Bruins thread

[DCott 0]

Montador is playing wing tonight.

[Jason Harris 31]

Montador has been on my list since his stupid penalty in the Pens game resulted in a 5-on-3. He said he was protecting Thomas, but I'll read into his healthy scratches that Julien didn't agree.

[Steve_v3 289]

Pretty wild first half of tonight's game. Thankfully Manny and the rest of the team picked it up considerably to finish the Leafs off. Let's hope tomorrow is better.

[tommym96 0]

great game last night

[Jason Harris 31]

I was just looking at the stats and the thing that impresses me is how deep the offense is, particularly when compared to how woeful it was last year.

The B's are second in the league in goals, with Kessel's 31 leading the team. However, four players have hit 20 goals, while Kobesew and Wheeler need one in the last seven games, and Chara and Lucic each have an outside shot with 16 currently. Consider that Sturm and Recchi combined for 14 goals in 30 games, and we have to assume that either one would have hit 20 if they had played a full season with the B's. Add it up and it's possible that nine players will/would have hit that mark.

One thing that is interesting is, other than Savard, Krejci is the only one close to a point-per-game pace.

[Jason Harris 31]

Anybody else thing $5 million a year average for the next four years for Tim Thomas (turns 35 in two weeks) is definitely too long and probably too rich, even with the option to buy out?

[furlanitalia 1]

Wow, had no idea Thomas was that old. Yah, I can agree its way too long, especially with Rask in the system.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

I actually read it was a 3 yr deal... and that made me raise an eyebrow. Never mind 4.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

I would hope this is not a 4 year deal. If it is, I dont see how Rask could be part of the future unless hes used in a trade for something. Timing the development of a goalie and deciding when to bring him into the NHL is a very tricky thing. if its 4 years, do they let him sit in the AHL for 2 more years? that would only hurt his progress. If its a 3 year deal, they can slowly work him into the starting spot with a final AHL tuneup year with some spot starts for the big club, backup the 2nd year getting more starts and then possibly a platoon system in the 3rd. But who knows, Thomas could turn out to be a flash in the pan and then they'll be stuck with his contract for 2 or so seasons. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

[Neal 41]

Anybody else thing $5 million a year average for the next four years for Tim Thomas (turns 35 in two weeks) is definitely too long and probably too rich, even with the option to buy out?

I agree. I don't think Thomas' style translates well as he ages. If his reflex or energy levels drop a little, he won't be nearly as effective.

[chippa13 1844]

Thomas' style is just fine for his age. He looks scrambly at times because he refuses to give up on a play. A lot of Thomas' unorthodox saves are goals on other guys.

What could be a concern will be the amount of money tied up in net when Rask finishes up his rookie contract, should he take over the reins in 2 years like I expect will happen.

[furlanitalia 1]

I agree, I don't know how long they can leave Rask down before starting to phase him in. And I'm not sure thomas is gonna wanna split a season with him

[Jason Harris 31]

Maybe this wouldn't stunt Rask's growth.

The breakdown is $6M, $6M, $5M and $3M, so there's little doubt that Thomas would be considered the starter for the first three seasons, but they could buy him out for the last season at $2M if his reflexes slip greatly. In the interim, they probably are looking at it as the goalie position will probably cost them about $7M a year for the next three years, since Rask will be on his initial contract.

There's no doubt that Thomas wears down during the season because he seldom gives up on a play, but maybe he could maintain this style into his late 30's if Rask picks up ten more starts by the third year.

[Steve_v3 289]

I've heard people talk about his age and that the length of the contract is an issue. But I agree with the main point people on here keep bringing up is Rask and how does he fit into there plans. Rask was said to have had the best training camp out of all of them but obliviously he had to be the odd man out. Thomas needs a back up capable of playing a decent amount of games to give Thomas that rest so he doesn't tire out. That is why I think he has been so good this year. He didn't have to play the lions share of games in the first half of the year. I think Rask will be a perfect fit next year, but once you start getting out to the back half of Thomas's contract how will Rask react to still being a back up? Unless of course he takes over for Thomas as the starter.

The good news is the B's should be solid in goal for a while.

[furlanitalia 1]

Jason Harris - Interesting point about the breakdown of costs. Assuming they phase Rask in after a year as the back up and slowly transition to starter in the third year with a fourth year 70/30 split, The Bruins are looking pretty good with a 2m backup who hopefully will still have some excellent game left.

[Steve_v3 289]

Awesome game tonight! I kind of have mixed emotions about facing them in the playoffs, if it happens. On one hand I would love to beat them, but it worries me after finishing first and then losing to them in the past. It would be a exciting series for sure. I wish Lucic didn't overreact to Komisarek's hit from behind. Thornton was going to confront him and wouldv'e taken care of it. I know in the heat of the moment and with there past history it was tough to avoid. But I don't want to see him get hurt in a pile up.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

Well it's pretty safe to say Lucic has been an impact in the season series... they got under his skin, he reacted.. instantly a non-factor.

[tommym96 0]

what a game

[Steve_v3 289]

what a game

Ditto. A co-worker of mine has season tix and was at the game last night. Early in the week he was bummed because they did the shirts off there backs stuff against the Rangers and figured it would be a ho hum game since the B's had nothing to play for. I think he was probably happy with the game. He also went to game 6 last year, Lucky bastard.

[tommym96 0]

what a game

Ditto. A co-worker of mine has season tix and was at the game last night. Early in the week he was bummed because they did the shirts off there backs stuff against the Rangers and figured it would be a ho hum game since the B's had nothing to play for. I think he was probably happy with the game. He also went to game 6 last year, Lucky bastard.

Lucky indeed.

My problem with the Thomas contract is that 1.) it's a lot of money invested into an older goalie who, to be honest, has had one really good season. 2.) the money tied up in his contract will force us to lose some variety of Krejci, Wheeler, Kessel.

[Leafsrule16 5]

Big win, Komisarek made a fool of himself at the end though with the weak gloves punches, what a puss. Laraque played decent in my opinion, i think they should use him more often montreal just doesnt have any tough guys besides him. A lot of dirt though, Lapierre's attack on Kessel after the empty net goal was greasy as hell.

[Chadd 916]

playoff discussions belong in the playoff topic