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Other Discussions => Other / General Sports => Bruins / Hockey => Topic started by: Roy Hobbs on April 05, 2008, 09:36:31 AM
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The Bruins (the hockey team that plays in Boston, to cut off any UCLA jokes) clinched a playoff berth last night, the first time they'll be in the playoffs since 2004. With one game left to play, the Bruins can finish as high as 5th in the Eastern Conference, or as low as 8th.
While making the playoffs doesn't necessarily sound like a huge accomplishment, this was a team that was picked to finish near the bottom of the conference, and which has suffered a ton of injuries this season (most notably to Patrice Bergeron, their best forward.)
I don't follow the team as closely as I used to (thanks for killing hockey in Boston, Jeremy Jacobs) but I'm glad the Bruins are overachieving this year. Let's hope they're not playing the Canadiens in the first round, so that they might actually have a chance of advancing.
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This poses a moral dilemma for me. I have always loved playoff hockey and used to even watch neutral series (non-Bruins) because the action and intensity was great. However, hockey has completely lost me. I used to watch a fair amount of Bruins games and eagerly watch every second of every playoff game. This year, I think I may have watched a total of 10 minutes of Bruins hockey and zero minutes of non-Bruins hockey.
Still, an old familiar pang is telling me, "It's the playoffs, it's the Bruins, it's the NHL...you've got to watch." I feel like a bit of a hypocrite (frontrunner? fairweather fan?) if I tune in for just the playoffs, after watching zippo during the regular season. I guess I paid my dues "back in the day" and it's ok for me to see how they do in the playoffs. Maybe they'll even suck me back into watching neutral playoffs. I'd really like to care about the Bruins again.
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All Bruins fans get a permanent fairweather fan exemption, Redz. When your owner single-handedly kills the sport in your town, and then the League and the Player's Association stomp on its smoldering remains, former fans are allowed to follow the sport as sporadically as they would like.
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The Bruins pretty much died for me around the mid to late '90s. What Jacobs has done to that franchise in a great injustice to a rabid fanbase.
I'll probably pull the fairweather routine myself and watch them in the playoffs but my expectations aren't high.
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You know, it kinda goes to show you how amazing of a hockey town Boston was. Jacobs needs to be applauded for what he did. It wasn't a couple of bad seasons, or a decade, or a generation -- but it took 30 years for him to kill hockey in Boston. Thirty. Like I said, not 2, not 10, not 15-20 -- 30! With all the injuries the Bruins had this year, they should be commended -- but what was once a powerhouse franchise that had big-name studs like Orr, Esposito, Cheevers, Park, O'Reilly, Bourque, Neely - teams that were always in the mix (and should've won a Cup if not for Jacobs not spending a couple more bucks on good role players) -- we're relegated to just being happy they make the playoffs in a 30 team league where 16 of them make it. Like I said, props to the players and the coaching staff for overcoming much adversity with an already talent-depleted roster, but it's sad thinking about the state of the Bruins and where hockey stands in what was a hockey hotbed for 60 years.
Regardless, it's good to have playoff hockey back (back when I was watching hockey in the 90s -- nothing was better than playoff hockey. Those Wings-Avs series were AMAZING). Here's hoping they can hold on to the 6 slot, play Washington and give them a series. Who knows they might win it. It'd be dissapointing if they got Montreal and went four and out, though.
EDIT -- by the way, I think if I were a mod, I'd let everyone get one post about venting about Jacobs/Sinden, and then it must be playoff talk. This thread is just heading towards a "Jacobs is cheap!" and "Who cares about hockey?" thread.
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As someone who has lived in New York for their entire life, and wasn't around for most of the 80's, and doesn't like hockey at all, can someone explain to me who this Jacobs guy is and what he did. TP for the clearest answer.
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I'm at a place with the NHL where I couldn't even fake a decent conversation about who's good & who's not...teams, players or otherwise. I know the kid from Pittsburgh is somewhat special, and a kid from Tampa won the MVP a couple of years ago, but if you asked me to rattle of a list of the top ten players in the league I wouldn't have the faintest idea where to start, and if you started rattling off some suggestions for me I might recognize the names but have no idea who they played for. That bums me out a bit (not too much, but a bit)
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As someone who has lived in New York for their entire life, and wasn't around for most of the 80's, and doesn't like hockey at all, can someone explain to me who this Jacobs guy is and what he did. TP for the clearest answer.
Jeremy Jacobs. Owner of the Boston Bruins for 30 years or so. He's notorious for having a tight wallet and time after time, has let solid Bruins players go via free agency by refusing to pay a little extra to keep him. There is also the frustration expressed by many fans that he's a "absentee owner" whose only concerned with the bottom line and not necessarily winning.
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Playoff hockey is back in the city of Boston. Those are the words I've been waiting to hear for three years now. I really can't think of a game I flat out missed this year. Possible one or two due to my own personal sporting events but I've been there through the thick and thin this year and very much so over the course of the past couple seasons despite their struggles. The Bruins aren't on the same level for me as the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics but I still love them and will root for them through the thick and thin.
Its great to see them back in the playoffs and I wouldn't mind seeing a few bandwagon fans filling up the seats for the home playoff games this year. Anything to get the place rockin' again. I'm so happy right now.
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Playoff hockey is back in the city of Boston. Those are the words I've been waiting to hear for three years now. I really can't think of a game I flat out missed this year. Possible one or two due to my own personal sporting events but I've been there through the thick and thin this year and very much so over the course of the past couple seasons despite their struggles. The Bruins aren't on the same level for me as the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics but I still love them and will root for them through the thick and thin.
Its great to see them back in the playoffs and I wouldn't mind seeing a few bandwagon fans filling up the seats for the home playoff games this year. Anything to get the place rockin' again. I'm so happy right now.
Refreshing stuff to hear Riles. :)
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As someone who has lived in New York for their entire life, and wasn't around for most of the 80's, and doesn't like hockey at all, can someone explain to me who this Jacobs guy is and what he did. TP for the clearest answer.
Jeremy Jacobs. Owner of the Boston Bruins for 30 years or so. He's notorious for having a tight wallet and time after time, has let solid Bruins players go via free agency by refusing to pay a little extra to keep him. There is also the frustration expressed by many fans that he's a "absentee owner" whose only concerned with the bottom line and not necessarily winning.
Thanks for the info, TP for you
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I'm so excited the Bruins made the play-offs. I'm still a die-hard fan. With everyone picking them to suck this year and with the injuries they had to deal with, Claude Julien should win the Jack Adams award and Chara should be a Norris Trophy nominee.
Hopefully they can avoid the Canadians. I think they can hang with anyone else in the east. Actually their last two outing against the Habs were much better too so maybe it be as bad as I think.
Savy skated yesturday and Ference seems to be close to returning so that should help their play-off run. Of course if they can get out of the first round there's a good chance Bergy comes back which would be huge.
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The people who say Jacobs is still a terrible, terrible owner are still living in 2001. As a devout Bruins fan (as well as Celtics fan), I believe Jacobs is not a bad owner. He refused to pay money to re-sign Jason Allison, who peaked as a Bruin and was traded for Glen Murray who was in his prime. He refused to pay money to re-sign Anson Carter who had also peaked and was traded for Bill Guerin, who also had enjoyed his better seasons with the Bruins. I know they traded Joe Thornton, but they also signed Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard with the cap space they had gained, and both have been vital components of our season. Chara, especially, has picked up the slack as the team's #1 defenseman who logs a ton of minutes. And he might win the Norris Trophy award this year, an award that hasn't been seen in Boston since #77 was a Bruin.
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The people who say Jacobs is still a terrible, terrible owner are still living in 2001. As a devout Bruins fan (as well as Celtics fan), I believe Jacobs is not a bad owner. He refused to pay money to re-sign Jason Allison, who peaked as a Bruin and was traded for Glen Murray who was in his prime. He refused to pay money to re-sign Anson Carter who had also peaked and was traded for Bill Guerin, who also had enjoyed his better seasons with the Bruins. I know they traded Joe Thornton, but they also signed Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard with the cap space they had gained, and both have been vital components of our season. Chara, especially, has picked up the slack as the team's #1 defenseman who logs a ton of minutes. And he might win the Norris Trophy award this year, an award that hasn't been seen in Boston since #77 was a Bruin.
TP for you. Jacobs certainly has opened up his wallet over the past couple of years in my opinion. He was incredibly stubborn during the 90's but like TPD said, he has changed.
Lets not forget about the trade for Gonchar a couple of years ago when they were a number one seed. They also brought in Nylander as well.
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Yes, Jacobs is "opening his wallet" when THERE'S A SALARY CAP. How about in the 90s when virtually every free agent wanted to be a Bruin, yet they didn't do ish. Teams like Philly, Colorado, New York and Detroit would just load up while the Bruins operated like they were the Winnipeg Jets. It was a disgrace. And it has just soured the Bruins fans today.
And like you said, the Bruins have the cap space because they traded away their best player and can't draft and develop their own talent. One player in the top 50 NHL prospects ranked by Hockeys Future.
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The difference between this year's team and the last 5-6 years is when this team has a bad game, it's REALLY bad. Otherwise, this team is rarely outhustled, outplayed, and never outcoached. This is a typical Claude Julien coached team. The talent just isn't at the level of Julien's previous teams.
Julien is like Obie. What he can do with average talent is amazing.
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Well, so much for avoiding the Habs. The classic rivalry will be renewed in the first round. Hopefully the B's will fare better then they did in the regular season against the Habs. Should be a great, chippy series.
Go Bruins!!!
Please just don't get swept!
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OK, now I'm definitely watching!
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Um... at least the Bruins have that one shootout loss to hang their hats on!
0-7-1 against Montreal. Ouch.
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This was a real "grind-it-out" against the odds sort of accomplishment, and they deserve props for fighting to get this spot. Hope they keep beating the odds and fate smiles on them a bit ... great bunch of skaters.
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I'm excited...nothing like playoff hockey.
It's good to see the B's back in the playoffs.
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Well, the rivalry is back for the playoffs. Other than that, I'm not seeing too much positive from the Bruins point of view. I hope they make it a series and will pull for 'em.
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Jacobs is a stingy owner, I accept that argument... but I think he has gotten better over time. In 2004, he traded for Sergei Gonchar and Michael Nylander, neither of whom came "cheap." He opened his wallet to sign Martin Lapointe, Alexei Zhamnov (it was a disaster, but he still gave him good money), Glen Murray, etc.
The problem Jacobs and Sinden have faced have little to do with spending but more to do with actually building a championship caliber product. Commitment to spending and team building are two mutually exclusive concepts.
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So I just got conned by my roommate to go in on tickets with him and two others to go to Game 3 of the first round playoffs.
Haven't been to a Bruins game in at least 4 years. Should be interesting.
Although, I'll be able to add the Bruins to my list of Boston teams I've seen live in the playoffs in the past calendar year. (Sox, Bruins, soon to be Celts).
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So I just got conned by my roommate to go in on tickets with him and two others to go to Game 3 of the first round playoffs.
Haven't been to a Bruins game in at least 4 years. Should be interesting.
Although, I'll be able to add the Bruins to my list of Boston teams I've seen live in the playoffs in the past calendar year. (Sox, Bruins, soon to be Celts).
I am considering buying tickets myself, but I can't bring myself to pay the money. As great as the NBA playoffs are, there is NOTHING like an overtime NHL playoff game.
Somehow I feel better about the fact that the B's are playing Montreal, who swept the season series than any other team in the playoffs. It is the perfect situation for them to steal a couple games by Montreal overlooking them, and then if Thomas can get hot, they can certainly steal two more.
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I envy you guys who live in Boston.
As much as I don't watch a lot of hockey anymore, *nothing* beats a live NHL game, and I can't even imagine what the playoff atmosphere is like in person (it's usually pretty amazing on television, let alone live.)
Have fun at the game. Hopefully the Bruins can make that one competitive.
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So I just got conned by my roommate to go in on tickets with him and two others to go to Game 3 of the first round playoffs.
Haven't been to a Bruins game in at least 4 years. Should be interesting.
Although, I'll be able to add the Bruins to my list of Boston teams I've seen live in the playoffs in the past calendar year. (Sox, Bruins, soon to be Celts).
I am considering buying tickets myself, but I can't bring myself to pay the money. As great as the NBA playoffs are, there is NOTHING like an overtime NHL playoff game.
Somehow I feel better about the fact that the B's are playing Montreal, who swept the season series than any other team in the playoffs. It is the perfect situation for them to steal a couple games by Montreal overlooking them, and then if Thomas can get hot, they can certainly steal two more.
I'm actually sitting in seats that are worse than my Celtics season seats, yet I'm paying more than what I'm paying per game for the Celtics playoffs.
Thanks, Jeremy!!
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So I just got conned by my roommate to go in on tickets with him and two others to go to Game 3 of the first round playoffs.
Haven't been to a Bruins game in at least 4 years. Should be interesting.
Although, I'll be able to add the Bruins to my list of Boston teams I've seen live in the playoffs in the past calendar year. (Sox, Bruins, soon to be Celts).
I am considering buying tickets myself, but I can't bring myself to pay the money. As great as the NBA playoffs are, there is NOTHING like an overtime NHL playoff game.
Somehow I feel better about the fact that the B's are playing Montreal, who swept the season series than any other team in the playoffs. It is the perfect situation for them to steal a couple games by Montreal overlooking them, and then if Thomas can get hot, they can certainly steal two more.
I'm actually sitting in seats that are worse than my Celtics season seats, yet I'm paying more than what I'm paying per game for the Celtics playoffs.
Thanks, Jeremy!!
Yeah, they are rediculously priced. I am considering trading a pair of tickets to a C's game I can't go to for B's tickets though...if I can find any takers.
The other problem is that with Hockey, I think you really need to be sitting closer to be able to really watch it than you do with basketball. I am happy with my nosebleed seats for the C's, but I know I wouldn't be able to follow hockey action at all from that far up.
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The Bruins will probably lose this series, but I am still proud of them. Nobody expected the Bruins to make the playoffs with their best overall player gone for almost the entire season.
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What a game tonight. There really is absolutely nothing more exciting than an overtime hockey playoff game (and I mean anything...even C's playoff games).
This is turning into one hell of a series. I really hope we get to see Bergeron out there, that could put it over the top.
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What a game tonight. There really is absolutely nothing more exciting than an overtime hockey playoff game (and I mean anything...even C's playoff games).
This is turning into one hell of a series. I really hope we get to see Bergeron out there, that could put it over the top.
They won a game, which is all I wanted. Everything else is just gravy. I'm definitely proud of the team for playing so hard the last two games.
And agreed, playoff hockey is the best, and overtime playoff hockey takes that to a whole other level. Great stuff.
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Just warming up the Garden for next weekend. Good to get some good vibes going in the building. I really hope they can keep playing well and push the series to 6 or 7 games.
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This to me is what the definition of "heart" and "determination" is - beating the odds and doing whatever it takes to scrap out a win. Awesome job by the B's, pulling out what seemed like a lost cause. If anyone can steal a series it's these boys, and whatever happens, they can hold their heads high this year. Great job, guys ... we're all behind you!
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Was fortunate enough to be at the game last night. What an atmosphere! The Garden was rocking the entire game. Pretty incredible. Lots of Habs fan made the trek down and were certainly vocal and the back and forth chanting between B's and Montreal fans was pretty cool. Add a heckuva game to the atmosphere and you had quite the sporting event.
Awesome time and helluva game.
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NOT DEAD YET.
They rattled Price. if they can get an early goal next game he could struggle. This isn't over.
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Wow. Where did that come from? Loved hearing a stunned Montreal crowd. Good for the Bruins. They pretty much could have lost tonight and most fans would have applauded them for a good effort against a better team.
Of course now that they've raised oour expectation...Ugghhh
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Is this looking a little familiar to anyone? http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/2004stanleycup/a/1_Bruins_Habs.htm
Claude Julien knows how to coach playoff hockey.
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Is this looking a little familiar to anyone? http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/2004stanleycup/a/1_Bruins_Habs.htm
Claude Julien knows how to coach playoff hockey.
He just looks like a hockey coach doesn't he? Something about him reminds me of Scotty Bowman - and that can't be a bad thing.
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I was there for game 7 of 2004. That was the best hockey game I have ever been to even though they lost. Hopefully they can keep the goal scoring up, and Bergeron may be cleared to play game 7. If he came back it would be a tremendous boost.
On another topic though, I cannot stand Canadien fans. The Go Habs Go and their soccer chants need to stop! No Canadien fans allowed in the garden on Saturday night! Please.
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Wow, I really didn't expect that last night. Great win. Price absolutely fell apart in that third period. Back to Boston and I have to think the Habs are feeling a bit of pressure now.
Like others have mentioned, I'd just like to see the B's win to shut up those annoying Habs fans.
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when they were down 1-0 in the 1st, i was actually thinking to myself "great year to build on, great effort, i'd love to go to the airport to applaud these guys when they get back." This team could of easily packed it in after that 1st goal, going up against a young phenom goalie and an absolutely amped crowd - but the resiliency on this team in incredible and they NEED to get more ink in Boston.
This is one of the more likable Boston teams that i've had the pleasure of rooting for in a long time; no star power, just a gritty, grind it out group of guys that know how to play physical and play for eachother.
I don't see how any other coach could win Coach of the Year this year. I was one of many who questioned the claude julien signing when it happened, but his ability to reach the young guys is amazing.
let's give Chiarelli some credit, too. He hasn't been given much to work with, but has done a great job with personel desicions regarding both the young guys and the vets.
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Take it from me as a Montrealer, the Canadiens fans are just so pumped and starving for a championship! And yes, they can be annoying but Bruins fans have only themselves to blame for that. Why can't the city of Boston support their Bruins, at least in the playoffs, and sell out the TD Garden. If that were the case, no Montreal fan would have the opportunity to buy tickets and attend the games. As things now stand, it is far easier and cheaper to buy tickets for games in Boston, along with travel expenses, than to buy tickets at the Bell Center.
As for last night's game, Boston definitely derserved it and I am glad to see they were compensated with a win. The Habs were trying to play defensive it seemed in the 2nd period and unbelievably trying to protect a 1 goal lead. I guess when a team lacks scoring like the Bruins, it may have been human nature to behave that way. It still is inexcusable against professionals and I'm glad the Bruins exploded in the 3rd period with 4 goals.
Unfortunately Bruins fans, I do believe the Habs have learned from their mistakes and tomorrow night will be a heck of a game with the Habs finally closing the series.
Let's all hope for a great game for the ages!
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Take it from me as a Montrealer, the Canadiens fans are just so pumped and starving for a championship! And yes, they can be annoying but Bruins fans have only themselves to blame for that. Why can't the city of Boston support their Bruins, at least in the playoffs, and sell out the TD Garden. If that were the case, no Montreal fan would have the opportunity to buy tickets and attend the games. As things now stand, it is far easier and cheaper to buy tickets for games in Boston, along with travel expenses, than to buy tickets at the Bell Center.
As for last night's game, Boston definitely derserved it and I am glad to see they were compensated with a win. The Habs were trying to play defensive it seemed in the 2nd period and unbelievably trying to protect a 1 goal lead. I guess when a team lacks scoring like the Bruins, it may have been human nature to behave that way. It still is inexcusable against professionals and I'm glad the Bruins exploded in the 3rd period with 4 goals.
Unfortunately Bruins fans, I do believe the Habs have learned from their mistakes and tomorrow night will be a heck of a game with the Habs finally closing the series.
Let's all hope for a great game for the ages!
A lot of it has to do with the fact that the casual Bruins fan has been estranged from the team for the better part of a decade now. The ownership has driven that team into the ground in many aspects and has driven away many B's fans. The diehards have always remained and that's admirable but with the success of the Patriots, Red Sox, and now Celtics in the last 8 years or so, the Bruins have fallen by the wayside with most Boston sports fans because they just haven't brought anything to the table and the perception that the owner is cheap and lets any of the good Bruins talent walk away. It's a very acrimonious relationship that may never be healed until Jacobs sells the team.
I do think you'll see more B's fans there on Saturday night than the previous two home games, though. City has definitely started to take notice.
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Is this looking a little familiar to anyone? http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/2004stanleycup/a/1_Bruins_Habs.htm
Claude Julien knows how to coach playoff hockey.
He just looks like a hockey coach doesn't he? Something about him reminds me of Scotty Bowman - and that can't be a bad thing.
Julien is a guy who almost never gets outcoached. In addition to looking like a coach, he has that in common with Bowman. He clearly has inferior talent compared to the Canadiens. Doesn't matter. He finds a way to even things up.
Why would anybody fire this guy?
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One more game baby!!!! Unbelievable!!
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tonights game was unbelievable. one of the best hockey games i have ever watched! what a series! lets go B's
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Wow. Game 7 baby!
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I only caught the 3rd period, but that was just unbelievably exciting action. The B's were not to be denied. So great to see the "Garden" rocking like that.
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After watching the regular season, I am shocked by how this series has gone. Amazing stuff, and regardless of what happens next game, the Bruins deserve major props for overachieving.
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I only caught the 3rd period, but that was just unbelievably exciting action. The B's were not to be denied. So great to see the "Garden" rocking like that.
I agree, get the good karma rolling in that building. That was fun to watch, but the rocking in the Garden this spring will only go as far as the team in green will allow it. The black and gold have been fun and I'm hoping they beat those rotten Canadiens, but it's a Celtics building this year, no denying that.
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Wow - Just wow.
I've got to admit I was in RH's camp and only wanted "not to get swept." Heck, I would have settled for a major hockey brawl in game 4 in the garden!
These last two games have been incredible to watch. Actually, since game 2 when the Hab's were up two after two periods, the Bruins have really outplayed them. It's been fun to watch. I've watched a lot of Bruins games this year b/c I get NESN but not FSNE. I would have preferred watching the C's! But I have to admit the Bruins have been really entertaining.
Monday's gonna be a heck of a game though. The B's have a lot of momentum and there's a LOT of pressure on Montreal. Boston has also shown the ability to come back while Montreal has yet to win a game in which it's trailed. (Of course, they haven't trailed in that many games this year :)
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Monday's gonna be a heck of a game though. The B's have a lot of momentum and there's a LOT of pressure on Montreal.
No doubt, the pressure is on Montreal now -- pretty fun!
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Game 7. Boston Bruins/Montreal Canadians. Is there any other way to do it?
I can't wait. These next two days are going to be two special days. Sox start in just over an hour, Celtics opening round playoff series starts off tonight, and the Bruins tomorrow night. It doesn't get any better then this.
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Is this game going to be on any national channel? CBS or something? Trying to find a channel to watch the game, but can't find any. I'm not in Boston.
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Is this game going to be on any national channel? CBS or something? Trying to find a channel to watch the game, but can't find any. I'm not in Boston.
CBC. Oops thats only for us Canadians.
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Man ... last seconds of the power play ... that hurt.
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Man ... last seconds of the power play ... that hurt.
yea that hurt. not looking good for the b's going into the 3rd period. i hope they can pull it off in the 3rd.
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Couple of good looks there ... would've been nice to get a quick one.
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Another power play ... c'mon B's!
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We could use an Ovechkin right now.
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This one is slowly slipping away ... had some good looks, too.
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The fat lady just began singing.
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The B's have absolutely nothing to apologize for ... they played with grit, determination and finesse. Hold your head high, boys ... you made us proud, and we love ya!
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Well, that wasn't much fun :(
B's came out and outplayed them early but once they fell behind 2-0 they lost some zip. Brutal power plays.
Hell of a series for them though against a better team.
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Despite this heartbreaking loss, I think we're witnessing a renaissance here with the Bruins. I feel that they proven that they can now compete with the elite of the league, and that they will soon be experiencing the success and recognition that the rest of the Boston sports teams are tasting of late.
I feel like the whole picture is now complete, and that the missing piece has been added, (or at least selected), to this puzzle. Nice job, B's ... you're only climbing upward from here on out!
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The scene in Montreal when they do the Canadian National Anthem still gives me goose bumps. So much history in that organization.
[dang] THEM! :P
No, but really, I did mean the first part (and the 2nd part I guess too)
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Oh well, at least this team picqued my interest for the first time in about a decade.
Game 6 is still one to remember.
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Hopefully the B's are paying attention to what's going on with the Celtics and will continue to compete and build aggressively towards a Stanley Cup. If you give the fans a team to cheer for, they will come.
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Despite this heartbreaking loss, I think we're witnessing a renaissance here with the Bruins. I feel that they proven that they can now compete with the elite of the league, and that they will soon be experiencing the success and recognition that the rest of the Boston sports teams are tasting of late.
I feel like the whole picture is now complete, and that the missing piece has been added, (or at least selected), to this puzzle. Nice job, B's ... you're only climbing upward from here on out!
I think they certainly put themselves back in the conscious of Boston sports fans, but they still have a long way to go. There is still so much cynicism left, that really has a long way to go in order to be truly broken away. They will not truly be back until they either win a championship, or Jacobs sells the team. Until then, there will still be a huge portion of their fan base that will not come back completely.
With that said, the future certainly looks bright. Now they just need to realize that they have a little bit of the publics attention, and they need to take advantage of it. They absolutely need to make a splash this summer, and work hard to try to improve the team. The obvious move is to sign Hossa...which would be great. But if they don't do that, they can still make something happen.
They just need to realize that they need to grab the attention when they can. If they do nothing this summer, and come out next year, and are just a 6th or 7th seed in the playoffs, all of the goodwill they got this year will be gone again.
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Agree with Donoghus and Chris. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bruins; despite last night's loss, it was the first time hockey was "must see" for me in probably since the late 90s. It was a great run, and I'm impressed by the grit of the team.