tickets for February 19th
Sitting on 397 goals, and 3 more games before Dallas, it could be a double celebration!
I was surprised it wasn't a double minor. Stick swung at the head should be an automatic max fine at a minimum.
Same here. If he hit him, he'd be looking at multiple games.
(cue the guy swinging at a bruins head and getting nothing in 3...2...1...)
Yeah, I told my wife in real time that I thought Ullmark was going to get a game or two for that, so $5,000 makes sense to me.
It's not even high sticking, it's slashing if anything.
I don't see how you can fine Ullmark for attempting to high stick/slash, but don't fine the other guy for actually elbowing Ullmark in the head. Yet again, it's not even so much they got a ruling wrong that's infuriating, it's the complete inconsistency.
I don't see how you can fine Ullmark for attempting to high stick/slash, but don't fine the other guy for actually elbowing Ullmark in the head. Yet again, it's not even so much they got a ruling wrong that's infuriating, it's the complete inconsistency.
In real time, I thought Ullmark's slash would get the same 2 minutes as Essymont, wiping out the PP. I see the 5k as a make up call.
Except there was no power play— no penalty, no supplemental discipline, not even a fine— for dropping an elbow on the head of a prone goalie in the crease. This league may not exist solely to indulge Jon Cooper’s incessant whining but that does seem to be one of its primary motivations.
You're right. I got calling off the goal mixed with calling a penalty. (what I get for half-watching).
Steen placed on waivers today.
I’d be surprised if he gets claimed.
View: https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1759294151357509931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1759294151357509931%7Ctwgr%5E5ba92d5f7cc587e6c6aa4e39457a9535ede0bf34%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2F
I’d be surprised if he gets claimed.
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Looks like Justin Brazeau is taking Steen’s spot and is going to get a shot at 4th line RW, starting with today’s game against the Stars. With Heinen on the 1st line, the 4th line mix is Richard/Boqvist/Lauko/Brazeau.
Six foot five, 220 lbs. On the slow side but has been working hard in Providence. 18G, 19 A.
I mean, I’d like them to free Beecher but I like that they’re looking at what they have in the A to create a better 4th line.
Once they weather this current skid I’d like them to try out some of their more skilled wingers for the open top 6 position but I can’t fault them for trying to get the 4th line pieces to fit in the meantime.
Six foot five, 220 lbs. On the slow side but has been working hard in Providence. 18G, 19 A.
I mean, I’d like them to free Beecher but I like that they’re looking at what they have in the A to create a better 4th line.
Once they weather this current skid I’d like them to try out some of their more skilled wingers for the open top 6 position but I can’t fault them for trying to get the 4th line pieces to fit in the meantime.
Nice debut for Brazeau, 5 SOG and a goal. 11 minutes is a decent amount of ice time for a grinder type. Richard chipping in a goal and an assist is also nice. We'll see if they can keep up the production. Steen played 34 games this year and managed a single goal and no assists so 3 points between Brazeau and Richard is certainly nice. Richard's underlyings a prett ugly but he also got dropped in when the team around him decided to slump. Feels like the shuffling is the Bruins trying to get an inventory on what they have in house prior to the deadline.
Heading out on a tough western Canada trip, think we'll see some roster movement today. Lindholm did not return to the game after being injured early in the 3rd so they only have 6 D. Unless he is completely unscathed I think we'll see a D man called up. They have $112,500 in cap space so there will have to be a corresponding move to facilitate a D call up. They finally IR'd Poitras yesterday so I guess they could LTIR him to free up another $870,000. That would give them enough room to bring up Lohrei.
Lindholm's injury also bears some watching in terms of impact on the deadline. If he's out long term it obviously creates a huge need for an LHD and potentially opens up cap room depending on the severity.
Heading out on a tough western Canada trip, think we'll see some roster movement today. Lindholm did not return to the game after being injured early in the 3rd so they only have 6 D. Unless he is completely unscathed I think we'll see a D man called up. They have $112,500 in cap space so there will have to be a corresponding move to facilitate a D call up. They finally IR'd Poitras yesterday so I guess they could LTIR him to free up another $870,000. That would give them enough room to bring up Lohrei.
Lindholm's injury also bears some watching in terms of impact on the deadline. If he's out long term it obviously creates a huge need for an LHD and potentially opens up cap room depending on the severity.
And as soon as I post, they announce Lohrei up; Poitras to LTIR.
View: https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1759964302625100213?s=20
View: https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1759964302625100213?s=20
View: https://twitter.com/NDRedEagle/status/1759976976771621292
It certainly does not feel like it, but the B's lead the league in least time playing while trailing.
It certainly does not feel like it, but the B's lead the league in least time playing while trailing.
How many of their losses have come when they've blown a lead in like the last 3 minutes of the third period? Feels like a lot.
10/26- Anaheim (Anaheim scored twice with the goalie pulled and won in OT)
11/20- Tampa Bay (Stamkos scored with 5 seconds left; Tampa won in OT)
2/17- LA (Kings tie it with 1:30 left; win in OT)
The question was how many of their losses came with a blown lead in the final 3:00 of the 3rd, so this is not included, but 12/2 againt Toronto, Matthews tied the game with 6 seconds left but Marchand won it in OT.
The other game that people will remember is the Carolina game. It was 2-2 and the Hurricanes scored with 2:30 left in the 3rd. Didn't count it because they didn't lead (and had come back from 2-0 in the 3rd).
Ironically (I think) it could be because they've lost so few games overall (fewest regulation losses) that those stand out. If they'd lost 10-15 more times in more "normal" ways, we wouldn't notice.
Yeah, it's the suddeness. They were 3 minutes away from winning but then they lost. Those stick out.
I think another point is the league trend is to pull goalies with much more time left than in the past. It used to be a last minute goalie pull. Now teams down 1 are pulling them with 2-3 minutes left (Monty did it on Monday); sometimes close to 5 with a 2 goal lead. That's a lot of out numbered defending against desparate attacks.
There's a reason the stats people were advocating for earlier goalie pulls 10 years ago.
I think another point is the league trend is to pull goalies with much more time left than in the past. It used to be a last minute goalie pull. Now teams down 1 are pulling them with 2-3 minutes left (Monty did it on Monday); sometimes close to 5 with a 2 goal lead. That's a lot of out numbered defending against desparate attacks.
There's a reason the stats people were advocating for earlier goalie pulls 10 years ago.
Lindholm is week-to-week.
Time to come home, Noah.
View: https://twitter.com/FlutoShinzawa/status/1760380078309982362?s=20
Time to come home, Noah.
View: https://twitter.com/FlutoShinzawa/status/1760380078309982362?s=20
So we’re probably talking about a 6 week MCL? They should absolutely keep him out for the playoffs and try to add Hanifin. The question being if someone else offers Calgary the 1st round pick that the Bruins don’t have.
The picks aren't a deal breaker if they put value in elsewhere.
If the Bruins included, say, Poitras, I think they can top other interested parties and do a deal without a 1st. Poitras has more value than a late draft first round draft pick either now or in the future.
I’m not sure I’m making a Hanifin trade. The two reasons for doing so are to bolster this year’s playoff run and to give the Bs a chance to negotiate a deal in advance of FA. Of those, the latter has value to me, but I’m not sure I want to spend assets for the purpose of improving this team this year. I guess I could be convinced otherwise, but I kind of want to have more assets to play with heading into the offseason, even if it means not having Hanifin in hand with a deal already signed.
I get what you are saying, and the team isn't flawless, but they are probably going to be a top two seed in the East, and you just can't predict that happening again next year, even with some financial flexibility opening up. I think you go for it when you have the chance, and it's there right now.
The acquiring team can also offer him an 8-year contract. I think it's highly unlikely that he gets to free agency because of this. If they want him, they gotta do it now.
I also think LHD is their biggest long term need. They are going to lose Grzelyck and Forbort in the offseason. Lohrei is still green, who knows. They don't have anyone else in the prospect pipeline that's anywhere close to being ready to play in the NHL. They absolutely need a LHD and I can't see a better fit than a local kid who is 27 and aligns perfectly with the McAvoy, Pastrnak core. I totally get get waiting to UFA but the flaw with that strategy is he's probably not going to get there.
Agreed on Hanafin. I am growing tired of the DeBrusk roller-coaster. (Who cares how I feel? Fair point.) His departure would leave a hole, I suppose; and I can't imagine that he has much value in his current contract status.
Jake has value, I think you'd be surprised. I think he'd get a 1st and then some on the trade market.
The Bruins paid Detroit a 1st and a 4th for Bertuzzi at 50% retained last year. DeBrusk is the same age Bertuzzi was, plays the same position and has the same contract status as a pending UFA. Bertuzzi produced a bit more (0.66 points per game to Jake's 0.57) over his career but Jake been healthier, a better goal scorer and has a cheaper contract than Bertuzzi did. I think if the Bruins did shop him around, they'd get a lot of bites. The #1 winger on the market is potentially Jake Guentzel if Pittsburgh makes him available (he's also hurt). DeBrusk would easily be #2.
That said I don't think the Bruins move DeBrusk unless it's in a a multi-layered deal and a winger to replace him is coming in. I would say on-ice, winger is their greatest need in 2024. I don't think they subtract from the wing. If anything they add.
Yeah. It would definitely leave a hole in the lineup. My eyes, though, say that it's not that big a hole, given DeB's performance. (maybe the numbers tell a different story....but there just doesn't seem to be a lot of there there lately.)
Jack on Jack:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/02/22/sports/jack-edwards-bruins-nesn-speech/
(is aware of speech difficulties; has been examined head to toe, inside and out -- no medical reason. Does speech therapy).
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/02/22/sports/jack-edwards-bruins-nesn-speech/
(is aware of speech difficulties; has been examined head to toe, inside and out -- no medical reason. Does speech therapy).
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He's been OK. On pace for 20 goals, but also has the second lowest shooting percentage of his career. If that normalizes a bit he'll score more. He's always been streaky, he'll probably have like an 8 goals in 10 games stretch and at the end of the year we'll look up and he's around 25 goals.
I think extending him is a legitimate question / decision but I don't think he's easily replaced on the current roster. They are already probably short a winger. Last night Heinen played with Coyle and Marchand. That's fine for a few games here and there but not ideal long term. On the 3rd line they've essentially been rotating guys like Lauko, Richard, Steen and Brazeau. All nice stories and decent players but again, not really ideal 3rd line wings on a Championship team. Those 4 players have scored a total of 5 goals this year. I think they are short one as is and if you move DeBrusk, they would be short 2 wingers.
I mostly agree but a counter point is that 74 is actually a huge part of the penalty kill. He's getting 1:50 TOI per game on the penalty kill this year, 3rd among forwards and basically tied with Marchand who is 2nd (1:53 to 1:50).