Goaltending Equipment Change?

Alright, I need to blow off some steam here. I am shocked and appalled that anyone would consider making any type of adjustment to goalie equipment. Unless guys are getting hurt, which I do not think they are, there is no need for change. I understand that the NHL is trying to make this game more appealing to the fans outside/on the fence but, this is not the way to do it. As a goalie, I am already shocked that they shrank the goalie equipment when they continue to make sticks that are so light and have so much torque that goal scoring has become almost effortless for marginal players. Let me give you two simple suggestions that the league should not do.

1. Shrink the equipment...again. Doing this makes an already difficult position even harder against the best hockey players in the world. I never want to see a scenario where a great GAA is 4.00. You can enhance a forward's equipment (stick) but, decimate the goaltending equipment? Hockey is not meant to have 7-6 goal games. MORE SCORING WILL NOT BRING IN A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF NEW FANS!

2. Make the net bigger. Since the lockout there were always little rumors about making the net bigger. Awful idea. The net needs to stay consistent from the instructional level all the way to the professional ranks. This is one facet of the game that should never, EVER, change.

If the league would like to change and become more fan friendly then they need to do one thing, and one thing only. Get back on ESPN's good graces. I know this won't happen because Versus has spent a lot of money to change it's appearance for hockey and I could be wrong but, I believe they have a contract for a while. They should try to at least get ESPN to do a Wednesday night game of the week or something along those lines. Start with one night and go from there. With athletes like Crosby and Ovechkin in the league, outsiders might be interested and ESPN could help bring hockey back. Outsiders would not tune into Versus for a game. Some don't even have it, and others, like myself, do not have it in High Definition. The NHL needs to make sure that whatever channel they broadcast on that 99 percent of households have access to that channel in HD because High-Def. makes hockey on television outstanding.

I truly hope nothing much comes from these meetings but, the league needs to remember that 7-6 games are for baseball and crappy football games. Great hockey is not about scoring goals. Ask someone from England if they would rather watch a 1-0 soccer game or a 6-5 soccer game. Everyone over there would elect to view a 1-0 battle. With that being said, I will leave you with this question...How are the ratings for European soccer?

Temporary Declaration

Before the start of the second round a friend asked me who I was rooting for now that I no longer had a dog in the fight. I started thinking about teams in the East but, quickly decided that it would go against some moral code to pull for another team in the East considering that three teams would easily be considered rivals of the Bruins (Philly, NYR, and the [gulp] Habs). The other team has the biggest pink hat following because of Sidney Crosby. So, I turn toward the West and instantly remember how much I absolutely love Marty Turco.

So, here it is. My official declaration of fan-dom to the Dallas Stars for the remainder of their post-season. I know it sounds cheap that I am making this "bold" statement now that they are ahead of the Sharks 2-0, however, I have been pulling for them in West since the beginning of the playoffs (will provide references upon request). It was never made official electronically so, I figure since there hasn't been a new post in a few days that I owed it to all of you.

Here is my main reason for my quick trip on the Stars bandwagon:

I can produce valid evidence that I have a man crush on Marty Turco's goaltending style. I don't know what it is but, I often find myself wishing I could play like that. He has tremendous flexibility, ridiculous mobility, terrific positioning, and the outstanding knack for being able to play the puck. Now enough of me bragging in the third person, onto Marty Turco...kidding. I just love the way the Stars have been playing throughout the post-season.

It also doesn't hurt that class act, Mike Modano, is from Livonia, Michigan where the majority of my mother's side of the family resides. Great city by the way. If you ever get the chance to visit that area, do it.

So, there you have it, the Dallas Stars have my support for the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Go Stars (for the time being)!......and obviously Go B's!

Chara A Norris Finalist

Zdeno Chara has been named one of three finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Also being named are Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings and Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames. The winner will be announced on Thursday June 12.

Big Gulps Huh?

Welp, cya later...It's been an excellent season boys, one that surpassed all expectations. Stay tuned here for the entire summer. I won't be writing every day but, if something does happen you can check out my take here. Also, if something unrelated to hockey comes up that is worth reading, I may write about it for your summer pleasure. Be sure to tell all of your Bruin friends about this blog so it can get more exposure and more opinions. I'd love to see more good-natured controversy in the comment box so, the more the merrier.

Be good everyone!

-McKeon

Another Game 7, No Different Than The Last Two

I have a funny story (or informative, see comment 3) for today's pregame post. On Saturday, I unfortunately had hockey at 6:10 so it was inevitable that I was going to miss a portion of the game. We finished our game, showered up, and dragged the cooler outside as it was still a little light out and a very comfortable spring evening. We came out to the parking lot to discover the Habs were up 1-0. Boo. Anyhow, a couple beers later and a drive home we find myself at the end of the second period with the Bruins down 2-1. Double boo. So, I leave my house and head for a party (where I later met my demise from something I ate leading to a stomach bug.)

So, I get to the party, I say hi to everyone. Yada yada, I sit in the living room near the tv and ask "does anyone have any objection to putting on the Bruins game?" No one said they did, and one other said he wanted to know what channel it was on. It is extremely safe to say that I am the only Bruins fan in my group of friends. Anyhow, the game turns on and I announce that "I may yell and/or rudely drop an F-bomb here or there." You know, just so I don't startle anyone. This is where it gets good. The Bruins score to tie it up and I obviously yell "YAAAAAA!!!" in a very loud fashion and pump my fist a few times. This one girl, who will be known as Naggy Bitch because of her outstanding personality, says "ummmm, is that really necessary?"

Holy Christ! Did she not here my announcement about my yelling not 5 minutes ago? I respond with "uhhhh, ya it is necessary. This is an important game." Everyone looks around the room at each other and just gives a funny look because this is a usual occurrence from Naggy Bitch. The game goes on, we all know the story with the back and forth and all. Naggy Bitch continues her ways. "How many sessions are there? Do they count up to 20 or down from 20?" If the Bruins were losing I think I would have snapped.

For the record, I love women. They bring many aspiring qualities to this earth. However, there are some people who do not. Hitler, John Wilkes Booth, Sadam Husein, Osama Bin Laden, and Naggy Bitch. That's the way the cookie crumbles I suppose.

Anyhow, it was a great night as the Bruins came back to win and force the game 7. However, after the game, my buddy started up the grill and we cooked some assorted meats. I had a steak, a cheddar dog, and a burger. The steak was very red and still mooing but, I didn't care because I had a good buzz and the Bruins victory put me on cloud 9. That next day did me in as I was sick as a dog. If the Bruins want me to have another stomach bug in place for a win tonight then I will take it. A full day of pain and not being able to eat is worth a game 7 defeat for the Habs.

Let's do it B's!!!

Game 7c, On The Rocks

I want to start off by apologizing, yet again, for not writing on a very important game. I managed to find a stomach bug and it has been less than entertaining for the last 24 hours...except for the Bruins forcing game 7. Now THAT was entertaining. I'm not going into much more detail because I want to lay down again. Tomorrow night is going to be insane!

Game 7a Status: Success

Next up, game 7b. Another hard fought game by the black and gold in what is arguably to the hardest place to play for a visiting team. The Bruins played their usual defensive style and on top of that they attacked the net when they were in the offensive zone and got some lucky bounces and some garbage goals. When you are working hard for goals like that, the style goals arrive. See: Sturm. And when you are getting both of those, the goaltender's mentality loosens and he gives up softies. See: Sobotka and his groin kick goal.

Great call by Julien to insert Kessel back into the line-up. I think the time off gave the Golden Gopher a chance to think about his game and adjust it accordingly. I think the healthy scratch status lit a fire under his ass and it showed with him tallying the game-tying goal on the power play.

Tim Thomas was on the ball once again, and I think after game 1 he figured out what it takes to be a playoff caliber goaltender. Timmy has been on the ball since the faulter in game 1 he has been that guy that Boston fans have been yearning for since Thomas became a member of the Boston Bruins.

Thank you Carey Price for handing Glen Metropolit a goal and the momentum. Without you, the Bruins wouldn't have been able to embarrass you on your own ice. Rest easy tonight my friend.

I am so pumped for Saturday it is ridiculous. The Bruins have to stay with the same game plan. Wear the Canadiens down, go for garbage goals, and shut down the Habs offensive zone cycle.

Take that NESN!

Tonight Is Game 7a

If the Bruins win tonight, then Saturday in Boston is game 7, and then if they win that one again, Monday in Montreal is game 7. Are you picking up what I am putting down? No? Ok, it is officially do or die time. What we thought was the most important game of the year (toward the end of the season) does not even hold a candle to this one. The odds are stacked against the Bruins, thats for sure. Let's take a peek at those shall we?

1. The Bruins are down 3 games to 1 and are facing elimination against the 1st-seeded Canadiens.

2. The game is in Montreal in front of one of the most hostile crowds known to man.

3. The referees wouldn't dare call a penalty in front of the said hostile crowd for fear of being tar and feathered in the rafters of the Bell Center.

4. Carey Price has solved the anemic Boston offense thus far giving up 5 goals for a 1.20 GAA in
the first 4 games.

5. Even NESN doesn't think the Bruins can do it as we have to watch this game on the NESN Plus channels.

6. The Bruins were not expected to do anything in this series from the start.

7. Even at the beginning of the season the Bruins had zero support aside from the Bruin faithful.

So, why should the Bruins be given a chance? Because you never corner an angered, and hungry dog, or bear in this case. This team has what it takes. If they just screen Price, put pucks on net, and get those ugly goals they will bring the series back to Boston for Game 7b.

Go B's!

Outragously Pissed!

Tomorrow night's game against Montreal will be shown on NESN Plus channels and not NESN HD. Why do they have to add insult to injury?! Looks like NESN jumped off of the bandwagon real fast. Nice work NESN. No one cares about baseball right now. It's still April!!! Don't get me wrong, I love the Sox and their rivalry with the Yankees. In fact, I was there last Friday for it but, come on? I hope the Bruins come back and beat the Habs to make NESN look like a bunch of back stabbing...I'm going to refrain before I say something too arrogant.

Looks like those commercials were a complete and total fabrication. If they show it again I'm going to laugh my balls off. I'm going to miss the ghetto kid rapping, "Bruins, the Bruins What?!"

Yaaaaa...nice work NESN...

"Son Of A...

That's gonna leave a mark." Chris Farley said it best whenever he got hit in the face, or what have you, in the famed Tommy Boy. Man, do I feel the same. To be blatantly honest, I enjoyed the entire game up until the last four minutes when I finally realized that the chances of tying the game were grim. Other than that, the game was intense, and there was a lot of solid hockey. I know what you are going to say, {whiney voice} "Butttttttt McKeonnnnn, there weren't any goallllllllsss!" Well new era hockey fan, there are more important things that goals, and as a lover of the overall game of hockey, I don't need goals to enjoy a well played hockey game. I am also a goalie (as you may or may not know) and I absolutely hate 6-5 games.

At any rate, I am quite depressed that the Bruins could not put the puck in the net. It's not like they didn't have the chances either, in fact, they had multiple chances. Unfortunately, Price was up to the task and he keeps on proving me wrong when I say he is not as good as everyone makes him out to be. The real test will be the rest of the series and/or the next round if they get there.

No diving signs did not work. Enough said.

The Bruins have their work cut out for them in Montreal on Thursday when they take on the Canadiens and the fans at the Bell Center (-er not -re).

It's not over until the fat lady sings but, she's warming her lungs up backstage. Hopefully the Bruins can buy her a nice buffet dinner to keep her at bay until game 7. Time will tell...

Game 4, The Fulcrum

Tonight is one of those games that can either bring hope to Boston, or kick Beantown fans square in the pants. It's exactly the cliche of a 2-1 hockey game, the next goal becomes the most crucial goal of all. If the Bruins want any chance of a possible upset in this series they have to win tonight, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. To do that, they will have to do more of the same from the last two games. They can't chase the Habs cycle around, and they have to play an air tight defensive system to shut down the speedy Canadiens. The line-up will remain the same and will look something like this (without Phil Kessel once again, who is a healthy scratch).

Lucic-Savard-Murray
Sturm-Krejci-Axelsson
Schaefer-Metropolit-Nokelainen
Reich-Sobotka-Thornton

Chara-Ward
Ference-Wideman
Stuart-Hnidy

Thomas

I can't stand the build up of excitement for this game. Anyone who goes to the game tonight better be extremely loud for the Bruins all game long, no excuses. This team needs as much home ice advantage as humanly possible. I can not wait for this one to begin.

Game 4 On NESN

With a dramatic win over the Montreal Canadiens NESN has decided to broadcast the Bruins game on Tuesday night on NESN HD. The Red Sox who also play at 7 pm. will be in Cleveland and will be shown on the NESN Plus channels. A very smart move by NESN.

Bruins DEFEAT Canadiens

Yes, I said it, and no, it is not a typo. The Boston Bruins did indeed defeat the Montreal Canadiens in a fashion of 2-1 with the use of the first overtime. I, also, think I urinated all over the couch when that goal was scored in overtime. However, it's not my fault. Extenuating circumstances led to the couch cushion's displeasure but, it was so worth it.

I knew, and I poop you not, that the goal was good while the puck was on it's way over to Savard. How did I know you ask? I will tell you. When Dennis Wideman cradled the puck onto his backhand and cocked it slightly to send it over to Savard, Price dropped in the butterfly as if Wideman was going to shoot the puck. As the puck was moving through the slot I noticed that Savard was virtually uncontested. I literally, put my arms in the air and when i saw the puck go in I just yelled as loud as I could, thus, releasing plenty of urine to upset a couch cushion.

That being said, we found out tonight that Price isn't as good as advertised. He is untested and because of the Bruins lack of offense it makes him look better than he really is (not that he is bad). He is a big body who covers a lot of net in the butterfly. Also, his nerves showed on that final goal. Being a goalie myself, I can boldly tell you that in tense situations a goaltender will drop into the butterfly before the shot is taken. Watch the replay and you'll see how quick he goes down. In Price's defense, he did have two Bruins screening him and his own guy on his knees between him and Wideman but, he still dropped far too early giving Savard the open net. Excellent job by the Bruins to get quality traffic in front and excellent job by Wideman to find Savard on the far side with a backhand pass.

Tuesday is so big it's ridiculous. To have the ability to go back to Montreal tied at two games a piece is a must if an upset is to happen. Fans, let's get that Garden rockin' again!

YESSS!!!

Yesss!!! More to come in a bit!!


Ah Savard! Ah Timmy Thomas coming up huge all game long!

The Weekend Ahead

I want to apologize in advance about the lack of posts for this upcoming weekend. I will try my hardest to get to a computer but, don't bank on it. I will be attending the Red Sox/Yankees game tonight (Friday) and heading up to Manchester, NH to visit old friends at the Manchester Monarchs and to see them play the Providence Bruins (Saturday). Let's hope this team can turn things around because the last thing we, as fans, need is for the brooms to come out and to listen to Habs fans all summer. I leave you with one bright spot from Thursday's game...Let's see more of this in the games to come!

::Sigh::

After a couple hours of cooling off, I still am at a loss of words. This team disappointed me in the worst way tonight and as I will be just as excited and hopeful for Saturday, I will every much expecting the worst. Not much else to say as I want to go to bed and pretend this is all a dream.

If this was not a dream I will be dreaming of sweet, sweet victories...hockey style and by way of the black and gold...

Coach McKeon's Address To The Black & Gold

The PG-13 version...if you want the real one, I'll do it in person...Now, quiet on the set!

Alright boys, you hear that out there? That's the fans chanting "we want the cup" and we haven't even dropped the first puck yet. These fans, this city, and that other locker room think they have this series in the bag just by showing up. Even the "experts" have us down and out without a chance. Well, guess what, they have another thing coming to them. There is no better opportunity than being an underdog with confidence, and boys, we can do this. We can pound the piss out of this team and back them into a corner. To some, this game means more than anything in the world. Well gentlemen, forget what this game means to everyone else. We don't have the time to think about meaning and metaphors on this series, we are here to play hockey, and thats what we're going to do.

Basics gentlemen. Basics will win this game. That team may have better offensive numbers but, we can shut that team down. Numbers are meaningless once the playoffs begin. We have to play our game, and stay out of the box. The playoffs are all about who wants it more. You need to take the extra strides to stay with them rather than reaching and drawing a penalty. Their powerplay is potent and it has killed us, and everyone else in the league so, do NOT take a penalty because you are to lazy to take the extra stride, or because you're pissed off from a quick jab that the ref didn't see.

Let's get lots of traffic in front of Price and keep the puck low to generate rebounds. Then we have to crash the net and bang in the rebounds for garbage goals. We aren't built on finesse and we aren't built for highlight reel goals. We are built from grit, determination, and intimidation. Old time Boston hockey. That B that you are wearing has a history of battles, of wars, and of celebration. People being able to look back on this day smiling is solely up to you guys coming together and doing all the right things. You know this game, you've been playing it your whole lives so go out there and prove to the world how much you love this team and this game.

You've been playing playoff hockey all year long so, why is now any different? Play your game of grind, of wearing the opponent down, of defense first and this game will be yours. Now, go take this game and shut those ole punks up!

Playoff Hockey Begins Tonight...

...But not in Montreal...

-Marc Savard made it through the full-contact practice today and said that "he feels ready." Patrice Bergeron also made it through his second full-contact practice without a hitch, thus far. Glen Metropolit practiced today and said he will play through his very minor injury. Andrew Ference looks as if he will be playing tomorrow as well.

McKeon's Take- It really seems as if all the pieces are coming together for the Bruins. I feel if bodies kept going down before the series even began that this was not to be. However, the Bruins have bodies coming back and it sounds as if they are focused going into this. I heard Aaron Ward talking on WEEI today and discovered that this guy really is a class act. That being said, I want Aaron Ward in this line-up next season. This team is ready to go and tomorrow night can not come soon enough.

For the past few days, I have been thinking of a way to get you, the reader, excited with something unique on the day of the game. Yesterday while I was driving, which is the best place to think second only to sitting on the porcelain throne, and I was thinking how I would get the high school team I coached pumped for a big game. Well, it's simple, a pep talk. A pre-game speech if you will. So, tomorrow, I will produce my version of the head coach's speech. You will find humor to loosen the guys up, you will also find strategy and inspirational message to also get the guys focused. Get psyched readers...

Savard's Playoff Status

So far, it looks like we may see the Bruins top center on Thursday against Montreal. This is a mighty good sign if I do say so myself. Marc Savard went through practice today without contact and says that he has been cleared for full contact tomorrow. Savard claimed that "everything felt great" and that he is ready for contact tomorrow.

Other worthy notes:
-Patrice Bergeron went trough his first full-length full contact practice today and took some decent hits from Aaron Ward. Bergy said that he felt good and that he would like to take some more hits to prepare for game play.

-Glen Metropolit is taking his second day off in a row as he is resting a foot injury.

-Muzz returned to the ice today after taking yesterday off.

Rest Easy Bruins Fans

Aside from the games picked up by Versus, all the Bruins playoff games will be aired on NESN HD. Even when the Bruins are on as the same time as the Red Sox, the SOX not the Bruins will be on NESN plus or whatever the case may be in your area. Here is your proof, if not, someone is pulling a fast one on us fans.

Throw That Red Shirt In The Bin Bergy

Fan favorite, Patrice Bergeron, has been cleared for full contact and according to our good friend Fluto, he is taking part in battle drills. Despite the clearance, Peter Chiarelli stated that Bergeron will not be suiting up for game one.

McKeon's Take- I am not sure how I feel about this whole situation. On one side, you have one of the franchise's top players coming back from a serious injury but, on the other hand, you have someone that, on the wrong hit could go right back to where he started in October. The playoffs are extra physical and no one wants Bergy to get hurt again. Ultimately, myself and the rest of Bruins Nation need to trust the medical staff and Patrice's honesty on how he feels. This is a very, very big step in the right direction for Bergy. We all should be proud!

Say Hello To Montreal

That's right, unless something freakish occurs, the Bruins will play the dreaded Montreal Canadiens of Canada. For the record, the Bruins are 0-7-1 in the season series with the Habs. However, all bets are off in the second season that most call the Stanley Cup playoffs. More on this later when it becomes official.

Final Home Game

It feels good to say that the Bruins essentially have a meaningless home game. Wait, I know what you're thinking, "This is not a meaningless game McKeon, they could get up to the 5th spot! ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" Ok, first, don't yell at me. It's rude. Second, before you decide to yell at me (just go with it) you should ask the Buffalo Sabres how meaningful their game is tonight. This game is 90 percent meaningless and regardless of what happens today, the Bruins will have a tough match-up in the first round. I, of course, want the Bruins to get the 5th spot. I'd be a cock...erspanial if I didn't want them to get as high as possible BUT, it's all gravy from here.

All I am saying is, the Bruins were playing meaningless games last season, back in what seemed like December. Now, the shoe is on the other foot, and these are some sweet kicks the Bruins have on right now. I am completely rambling but, who cares? I mean, you have read this meaningless (word of the day, Pee Wee Herman style. Ahhhhhhhhh. Ok, please stop yelling at me.) post up until this point and you are either peeing your pants from excitement and laughter or you're thinking that the writer of this blog is completely insane. Well, both points contain some truth. I prefer the first from the latter but, it's your call. Where the hell am I?

Let's gain some momentum going into the STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS! Whoa, STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS. Wow, the BRUINS are in the STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!

Damn that has a nice ring to it.

Focker, out.

Playoff Bound!

The Bruins are heading back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Ottawa Senators 2-1! It wasn't pretty but, it was enough to win the game. The Bruins fought so hard to get here and they deserve to be in the playoffs as much as any of the other teams that get in. This is what happens when everyone adopts the system and plays it effectively every night. The Bruins have been playing very well down the stretch after going through a horrible little slump. Terrific finish. Congrats to the team, and congrats to the fans who stuck with this team all along! This is far better than wearing a pink hat when Bruins "fans" flood the Garden when the playoffs begin.

Go B's!

Cross Your Fingers

Ok folks, like I stated in the previous post, it would not hurt to get a little help from other teams around the league. Visions of Kevin Arnold, Paul Pfeiffer, and Winnie Cooper bring the sweet melody of a theme song I grew up with.

Oh, baby I get by with a little help from my friends
By with a little help from my friends.

Anyhow, these are the following scenarios that we need to root for along with a Boston victory.

1. Philadelphia loses in regulation or in an overtime session to New Jersey.

2. Carolina loses in regulation or in an overtime session to Florida

If the Bruins can pick up a point in an overtime loss or a shootout loss against Ottawa then they can get in if Carolina loses in regulation to Florida.

The Senators of Ottawa, Canada

The Boston Bruins face-off against the Ottawa Senators this evening in a match-up that could potentially put them in the playoffs, with help from others of course. However, Bruins fans, considering there has not been much help outside of Boston this season, expect those tickets on Saturday against Buffalo to mean something. The Senators will be without Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher tonight but, the Bruins of all teams know that major injuries shouldn't keep a team from performing. I mean, hell, that's their MO.

Tonight's expected line-up is as follows:

Sturm-Krejci-Murray
Lucic-Metropolit-Axelsson
Schaefer-Sobotka-Kessel
Reich-Nokelainen-Thornton

Chara-Ward
Stuart-Wideman
Alberts-Hnidy

Thomas

Remember, tonight there is a conflict with the Red Sox on NESN, and obviously, the Sox take the nod over the Bruins in this town. Check out what channel the Bruins will be on tonight right here.

Tonight, The Devils, From The Armpit

Tonight, the Bruins will face off against Marty Brodeur and the equally low-scoring Devils. This is a pivotal match-up as New Jersey (they're in) is fighting to keep their position in the standings while the Bruins are trying to hang on to a playoff spot. With Washington winning yet again last night, they moved back within one point of the Bruins and Flyers (who also play tonight). With a Bruins win and a Flyers loss the Bruins could jump up into a 5th place tie with the New York Rangers and since the Bruins lead the season series, they would hold the upper hand.

The Bruins need to continue to operate with the garbage goal method. It is the only chance they have at getting into the playoffs. Once the garbage goals go in, sexier goals will follow. Remember, who the hell cares how they win and how the pucks go in? As long as they get two points, I do not care.

There are two teams I do not want to play in the playoffs. Montreal and Washington. If Washington can pass Carolina, the 6th seed is not as attractive any more. The 7th/8th seed scare me because Montreal could end up in either 1st or 2nd. Is it weird that I would rather play Marty Brodeur in the first round? We'll see if I feel the same way this evening...

News & Notes

-Andrew Alberts will be suiting up for the Bruins Wednesday night against the New Jersey Devils. In order to make room for Alberts, Matt Lashoff was sent to Providence.

-Marc Savard is still out and has not skated for 9 days since the back injury.

-Jeff Hogan was also sent back to Providence as Jeremy Reich will be returning to the line-up. According to Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, Reich will be back on the 4th line with Nokelainen and Thornton. Apparently this line is called "Nokie and the Knockouts," which I find to be very creative and very telling of the business that line takes part in.

-Bergeron won't be back for the remaining regular season games but, he continues to practice with the team.