Thursday's Bruins...

[the mugs]

Playoff scruff officially begins Saturday when the regular season ends... I know, like last year, it shouldn't last long but at least this year - I'm not hoping or expecting it to...

Probably playing these Devils next week so who knows what to expect tonight...Probably a very boring "we're not gonna show you anything" type of game...Having said that, look for the boys to drop the mittens tonight :shrug:

B's are 2-3-2 since dumping Ftorek...looks like a good move there Mike...

BOSTON BRUINS at NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Thursday, April 3, 2003
Continental Airlines Arena, E. Rutherford NJ
7:30 PM (ET) - Gametime NESN

Tonight?s Game
The Bruins visit the Devils tonight in the fourth and final game between these clubs this season and the second of two games of this season's series at Continetal Airlines Arena. The Bruins are 35-31-10-4 overall and are 13-20-5-2 on the road thus far this season. The Devils are 45-20-8-6 overall with a 25-11-2-2 record on home ice thus far this season. The Bruins are 8-7-3-1 vs. Atlantic Division opponents this season and they are 26-22-8-2 overall vs. Eastern Conference foes. The Devils are 10-6-0-2 this season vs. Northeast Division opponents and they are 32-15-8-2 overall vs. Eastern Conference foes.

Lifetime Series
The Bruins are 56-27-17-4 lifetime vs. the Devils franchise (includes Kansas City and Colorado) with a 376-298 scoring advantage in those 104 games. On the road, the Bruins are 25-13-10-2 lifetime vs. the New Jersey franchise with a 163-135 scoring edge in those 50 contests. The Bruins are 1-2-0-0 vs. the Devils in this season's series thus far with a 1-0 loss in Boston on Dec. 30, a 3-2 loss in New Jersey on Feb. 21 and a 4-3 win in Boston on Mar. 13.

Recent Bruins Games
The Bruins are winless in their last four games at 0-2-2-0 with a 2-2 tie in Philadelphia on Mar. 27, a 3-1 loss to NY Rangers on Mar. 29, a 2-2 tie with Tampa Bay on Mar. 31 and a 3-2 loss in Ottawa on Apr. 1. They are even over their last six games at 2-2-2-0 with their last win a 3-2 victory vs. Toronto on Mar. 24. They are 4-4-2-0 in their last ten games and are 7-5-2-1 in their last 15 contests. They are 2-3-2-0 in the seven games since Mike O'Connell replaced Robbie Ftorek behind the bench on Mar. 19.

Recent Devils Games
The Devils had their seven-game unbeaten streak snapped at 5-0-2-0 with a 3-2 overtime loss to Toronto on Apr. 1, but have taken points out of each of their last eight games. The streak included wins over Montreal, Pittsburgh, NY Islanders (twice) and Florida and ties with Tampa Bay and Atlanta. They are 7-4-2-2 in their last 15 contests.

Upcoming Bruins Games
The Bruins will conclude their regular season hosting Buffalo on Apr. 5 (1:00 p.m.; NESN & WBZ Radio). The playoff schedule and matchups have not yet been determined.

Upcoming Devils Games
The Devils close out their regular season on the road, playing at NY Rangers on Apr. 4 and in Buffalo on Apr. 6. The playoff schedule and matchups have not yet been determined.

Bruins Injuries
Jeff Hackett: Finger injury suffered Mar. 15 vs. Florida; day-to-day.
Andrew Raycroft: Groin strain suffered Mar. 22 in Los Angeles; day-to-day.
Sergei Samsonov: Dec. 24 right wrist surgery; day-to-day.
Jozef Stumpel: Hip flexor strain, day-to-day.

Bruins March Transactions
Mar. 11: Ian Moran acquired from Pittsburgh for 2003 fourth round draft pick.
Mar. 11: Dan McGillis acquired from San Jose for 2003 second round draft pick.
Mar. 16: Andrew Raycroft recalled from Providence/AHL.
Mar. 19: Robbie Ftorek and Jim Hughes relieved of their coaching duties.
Mar. 19: Mike O'Connell named interim coach and Mike Sullivan named assistant coach.
Mar. 24: Tim Thomas recalled from Providence/AHL.
Mar. 31: Lee Goren recalled from Providence/AHL.

 

[the mugs]

Injuries

Injuries

Boston Injuries
Josef Stumpel C Hip Ques Thurs
Andrew Raycroft G Groin Ques Thurs
Jeff Hackett G Finger Early Apr
Sergei Samsonov F Wrist Ques Thurs

New Jersey Injuries
Colin White D Neck Ques Thurs
Corey Schwab G Shoulder Ques Thurs
Sergei Brylin C Wrist Early May
Mike Danton F Suspension Out indefinitely

 

[the mugs]

Recent Trends

Recent Trends

BOS is 5-15 ATS on the road after a loss.
The under is 8-1 in BOS last nine overall.
BOS is 4-10 ATS in its last 15 on the road.
NJ is 12-2 ATS at home after a loss.
NJ is 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings.
NJ is second on defense allowing 2.05 goals/game.

 

[the mugs]

Recent Meetings

Recent Meetings

Date Home Away Line ATS
3/13/2003 Bos. 4 NJ 3 0.5,-145/5 Bos./O (02-03)
2/21/2003 NJ 3 Bos. 2 -0.5,-150/5 NJ/P
12/30/2002 Bos. 0 NJ 1 -0.5,105/5 NJ/U

4/7/2002 NJ 3 Bos. 2 0,-155/5 NJ/P (01-02)
11/15/2001 Bos. 5 NJ 4 0,110/5 Bos./O
11/3/2001 NJ 1 Bos. 2 0,-230/5 Bos./U
10/30/2001 Bos. 3 NJ 4 0,110/5 NJ/O

4/6/2001 NJ 5 Bos. 2 0,-240/6 NJ/O (00-01)
1/27/2001 Bos. 4 NJ 3 0,155/5.5 Bos./O
1/16/2001 NJ 4 Bos. 5 0,-250/5.5 Bos./O

 

[the mugs]

NHL.com

NHL.com

GAME: Boston Bruins (35-31-10-4) at New Jersey Devils (45-20-8-6).

The New Jersey Devils have gained points in eight straight games. Continuing that trend will make them Atlantic Division champions.

New Jersey looks keep up its push for the Atlantic Division crown when the Boston Bruins visit Continental Airlines Arena in a potential first-round playoff preview.

The Devils' lead over Philadelphia in the Atlantic has been sliced to one point, but New Jersey still controls its own destiny. The Devils can win the Atlantic and finish second in the Eastern Conference with four points in their final three games, regardless of the outcome of Philadelphia's final two contests.

"They're playing some good hockey," New Jersey's Brian Rafalski said of the Flyers. "But we're still in the lead. We're not chasing them, they're chasing us." Tomas Kaberle's goal at 2:44 of overtime Tuesday lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory and ended the Devils' seven-game unbeaten streak.

Jeff Friesen and Jamie Langenbrunner had goals for New Jersey, 5-0-2-1 in its last eight.

Although backup goalie Corey Schwab has performed well when called upon, he may not play again this season.

With the Devils still battling for playoff position, Martin Brodeur could start the remaining games against Boston, the New York Rangers and Buffalo.

Brodeur has made six consecutive starts.

A second-place finish in the conference for New Jersey will set up a likely first-round matchup with Boston, which is three points ahead of the eighth-place New York Islanders.

Boston's winless streak reached four (0-2-2) with a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

Glen Murray scored his team-leading 42nd goal and Martin Lapointe also scored for the Bruins, who would face Ottawa in the first round should they slip to eighth.

The most pressing concern for the Bruins heading into the postseason is the status of goalie Jeff Hackett, who has missed eight games with a finger injury.

"It's getting better, but I'm just having problems with the stick right now," Hackett said. "There's a slim chance I'll be back Saturday, but if not, then the playoffs." Steve Shields has seen most of the playing time in Hackett's absence, though Tim Thomas got the start Tuesday.

STANDINGS:
Bruins - 84 points, 3rd place, 25 PB, Northeast Division.
Devils - 104 points, 1st place, Atlantic Division.

TEAM LEADERS:
Bruins - Murray, 42 goals
Thornton, 63 assists and 98 points
Krzysztof Oliwa, 161 PIM.

Devils - Patrik Elias, 27 goals and 56 points
Scott Gomez, 41 assists
Turner Stevenson, 115 PIM.

SPECIAL TEAMS (through April 1):
Bruins - Power play: 17.9 percent (57 for 318), 9th in NHL. Penalty killing: 87.8 percent (224 for 255), 1st.

Devils - Power play: 12.0 percent (35 for 292), 30th.
Penalty killing: 82.5 percent (307 for 372), 21st.

GOALTENDERS:
Bruins - Shields (12-13-8, 2.78 GAA)
Thomas (2-1-0, 2.67)

Devils - Brodeur (40-23-8, 9 SO, 2.05)
Schwab (5-3-0, 1, 1.42)

SEASON SERIES: Devils, 2-1.

LAST MEETING: March 13; Bruins, 4-3. At Boston, Martin Lapointe scored three times in a four-goal Boston flurry that took only 5:15 of the second period.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS:
Bruins - 13-20-5-2 on the road
Devils - 25-11-2-2 at home

 

[the mugs]

Boston Globe 4-3-03

Boston Globe 4-3-03

Looking more and more like no Sammy this year...

On wrist watch, he's biding time

Samsonov must practice patience

MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- Bruins left wing Sergei Samsonov had hoped to get in at least a game before the end of the regular season but it isn't necessarily going to happen. In fact, there's no guarantee he'll be able to return this season.

Samsonov, who has played just seven games this year and has been sidelined 3 1/2 months since having right wrist surgery Dec. 24, won't suit up tonight against the Devils at the Meadowlands, and his status for Saturday's regular-season finale against Buffalo remains up in the air.

Samsonov went through practice with his teammates at Floyd Hall Arena on the campus of Montclair State University yesterday but there were no contact drills.

''I'm not sure how it's going to feel during a game,'' said Samsonov. ''I'm going to have to find some time during a game to really test it. That's the only way I'll know.''

The wrist has improved gradually but Samsonov is still unsure what to expect.

''It's pretty sore,'' said Samsonov, who still looks very uncomfortable in all aspects of the game. ''I feel better this week than last week. As far as shooting and passing, it's not 100 percent. I'm not sure if I can play during a game like that. Practices you have a lot of room on the ice. I'd like to try it the last game and check it out and see how it goes.

''It's a tough call, you really don't know until you try it. I'm hoping I can still play. I'm definitely going to have to adjust my game no matter how you look at it if I come back this season. I probably won't play as much and probably won't play in certain situations, which I'll have to discuss with the coach. I just want to try to do certain things on the ice and if I can, we'll know right away.'

He said there is a minimum standard he needs to meet in order for him to be an effective contributor in the Bruins' playoff run.

''We're trying to find that fine line where I can play through the pain and at least I can go out and compete,'' he said. ''I don't want to be playing in the playoffs and shy away from the traffic and not be going in the corners. It just doesn't make any sense to be on the ice if that's the case. If I can do all those things and have some pain, I think that's fine. I think I can go through that.''

General manager/coach Mike O'Connell said it was not imperative that Samsonov get in the lineup prior to the postseason.

''Not for me,'' said O'Connell. ''He's just a dimension, the way he plays, that his timing might be a little off but I don't think it will take him long to get back. He's just such a threat.''

=====

On the mend

Goaltender Jeff Hackett went through the entire practice taking shots on his fractured right index finger (his blocker hand). He won't play tonight but there's still an outside chance he could suit up Saturday. ''I'd like to see him get another game in [before the postseason] but if he doesn't, he doesn't,'' said O'Connell. Hackett left the rink sporting a giant ice pack...

Because of the injury situation, there's no clear-cut No. 1 goalie, but O'Connell said he's not concerned because it wouldn't do any good. However, he did say he needs more from the ones he has as well as all of his players. ''I think they all can [be better],'' said O'Connell. ''I think everyone's position can come up and it's going to have to come up or we won't have any success, goaltending, everyone.''...

Center Jozef Stumpel didn't skate yesterday but said his hip flexor strain that held him out of Tuesday night's game in Ottawa had improved significantly. ''It was feeling pretty bad but it's feeling a lot better,'' said Stumpel. ''I'm going to skate [this] morning and hopefully I'm going to play.''

=====

Grosek on sideline

Left wing Michal Grosek also missed the workout because of a charley horse. He is going to be reevaluated this morning...

Left wing Krzysztof Oliwa, who jarred his back Tuesday night and had to leave the contest, was back on the ice yesterday...

O'Connell said he wasn't bothered by the 55 minutes in penalties and 13 power plays given up to the Senators in Tuesday's 3-2 loss. ''The lack of discipline, we can correct that,'' said O'Connell. ''It's just the fact that we got mad at someone, it's good to see.''

 

[the mugs]

Boston Herald 4-3-03

Boston Herald 4-3-03

B's hit roadblocks: Away record unimpressive

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - The Bruins play their last away game of the regular season tonight against the Devils. And hopefully for them, the road will be a friendlier place in the playoffs.

The Bruins have the worst dropoff in their success rate when they leave the confines of their home rink of any team currently in the playoff picture. At the FleetCenter, the B's are a solid 22-11-5-2, but, on the road, they are just 13-20-5-2. And when you consider they began the season by going on a 4-1-1 road trip, that only highlights their road frustrations.

Of the 16 teams now qualifying for the playoffs, only Tampa Bay and Washington have sub-.500 road records and both those are just a game below that mark. Since their season high-water mark on Dec. 8 when they were 19-4-3-1, the B's have managed just five road victories.

So what's the problem?

``It's probably three or four things, but I don't know what it is. I'd be guessing,'' said coach/general manager Mike O'Connell, who owns a 1-2-1 road record since taking over from Robbie Ftorek. ``The games we've played since I've been here, the record's similar but they've all been very close games. It's a mistake here and a mistake there.''

Mike Knuble couldn't put the finger on it, either.

``That's a good question because I don't think we have a fragile team that feels like they have to play at home to feel comfortable playing,'' Knuble said. ``We have the guys who can play well at home or on the road, it doesn't matter. But for whatever reason, we haven't been able to establish a good track record on the road. Last year we were a much stronger team on the road, but this year we haven't been able to be that way.''

Knuble doesn't believe the usual road troubles, such as getting caught in bad matchups, has anything to do with it. And despite the numbers, he doesn't think it's a problem that's feeding itself.

``It's not something that's talked about in the room and I don't think anybody's scared to play on the road,'' Knuble said. ``We're as confident as we are at home.''

=====

Angry antics

O'Connell seemed to take more good than bad from the team's penalty-filled 3-2 loss to the Senators on Tuesday night.

``The lack of discipline, we can correct that,'' O'Connell said. ``But just the fact that we got mad at someone was good to see.''

He especially liked the way his team played in front of its own net, often making life difficult for the Senator forwards with hard, physical play. Defenseman Nick Boynton said it was a combination of wanting to do just that, as well as the Senators getting under their skin.

``We've got to be tougher, but those guys were being rats, taking shots and hiding behind visors or whatever,'' Boynton said. ``That makes it even worse. But we have to be tough in front of the net.''

=====

Stumpel OK

Jozef Stumpel (hip flexor) did not practice yesterday, but said he hopes to give it a shot tonight. . . . Michal Grosek (charley horse) missed practice, but O'Connell said he was probable to play tonight. . . .

After practicing the previous two days without his stick to protect his broken finger, goalie Jeff Hackett was able to use the stick yesterday, but O'Connell said he wouldn't play tonight. . . . Assistant coach Mike Sullivan suffered a nasty cut near the eye when he accidentally caught the stick of Sean Brown during practice at Monclair State.

 

[ddubs]

No scruff for me since the Kings didn't make the playoffs . But at least the wife will be happy

Good luck, mugs!

 

[ND2002HORNS]

Bruins downfall is their defense after seeing them on Tuesday night here in Ott.

HORNS

 

[the mugs]

Thomas deserved a better fate on Tuesday.

I don't get them...When they first got Moran & McGillis, they looked good - better than having Girard & Sweeney back there. They are a mess from the "D" back...Like I said earlier - at least this year, loosing in the first round will not be a surprise.

I was silently rooting for you on your big Sens play but during the game, I was all B's. Congrats on your big win.

Mugs

 

[ND2002HORNS]

Thanks mugs!!!!!

HORNS

 

[rc conditioner]

took the bruins +1.5...

go bruins!

 

[the mugs]

RC....Cha-Ching!!!

 

[ND2002HORNS]

Could be an interesting 1st round match-up. Last night though was possibly one of the most boring games I have watched all year involving two of the better Eastern Conference teams.

HORNS

 

[the mugs]

I wasn't home for the night so I missed it. I read about it today and one of my buddys dad would say it was a FAWKEN sleeping pill...

I think that the Devils have the advantage with Brodeur and their "D" over the Bruins. But the fact is that Jersey really has problems scoring and on their PP. IF - and that's a big if - the Bruins can score a couple and have their "D" not suck, they could steal a game in Jersey. If that happens, they have been solid at home, who knows how long the series could go? :shrug:

I know I'm being an optimistic homer but I think the B's could stretch it past 5 games...Then you never know what's gonna happen.

 

[vinnyhockey]

Mugs,

Maybe I missed it but do you know who is playing between the pipes Boston tonight.

Thanks for the info.

Vinny

 

[the mugs]

Vinny

B's don't play until tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon...Newspapers are saying Hackett may give it a shot to see where his broken index finger is. HORNS & I are just yapping about last night's Devils game

Sorry to confuse ya

Mugs

 

[vinnyhockey]

Sorry about that Mugs, My mind is still trying to recover from a loss with St. Lou. last night cost me a ton on a 6 game parlay.

Sorry about that,


Vinny