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By: Patrick Donnelly | Follow me on Twitter @PatDonn12
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced the first round of cuts from Boston’s training camp this afternoon. Axel Andersson and Wiley Sherman have been assigned to Providence while Cooper Zech, Samuel Asselin, Chris Breen, Alexey Solovyev, and Brendan Woods will report to Providence training camp. Andersson and Sherman were “assigned” to the P-Bruins since they are on NHL entry-level contracts compared to the others, who are all on AHL deals.
The 21-year-old Andersson was selected by Boston with the 57th-overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and will likely play his first season in North America this year, whether he skates with Providence or with Moncton of the QMJHL remains to be seen. However, returning overseas is also still an option for the Swedish defenseman.
Sherman was drafted by the Bruins in the fifth round of the 2013 entry draft (150th-overall). The Harvard product inked his ELC in the spring of 2018 and played his first full professional season last year, posting 2-3-5 totals with Providence as well as a minus-seven rating. The 6-foot-7 defenseman 33 total points (seven goals and 26 assists) in 137 NCAA contests.
Asselin (21) signed with Providence after a standout year with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL where he totaled 48 goals and 38 assists for 86 points in 68 games. Breen has been a mainstay on the Providence blue-line over the last five seasons, donning an “A” during each of the last four campaigns. During his tenure with the P-Bruins, the 30-year-old has 49 total regular season points as well as seven playoff points.
The Bruins won the bidding war for Zech, signing him to an AHL deal after the 20-year-old registered 8-20-28 numbers in 36 NCAA games during his first season with Ferris State. After joining the P-Bruins at the tail-end the season, the defenseman notched four assists in 12 games before tallying two goals in four playoff contests.
Woods, selected in the fifth round in 2012 by Carolina (129th-overall), has been a career AHL-er, posting 85 points in 262 regular season games between the Charlotte Checkers and the Utica Comets. The 27-year-old forward has seven penalty minutes in seven NHL games. Solvyev spent the last four years at Bentley University, where he recorded 46 points in 109 career NCAA games. The 25-year-old Russian is un-drafted.
Check out the Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 146 that we recorded on 9-22-19 below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
By Mike Cratty | Follow me on Twitter @Mike_Cratty
One of the most popular names in training camp in recent weeks has been Anders Bjork. Thanks in large part to an impressive showing at the prospects challenge, Bjork has caught the eyes of many. His dynamic skill set and comfortability are still ever so present after two shoulder surgeries in as many years.
Bjork has seen time with Danton Heinen and Charlie Coyle most recently, but there are still other options for him.
On the wing with Jack Studnicka in Providence
Whether it’s on the left-wing or the right, if Bjork and Studnicka both end up down in Providence to start the season, I would love to see what they could do together. Bjork and Studnicka are the two most dynamic forwards in the system and could seriously light it up together. The other winger could be any of a number of players, perhaps someone like Jakub Lauko, Ryan Fitzgerald, Cameron Hughes, or Oskar Steen.
If the coaching staff decides that playing in the AHL is best for Bjork to start, it would be best to equip him with skilled linemates such as the players listed above.
First-line right-wing
Despite not lighting it up on the scoresheet, it’s fair to say that Bjork has looked the most comfortable on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Playing with two well-established veterans allows Bjork to learn and if he puts himself in the right spots to generate chances, score as well.
In time with the top line this past year, Heinen also looked pretty confident on the first line right-wing. With Bjork’s career off to a turbulent start with injuries, playing with two established veterans that he can learn from and potentially produce at a high-level with could be just what Bjork needs to ease into becoming a full-time NHL player.
Second-line right-wing
This one isn’t very likely in my eyes, but it’s still possible. The way I see it, the second-line right wing job is Karson Kuhlman’s to lose. Alongside Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci last season, Kuhlman completed a second line that generated 7.00 GF/60 last season. That’s insane. His speed and forechecking ability also adds a lot to that line and makes the line difficult to deal with in the offensive zone.
The speed of DeBrusk and Bjork on Krejci’s wings is definitely worth exploring at some point though. It just probably won’t be right away to start the 2019-2020 season.
Third-line left-wing
I think this is where Bjork will land to start the season. Bjork has been playing on Coyle’s left with Heinen on the right for the past week in practice, as well as last night against the Philadelphia Flyers. The three of them looked great together last night, consistently pushing the pace through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone.
Heinen Coyle Bjork 14 attempts for, 3 allowed through 2 periods. DeBrusk and Kuhlman can't get anything going with Studnicka. Vaakanainen is matching up with JVR, Voracek, Giroux, and Couturier and having little issue.
Not only did they pretty much dominate through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone, but they also did a great job limiting the Flyers scoring chances.
Anders Bjork played on the Bruins 2 best lines tonight and in total finished on-ice with a ridiculous 31 attempts for, 8 against in 13 minutes.
31 shot attempts. 31! Anders Bjork was a menace to deal with last night. His smooth skating and offensive abilities could add an important element to the third line. Coyle was a tank last year, especially in the playoffs. His big body, prowess in all three zones, and scoring abilities in a third-line role make him the ideal man for the job.
As the third-line center, Coyle established some serious chemistry with Heinen. The two looked very comfortable with each other again last night.
Where Heinen thrives is creating scoring chances for his linemates and limiting opponent scoring chances. He thrived in that area in a down year offensively for him last year. If Heinen can get back to around the 47-point mark he hit in his rookie season, do what he does best, and Bjork and Coyle can bring what they do best to the table, as previously mentioned, this has the potential to be a dominant third line.
Bjork spoke to Bruins reporter Eric Russo about Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen before last night’s preseason win for the Bruins over the Flyers.
🎥 Anders Bjork goes 1-on-1 during warmups to talk about tonight's preseason contest in Philly and playing on a line with Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen: pic.twitter.com/5MWRAXOSE4
Where Bjork lands is still to be determined over the next couple weeks, but there are certainly a lot of options for him. If he can stay healthy, he has high upside that is worth getting excited about.
By: Yanni Latzanakis | Follow Me On Twitter @yanlatz
Fans going to TD Garden to attend Bruins and Celtics games as well as other events will notice multiple changes to the building. The TD Garden has been giving fans plans throughout the past season as to what to expect but just recently gave fans a bigger glimpse into what to expect at the Garden this season.
On Tuesday, TD Garden unveiled the first look at the first round of changes to the Garden coming as part of a $100 million upgrade which includes new seats, expanded parking garage, Garden HDX upgrade, “Rafters” club, and concourse expansion.
New look, who dis? 🤩
Nearly three months later, #TDGarden’s first round of upgrades are nearly complete, including all-new seats, HDX enhancements and Rafters, #BostonGardenSociety’s newest level of entertainment! #ExperienceLegendary
Arguably the most noticeable change coming this season is the removal of the iconic yellow and black seating in the arena which was installed in 1995 when the building was built. These seats have been replaced with all-black seats that are more modern and designed for comfort for the best possible experience for Bruins fans. Even in the balcony seats, fans will sit in cushioned seats that are a much improvement of the hard plastic seats that called the balcony home. Select old yellow seats will be reserved by the Boston Bruins Foundation and other foundations for future charitable endeavors.
Some fans, however, are unhappy that the yellow seating is gone in the arena as they were a staple for the TD Garden ever since the building replaced the Boston Garden which also featured yellow seating. The new black seats do in fact take away the unique look that the TD Garden possessed over the past 23 years.
Garden HDX Upgrade
The TD Garden center-ice video boards have been upgraded as well. Although to the eye the physical jumbotron will not look much different to B’s fans, it was upgraded to 4K screens which will be much clearer and easier for fans to see.
Rafters
Opening in November of 2019, the new Rafters club on level 9 will feature an extremely unique experience. This is a membership plan that is apart of the new Boston Garden Society and includes a communal bar area, food stands, and seating that allows fans to sit virtually above the ice surface.
Join Rafters and enjoy member amenities including access to two expansive bars, which will feature craft cocktails and a wide beer selection, exclusive private entrances, and more!
The concourse area is also being expanded and is expected to also be completed in November 2019. The areas will be enlarged by 20% on the loge level and 30% on the balcony level. This all with the aim to give fans more room to meet friends, sit down and have food and drinks, and also add more merchandise pop-up stores, quick food options, and bar areas.
The Garden will look much different this year to Bruins fans as the expansion, upgrade, and renovation of TD Garden is ongoing as part of the Jacobs’ family’s $100 million dollar investment with the Garden is entering its 24th season as the proud home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics. Fans will get to experience some of the new changed for the first time at the TD Garden when the Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers in a preseason game on Monday, September 23.
By: Max Mainville | Check me out on Twitter @tkdmaxbjj
It has been a successful week for General Manager Don Sweeney and the rest of the Boston Bruins management staff. On Sunday, the Bruins re-signed RFA defenceman Charlie McAvoy to a three-year contract with an annual average salary (AAV) of $4.9 million and also managed to lock up the other RFA defender – Brandon Carlo – to a two-year contract worth $2.85 million per season.
Are you kidding me?
The #NHLBruins retain Charlie McAvoy & Brandon Carlo for a combined $7.7M?
Throughout the league, the Bruins are being praised for their “genius” work to re-sign both of these future franchise defensemen while keeping forward David Backes and not making any other trades to free up cap space and rightly so. I was one of the people who was convinced that Boston would be forced to ship out a body in order to make room for both players. Evidently, Sweeney knew he could sign both without making other adjustments and he proved it.
However, things might not seem so perfect after taking a further glance. In the lead-up to the signings, it was made clear that Charlie McAvoy wanted to stay in Boston for the long-term and it was clear that the organization felt the same way. In that case, many imagined that when the details of the contract would be released, it would lock up the 21-year-old for the next seven or even eight years.
Due to the fact that people assumed the length of McAvoy’s deal, it was expected for Carlo to have a shorter, bridge-type deal because of the lack of cap space available to spend on Carlo. In a perfect world, Boston would have traded David Backes and signed both Carlo and McAvoy to contracts with long terms to solidify the defensive core for years to come.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and in some cases, we have to be thankful and settle for what we do have. As we look ahead for the 2019-2020 NHL season, the Boston Bruins have a true chance to contend again for the Stanley Cup or at the very least, contend in the Eastern Conference. Regardless, it is good to keep an open mind on the future and the next half-decade for Boston could be a stressful one.
2020 Expiring Contracts:
Forwards:
F Charlie Coyle (UFA)
F Jake DeBrusk (RFA)
F Karson Kuhlman (RFA)
F Chris Wagner (UFA)
F Joakim Nordstrom (UFA)
F Brett Ritchie (RFA)
F Anders Bjork (RFA)
F Zach Senyshyn (RFA)
F Ryan Fitzgerald (RFA)
F Brendan Gaunce (RFA)
F Peter Cehlarik (RFA)
Defensemen:
D Torey Krug (UFA)
D Kevan Miller (UFA)
D Zdeno Chara (UFA)
D Matt Grzelcyk (RFA)
D Jakub Zboril (RFA)
D Wiley Sherman (RFA)
D Jeremy Lauzon (RFA)
Goaltenders:
G Jaroslav Halak (UFA)
G Daniel Vladar (RFA)
G Maxime Legacé (UFA)
If you thought that this past off-season was hectic and stressful, just wait for the stress a year from now. The Bruins will have big-name players such as Torey Krug, Jake DeBrusk, Jaroslav Halak, and Charlie Coyle that will have an expiring contract. According to CapFriendly, the Bruins are projected to have $25,158,334 in available cap space for the 2020 offseason, so it is inevitable that players will have to be let go – whether it is in a trade or just leaving on July 1st.
However, there are a few players that I’d imagine are guaranteed to return to Boston – forward Jake DeBrusk, defenceman Matt Grzelcyk, forward Karson Kuhlman, forward Anders Bjork, defenceman Jeremy Lauzon, and forward Zach Senyshyn. The remaining players are up in the air and their performance and/or development in the 2019-20 campaign will prove their worth.
Sticking to NHL roster, Torey Krug, Kevan Miller, Zdeno Chara, Charlie Coyle, and Jaroslav Halak are the biggest pieces that are question marks for me. In regards to the captain, Zdeno Chara, his decision on whether or not he wants to continue playing hockey is still up in the air. When his current deal expires this July, he will be 43 years of age.
Kevan Miller has dealt with numerous injuries and with the rising defensive prospects, I don’t see him returning. Charlie Coyle was great in the playoffs last season, but a full year wearing the Spoked-B sweater will really show what he is worth contract-wise. Jaroslav Halak is a big piece, but same thing with Coyle, this season will show what he can demand in the negotiations. Finally, Torey Krug could be a player for trade bait, but he brings a high-level of play to Boston’s defense and it is likely that he returns.
Don Sweeney said he's expecting "to have conversations" with Torey Krug about his contract now that the Bruins have taken care of Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy https://t.co/o9HeMBxutU
For Chris Wagner, Joakim Nordstrom, and Brett Ritchie – I personally don’t see them re-signing with the organization mainly due to the plethora of talent in the AHL that Boston can use to fill those bottom-six roles.
2021 Expiring Contracts:
Forwards:
F David Krejci (UFA)
F David Backes (UFA)
F Danton Heinen (RFA)
F Sean Kuraly (UFA)
F Par Lindholm (UFA)
F Trent Frederic (RFA)
F Cameron Hughes (RFA)
F Anton Blidh (RFA)
F Paul Carey (UFA)
Defensemen:
D Brandon Carlo (RFA)
D Steven Kampfer (UFA)
Goaltenders:
G Tuukka Rask (UFA)
After the Bruins make some difficult decisions in the 2020 offseason, the 2021 offseason proves to be one of the biggest in a long time for the organization. Core players such as David Krejci, Brandon Carlo, and superstar goaltender Tuukka Rask have expiring deals. However, the Bruins will be free of $6 million due to David Backes’ contract and the likely departure of Steven Kampfer, Paul Carey, and Par Lindholm.
I’d imagine that Krejci and Rask take a decrease in pay when they negotiate a new deal, as both will be in their mid-30s at the end of the 2020-2021 season, (Krejci – 35, Rask – 34). That saved salary will likely be thrown right back into Brandon Carlo’s deal which will hopefully be a longer contract in comparison to the two-year deal that he recently agreed to.
It’ll also depend largely on the success of the young players like Danton Heinen, Trent Frederic, Anton Blidh, and Cameron Hughes – but I don’t see any of them earning a large deal with only Heinen in my eyes making more than $1.5 million.
2022 Expiring Contracts:
Forwards:
F Patrice Bergeron (UFA)
F Pavel Shen (RFA)
F Oskar Steen (RFA)
F Jakub Lauko (RFA)
F Jack Studnicka (RFA)
Defensemen:
D Charlie McAvoy (RFA)
D Urho Vaakanainen (RFA)
D Axel Andersson (RFA)
Goaltenders:
G Kyle Keyser (RFA)
The list takes a dramatic decrease in the number of players and that is a result of all the short-term deals or the longer deals that are nearing the conclusion. At this point, it is nearly impossible to predict the numbers and the results, especially because of all the restricted free-agents in this class. Everyone but Patrice Bergeron and Charlie McAvoy have something big to prove if they want that NHL contract. I expect everyone to sign in this free-agent class, but who really knows.
Another thing to note is that at this point, previous players on the list could be expiring this year too due to the possibility of one or two-year deals signed as well as free-agents and acquisitions in trades.
Players Extended Past 2022:
Forwards:
F Brad Marchand (2025-26)
F David Pastrnak (2023-24)
Defensemen:
D John Moore (2023-24)
D Connor Clifton (2023-24)
With only four players signed past 2022, the Boston Bruins franchise as we know it will be completely different. Retirements, departures and arrivals are going to be surrounding the management team and for Don Sweeney, his job will be the most difficult as it ever has been. These next three years will prove how good of a General Manager he is.
A lot of this will also come down to the players. Now is the time to prove yourself for that contract – big or small. If you want to remain a member of the Boston Bruins and skate on that TD Garden ice with the historic Spoked-B on your chest, this is your moment. No pressure.
Check out the Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 145 that we recorded on 9-15-19 below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
Jack Studnicka was drafted in the second round, 53rd overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Winsdor, Ontario native was coming off a pretty good season the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) at the time of his selection. He was seen as a strong, and speedy two-way forward who could play the penalty-kill, power-play, and five-on-five. It’s easy to why Studnicka was drafted in the second round, now let’s dive into what he did leading up to and after he was selected 53rd overall.
Jack Studnicka from Carey & Kampfer with 49 seconds left in regulation.
The 2016-17 season was Studnicka’s second with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. The young forward was hoping to build his draft stock and he did just that. In 64 games with the Generals, he netted 18 goals and dished out 34 assists for 52 total points and a plus/minus of minus six. The Ontario native also seemed to turn it on when the lights were brightest in the playoffs. In the team’s 11 playoff games he netted five goals and dished out 10 assists for 15 total points and a plus/minus of minus one. It was an excellent season for Studnicka to build upon going forward.
The 2017-18 season was the young forward’s first since being drafted by Boston. Going into the season Oshawa would reward Studnicka’s play and leadership ability by putting the “C” on his sweater. The newly appointed Captain would reward the team’s decision and excel for the Generals. In 66 games he netted 22 goals while dishing out 50 assists for 72 total points and a plus/minus of 18. In Oshawa’s five playoff games he netted one goal and dished out four assists for five total points and a plus/minus of zero.
It was such a good season for Studnicka, that the team gave him his first taste of professional hockey. In five games with Providence, he netted one goal and dished out four assists for five total points and a plus/minus of two. It was an excellent season for the Ontario native, who proved to be one of the teams top prospects. He was able to show off not only his defensive awareness but also the soft hands that help fuel his scoring ability.
With the Bruins’ offensive depth in the system, the team decided to send Studnicka back to Oshawa for the 2018-19 season. Still appointed as the Generals’ Captain, the young forward would only play in the 30 games with Oshawa before being traded to the Niagra IceDogs. At the time of the trade, the Ontario native had played in 30 games with the Generals’ netting 12 goals and dishing out 22 assists for 34 total points and a plus/minus of 10.
The trade to the Niagra IceDogs seemed to light a fire under Studnicka. Dawning the “A” on his sweater, he would play in 30 games for Niagra netting 24 goals and dishing out 25 assists for 49 total points and a plus/minus of eight. This means for the entire season, Studnicka played in 60 games netting 36 goals and dishing out 47 assists for 83 total points and a plus/minus of 18. He would also play in Niagra’s 11 playoff games netting five goals and dishing out 6 assists for 11 total points and a plus/minus of four.
The young forward would also play in Providence’s four playoff games netting a goal and dishing out an assist for two total points and a plus/minus of two. It was an excellent 2018-19 campaign for Studnicka which really solidified his status as a top prospect in not only the Boston Bruins organization, but the entire NHL. His defensive awareness, speed and scoring ability make him a lethal forward. He is certain to be the Bruins’ lineup for many years to come.
This season will be an interesting one for Studnicka. He’s going to be given every opportunity to win a spot on Boston’s roster out of training camp. There are a few factors that will go into this decision. The first is how well he plays in training camp and the preseason games. The second is where do the Bruins envision him playing going forward. If he plays well enough at the center position, you could see the team move Charlie Coyle to the wing. The team might also value Studnicka more at the wing position and could play him there if they feel his offensive ability is too good to send down to Providence.
Ultimately I believe Studnicka will spend the beginning of the season in Providence but I believe he will end up getting called up to Boston mid-season. It’s easy to see why the Boston Bruins and fans alike are excited about this young forward. He could be a foundational top-six forward for the Bruins for the foreseeable future. I am excited to see how he plays in his first full professional season. I hope everyone enjoys the preseason because regular season hockey is right around the corner. Feel free to send me any questions or comments on Twitter, and as always GO, Bs, GO!
In the wake of two huge announcements that the Boston Bruins signed both Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo, other news hit the organization-more importantly affecting their partnership with their female-counterparts The Boston Pride.
The National Women’s Hockey League announced today that a private investor purchased the female-led team, making it the only club with a private owner. Miles Arnone, along with a group of investors made the purchase. Prior to that, the Buffalo Beauts were the only team in the league with a private owner (until they were sold back to the league in May). The Commissioner of the NWHL Dani Rylan along with the NWHL believe that private ownership will help teams in bolstering local marketing and sales. The league even hired a firm that helped to find potential buyers/owner for all the teams.
In a statement given by the Commissioner Rylan, she congratulated Arnone:
“The NWHL congratulates Miles Arnone on his acquisition of the Boston Pride, and we thank Miles and his investors for their belief in our league and players. Miles has a love for the game and deep connections in the New England community.
The Pride’s new ownership is passionately committed to the team for the long haul, and we area confident that they will set a new standard for how professional women’s hockey teams are run in North America. Their dedication to investing in the Pride’s infrastructure, player development, and every aspect of the sport and business is a game changer.”
Last season the Boston Pride announced a partnership with the Boston Bruins, which remains intact, boding with the team as they continue to expand the sport of hockey. There are plans for the team to be have better travel and player accommodations as well as increased marketing. Hiring a team president and participating in youth hockey initiatives are also in the works for team. The Pride still remain as the only team in the league with a NHL partnership.
(Photo Credits: Andy Marlin/Getty Images for NWHL)
Mr. Arnone is a Long Island native and currently lives in Massachusetts. He was able to purchase the franchise though The Sports Advisory Group along with investment from the Chipwich company. Chipwich recently became a sponsor for the NWHL. Arnone, who is also the managing partner of Cannon Capital, stated his kids “…became fans, they have (Pride’s Captain Jillian) Dempsey jerseys from the Pride. I had a general awareness of the league and was impressed with the level of play.”
He also stated the big focus will be in promoting women’s and girls hockey:
“There’s underlying growth in the fan base and that’s at the (youth) player base which gives opportunity for the professional league to have a broader audience. I think that’s one of the most important aspects, to have a grassroots growth…it’s very synergistic in that way.”
The season is set to start October 5th when they head to New Jersey to face the Metropolitan Riveters. On October 12th at Warrior Ice Arena, the Pride will face the Buffalo Beauts. The league also recently announced a three-year exclusive partnership with Twitch, a streaming platform that will air all future NWHL games.
Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced this morning that the team has signed defenseman Brandon Carlo to a two-year deal with approximately $2.85 million per season. The signing comes just two days after the B’s were able to come to terms with Charlie McAvoy. Carlo skated in 72 regular season games for the B’s last year, recording two goals and eight assists for ten points. He also appeared in all 24 postseason contests last spring, posting two goals and two assists.
The Bruins drafted the Colorado Springs native in the second round (37th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Carlo skated in all 82 regular season games for the B’s in his rookie year, posting six goals and ten assists for 16 points which are still career highs for the young defenseman. Due to injuries at the end of both of his first two seasons, Carlo didn’t appear in the postseason either of those years. Carlo spent seven games in 2015-16 with the Providence Bruins, recording an assist.
Carlo may not be the offensive force that Charlie McAvoy is but he is just as important to the team if not more. He has already cemented himself as one of the best young defensive defensemen in the entire league. Don’t be surprised if the B’s increase his ice time this season, and if all goes well he may contribute a little offense.
Since we just celebrated Friday the 13th on the calendar here in the States, it’s only fitting to remind everyone what “Part V” of that seminal series was called: A New Beginning. Well, that’s exactly what the month of February could be for the Boston Bruins depending on how the team handles a January against some quality dual opponents (as I outlined in the previous installment of our Black N’ Gold Mark Your ’19-’20 Bruins Calendar series).
Also, like the hockey-masked killer character in the aforementioned film franchise, the B’s hockey franchise won’t be able to mask any of their faults in February–especially on every weekend–because of the 14-game workload lined up for them, including a historic five Saturday games. They even get to play on LEAP YEAR day! How’s that for superstitious scheduling since Friday the 13th references will be a recurring theme throughout this piece. So, let’s drop the puck (and perhaps the machete) on what specific games are worthy of highlighting on your B’s calendar this fabulously frightening & frozen February!
Okay, okay. We all know that Camp Crystal Lake is not in Minnesota, but rather in New Jersey (as far as fake movie location names go). But, if the B’s can open the month of February with a “road W” over former friend Ryan Donato at the Xcel Energy Center on the 1st, then they can celebrate its first Sunday by visiting a famous underwater Jason Voorhees statue just up the road. In fact, the Wild will be a fitting first opponent to begin a busy hockey stretch at an important time of the year for the Bruins. Since 2015, the B’s have won four of their last five road games in Minny, including the last two, so keeping that streak alive would be advantageous considering the former city of North Stars always plays spirited hockey against Boston.
Weekend Two: Jason Takes Boston
The B’s will be lucky it’s only Jason Demers coming to town with the Coyotes on February 8th and not that other titular Jason from the woods. Then again, if the team doesn’t want to end up out in the woods, the players should take care of business against an Arizona squad that will most likely be out of the playoff race by then. Also, they’ll need to get on a plane to fly off to Detroit for a Motor City matinee on the 9th immediately following their howling hockey versus the Coyotes. I would call this back-to-back home/road split versus two beatable teams a must-win weekend for the B’s if they want to build momentum during a month where all eyes will be on playoff positioning.
Weekend Three: Origin(al Six) Stories
More matinee marquee match-ups are in store for February 15th & 16th against Original Six rivals the Red Wings again, followed by the New York Rangers (and all of this coming hot on the heels/skates of the B’s having recently played the Blackhawks & Canadiens a few games earlier). And like any good horror movie’s origin story, the B’s will need to look to their successful history against these teams in order to “make them history” at a time when both the division & conference races will be tightening up. All of these contests offer national audience eyes as well, so you can best “B”-lieve the hockey world will be talking them up since many broadcasters, like fans from these cities, champion themselves as Original Six supporters & supposed soothsayers (this is also similar for Friday film fanatics).
Speaking of making bold predictions, if the B’s aren’t careful — i.e. they let the Wings take them to a shootout then get gassed at Madison Square Garden less than 24 hours later — then they could end up looking just like this upon leaving New York… an expression well-known to a familiar-faced character who enjoyed romping around Manhattan back in his heyday. (Eastern Hockey League be damned!)
Weekend Four: Canadien Cutthroats
When it comes to the Bruins traveling across country for their annual “West Coast Canadien Kick,” the schedule always seems to fall in February for these three games — two of which will be back-to-backers on February 21st (Calgary) and 22nd (Vancouver), respectively. One needn’t guess which other city the B’s will be visiting just days prior unless you’ve been living under Plymouth Rock for the past decade and not paying attention to this always-highlighted stretch of hockey (it’s Edmonton in case you have been and my apologies).
And if previous seasons are any indicator, then we all know just how important taking AT LEAST four out of six points will be for the B’s against the Oilers, Flames & Canucks. This will be cutthroat hockey at its finest–with no machete needed–proving just how fun, competitive & memorable these games can be. The B’s also like to use this road trip as a memory-making team bonding experience so let’s hope they make the most of what the calendar has lined up for them yet again this upcoming season.
Weekend Five: The Final Chapter
This weekend, or to be more specific this Saturday matinee, only comes around once in a blue–strike that, Black N’ Gold, moon; definitely once every four years, but rarely does that infamous day fall on a game day. That’s right, I’m talking about February 29th — LEAP DAY! And the Bruins throughout their 23-Leap-Year history (sorry, the franchise Inaugural Year of 1924 doesn’t count on the Leap-season statistics since it began in December long after February celebrated an additional day of aging) have had nine games on that calendar extension mark, if you will.
Plainly, to put a mark on it, the B’s are a mediocre 4-4-1 on LEAP DAY dating back to the Roosevelt administration (that’s FDR not TR for you Presidential historians out there). To get even more detailed, the team’s 4-1-1 at home in Boston and 0-3 on the road in Toronto, Chicago and New York. If you’d like to see it in list form, look no further than below:
BOSTON BRUINS LEAP YEAR HISTORY:
1940 – W, 4-2 over Montreal
1944 – L, 7-3 @ Toronto
1948 – L, 5-1 @ Chicago
1956 – L, 4-2 @ New York
1964 – W, 2-1 over Detroit
1968 – W, 4-1 over Toronto
1976 – W, 5-3 over Vancouver
1992 – T, 5-5 with Washington
2000 – L, 5-1 to Ottawa
If the Bruins would like to win their first ever LEAP DAY tilt on the road and, dare I type, tilt the ice in their favor, they’ll have the perfectly slanted opportunity to do so against the insalubrious Islanders at Nassau Coliseum in 2020. Now, that’s a game I’d like to see — be it in person, on television or on the NHL-TV recap ap! It’s obviously the final day of February (and for those celebrating an “Over The Hill” occasion, their 10th official Birthday), but I’m rooting for the B’s franchise to be exactly like the Friday the 13th franchise on this day — not only will it NOT be the final chapter, but many successful sequels will follow!
(Photo Credit: Boston Bruins)
With the month of March looking scarily similar to February — both in terms of the number of games and number of tough teams to play against for Boston — the B’s could find themselves successfully skating towards the playoffs or falling through the ice and flailing for help just like that poor young boy whom the camp counselors ignored much to his maligned mother’s chagrin & sharp knives. Thankfully, there’s no Friday the 13th in February of 2020… and now you don’t have to mark your calendar to know it!
Check out the Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 145 that we recorded on 9-15-19 below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
Well, folks. Here we are. The 2019-20 season is just around the corner and camps are underway. And here we are to meet your Bruins needs with the First Annual BNG Season Predictions! We throw some guesses out there, some educated and some not, on predicting the unpredictable. All questions based on regular-season unless otherwise stated. Assembled here for this is our five-person panel from http://www.blackngoldhockey.com, and without further ado, let’s get this underway and hope you enjoy!
With Brett Ritchie being added to the bottom 6 group of forwards, can he come in and make an impact?
Michael: Yes Joe: No Lucas: Yes Garrett: Yes Mike: Yes
How will the addition of Ritchie and Lindholm affect the lineup?
Michael: Bolster the bottom 6 depth. Joe: Won’t affect it. Lucas: If they get in the lineup, they will
contribute. Garrett: Won’t change much, as they
won’t get much ice time. Mike: Depth, but no real playing time.
How many starts will Rask get? Halak?
Michael: Rask 44. Halak 38. Joe: Rask 47. Halak 35. Lucas: Rask 47. Halak 35. Garrett: Rask 46. Halak 36. Mike: Rask 48. Halak 34.
How many wins for Rask? Halak?
Michael: Rask 28. Halak 22. Joe: Rask 30. Halak 19. Lucas: Rask 30. Halak 20. Garrett: Rask 29. Halak 23 Mike: Rask 29. Halak 21
If no, what round will they get beat out in and to who?
Michael: Conference finals loss to
New York Rangers Joe: Second round exit to Tampa Bay. Lucas: They’re winning the cup. Garrett: Conference finals loss to
Washington Mike: All the way for the cup win.
LEAGUE PICK EMS
Top 3 finishers in each division, in order.
Atlantic Division
Michael: Tampa, Boston, Toronto Joe: Tampa, Boston, Toronto Lucas: Tampa, Boston, Florida Garrett: Tampa, Boston, Toronto Mike: Boston, Tampa, Toronto
Metro Division
Michael: New York Rangers, Washington
Philadelphia Joe: Washington, Pittsburgh, New York
Islanders Lucas: Carolina, Washington,
Philadelphia Garrett: Washington, Pittsburgh, New
York Islanders Mike: New York Rangers, Washington,
Carolina
Central Division
Michael: Nashville, Colorado, Dallas Joe: Nashville, Dallas, Colorado Lucas: Colorado, Nashville, St. Louis Garrett: Nashville, Colorado, Winnipeg Mike: Nashville, St. Louis, Colorado
Pacific Division
Michael: Vegas, Calgary, San Jose Joe: Calgary, Vegas, San Jose Lucas: Calgary, San Jose, Arizona Garrett: Vegas, San Jose, Calgary Mike: Vegas, San Jose, Calgary
Eastern Conference finals matchup?Winner? How many games?
Michael: Boston v New York Rangers
New York Rangers in 7 Joe: Tampa Bay v Washington
Tampa Bay in 6 Lucas: Boston v Toronto (WC)
Boston in 7 Garrett: Boston v Washington
Washington in 7 Mike: Boston v New York Rangers
Boston in 6
Western Conference finals matchup?Winner? How many games?
Michael: Nashville v Vegas
Vegas in 6 Joe: Dallas v Vegas
Dallas in 7 Lucas: Nashville v San Jose
Nashville in 6 Garrett: Colorado v San Jose
San Jose in 6 Mike: Vegas v Colorado
Vegas in 7
Stanley Cup finals winner? How many games?
Michael: New York Rangers in 7 Joe: Tampa Bay in 6 Lucas: Boston in 7 Garrett: San Jose in 6 Mike: Boston in 7
Most likely exceed expectations?
Michael: New York Rangers Joe: Arizona Lucas: Arizona Garrett: New York Rangers Mike: New York Rangers
Most likely to underachieve?
Michael: St. Louis Joe: Columbus Lucas: Winnipeg Garrett: Carolina Mike: Dallas
Canadian team with the highest points?
Michael: Toronto Joe: Calgary Lucas: Calgary Garrett: Toronto Mike: Toronto
How many teams north of the border will make the playoffs?
Michael: Victor Hedman Joe: Roman Josi Lucas: Seth Jones Garrett: Victor Hedman Mike: Victor Hedman
Vezina Trophy
Michael: Henrik Lundqvist Joe: Ben Bishop Lucas: Andrei Vasilevskiy Garrett: Marc-Andre Fleury Mike: Andrei Vasilevskiy
Jack Adams Award
Michael: Jared Bednar Joe: Jim Montgomery Lucas: Rick Tocchet Garrett: Jared Bednar Mike: Bruce Cassidy
Coach on the bubble?
Michael: Mike Babcock Joe: Bruce Boudreau Lucas: Bruce Boudreau Garrett: Mike Babcock Mike: Mike Babcock
GM on the bubble?
Michael: Kevin Cheveldayoff Joe: Brad Treliving Lucas: Pierre Dorion Garrett: Kevin Cheveldayoff Mike: Kevin Cheveldayoff
Player drafted 1 to 3 at the 2020 draft?
Michael: Alexis LaFrenière, Quinton
Byfield, Lucas Raymond
Joe: Alexis LaFrenière, Lucas Raymond,
Quinton Byfield.
Lucas: Alexis LaFrenière, Lucas
Raymond, Quinton Byfield
Garrett: Alexis LaFrenière, Quinton
Byfield, Lucas Raymond
Mike: Alexis LaFrenière, Quinton Byfield,
Lucas Raymond
Check out the Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 145 that we recorded on 9-15-19 below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE For Link To Our YouTube Channel!
First reported by Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Bruins have signed Charlie McAvoy to a three-year contract worth about $4.9 million dollars per season. McAvoy skated in 54 regular season games for the B’s last year, posting seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points. He also appeared in 23 postseason games last spring, posting two goals and six assists for eight points.
In McAvoy’s rookie season in 2017-18 he posted seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points in 63 regular season games. He also posted a goal and four assists in 12 postseason contests. The 21-year-old also appeared in six playoff games in 2016-17, posting three assists in six games. In that year, McAvoy also appeared in four games in Providence, recording two assists. The Long Beach, New York native was drafted by the Bruins in the first round (14th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
McAvoy will certainly be a big part of the Bruins future and perhaps the present as well. Number 73 should see increased ice time overall and on the power play and we could see a breakout season if he can stay healthy. Now with McAvoy locked up, the Bruins defense corps will be solid for years to come. Logically, signing Brandon Carlo would be next on the list for Don Sweeney.
(Photo Credits: 
(Photo Credits: Andy Marlin/Getty Images for NWHL)
(Photo Credit: Bruins Pinterest)
(Photo Credit: Boston Bruins)
