Well, at least it's a series. Using extra incentive, the Bruins routed the Canucks 8-1 in Game Three at TD Garden last night. The eruption didn't get started until 11 seconds into the second when an Andrew Ference shot snuck past Roberto Luongo. Vancouver's Vezina candidate had previously been stellar in backstopping his club to a 2-0 series lead, permitting only two goals. However, it wasn't his night nor any other Canuck as they were badly outplayed by a determined bunch of Bruins, hell bent on sending a message following what happened in British Columbia.
As if it weren't enough that Max Lapierre mocked bite victim Patrice Bergeron during Game 2, the B's had even more reason to respond when Vancouver defenseman Aaron Rome delivered a late hit on an unsuspecting Nathan Horton, who laid motionless for several minutes. Horton had already released the puck a good second when Rome came from the blindside with a shoulder right to the jaw. The stunning cheap shot silenced a sellout crowd as Horton looked skyward. That it came so early was startling. Rome isn't a dirty player. Something Bobby Ryan noted today via Twitter. Unfortunately, he erred in judgment with the kind of late hit the league is looking to rid of. Not surprisingly, he was suspended four games, which if it went the distance, would mean the rest of the series. In the event it ends early, he'd serve out the rest next season.
The appropriate call was made with Rome ejected for a five minute interference major, which was installed last year. Down a man, the Bruins couldn't take advantage as their power play fizzled thanks to superb penalty killing and some timely stops from Luongo, who was sharp initially. He took away the low part of the net and had solid rebound control. Boston also overpassed, which allowed an already good Vancouver special teams to get the job done and build momentum. In fact, they took the play to the B's the last half of the first, forcing Tim Thomas to come up with a few sparklers, including a kickout and cat-like glove.
Following his team's eruption that saw them score four apiece in the second and third, Claude Julien noted that he didn't say anything different than usual to his desperate team at intermission. The veteran coach felt his club was lacking emotion and inserted popular enforcer Shawn Thornton for rookie Tyler Seguin. The move worked with the 14-year vet sparking the B's with solid work over nine shifts (5:50), delivering a crunching hit and even drawing a penalty when he forced Luongo to deny a bid. Naturally, with all the bad blood, once Boston put it away it turned nasty and Thornton was there to protect teammates.
If Vancouver did everything right the first two in holding serve, that team was nowhere to be found, often leaving Luongo to fend for himself. The best D in the game didn't show and lost focus in a penalty marred game that included five game misconducts with the teams combining for 125 PIM with most of it in garbage time. It even saw the tame Daniel Sedin assessed a misconduct following a wild scrum involving Bite Gate extraordinaire Alex Burrows, who went to the ice a little too easy from a shove following a slash, infuriating Milan Lucic, who challenged him. Of course, the Game 2 hero chickened out hiding behind the stripes. Lucic also lost his cool waving his finger right into Lapierre's mug during another scrum that saw the antagonist tossed. He was chastised by Julien along wiht 43 year-old vet Mark Recchi for shenanigans and later critiqued himself for sinking to Lapierre's level. During the chaos, Ryan Kesler took on Dennis Seidenberg following some cheap stuff, which saw both gone.
Speaking of Recchi, the ageless warrior who just ended a scoring drought, was again involved- tallying twice to eclipse his three round total (2) in just three games of the chippy Stanley Cup Final. On the 25 Year Anniversary of the Cam Neely trade, who the Canucks ironically gave up on, the Bruins turned back the clock to whip the President's Trophy winners. Once Ference broke through, the black and gold seized control with Recchi centering a pass off Ryan Kesler's stick for a power play goal, marking the second consecutive game Boston's power play scored. Before the onslaught, Lucic took his second undisciplined minor giving Vancouver a chance to get back in it. Instead, an unbelievable individual effort from rookie Brad Marchand resulted in the goal of the series. Stealing the puck at his own blueline, the speedy penalty killer slipped around three Canucks and then completely undressed Luongo, deking and going forehand top shelf for an unassisted goal that blew off the roof.
Finally with some breathing room, the B's didn't sit back with David Krejci adding to it when he took a Michael Ryder backdoor feed and beat Luongo in front. The four-goal explosion left questions as to whether Luongo would return for the third. Surprisingly, he did. It only got worse as Boston wasn't done, putting another four spot on the helpless Canadian hero in the second part of the third. With his team on another power play, Daniel Paille powered past ex-Isle Jeff Tambellini and beat Luongo thru the wickets for 5-zip with 8:22 left. Tambellini had a brutal game, also in the box when Recchi notched his first of the night.
Though Jannik Hansen broke up Thomas' shutout after slashing Krejci and then burying a Raffi Torres feed, even in a blowout the Vezina frontrunner was outstanding, finishing with 40 saves. Vancouver certainly got scoring chances but the athletic 37 year-old vet wouldn't allow them to think comeback. As a matter of fact, Thomas has allowed four goals on 108 shots thus far. Given his brilliant play throughout the postseason, you can make the argument that win or lose, he's the leading Conn Smythe candidate. We'll see how it plays out.
After Recchi finished off his second off a great pass from Marchand, it escalated with Ference and Kevin Bieksa trading barbs before getting the final couple of minutes off. With what was left of the Canuck bench going through the motions, Chris Kelly and Ryder added insult to injury to mercifully conclude the scoring. Even Tomas Kaberle got on the score sheet.
The madness certainly was entertaining but I doubt a seven-goal rout was what Versus had in mind following a much lower rated Game 2 that went to sudden death. I guess scheduling even on NBC for a June Saturday was a mistake. Be that as it may, this is a very fun series with plenty of intensity. These teams don't like each other and it should only intensify when they take the ice for Game 4 tomorrow night in Beantown.
As for the Rome suspension, I've seen some fans argue that it wasn't that bad. I wouldn't necessarily call it blatant. But he did cross the line, which is why rules on late hits are in place. This isn't a repeat offender. Just a kid who made a mistake and probably feels badly for Horton, who luckily was moving all extremenities as he was carried off the ice and rushed to the hospital. We sure hope the ex-Panther will be okay. For Alain Vigneault, he can dig into reserve and reinsert vet Keith Ballard, who might be an upgrade. The Canucks are without Dan Hamhuis, which hurts strong blueline that still features Christian Ehrhoff, Alex Edler, Bieksa and Sami Salo. However, they're already using ex-Bruin Andrew Alberts. So, Ballard could prove vital if he gets in. Meanwhile, figure Seguin to take the place of Horton leaving Thornton in as an energizer.
It all sets up a pivotal Game 4. Don't miss it!
Covering the Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Sabres five years running along with the rest of the puckers!
BONY
Battle Of New York
Showing posts with label Alex Burrows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex Burrows. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Game 3 SCF Preview: On D Day Bruins try to make it a series
Today is a historic day for not just our country but for democracy and freedom. It was 67 years ago on June 6, 1944 that our soldiers helped achieve the greatest win in World War II history. D Day is a special day of Remembrance of all those lives sacrificed in the Battle of Normandy along the coastline of Belgium that finally ended the war. It's a day to reflect and thank those before us who fought for our independence.
Perhaps on 6/6/11, the American team involved in the Stanley Cup will actually make it a series tonight in Beantown. For the Boston Bruins, that requires a maximum effort against the faster and more talented Vancouver Canucks, who by sweeping the first two at home, are two steps closer to the franchise's first Cup. Yes. Both Games 1 and 2 were competitive but only due to outstanding play from certain Vezina selection Tim Thomas, who stood on his head giving his team a chance to steal home ice. If not for a couple of key breakdowns, it would've been enough. Instead, thanks to Raffi Torres' heroics, Daniel Sedin and Public Enemy No.1 Alex Burrows, who took the 'bite' right out of Claude Julien's guys a jaw dropping 11 seconds into sudden death, the B's find themselves in a huge hole as they return to TD Garden.
They'll have to have short memories if they want to make it interesting over the next 72 hours. In the NBA, the expression is a series doesn't start until the road team wins. Using that philosophy, all the Bruins have to do is hold serve and get it to a pivotal Game 5 even. If they can, anything could happen like it did in '09 when the Penguins became only the second team to rally from an 0-2 deficit to win Lord Stanley. Of course, they still lost Game 5 before winning a third straight at home and then finally becoming the lone road team to win in a dramatic Game 7 that's still fresh in Pens' fans memory banks. Marc-Andre Fleury stacking the pads to deny Nick Lidstrom's last second bid.
What has to happen for the Bruins to turn the tables starting tonight on the Canucks?
On paper, it sounds like they'll have to play a perfect game just to give themselves a chance. However, these are all winning qualities good teams execute during a primetime series such as this. It's not won early but late. All depending on how you adjust. We'll see if Boston can use the crowd to their advantage. They'll be loud. The B's haven't won the Cup since 1972 when Bobby Orr skated the fancy chalice in front of Dad after beating the Rangers. They've failed five times since then including back in 1990 to Mark Messier's Oilers, who won the last of their six Cups. Starting tonight on Versus, we get to see what they're made of.
Perhaps on 6/6/11, the American team involved in the Stanley Cup will actually make it a series tonight in Beantown. For the Boston Bruins, that requires a maximum effort against the faster and more talented Vancouver Canucks, who by sweeping the first two at home, are two steps closer to the franchise's first Cup. Yes. Both Games 1 and 2 were competitive but only due to outstanding play from certain Vezina selection Tim Thomas, who stood on his head giving his team a chance to steal home ice. If not for a couple of key breakdowns, it would've been enough. Instead, thanks to Raffi Torres' heroics, Daniel Sedin and Public Enemy No.1 Alex Burrows, who took the 'bite' right out of Claude Julien's guys a jaw dropping 11 seconds into sudden death, the B's find themselves in a huge hole as they return to TD Garden.
They'll have to have short memories if they want to make it interesting over the next 72 hours. In the NBA, the expression is a series doesn't start until the road team wins. Using that philosophy, all the Bruins have to do is hold serve and get it to a pivotal Game 5 even. If they can, anything could happen like it did in '09 when the Penguins became only the second team to rally from an 0-2 deficit to win Lord Stanley. Of course, they still lost Game 5 before winning a third straight at home and then finally becoming the lone road team to win in a dramatic Game 7 that's still fresh in Pens' fans memory banks. Marc-Andre Fleury stacking the pads to deny Nick Lidstrom's last second bid.
What has to happen for the Bruins to turn the tables starting tonight on the Canucks?
1.Get a 2-goal lead- they say the 3-goal lead is the worst in hockey and Julien's club are proof. However, they've yet to build a cushion and put the pressure on Vancouver. How will they react if it happens? Against the Blackhawks early on, we saw what happened when Chicago was ahead, digging out of a 3-0 hole to force a seventh game that required overtime where the all too familiar Burrows clinched it.
2.Don't sit back- one of the fundamental flaws with Julien's Lemaire-esque system is they often try to hold on instead of pushing for more. Throw out the perfect regular season record. At this point, that doesn't matter. Especially against an opportunistic club like Vancouver, who only needs a few chances to cash to turn a game. We saw it the other night when they predictably tied it up with over 10 minutes left and then took it to OT where the B's never recovered.
3.Chara Time- simply put, Zdeno Chara is a beast on the ice who logs a ton of minutes in every situation. While the Boston captain did set up Mark Recchi's go-ahead tally, he also was caught out for Sedin's equalizer and didn't recover to stop Burrows from skating around Thomas and stuffing a wraparound for the stunning winner. Chara must be better along with Julien, who got duped by Alain Vigneault's on the fly change that caught Andrew Ference instead of reliable partner Dennis Seidenberg. With the last change on home ice, that can't happen.
4.The Horton Affect- when Nathan Horton scores, good things happen for the black and gold. The big man has been instrumental during their run, scoring big overtime goals while setting up teammates. When the going got tough against Tampa, the ex-Panther shined brightest with two goals and two assists over the last three games including the series clincher. He'll need to be a factor in front of Roberto Luongo, who hasn't dealt with much chaos compared to his busier counterpart.
5.Shoot The Puck- there were opportunities to shoot the puck when it was tied late in regulation that the B's mysteriously passed up. One such chance saw a streaking Johnny Boychuk passing up an open shot from the right circle, instead overpassing to a covered teammate. Vancouver's D is too stingy. They take away that East/West option, which hardly works during this time of year. The Bruins must pepper Luongo from every angle. He's good at making the first save but will let out juicy rebounds, which the B's must be in position to pounce. Fire away and score in the dirty areas.
6.Special Teams- the B's have been brutal on the power play but finally connected when ultimate warrior Recchi parked himself in front of Luongo and neatly deflected a Chara blast that steered them ahead. Vancouver has a dangerous PK that comes right at you. Their tendency is to overcommit. So, crafty playmakers like David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron must distribute the puck quickly. Short, concise passes can trap Canuck attackers high, giving them a decided edge down low. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Vancouver boasts the best PP with many weapons ranging from the Sedins to Ryan Kesler, Burrows plus sharp shooters Christian Ehrhoff, Sami Salo and Alex Edler. The advice is simple. Stay out of the box, which requires not targeting Burrows or knucklehead Max Lapierre.
On paper, it sounds like they'll have to play a perfect game just to give themselves a chance. However, these are all winning qualities good teams execute during a primetime series such as this. It's not won early but late. All depending on how you adjust. We'll see if Boston can use the crowd to their advantage. They'll be loud. The B's haven't won the Cup since 1972 when Bobby Orr skated the fancy chalice in front of Dad after beating the Rangers. They've failed five times since then including back in 1990 to Mark Messier's Oilers, who won the last of their six Cups. Starting tonight on Versus, we get to see what they're made of.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Canucks win exciting Game 1 but Burrows ruling baffles
A couple of days ago, everyone in Twitter land was rejoicing. Colin Campbell will no longer be League Deputy in charge of disciplining players. Brendan Shanahan takes over the challenging role, giving fans and press hope that future endeavors will be more consistent. Be that as it may, we get to last night's Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final that after way too many whistles, finally saw the Bruins and Canucks put on quite a show with Raffi Torres providing a stirring ending that left Boston cooked with 18.5 seconds left in regulation.
While the criticism of the stripes is well deserved, let's give some credit for no offside on a hustling Ryan Kesler, who again managed to make the biggest play that allowed his team to prevail. We'll never grasp how the gritty do everything American who in our view is the leading Conn Smythe candidate, stayed on side. However, replays confirmed the miraculous play that allowed Jannik Hansen to set up Torres for a tap in that touched off some fireworks. The play of Hansen was imminent all night with a superb Tim Thomas stoning him on a breakaway moments earlier. So, it wasn't too surprising that Hansen was involved. But Torres?!?!?!?! A borderline player who plays his role well. I guess that's what makes this Vancouver team the best one they've ever had. It doesn't matter who it is. They all contribute. That's why they're a favorite in this series and explains our Canucks pre-playoff prediction, ironically over the Bruins in seven. Still, I did err in going against myself when taking my regular season pick the Flyers in Round Two over Beantown. Oops.
When they were allowed to play, the hockey was riveting with each club playing a frenetic pace, generating quality chances. Even if Vancouver's were better especially in a lopsided third that if not for Kesler's dramatics, was headed to overtime. It made for compelling play with nobody passing up a check. And the action was fast and furious. Exactly what you'd want from the two best teams left. If only that was the whole story.
What would a great game to kickoff the fight for Lord Stanley be without controversy? It came in the form of Alex Burrows at the end of the first. Not surprisingly, following a hard fought period, the two teams got together behind Thomas' net. First, Burrows challenged Patrice Bergeron. He of a concussion history who fought back to return last round. Intelligent. As if that weren't enough for a quite capable player who's scored some big goals this tournament, he then took a bite out of Bergeron's glove, stunning NBC production talent that included Doc Emrick, Ed Olczyck, Pierre McGuire, Mike Milbury and Keith Jones. All called the instigator out and expected him to be suspended for Game 2, which would've been the logical thing to do.
When you're talking about a league that after retaining Phoenix, allows Atlanta to relocate to Winnipeg and then threatens fans before they even get hockey again, there is no logic necessary. That may explain how Mike Murphy somehow concluded that Burrows did nothing wrong. That even with video replay, which seemed to indicate Bergeron taking off the glove and bleeding, he ruled that there was no 'conclusive evidence.' Even if it looked like a bite to a vast majority including a large audience that made Game 1 of the SCF its highest rated to start a Cup Final in 11 years thanks to NBC, our opinions didn't matter. Unfortunately, one person is ultimately responsible for such pivotal decisions.
Burrows' large appetite reminded us of Jarkko Ruutu when he got nabbed for two games after treating Andrew Peters' glove like a snack. Biting incidents have also been alleged with a recent case if memory serves coming from the Flyers. In this game, you never know what can happen. Players will do anything to gain an edge. Though we're baffled as to what purpose Mr. Burrows had in mind at the end of a period on one of our faves, the classy Bergeron. Mystifying. Had it been the regular season, the NHL would have had more time and used better judgment. Perhaps the Canucks would've lost Burrows for two games. Instead, he gets of scot free and once again leaves fans, media and the blogosphere alike wondering how this is possible on such a big stage.
Like it or not, this is how our game operates. I am out of answers.
While the criticism of the stripes is well deserved, let's give some credit for no offside on a hustling Ryan Kesler, who again managed to make the biggest play that allowed his team to prevail. We'll never grasp how the gritty do everything American who in our view is the leading Conn Smythe candidate, stayed on side. However, replays confirmed the miraculous play that allowed Jannik Hansen to set up Torres for a tap in that touched off some fireworks. The play of Hansen was imminent all night with a superb Tim Thomas stoning him on a breakaway moments earlier. So, it wasn't too surprising that Hansen was involved. But Torres?!?!?!?! A borderline player who plays his role well. I guess that's what makes this Vancouver team the best one they've ever had. It doesn't matter who it is. They all contribute. That's why they're a favorite in this series and explains our Canucks pre-playoff prediction, ironically over the Bruins in seven. Still, I did err in going against myself when taking my regular season pick the Flyers in Round Two over Beantown. Oops.
When they were allowed to play, the hockey was riveting with each club playing a frenetic pace, generating quality chances. Even if Vancouver's were better especially in a lopsided third that if not for Kesler's dramatics, was headed to overtime. It made for compelling play with nobody passing up a check. And the action was fast and furious. Exactly what you'd want from the two best teams left. If only that was the whole story.
What would a great game to kickoff the fight for Lord Stanley be without controversy? It came in the form of Alex Burrows at the end of the first. Not surprisingly, following a hard fought period, the two teams got together behind Thomas' net. First, Burrows challenged Patrice Bergeron. He of a concussion history who fought back to return last round. Intelligent. As if that weren't enough for a quite capable player who's scored some big goals this tournament, he then took a bite out of Bergeron's glove, stunning NBC production talent that included Doc Emrick, Ed Olczyck, Pierre McGuire, Mike Milbury and Keith Jones. All called the instigator out and expected him to be suspended for Game 2, which would've been the logical thing to do.
When you're talking about a league that after retaining Phoenix, allows Atlanta to relocate to Winnipeg and then threatens fans before they even get hockey again, there is no logic necessary. That may explain how Mike Murphy somehow concluded that Burrows did nothing wrong. That even with video replay, which seemed to indicate Bergeron taking off the glove and bleeding, he ruled that there was no 'conclusive evidence.' Even if it looked like a bite to a vast majority including a large audience that made Game 1 of the SCF its highest rated to start a Cup Final in 11 years thanks to NBC, our opinions didn't matter. Unfortunately, one person is ultimately responsible for such pivotal decisions.
Burrows' large appetite reminded us of Jarkko Ruutu when he got nabbed for two games after treating Andrew Peters' glove like a snack. Biting incidents have also been alleged with a recent case if memory serves coming from the Flyers. In this game, you never know what can happen. Players will do anything to gain an edge. Though we're baffled as to what purpose Mr. Burrows had in mind at the end of a period on one of our faves, the classy Bergeron. Mystifying. Had it been the regular season, the NHL would have had more time and used better judgment. Perhaps the Canucks would've lost Burrows for two games. Instead, he gets of scot free and once again leaves fans, media and the blogosphere alike wondering how this is possible on such a big stage.
Like it or not, this is how our game operates. I am out of answers.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Is he Right?
The biggest topic making the rounds is what Canucks' forward Alex Burrows accused referee Stephane Auger of last week following Vancouver's loss to Nashville.
It's been well documented that a discussion took place between the two prior to the game with Auger supposedly referencing a prior instance in which Burrows embellished to draw a major, making him look bad and would get back at the Vancouver pest. That he was penalized twice in the deciding stanza, including for diving and phantom interference which led to Shea Weber's winner makes it the case that much more intriguing. Not surprisingly with just four seconds to spare, a furious Burrows drew an additional unsportsmanlike and misconduct, totaling 16 penalty minutes- all in the final 20 minutes.
Odd. Was it merely a strange coincidence or did Auger really cross the line, violating the code of conduct expected of sports officials? Even a week later with the NHL fining Burrows $2,500 while not disciplining Auger yet, there are still many lingering questions. Why only $2,500 for a player who made such a strong accusation? How come the league remains more quiet than a mouse? Is it too much for Gary Bettman and League VP Of No Objectivity Colin Campbell to discuss this serious manner further? Or are they plain chicken? If only Marty McFly were running things. Come to think of it. We could use Reggie Hammond. This league needs a new sheriff as badly as the Chargers need a new coach. One already signed an extension while the other is not going anywhere.
I'm no expert and don't pretend to be. I just don't feel Burrows would make all of it up. Of course, the powers to be want to sweep it under the rug and pretend things are honky dory. This ain't going away anytime soon. One of my good Tweeps HockeyJoeGM had an interesting tweet:
Is he right? I'm no fan of Bettman Inc. I never bought the whole crap about the lockout just being about the salary cap. Not with owners fattening pockets. This league is full of deception. However, we don't really know what went down at GM Motor Place on Jan.11. Only two people know the whole truth. Burrows and Auger. I can't definitely conclude anything other than it's just the latest sample of substandard officiating. In this instance, was there a motive? I don't really know. The league has mishandled it. Yet another reason to throw your arms up in the air.
Nothing doing.
It's been well documented that a discussion took place between the two prior to the game with Auger supposedly referencing a prior instance in which Burrows embellished to draw a major, making him look bad and would get back at the Vancouver pest. That he was penalized twice in the deciding stanza, including for diving and phantom interference which led to Shea Weber's winner makes it the case that much more intriguing. Not surprisingly with just four seconds to spare, a furious Burrows drew an additional unsportsmanlike and misconduct, totaling 16 penalty minutes- all in the final 20 minutes.
Odd. Was it merely a strange coincidence or did Auger really cross the line, violating the code of conduct expected of sports officials? Even a week later with the NHL fining Burrows $2,500 while not disciplining Auger yet, there are still many lingering questions. Why only $2,500 for a player who made such a strong accusation? How come the league remains more quiet than a mouse? Is it too much for Gary Bettman and League VP Of No Objectivity Colin Campbell to discuss this serious manner further? Or are they plain chicken? If only Marty McFly were running things. Come to think of it. We could use Reggie Hammond. This league needs a new sheriff as badly as the Chargers need a new coach. One already signed an extension while the other is not going anywhere.
I'm no expert and don't pretend to be. I just don't feel Burrows would make all of it up. Of course, the powers to be want to sweep it under the rug and pretend things are honky dory. This ain't going away anytime soon. One of my good Tweeps HockeyJoeGM had an interesting tweet:
Of course Bettman is satisfied with the Burrows investigation. It ended immediately a ref was lauded and a player was thrown under the bus.
Is he right? I'm no fan of Bettman Inc. I never bought the whole crap about the lockout just being about the salary cap. Not with owners fattening pockets. This league is full of deception. However, we don't really know what went down at GM Motor Place on Jan.11. Only two people know the whole truth. Burrows and Auger. I can't definitely conclude anything other than it's just the latest sample of substandard officiating. In this instance, was there a motive? I don't really know. The league has mishandled it. Yet another reason to throw your arms up in the air.
Nothing doing.
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