Tuesday's Bruins...

[the mugs]

Unless you're a Sens fan, you might want to find something else to do tonight...Bruins have 7 losses in the last 8 games in the Corel Centre. The other game was a tie...See what I'm saying?

BOSTON BRUINS at OTTAWA SENATORS

Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Corel Centre; Ottawa ONT
7:00 PM (ET) - Gametime
NESN

Tonight?s Game
The Bruins visit the Senators tonight in the fourth of five games between these clubs this season and the first of two games of this season's series at the Corel Centre. The Bruins are 31-27-8-3 overall and are 12-17-4-1 on the road thus far this season. The Senators are 43-18-7-1 overall with a 25-7-2-1 record on home ice thus far this season. The Bruins are 7-8-1-0 vs. Northeast Division opponents this season and they are 23-20-6-1 overall vs. Eastern Conference foes. The Senators are 10-4-1-1 this season vs. Northeast Division opponents and they are 32-10-6-1 overall vs. Eastern Conference foes.

Lifetime Series - THIS IS VERY DECEPTIVE
The Bruins are 32-14-7-3 lifetime vs. the Senators with a 200-147 scoring edge in those 56 games. On the road, the Bruins are 14-6-3-3 lifetime vs. Ottawa with an 83-63 scoring advantage in those 25 contests. The Bruins are 1-1-1-0 vs. Ottawa in this season's series thus far with a 2-2 tie in Boston on Oct. 24, a 7-1 victory in Boston on Nov. 9 and a 5-2 loss in Boston on Dec. 12. The Bruins are winless in their last eight games in Ottawa at 0-4-1-3 with their last road victory over the Senators a 3-0 win on Mar. 24, 1999.

Recent Bruins Games
The Bruins had their three-game win streak snapped with an 8-5 loss in Chicago on Mar. 9. That followed a 4-2 win in Carolina on Mar. 4, a 4-1 victory over NY Islanders on Mar. 6 and a 5-4 overtime win over Washington on Mar. 8. They have taken points out of six of their last nine games at 3-3-2-1 and they are 8-9-4-2 in their last 24 contests.

Recent Senators Games
The Senators have won their last three games with a 4-1 win over Toronto on Mar. 4, a 5-1 victory in Pittsburgh on Mar. 8 and a 4-2 win over Pittsburgh on Mar. 9. They are 7-3-0-0 in their last ten games and are 11-7-1-0 in their last 19 contests.

Upcoming Bruins Games
The Bruins will next return home to host New Jersey on Mar. 13 (7:00 p.m.) and Florida on Mar. 15 (12:00 noon). They will then face a three-game road trip to Phoenix on Mar. 18 (9:00 p.m. ET), to San Jose on Mar. 21 (10:30 p.m. ET) and to Los Angeles on Mar. 22 (10:30 p.m. ET). All games are broadcast on both NESN and WBZ Radio.

Upcoming Senators Games
The Senators conclude their current four-game home stand hosting the NY Rangers on Mar. 13 and the NY Islanders on Mar. 15. They will then face a four-game road trip to Detroit, Carolina, Atlanta and Florida.

Bruins Injuries
Richard Brennan: Right ankle bruise and fractured foot suffered Jan. 28 vs. Nashville; out indefinitely.
Sergei Samsonov: Dec. 24 right wrist surgery; out indefinitely.
Rob Zamuner: Groin strain suffered Mar. 9 in Chicago; out indefinitely.

Bruins Recent Transactions - None since 2/28

 

[the mugs]

Injuries

Injuries

Boston
Richard Brennan: Right ankle bruise suffered Jan. 28 vs. Nashville; out indefinitely.
Sergei Samsonov: Dec. 24 right wrist surgery; out indefinitely.

Ottawa
Martin Havlat: Groin; day-to-day.
Petr Schastlivy: Abdominal strain, surgery; out indefinitely.
Vaclav Varada : MCL strain; out 10-14 days as of Mar. 6.
Anton Volchenkov: Groin; day-to-day.
Todd White C Leg day-to-day

 

[the mugs]

Recent Trends

Recent Trends

BOS is 3-1 ATS in their last 4 overall.
The over is 6-2-1 in BOS's last nine road games.
BOS is 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games.
OTT is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.
OTT is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 overall.
The Senators are 24-12 ATS on one days rest.

 

[the mugs]

Recent Meetings

Recent Meetings

Date Home Away Line ATS
12/12/2002 Bos. 2 Ott. 5 -0.5,-110/5.5 Ott./O (02-03)
11/9/2002 Bos. 7 Ott. 1 -0.5,105/5.5 Bos./O
10/24/2002 Bos. 2 Ott. 2 -0.5,120/5.5 Ott./U

4/11/2002 Ott. 4 Bos. 0 0,-135/5 Ott./U (01-02)
1/24/2002 Ott. 4 Bos. 3 0,-200/5.5 Ott./O
1/17/2002 Bos. 5 Ott. 2 0,-135/5.5 Bos./O
12/26/2001 Bos. 3 Ott. 2 0,-130/5 Bos./P
12/1/2001 Ott. 2 Bos. 1 0,-180/5 Ott./U

3/30/2001 Ott. 5 Bos. 4 0,-240/5.5 Ott./O (00-01)
3/8/2001 Bos. 3 Ott. 5 0,120/5.5 Ott./O

 

[the mugs]

Boston Globe 3/11/03

Boston Globe 3/11/03

Pick-up game goes on without Bruins

OTTAWA -- Just when you think you've got a handle on the

Bruins, they throw you another curveball.

For example, no one really believed they were going to continue on the tear that led them to a 19-4-3-1 record in the first two months of the season. Yet no one could've predicted the freefall through the Eastern Conference standings that followed. Heading into tonight's important matchup against the Senators at the Corel Centre, the Bruins are in seventh place with 13 games remaining. They've gone from 15 games over .500 to four (31-27-8-3).

Trade rumors continued to swirl as today's 3 p.m. deadline looms, but many of the players on the block already have been moved to contenders. For example, Tony Amonte -- whom the Bruins tried to lure last summer when he was an unrestricted free agent and reportedly tried to get again in the last few days -- was dealt to Philadelphia. The Devils bolstered their already-stingy defense by picking up Richard Smehlik from Atlanta and their front line by getting veteran forward Grant Marshall.

The Senators, long regarded as being built for the regular season but not tough enough to go through the postseason, addressed that yesterday by picking up Rob Ray from Buffalo. Over the weekend, Toronto added goal-scorer Owen Nolan from San Jose and defenseman Glen Wesley from Carolina.

It could be that the Bruins elect to go with what they have, given that they've already played their trump card in dealing Kyle McLaren for goalie Jeff Hackett, who has been as inconsistent as his teammates. If that's the case, it's going to be a grueling race to the finish.

The problem has been an infuriating lack of dependability and accountability, particularly in the defensive and neutral zones. After emerging from a protracted slump with a three-game winning streak over Carolina, the Islanders, and Washington, the Bruins were a train wreck in their own zone Sunday in a distressing 8-5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. They were truly awful in their own zone, from the goal on out.

The team is confounded by this hockey equivalent of mood swings.

''I did believe that prior to [Sunday], in the three games, we started to have an understanding of what it was like to play [strong defensively],'' said veteran defenseman Don Sweeney. ''We didn't play a really complete game against the Islanders but we played pretty well and we showed we wanted to win that game badly. We showed good resolve on Saturday [against the Capitals] after having spurts of not getting the job done, especially with a three-goal lead. Carolina was a little bit like the Islanders game where we showed the resolve it's going to take to be successful.

''[Against Chicago] it was pretty widespread. Everybody makes mistakes and everybody was a part of it.''

It seems the Bruins have played better against the NHL's cream and poorly against the lesser lights, but Sweeney rejected that notion.

''To be perfectly honest,'' said Sweeney, ''there is no playing down to an opponent in this league. Parity is widespread. Granted, Chicago had gone through some struggles, but that's an absolute red flag -- and with Brian Sutter behind the bench they were going to come out ready to play, and they did.''

Once again, the Bruins staged a furious comeback, and they managed to tie the contest twice, but turnovers buried them.

Sweeney said the blame can be spread across the board.

''Everyone has responsibilities on the ice. It's not your own little office that you're protecting. It's the entire situation.

''If you're dictating on the forecheck and you're dictating in the neutral zone and you're dictating in the defensive zone, then you're in much better shape than when you're not.''

=====

The players had the day off yesterday and were guests of former Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci, now the ambassador to Canada, at a reception.

 

[the mugs]

Globe 3/11

Globe 3/11

Where: Corel Centre, Ottawa.

TV/Radio: NESN, WBZ (1030 AM).

Records: Ottawa is 43-18-7-1, first in the Eastern Conference. Boston is 31-27-8-3, seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Goals: Marian Hossa 39, Daniel Alfredsson 24, Todd White 22.

Assists: Alfredsson 47, White 31, Wade Redden 29.

Goaltenders: Patrick Lalime (32-17-6, 2.05), Martin Prusek (11-2-1, 2.45).

Head to Head: This is the fourth of five meetinga this season. Boston is 1-1-1 against Ottawa.

Miscellany: Ottawa leads the NHL with 94 points. Its 43 wins also is tops ... Alfredsson is tied for 12th in the NHL in points (71) ... The Senators obtained 14-year winger Rob Ray from Buffalo yesterday for future considerations. Ray has no points and 92 penalty minutes in 41 games this season ... Last week, the Senators obtained RW Vaclav Varada from Buffalo for prospect Jakub Klepis. Varada has one goal and one assist since joining the team, but is expected to be out 10-14 days with a knee injury.

 

[the mugs]

Boston Herald 3/11/03

Boston Herald 3/11/03

Clock is ticking for Bruins

OTTAWA - The Bruins had done nothing as of last night to address any of their weaknesses. The most glaring deficiency is on defense as the team heads into tonight's matchup against the Ottawa Senators, the NHL's top team and a possible first-round playoff foe.

The league's trading deadline is today at 3 p.m., four hours before the B's and Sens clash at the Corel Center. Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell spent yesterday working the phones in a downtown hotel, but found no deal he considered helpful and/or affordable.

``I'm doing a lot of talking, but there's nothing to report,'' O'Connell said. ``I'd love to get something done. Whether I can or not, I don't know.''

O'Connell makes it no secret he is looking for a defenseman, whether it's a first- or second-line player to skate 20-25 minutes or someone who might not play as big a role, but who could still help stabilize the Bruins' chaotic defensive zone play.

``That's what I'm doing,'' O'Connell said. ``Preferably it would be a top-four guy, but for a top-four guy you have to give up a lot more. We're looking at both possibilities.''

Too many good defensemen - most of whom could have stepped in and improved the B's defense - have changed teams in recent days, and a few others who have been named in trade speculation could remain available until this afternoon.

Among those dealt so far: Dmitry Yushkevich (Los Angeles to Philadelphia for two fourth-round picks), Glen Wesley (Carolina to Toronto for a second-round pick), Bryan Marchment (San Jose to Colorado for a third and fifth), Richard Smehlik (Atlanta to New Jersey for a fourth), Brad Ference (Florida to Phoenix for a second and a minor leaguer), Lyle Odelein (Chicago to Dallas for Sami Helenius and a pick).

``I talked to every team who traded those players,'' O'Connell said. ``We just didn't feel we could make a deal with them. It wasn't really money. It was what we had to give up to get them, and also what we felt about the player.''

Topping the list of blueliners still thought to be available last evening was big, physical Calgary Flames defenseman Bob Boughner, who would fit the bill nicely for the pacifistic B's. Others include Buffalo's Alexei Zhitnik and Chicago's Phil Housley, who is nursing a foot injury.

Bruins players hoped a deal could be made to help the team, ideally for picks or minor leaguers, with no one leaving from the current roster.

``We don't want anyone to go, but I think we've got room for a guy or two on our roster,'' winger Mike Knuble said. ``Obviously we'd like the team to get better. If they can make a deal with a draft pick or something, maybe for an older guy, it could help us. I imagine it would be a thing where they just get a guy for the (playoff) run.''

Assistant GM Jeff Gorton expressed confidence the B's would beat the deadline and make a trade.

``I think so,'' he said. ``I hope so. We're trying. We've been on the phone all day. I don't think anything yet has been real close. But we've got some other things going on.''

Has it been a case of other teams asking too much, or the B's not being all that impressed with the player?

``A little of both so far,'' Gorton said. ``But we've got some other people out there we're trying to work on. It just hasn't worked out yet.''

=====

Bruins notes

The Bruins were scheduled to practice yesterday at the University of Ottawa but were given a day off. They did get together for a reception at U.S. Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci's office.

The B's presented the former Massachusetts governor with a Boston Garden seat with an inscribed plaque. The event also honored Ottawa 67s (OHL) coach Brian Kilrea, who got his 1,000th win with the 67s Sunday.

``He's a great guy,'' said B's defenseman Nick Boynton, who played for Kilrea. . . .

Rob Zamuner, bothered the past two games by a groin strain, is doubtful for tonight's game.

``I'm day-to-day,'' Zamuner said. ``It's not a major thing, maybe 3-4 days. That's how we're looking at it.'' . . .

O'Connell said defenseman Rich Brennan (ankle) nearly is ready to play. . . .

The Bruins head home after tonight's game, with FleetCenter dates against the New Jersey Devils Thursday and the Florida Panthers Saturday afternoon.

 

[the mugs]

:topic:

Just a quick personal note. Thoughts and remembrances go out to those who lost loved ones 18 months ago today. My wife flies for United Airlines and we lost a couple good friends that morning. Sorry to bum you all out with that but it's on my mind and how I feel today.

Good luck tonight

Mugs

 

[ddubs]

Good luck today, mugs

 

[Vicc Inzagio]

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to much info mugs.... GL today !!!

 

[Vicc Inzagio]

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such is life bud, i'm sorry to hear that, life goes on & so we r,,, keep ur head up !!!!

 

[the mugs]

TRADE

TRADE

B's get Ian Moran from Pittsburgh for 2003 4th round pick


EDIT

e-mail from the bruins...

The Boston Bruins have acquired defenseman Ian Moran from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Boston?s fourth round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O?Connell. Moran will not be in Ottawa where the Bruins face the Senators tonight, but is expected to join the team in Boston on Wednesday for their 12:00 noon practice at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington.
?Ian is a veteran defenseman who is very good in his own end,? said O?Connell. ?He is a good penalty killer, he?s got a good shot and we feel he will help stabilize our defense.?

 

[the mugs]

TRADE

TRADE

B's get Dan McGillis from San Jose for s draft pick.

EDIT

e-mail from the bruins

The Boston Bruins have acquired defenseman Dan McGillis from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a second round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O?Connell. McGillis will not be in Ottawa where the Bruins face the Senators tonight (7:00 p.m.; NESN & WBZ Radio). He is expected to join the team in Boston on Wednesday, but is not expected in time for the team?s 12:00 noon practice at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington.
?Dan is a versatile defenseman that can be used in all situations,? said O?Connell. ?He can play on the power play, is a hard hitter and with his size, he can provide a physical presence in front of the net.?