Thursday's Ruins...

[the mugs]

Aces - If you've got anything you want to add - go for it. It's not just about the B's, it's about getting the info on the game out there....Mugs

As I have stated in the past, I'm done betting B's games. I honestly don't know what team is gonna show up. When I bet on them to win (or at least cover), they lay an egg. When I bet on them to loose, they play the game of their lives...

Monday night against Toronto, it looked like McGillis waited his whole life to throw on the a B's sweater and play in Boston. It will be interesting to see how he playes tonight in his return to Philly...

National TV tonight boys...

BOSTON BRUINS at PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Thursday, March 27, 2003
First Union Center; Philadlephia PA
8:00 PM (ET) - Gametime
ESPN

Tonight?s Game
The Bruins visit the Flyers tonight in the fourth and final game between these clubs this season and the second of two games of this season's series at First Union Center. The Bruins are 35-29-8-4 overall and are 13-19-4-2 on the road thus far this season. The Flyers are 40-20-12-4 overall with a 19-10-7-2 record on home ice thus far this season. The Bruins are 8-6-2-1 vs. Atlantic Division opponents this season and they are 26-20-6-2 overall vs. Eastern Conference foes. The Flyers are 10-5-3-1 this season vs. Northeast Division opponents and they are 29-15-8-3 overall vs. Eastern Conference foes.

Lifetime Series
The Bruins are 75-49-19-1 lifetime vs. the Flyers with a 482-441 scoring advantage in those 144 games. On the road, the Bruins are 30-31-9-0 lifetime vs. Philadelphia with the Flyers holding a 233-203 scoring edge in those 70 contests. The Bruins are 1-0-1-1 vs. the Flyers in this season's series thus far with a 2-2 tie in Philadelphia on Nov. 16, a 1-0 overtime win in Boston on Jan. 25 and a 3-2 overtime loss in Boston on Mar. 1.

Recent Bruins Games
The Bruins have won their last two games with a 4-3 overtime victory in Los Angeles on Mar. 22 and a 3-2 win vs. Toronto on Mar. 24. They are 4-2-0-0 in their last six games and are 7-3-0-1 in their last 11 contests. They are 2-1-0-0 in the three games since Mike O'Connell replaced Robbie Ftorek behind the bench on Mar. 19.

Recent Flyers Games
The Flyers are unbeaten in their last two games at 1-0-1-0 with a 6-2 win vs. Atlanta on Mar. 24 and a 1-1 tie in Nashville on Mar. 25. They are 5-2-1-2 in their last ten games and are 11-6-3-2 in their last 22 contests.

Upcoming Bruins Games
The Bruins will next return home to host the NY Rangers on Mar. 29 (1:30 p.m.; ABC-TV & WBZ Radio) and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Mar. 31 (7:00 p.m.; NESN & WBZ Radio). They will then face a two-game road trip, playing in Ottawa on Apr. 1 (7:00 p.m.; NESN & WBZ Radio) and in New Jersey on Apr. 3 (7:30 p.m.; NESN & WBZ Radio) before returning home to close out the regular season hosting Buffalo on Apr. 5 (1:00 p.m.; NESN & WBZ Radio).

Upcoming Flyers Games
The Flyers next face a home-and-home series with Pittsburgh, hosting the Penguins on Mar. 29 and playing in Pittsburgh on Mar. 31. They will host Columbus on Apr. 1 before closing out their regular season on the road, in Tampa Bay on Apr. 4 and in Florida on Apr. 6.

Bruins Injuries
Richard Brennan: Ankle/foot injuries suffered Jan. 28 vs. Nashville; day-to-day.
Jeff Hackett: Finger injury suffered Mar. 15 vs. Florida; out indefinitely.
Ian Moran: Back bruise suffered Mar. 21 in San Jose; day-to-day.
Andrew Raycroft: Groin strain suffered Mar. 22 in Los Angeles; day-to-day.
Sergei Samsonov: Dec. 24 right wrist surgery; out indefinitely.

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.

 

[the mugs]

Injuries

Injuries

Boston Injuries
Ian Moran D Back day-to-day
Andrew Raycroft G Groin day-to-day
Jeff Hackett G Finger Early Apr
Sergei Samsonov F Wrist Late Mar

Philadelphia Injuries
Mark Recchi RW Flu day-to-day questionable Thu. vs Bos
Radovan Somik LW Back day-to-day questionable Thu. vs Bos
Simon Gagne RW Groin Out indefinitely
Justin Williams RW Knee out for season
Todd Fedoruk: Thigh; questionable Thu. vs Bos

 

[the mugs]

Recent Meetings

Recent Meetings

Recent Meetings
Date Home Away Line ATS
3/1/2003 Bos. 2 Phi. 3 0.5,-140/5 Phi./P (02-03)
1/25/2003 Bos. 1 Phi. 0 -0.5,115/5 Bos./U
11/16/2002 Phi. 2 Bos. 2 -0.5,100/5.5 Bos./U

4/2/2002 Phi. 2 Bos. 4 0,-155/5 Bos./O (01-02)
3/4/2002 Bos. 1 Phi. 4 0,-115/5.5 Phi./U
12/15/2001 Bos. 2 Phi. 5 0,-110/5 Phi./O
11/29/2001 Phi. 2 Bos. 3 0,-200/5 Bos./P

3/5/2001 Phi. 6 Bos. 4 0,-200/5.5 Phi./O (00-01)
2/6/2001 Bos. 4 Phi. 3 0,115/5.5 Bos./O
12/19/2000 Bos. 4 Phi. 4 0,125/5.5 P/O

 

[the mugs]

Recent Trends

Recent Trends

BOS is 3-1 ATS in the past four meetings.
BOS is 21-13 ATS overall following a win.
The under is 4-1 in BOS' last five overall.
PHI is 6-3 ATS at home following a loss.
The under is 25-10 in PHI's home games.
PHI is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games.

 

[the mugs]

Boston Globe 3-27-03

Boston Globe 3-27-03

Clinch appears a cinch

Victory tonight earns playoff spot

WILMINGTON -- The Bruins have assured themselves at least a .500 record with six games remaining in the regular season, the first of which is tonight at Philadelphia. Although a playoff berth has not been clinched, the final games will essentially be a launching pad for the postseason.

These games will also be a get-acquainted exercise with coach/general manager Mike O'Connell and the players.

''I am trying to make everything as stable as I can,'' O'Connell said yesterday. ''There are so many variables during the game, so you have to get everyone to believe in what you are doing. I am trying to keep it simple, get them to believe in the game plan, give them positive reinforcement. Every time you tell them something and it works, it's reinforcement.

''They are all good players and good people. They all know how to play the game, we just have to make sure they are playing the game the same way.'' O'Connell has also been reemphasizing physical play, and the Bruins demonstrated they were dedicated to that in a 3-2 victory over Toronto Monday.

''I expect everyone to play hard all the time,'' O'Connell said. ''This is a physical sport, regardless of how big you are or how small you are. Defensemen have to hit people.''

Defenseman Dan McGillis, who started the season with the Flyers, is among those symbolizing the physicality.

''The Flyers are a good team and it will be nice to go back to that building,'' McGillis said. ''It will be a physical game. The Flyers are always a physical team, especially at home. But they have changed a lot since I was there. They have at least two different lines.''

McGillis, 30, was acquired from San Jose in a trade for a second-round draft choice March 11, but missed three games because of a concussion, his second of the year.

''You are only as good as your last game, your last shift,'' McGillis said. ''I go out and play hard for 60 minutes. I try to give 110 percent and do my job. When it's there I'll take it, you can't just jump into the play and get hits anymore. All hits now have to be below the circles.''

The Bruins can clinch a playoff spot with a win tonight or with a win over the New York Rangers Saturday.

=====

Wing man

Sergei Samsonov (wrist) will accompany the Bruins to Ottawa Tuesday. ''I will be on the next trip for sure, and maybe this one,'' said Samsonov, who scored four goals in his seven games. ''My strength is getting there, I am on schedule, and I am looking forward to playing soon. Everyone is taking it easy on me right now [in practice], it's obvious. But I would like to have some contact before I go out and play a game.''...

The Bruins snapped a four-game road winless streak with a 4-3 victory over Los Angeles last Saturday in O'Connell's second game as coach after replacing Robbie Ftorek.

 

[the mugs]

Boston Herald 3-27-03

Boston Herald 3-27-03

Bruins prepare for spring final

WILMINGTON - With a flurry of deals before the trading deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers established themselves as favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup finals two months from now.

The Bruins, who harbor the same aspiration, get a chance to prove they should be rated with the elite teams in the East when they face the Flyers tonight in Philadelphia.

As a team, the B's believe they have regained their focus and ability to play 60 minutes of sound team defense, and this is a significant test against a club loaded with firepower.

``If we're going to go anywhere we've got to beat the good teams,'' B's defenseman Nick Boynton said after yesterday's Ristuccia Arena workout.

The Bruins are getting ample opportunity to measure themselves against the top teams in their conference. They beat Toronto, 3-2, Monday at the FleetCenter and finish up with matches against Philly, the Rangers, Tampa Bay, Ottawa and New Jersey, then a season-finale against lowly Buffalo.

``It'll be good for us, the finish we have this year,'' Boynton said. ``We're not playing any bad teams, where me might pick up some bad habits. We're going to have to play really good hockey to win these games. It's a tough schedule. But I think we can play with anybody. We seem to play our best against the better teams.

``We just want to start playing well. We look forward to maybe going into the playoffs as an underdog, because anything can happen.''

A variety of things still could happen to the B's in the final days of the regular season. Even if the ninth-place Rangers won their final six games, the B's would need only five more points in their final six games to clinch a playoff spot. Still, the players are trying hard not to let any hint of complacency creep in.

With the concern about merely making the playoffs more or less gone, they are now aiming at catching Washington for sixth place in the conference. The B's trail the Capitals by three points and have a game in hand.

Getting past Washington and into the sixth spot would mean a probable first-round matchup against Tampa Bay, which on paper at least, would be preferable to meeting Ottawa or New Jersey, another team with a real chance to come out of the East.

``We've got to be careful,'' forward Mike Knuble said. ``We've got to regain our confidence, but we can't be high on the hog just because we've won a couple of games and we're looking good for a playoff berth. We can't just coast in. Our goal now isn't just to make the playoffs. We want to climb, we want to gain the sixth seed. It's right there for us. Philly can be just another steppingstone.''

Coach and general manager Mike O'Connell, his team 2-1-0 since he replaced Robbie Ftorek a week ago, is dealing with a twofold challenge: one, to collect the necessary number of points; two, to have the team playing the right way as it enters the postseason.

``It's just trying to get them to keep to a simple and believable game plan, one that everyone can do and that they all do,'' O'Connell said. ``They know how to play the game. I'm just trying to make sure they play the same way and play for 60 minutes. These guys are good players and good people. I just want to make sure they're going the right way.

``We're going to have a tough game (tonight). All of them the rest of the way are tough. The guys have to get used to it.''

Dealing with a team like the Flyers will be a test the B's need to pass.

 

[the mugs]

Herald 3-27

Herald 3-27

Thornton in thick of scoring race

WILMINGTON - It's been 28 years since a Bruin led the NHL in scoring, Bobby Orr :hail :canada1 :clap: :thumb: :Yep: leading the league with 135 points in the 1974-75 season.

Joe Thornton has a chance to end that long drought, but he has to get busy. Thornton is third in the league with 34-61-95 totals in 71 games, trailing Vancouver's Markus Naslund (45-54-99 in 77 games) and Colorado's Peter Forsberg (27-69-96 in 69 games). The Canucks have five games left, Boston and Colorado six apiece.

``I haven't even thought about it,'' Thornton said. ``I'm just thinking about getting the regular season done. If it happens, I'll be very happy. If not, it's no big deal.''

Thornton conceded that he does occasionally peek at a scoring summary to see how Naslund or the others near the top of the league did the night before.

``Not every day,'' he said. ``But once in a while I might look in the papers at that stuff.''

It's been a monster year for the Thornton-Glen Murray-Mike Knuble line, with Murray (41-44-85) ranking seventh in the NHL in scoring and Knuble having 27 goals. The trio combined for 102-132-234 totals. Only the Canucks' line of Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison (116-148-264) produced more.

If you added Sergei Samsonov's 4-5-9 while playing just seven games with Thornton and Murray, the threesomes are even closer.

=====

Samsonov working

Samsonov continues to close in on a return to action, likely a week from tonight in New Jersey against the Devils.

``It's a little sore after three days of practices, but no setbacks,'' Samsonov said of his surgically repaired wrist. ``I know it's going to be sore for a while. We're just waiting for it to get to the point where I can play. We're trying to take our time now. We're doing a lot of strength exercise and it's getting there. We're still on schedule and I'm looking to play the last couple of games.''...

=====

Goalie Andrew Raycroft remained off the ice because of a strained groin muscle. While general manager/coach Mike O'Connell said he would not make a decision until consulting with aid Gerry Cheevers, he said it was likely Steve Shields will face the Flyers tonight in Philadelphia. In the interest of creating stability that was lacking before, O'Connell said he does not intend to do a lot of lineup tinkering.

``If you can keep people together as much as you can, you're better off, especially when you're trying to get everyone to believe in what you're doing,'' O'Connell said.

=====

O'Connell on erstwhile No. 1 goalie Jeff Hackett, sidelined by a broken right index finger: ``Nothing new. I have no idea when he can play again. How he does, how he feels, that will determine when he's ready to play. It would be hard because you don't have two hands on the stick. When you have an injury anywhere, it's hard to play. It's a hard enough game as it is, banged up it's even harder.''

=====

Moran still sore

Defenseman Ian Moran also missed practice, still bothered by a lower back bruise incurred in San Jose six days ago...

=====

With Raycroft and Tim Thomas up from Providence (AHL), the P-Bruins picked up former Cornell goalie Matt Underhill and were attempting to locate former Minnesota University star Adam Hauser, who was in camp with the B's....

B's player personnel director Sean Coady is assisting new Providence head coach Scott Gordon.

 

[Aces High]

(Sports Network) - The Boston Bruins seek their third consecutive win tonight when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers at the First Union Center.

Boston enters tonight's action seventh in the Eastern Conference with 82 points -- two ahead of the eighth-place NY Islanders and three behind Washington, which resides in sixth. The Bruins hold a game in hand on the Capitals.

On Monday the B's notched a 3-2 home win over Toronto, as Mike Knuble scored the game-winning goal 15 seconds into the final period. Steve Shields stopped 24 shots in the game, and Martin Lapointe and Rob Zamuner also scored.

Boston went 0-for-5 on the power play in Monday's win, going against its recent trend. The Bruins have scored at least one power play goal in nine of their last 12 games, managing 11 goals in 43 opportunities in that time.

The Bruins, who can officially secure a playoff berth with a victory tonight, have lost four of their last five on the road. They'll return home to face the NY Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, is 5-2-1 in its last eight tries and hopes to draw closer in the Atlantic Division race tonight. With 96 points, the Flyers trail first-place New Jersey by three, although the Devils hold a game in hand. The Devs will visit Tampa Bay this evening.

On Tuesday the Flyers skated to a disappointing 1-1 tie in Nashville, as the Predators forced the stalemate with 1:24 to go in regulation. Philadelphia could manage a mere one goal despite peppering Nashville goaltender Tomas Vokoun with 42 shots.

Michal Handzus found the net for Philly, while Roman Cechmanek returned from a groin injury and made 20 saves. Handzus has three goals in his last two matches after going nine straight without one.

Philadelphia, which holds a six-point advantage on Toronto for fourth in the East, has won three of its last four on home ice. The Flyers will host Pittsburgh on Saturday to begin a home-and-home.


the road team is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.

 

[Aces High]

This is the Flyers' 77th game of the season...They have a 40-20-12-4 record for 96 points through 76 games (second in the Atlantic Division, fourth in the Eastern Conference and sixth overall in the NHL)...The Flyers are undefeated in their last two games (1-1 tie at Nashville on Tuesday and a 6-2 win vs. Atlanta on Monday)?The Flyers clinched a playoff spot for the ninth consecutive season (tied for the third longest current streak in the NHL) and for the 29th time in the franchise's 36 seasons?Since the All-Star break, the Flyers have registered at least a point in 23 of 30 games (15-7-6-2 record)?The Flyers are tied for second in the NHL in goals-against average (2.07)?The Flyers have allowed two goals or less in 57 of 76 games this season...The Flyers have a 39-4-9-0 record when they score at least two goals in a game and a 1-16-3-4 record when they score one goal or less in a game?The Flyers have only lost twice when leading after a period (a 15-1-2-0 record when leading after one period and a 25-0-3-1 record when leading after two periods)?The Flyers have only lost three times when scoring the first goal of the game (25-2-6-1 record when scoring the first goal of the game - fewest losses in the NHL).


The Bruins have a 35-29-8-4 record for 82 points through 76 games (third in the Northeast Division and seventh in the Eastern Conference)?Boston has won its last two games (3-2 vs. Toronto on Monday and 4-3 in overtime at Los Angeles on Saturday) and has registered at least a point in eight of their last 11 games (7-3-0-1 record)?The Bruins have a 2-1-0-0 record in the three games since Mike O?Connell replaced Robbie Ftorek as head coach on March 19?Center Joe Thornton leads the team in assists (61) and points (95)?Right wing Glen Murray leads the team in goals (41) and shots on goals (315).



Lifetime Series Between Flyers and Boston Bruins:
This is the fourth and final meeting between these two teams this season...The season series is tied with each team having a 1-0-1-1 record (the two teams skated to a 2-2 tie in Philadelphia on Nov. 16 and both games in Boston were won in overtime - 1-0 Bruins' win on Jan. 25 and 3-2 Flyers' win on March 1):

March 1: FLYERS 3, Boston 2 in overtime at FleetCenter: Center Jeremy Roenick recorded two goals, including one in overtime, and an assist to lead the Flyers to a 3-2 victory over the Bruins in Boston...Goaltender Roman Cechmanek stopped 24 of 26 shots faced to record the win.

January 25: Boston 1, FLYERS 0 in overtime at FleetCenter: Brian Rolston's goal at the 31-second mark of overtime gave the Bruins a 1-0 win over the Flyers...Bruins goaltender Jeff Hackett stopped all 24 shots faced to record the shutout...Flyers goaltender Robert Esche was named Second Star after allowing one goal on 27 shots faced.

November 16: FLYERS 2, Boston 2 at First Union Center: John LeClair's goal with less then three minutes left to play gave the Flyers a 2-2 tie vs. the Bruins...Rookie defenseman Dennis Seidenberg posted an assist on each Flyers' goal and a team season-high 10 shots on goal...Goaltender Roman Cechmanek stopped 32 of 34 shots faced to record the tie.

The Flyers trail the all-time series between these two teams with a 50-75-18 record, including a 31-30-9 record at home...The Flyers are winless in their last three games against the Bruins in Philadelphia (0-2-1)...The Flyers' last win against Boston in Philadelphia was on March 5, 2001, 6-4.



Flyers Injury Report:
Total Man-Games Lost to Injury: 199
Simon Gagne (LW) - Has missed the last 10 games after re-injuring a right groin strain at NY Rangers on March 7...Will be out of action indefinitely.

Mark Recchi (RW) ? Has missed the last two games due to the flu?Is on a day-to-day basis.

Radovan Somik (LW) - Has missed the last eight games due to a strained lower back...Is on a day-to-day basis.

Justin Williams (RW) - Has missed the last 31 games after sustaining a left knee sprain vs. Tampa Bay on Jan. 18...Underwent surgery on Jan. 23 to repair partial ACL tear...Will be out of action for rest of the season.



Boston Bruins Injury Report:
Total Man-Games Lost to Injury: 232
Richard Brennan (D): Is on a day-to-day basis due to ankle/foot injuries sustained on Jan. 28 vs. Nashville.

Jeff Hackett (G): Is out indefinitely due to a finger injury sustained on March 15 vs. Florida.

Ian Moran (D): Is on a day-to-day basis due to a bruised back sustained on March 21 at San Jose.

Andrew Raycroft (G): Is on a day-to-day basis due to a groin strain sustained on March 22 at Los Angeles.

Sergei Samsonov (LW): Is out indefinitely following Dec. 24 right wrist surgery.



Flyers MileStones:
Roman Cechmanek - Needs one shutout to reach 19 as a Flyer (to move in to second place on the Flyers All-Time List, passing Ron Hextall)



Misc Game Notes:
FLYERS - The Flyers have scored 43 power play goals on 301 attempts this season (14.3%, 23rd in the NHL), including 25 goals on 167 power play attempts at home (15.0%, 17th in the NHL)...The Flyers have successfully killed 258 of 307 power play attempts against this season (84.0%, 13th in the NHL), including 110 of 132 attempts against at home (83.3%, 17th in the NHL)...Since allowing a season high four power play goals at Pittsburgh on Nov. 27, the Flyers have successfully killed 171 of 195 power play attempts against (87.7%).

BOSTON - The Bruins have scored 57 goals on 304 power play attempts this season (18.8%, sixth in the NHL), including 24 goals on 144 attempts on the road (16.7%, 15th in the NHL)...The Bruins have allowed 62 goals on 349 power play attempts against this season (82.2%, tied for 21st in the NHL), including 31 goals on 189 attempts against on the road (83.6%, tied for 11th in the NHL)

 

[ND2002HORNS]

Great stuff guys. Too many what ifs for this game!

HORNS

 

[Terryray]

Flyers face Bruins tonight
phillyBurbs.com




What to watch: What's up with Mark Recchi? He was supposed to return for this game after missing two games with what the Flyers are suspiciously calling the "flu." Now coach Ken Hitchcock says Recchi won't be ready to play tonight either. In the last game he played (Saturday vs. Rangers), Recchi only played 14 minutes, leading some to believe he might be injured. If Recchi can't go, rookie Patrick Sharp gets a third straight start. Despite holding the seventh spot in the East, Boston still isn't a lock for the playoffs, so look for the Bruins to play with some desperation.

 

[DR STRANGELOVE]

great info as always!

 

[the mugs]

Ohhhh PJ....Sleep tight tonight

 

[cooz3]

two break aways...unbelievable...is it me or does he hit the post a lot?...

shields played a solid OT period...

cooz

 

[grooven]

Well I am glad to see they are playing better defensive hockey I expect them to banging the bodies against the boards like tonight. It seems that when they play a more physical style hockey they win more games ie the leafs game.

 

[Aces High]

glad I put that X TRA coat of paint on the pipes 2 nite.


who was that masked man late in the 3rd and in OT ???