Friday's Bruins...

[the mugs]

from bostonbruins.com

Game Preview
Boston (0-0-1-0) at Tampa (0-0-0-0) 7:30 p.m.

The circus is in town, arriving today with the annual animal walk from the train station to the FleetCenter, and that means that the Bruins are headed out on their October road trip. The trip will see the team play six games over the span of nearly two weeks.

First up are back-to-back games in Florida, with the team taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, also at 7:30 p.m. After that the Bruins have three days off before getting back into action against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 15 at 8:30 p.m. The team then has two days off before taking on the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 18 at 10:30. They finish the trip with an 8 p.m. game on Oct. 19 at Anaheim, and a game with the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. All the games will be broadcast on NESN, as well as WBZ 1030 radio.

?Well, now it?s for real,? said coach Mike Sullivan. ?We?re excited to get going and I think that our guys are ready for the challenge.?

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Short homestand

On Wednesday night, the Bruins earned a come-from-behind 3-3 tie with the New Jersey Devils, last year?s Stanley Cup champs as well as the team that knocked Boston out of the playoffs.

The game marked several firsts. Sullivan made his NHL head coaching and Bruins debut, while Felix Potvin, Jeff Jillson, Travis Green, Sandy McCarthy, and 18-year-old Patrice Bergeron played in their first games as Bruins. The game also marked Bergeron?s NHL debut and he is the youngest player in the NHL this season with a July 24, 1985 birthdate. Ted Donato also played his first game in a Bruins sweater since the 1998-99 season.

?This is a thrill for me, as a hometown kid, to have the opportunity to get behind the bench with these guys is exciting,? said Sullivan. ?I had the butterflies, but once the puck dropped, the adrenaline starts pumping and you get right into the game. I?m real excited to have this opportunity and I?ve been looking forward to this night for a long time.?

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Potvin impresses teammates

The most impressive part of last night?s victory was the play of Felix Potvin, whose 32 save performance kept his team in the game, allowing the comeback.

?The Cat played great,? said captain Joe Thornton. ?Everytime they came down 2-on-1, 3-on-2, we knew he was going to stop the puck. He gave us a lot of confidence out there.?

Jillson gets the okay
Jeff Jillson underwent an MRI on his foot on Thursday, but the results were negative and he joined his teammates on the trip.

Lapointe progressing

Martin Lapointe was back on the ice again today, apparently faring well after practicing with the team prior to Wednesday night?s game. Lapointe had an arthroscopy performed on his knee during training camp.

?Obviously we want to have him as soon as we can,? said Sullivan. ?He?s an impact player and we?d love to have him in our line-up for a lot of different reasons. Not only is he a great player, but he is a great leader as well.?

 

[the mugs]

Anybody know of any stats or trends (cough cough dubbs ) about a team playing it's first game of the year against a team that's already played for real already. I know it's a solid angle with college football - just wondering about tonight's B's game.

Thanks

 

[the mugs]

Boston Globe 10.10.03

Boston Globe 10.10.03

Opening with a bang

Foot injury didn't slow Bruins' Jillson

TAMPA -- Jeff Jillson may have to get hurt more often.

Making his debut in a Bruins' uniform, the hard-shooting defenseman absorbed a stinging shot off his left foot in the first period, then scored twice -- including the tying goal with 3:58 left -- in the Bruins' 3-3 opening night deadlock with the New Jersey Devils Wednesday at the FleetCenter.

Jillson didn't miss a beat, or a shift, but he went for an MRI yesterday. According to media relations director Heidi Holland, the test was negative (no broken bones) and Jillson, who was in significantly less pain yesterday, was scheduled to join his teammates for the start of a six-game road trip, which begins tonight against the Lightning.

During training camp, Jillson lived up to expectations with his progress. When the Bruins traded for him last season in the deal that sent defenseman Kyle McLaren to San Jose, general manager Mike O'Connell made it clear he didn't want to rush Jillson into the lineup. O'Connell believed Jillson was thrown into the mix too quickly with the Sharks and the young blue liner's confidence suffered. Management concluded he would be better served to play in Providence (AHL), where he got plenty of ice time.

After the game against the Devils, Jillson was sporting an ear-to-ear grin. He said he's comfortable in his new surroundings, especially given his Rhode Island roots. He said his enjoyment of the sport has increased exponentially.

"I had a lot of ups and downs in San Jose and Cleveland [AHL] and it is just one of those things where I wasn't having that much fun anymore going to the rink," said Jillson. "I think to come back to Providence and play in all situations, we had a great team and we were winning a lot of games. It was a lot more fun to come to the rink. You just build up your confidence.

"There wasn't as much pressure, say, as coming right into Boston, especially with the trade and the level of player McLaren is. So it kind of deflected some of that attention and allowed me just to worry about playing hockey and getting back to having a lot of confidence."

Jillson, who played 20 minutes 37 seconds over 25 shifts and finished with six shots, acknowledges that as happy as he was to get on the scoreboard twice in his first outing, there's plenty of work to do on his game.

"You don't think you'll get two [goals] all year but it's a good feeling," he said. "To tell you the truth, I didn't feel like I had that good a game in my own zone. I made a few mistakes. But for a first game, I'm just trying to keep improving and hopefully get better.

"Obviously, you dream about those types of things. I haven't played an NHL regular-season game in a while. I'm still trying to make some adjustments." . . .

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Travis Green made his Boston debut against the Devils, too, and the pesky forward played 19:10 over 27 shifts. He finished 8-8 in the faceoff circle and played myriad roles with several teammates. Green, who was acquired from Columbus on waiver draft day after he was plucked from the Toronto roster by the Blue Jackets, said it's going to take some time to learn about his new teammates and get his feet under him. But for the first game, he thought everything went well with the exception of the first period, during which the Bruins were badly outplayed by New Jersey but were saved by goalie Felix Potvin. "I give our team a lot of credit; not a lot of teams come back from a 2-0 deficit against New Jersey," said Green. He said as they get familiar with each other, the result is bound to be more smooth. "It's going to take a little time to learn," he said. "Every player has different tendencies. I thought our team did a good job considering we have some new faces. Despite that first period, it was a pretty solid effort. You don't win in this league if you don't have everyone contributing. I won't go that far to say it felt like a win, but it's a little bit of salvation, I think. The first period really couldn't get any worse, so to bounce back was a nice job." . . . One of the reasons O'Connell went after Green was because of the veteran's versatility. Coach Mike Sullivan can plug him into a number of scenarios, like he did Wednesday. Green said that's fine with him. "I take a lot of pride in playing an all-around game," he said. "I'll do whatever I can to help the team."...

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Sergei Samsonov had an assist on Jillson's tying goal, giving him 300 points for his NHL career...

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Martin Lapointe (arthroscopic knee surgery) made the trip and is hoping to suit up against the Stars in Dallas Wednesday night.

 

[the mugs]

Boston Herald 10.10.03

Boston Herald 10.10.03

Bruins shift out of first: Six-game trip follows opener
Friday, October 10, 2003

WILMINGTON - The Bruins hit the road for six games beginning tonight at Tampa Bay against the Lightning, and won't be back on Causeway Street until Oct. 23, when they host the Carolina Hurricanes.

Along the way, the B's will also play the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Colorado Avalanche. The first trip of the season has traditionally served as a bonding experience for the team, and first-year coach Mike Sullivan is a big believer in team camaraderie.

``But I also think it's a double-edged sword,'' Sullivan said. ``It's a chance for the guys to spend some time together, which is a great thing. But the other side of the coin is that we're going into a lot of hostile environments and there are some tough buildings to play in.''

Nevertheless, Sullivan feels his charges are well prepared.

``We want to be the tough team to play against,'' he said. ``We want to be the guys that other teams worry about.''

Sullivan sees the first two weeks of the NHL season as a solid measuring stick to see where the Bruins stand against some of the best teams in the league.

``It's a big challenge ahead of us,'' he said.

There are also some ``field trip'' qualities to flying around the country, playing hockey.

``There are a lot of good things in being able to go on the road early,'' said Sullivan. ``You can get your group together, and have some special time together.''

But it's not all fun and games.

Forwards Michal Grosek and P.J. Stock, as well as defenseman Milan Jurcina, were scratched from Wednesday's opening night tie at the FleetCenter against the New Jersey Devils. Any message there?

``I think there's too much parity in the league,'' Sullivan said. ``If you don't bring the effort and the commitment on any given night . . .''

One who does not have that problem is center and captain Joe Thornton, who was a nonstop force against New Jersey. The B's captain scored in the 3-3 draw.

Thornton has learned to use his size and physical skills while not taking as many cheap/unnecessary penalties.

``We played tough against a tough team,'' Thornton said.``And the way we came back (from 2-0 and 3-2) showed what we can do. Hopefully, we can get a streak going, now.''

The coach is hardly worried.

``Without a doubt getting that first goal was good for Joe and good for our team,'' Sullivan said. ``We all look up to him and the kind of player that he is. He has a huge effect on everyone.''

Now that Thornton has settled in as an established veteran - at the ripe old age of 24 - Sullivan can devote some of his attention to younger potential phenoms, including up-and-comer Patrice Bergeron [news]. The rookie pivot is the NHL's youngest player at 18.

``I think he's played very well and handled himself very well,'' Sullivan said. ``(Wednesday night) was his first experience with a full roster of NHL players.''

 

[the mugs]

Herald 10.9

Herald 10.9

Sullivan is flying in coach: Wears a tie in first game

Thursday, October 9, 2003

For Mike Sullivan, a product of Marshfield, BC High and Boston University, his first official game as head coach of the Bruins was not just another night. Sullivan admitted he was a trifle nervous as the B's season-opener against the New Jersey Devils got underway last night.

``Sure I was,'' said Sullivan, after his club battled back from a poor start to forge a hard-earned 3-3 tie against the defending NHL champions.

``This is a thrill for me to coach this team. Being a hometown kid, to have the opportunity to get behind the bench with these guys is exciting. I had the butterflies. But once the puck drops the adrenaline starts pumping and you get right into the game. But I'm really excited to get this opportunity.

``I've been looking forward to this game for a long time.''

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Debut reviews

Sullivan had rave reviews for two new Bruins, 18-year-old center Patrice Bergeron and veteran winger Sandy McCarthy.

Bergeron, the NHL's youngest player, played 17 shifts in his pro debut and was even on the ice killing a penalty in the third period. McCarthy was a physical force.

``I thought (Bergeron) played very well,'' said Sullivan. ``One thing about him, he has really good awareness, especially for his age. We feel real comfortable putting him over the boards in key situations. He thinks the game very well.

``Sandy is a huge addition to our team. He's a physical presence, his work ethic is terrific, he never stops his feet moving. He looks to make body contact in a lot of situations and he's effective at it. He's a guy who can really change momentun for our team.''

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Scratch and sniff

Opening night scratches: defenseman Milan Jurcina [news] and forwards Michal Grosek and P.J. Stock.

Ted Donato earned a spot along the forward line in his return to the Bruins. He garnered 8:55 of ice time in the opener.

``I wanted to come in here and play well enough to stay,'' said Donato. ``That original hurdle has been overcome, but now it's the real games. Every day will be a little bit of a hurdle for me. I'll take it as it comes. I hope I can play well enough to make it worthwhile for me to be here.'' . . .

Winger Martin Lapointe [news] is skating two weeks after knee surgery. He'll accompany the team on its six-game trip, which opens tomorrow night in Tampa, and hopes to play some time next week. . . .

Rob Zamuner was due to have an MRI yesterday on his damaged left hamstring, and should have a better idea soon as to how long he'll be on the shelf. . . .

There was no word yesterday of developments in the team's effort to re-sign free agent defenseman Bryan Berard.

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Zinovjef on farm

Rookie center Sergei Zinovjef has agreed to spend three weeks playing with Providence at the American Hockey League level before deciding whether to remain in North America or play this season at home in Russia.

The organization regards the slick Russian as a top prospect who would be better off adapting to the pro-style game and lifestyle by staying stateside. . . .

The Providence Bruins open at home against Springfield tomorrow night. Ex-Harvard standout Brett Nowak has been signed to a 25-game amateur tryout with the farm club. . . .

Former Bruin Sean Brown earned a berth along the Devils' blue line.

 

[ddubs]

I heard about that trend, but never used it, and don't have the numbers for it, mugsy. Sorry, you got me:thefinger

Good luck tonite, bud

 

[the mugs]

Game Notes
BOSTON BRUINS AT TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Friday, October 10, 2003

St. Pete Times Forum; Tampa FL
Tonight?s Game
The Bruins visit the Lightning tonight in the first of four games between these teams this season and the first of two games of this season?s series at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Bruins are 0-0-1-0 thus far this season and are playing their first road game of the 2003-04 season tonight. The Lightning are opening their 2003-04 regular season tonight. The Bruins are playing their first game vs. a Southeast Division opponent tonight and are 0-0-1-0 thus far this season vs. Eastern Conference
foes.

Lifetime Series
The Bruins are 25-9-8-0 lifetime vs. Tampa Bay with a 141-105 scoring advantage in those 42 games. On the road, the Bruins are 10-8-3-0 lifetime vs. the Lightning with a 63-61 scoring edge in those 21 contests. The Bruins are winless in their last three games vs. Tampa Bay at 0-2-1-0 with their last win over the Lightning a 3-2 victory in Boston on Dec. 7, 2002. They have lost their last two road games in Tampa Bay with their last victory in Tampa a 4-3 overtime victory on Mar. 24, 2002.

Recent Bruins Games
The Bruins opened their 80th anniversary season with a 3-3 tie vs. New Jersey on Oct. 8.

They finished their 2003 pre-season schedule with a 4-5-0-0 record with wins over Montreal (1-0/OT Sept. 18 and 2-1/OT Sept. 26), Tampa Bay (1-0 Sept. 30) and Detroit (3-2 Oct. 2) and losses to NY Islanders (6-2 Sept. 21), Pittsburgh (3-2 Sept. 23), Detroit (9-0 Sept. 24) and NY Rangers (4-1 Sept. 28 and 2-1 Oct. 4).

 

[Vicc Inzagio]

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not decide yet if i'll take the bruins 2nite but i like them bud..... !!!


vicc