Hello, hockey fans! Welcome back to another edition of Ben’s Bruins Brief. It was a roller-coaster week for the B’s, and we here at the Brief have every corner, angle and post covered for you (unfortunately, like Tim Thomas, we were unable to cover the puck this week. Ouch!). Let’s get started.
Savvy’s New Deal, Same Results
All-Star center Marc Savard was rewarded for his elite playmaking abilities this week with a 7-year-deal, averaging out to about $4.2 million per year. Talk about a steal! This contract, like most these days, is very top-heavy, and it will keep Savard a Bruin through the tender age of 40. The Ottawa native has been clutch for the B’s since his return from a broken foot, amassing 7 points in 7 games, including a hat-trick over Phil Kessel (who?) and the Leafs. Most importantly, the Bruins are 5-1-1 since Savard’s return to the lineup. Expect him and the Bruins to keep on rolling.
Who is the Man in Net?
While last year’s top ‘tender Tim Thomas has struggled with inconsistent play, supposed backup Tuukka Rask has continued to provide the B’s with solid, composed performances. Rask ranks 2nd amongst goaltenders in GAA and SV% and there is a great chance that he is still available in your league. Thomas, however, has been up and down since his return from injury. He had an outstanding 39 save showing against the Lightning, but that was sandwiched between two lackluster efforts, one in which he was pulled. While the Bruins as a whole were bad against the Canadiens, more is expected from Thomas. He should turn it around eventually, but in the meantime expect the Bruins to ride Rask and his hot hand, and your fantasy team should do the same.
Banged up Bruins
Pugilist winger Milan Lucic is said to be ahead of schedule on his rehab for a high left ankle sprain. He could resume skating as early as next week. The Bruins are definitely going to be patient with his return, though, so the initial late December/early January return to the lineup is still the best bet for Looch.
While Dennis Wideman sat out the 3rd period of Boston’s shellacking of the Leafs due to the dreaded “upper-body injury”, Coach Julien said that he expects Wideman to be back in the lineup for the rematch on Thursday. Wideman has started to show signs of life as of late, and the Bruins need him to get their power-play rolling.
Upcoming Week
The Bruins have a light schedule ahead of them this week with only two games on tap. Thursday will provide a rematch of last week’s highly anticipated clash between Original Six foes Boston and Toronto. The Bruins scored early and often on the Leafs, spoiling Phil Kessel’s return. Tuukka Rask was solid between the pipes and even his coach said that he deserved the shutout. The Bruins will probably give Tim Thomas a chance to redeem himself in this contest, and while another 7-2 domination is unlikely, Boston should be able to withstand a more focused Leafs squad (who will be on the 2nd night of back-to-backs. The Leafs are 1-3 for the season on the 2nd night of back-to-backs) and take another home victory.
Saturday night, the Bruins will travel to Long Island to face-off against super-rookie John Tavares and the upstart Islanders. Don’t be surprised if the Bruins reward Tuukka Rask with a start for his strong play. One player that you should make sure to have in your lineup against the Islanders is veteran winger Mark Recchi.
In 103 career games against the Islanders, Recchi has 119 points, his most against any team in the league. New York is a young and well-coached team with a lot of offensive talent and speed. While they will press the Bruins early, there is no reason that Boston shouldn’t come out of Long Island with a victory and a 2-0 mark for the week.
Until next week, go Bruins!
Ben’s Bruins Brief
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