The Boston Bruins played phenomenal defense, Tim Thomas kept Tampa Bay off the board, and Nathan Horton scored the game's lone goal in the Bruins 1-0 Game 7 win over the Lightning on Friday night. The Bruins will now move on to face the Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks, and game one will be Wednesday night. Stay tuned for post-game audio from Jeff Schools, who is LIVE from the TD Garden, and tune into the Big Jab Weekend Warm-Up tomorrow (presented by Mister Sparky, America's on-time electrician) from 8a-11a for all your Bruins aftermath! Duckboats! Our Bruins coverage is brought you by Shipyard Brewing. (Post-Game audio below)
Follow along right here for the Maine Sports Network's coverage of Game 7, Boston Bruins v Tampa Bay Lightning for a chance to go to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks. We'll be tweeting, live blogging and have exclusive post game audio from the TD Garden.
The Boston Bruins who spent the entire first period falling down on the ice and getting their rear-ends handed to them, managed to string together a solid effort in the 2nd and 3rd periods, getting a tying goal from Nathan Horton and the eventual game-winner from Brad Marchand in their 3-1 win on Monday night.
Tim Thomas, who got beat on a breakway in the first period, had 33 saves, including a stick save in third period that may have saved the game and the series for the black and gold.
Rich Peverley added an empty-net goal for the B's. Game 6 is Wednesday night in Tampa.
Stay tuned for Jeff's post-game audio and remember, we are Maine's only media entity covering the Bruins live! Our coverage is brought to you by the good folks at Shipyard!
Follow along tonight as Matty, Jeff and the rest of the MESN crew report LIVE from the TD Garden during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. We'll be tweeting and live blogging, so stop on by!
Tim Thomas faced 31 shots on Thursday night in the Bruins 2-0 win. None of them got past him.
The Bruins went to Tampa Bay and played solid defense, and when they didn't, Thomas more than saved their bacon.
David Krejci scored early to get the Bruins on the board 1-0 1:09 into the first, going backhand to forehand in front of the net off a beautiful centering pass from Milan Lucic. After a scoreless second period, the Bruins struck gold again the third period, when an Andrew Ference slapper trickled past Dwayne Roloson (the goal was originally credited to Tyler Seguin, but was rightfully credited to Ference in the post-game). The defense and Thomas took it the rest of the way.
The Bruins are now up 2 game to 1 in the series, and will face the Lightning in Tampa again Saturday afternoon at 1:30 on NBC.
Patrice Bergeron returned to action, and seemed to hint that he felt okay initially, but the team was extra cautious in his return.
"I tried not to put any pressure on myself to come back to soon," said Bergeron in the post-game. "I got some contact on game-day (before Game 2) and the team, myself, and the doctors felt I was ready to go."
"I stayed pretty positive in the process, and I was happy it (the concussion) was mild like it was."
Tim Thomas wore the ugly Bruins Starter jacket after the game.
Our coverage of the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals is brought to you by Shipyard Brewing Company. Remember, you don't have to be a sailor to enjoy an ice cold Shipyard.
Tyler Seguin played roughly 5 minutes in game one, and Claude Julien once again maddened his fan base and the common-sense arm of the media by refusing to play the kid. Tuesday night in a 6-5 win, Seguin played 13 minutes and 31 seconds. What a 13 minutes and 31 seconds it was.
The new golden boy of Boston sports, Seguin had 2 goals and 2 assists, logged plenty of ice time, and the Bruins survived some horrible defense and a shaky night from Tim Thomas to even up the series with Tampa.
Michael Ryder and Nathan Horton also had big games, Horton with 3 points (a goals and 2 assists) and Ryder with 2 goals and an assist. Dennis Seidenberg and Thomas Kaberle each added 2 assists. The B's had 5 goals in the second period alone, and forced Dwayne Roloson out of the game after 2 periods.
Tampa got to within one goal in the third period, but it wasn't enough.
Tim Thomas had 36 saves on 41 shots.
Post-Game audio below. All of our coverage of the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is brought to you by Shipyard Brewing.
Dave Stewart tweeted "It's official - Lewiston's request to move to Summerside has been denied by the QMJHL board."
When asked for a response, Maineiacs Governor Bill Schurman replied via e-mail to Pine Tree Pucks.
"Nothing has changed, including what appears to be the lack of confidentiality by some.(it sure seems there is a connection toward Charlottetown). Said Schurman, "We continue to sell our season tickets (loyalty pricing ends tomorrow) and to plan for next year. If anything changes we'll let our people and community now first as promised."
Mike Haggett, the Maineiacs Media Relations Director, also tweeted: "There was no vote, no request to move filed, nothing. (Board of Governors) last met in (Montreal) week of awards and won't meet again until draft."
Another great night at the Garden and special thanks to Shipyard Brewing Company for supporting us in our efforts to be the ONLY Maine outlet to cover the Bruins in Boston Saturday night!
So, what was wrong with the Bruins last night...hmm..well, where do I start. A couple observations.
Tomas Kaberle. He was HORRIBLE. As inconsistent play as I have ever seen during the playoffs.
If Kaberle was supposed to be thw power play wunderkind, he sure hasn't shown it here. He was terrible on the point, not shooting, waiting that one extra tick to pass, not good. Yet, Claude Julien keeps throwing him out there, hoping he can make a difference. I fear that is never going to happen.
Let's talk about the giveaway. You know which giveaway, that awful, terrible, back-breaking, unforced error, where Kaberle basically gave the puck to, GULP, Former Maine Black Bear Teddy Purcell. I heard criticism all around the Garden last night that while the Bruins and Lightning both were changing up, Dennis Seidenburg was all alone on the right side and should have skated into the neutral zone. Ok, that would have left the 2, count them 2 Lightning forecheckers with a 2 on 1. I think Seidenberg made the right choice and furthermore, the wisest choice giving the puck to a guy like Kaberle. Kaberle choked...PERIOD. You plain can not be the caliber of player Tomas Kaberle is and give that puck up, no way no how.
I can't sit here and totally rag on Kaberle, because I did see some spark I hadn't in the previous trips to the Garden. He did actually skate, with the puck, through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone to attempt to make plays. He did this on many occasions and seemed to effectively break the vaunted Lightning blockade. The Bruins need MUCH more of that effective offensive skill, it could be a difference maker.
Ok let's talk about Tyler Seguin. Tyler Seguin, for all of 5 minutes ice time in the first two periods, gave this team an offensive spark. No, he is not the second coming of Bobby Orr, he is not Espo in the waiting, but he was skating and putting offensive pressure on the Lightning.
Is Seguin's defense where it needs to be? No. OK, the Bruins have enough blue line talent to make up for that. Was Bergenheim his man on the 1st goal of the night? Yes. I thought he made the right play attempting to step out and cover Victor Hedman. Seguin over-committed a tad, got loose on his skates, and was a little out of position. Bigger problem on that play was Seidenberg lost his stick and watch Michael Ryder. I wouldn't call him the Statue of Liberty, but pretty close. So the sloppy play, a player without his stick all bigger negative contributions to the goal than Tyler Seguin.
His offensive ability, as in it's infancy as it is, is there. Ask Mike Lundin how talented Seguin is. Seguin left Lundin's jock strap somewhere out on the Zakim Bride with that move. As quality a goal score as you will see in the NHL.
While there are some holes in Tyler Seguin's game, the Bruins need that offensive talen in the lineup. Without Patrice Bergeron, that much is 100% clear. The kid deserves more than 9 minutes of ice time.
This team also misses Patrice Bergeron and his 60% faceoff wins. Last night the Bruins won a meager 39% of all faceoffs, maybe the biggest reason for the lack of offensive fire power last night.
Bergeron skated by himself in the morning, was in attendance, posing with soldiers during the game (to which I thought the building was going to crumble it was so loud), looked in good health. I am hoping Bergeron and the Bruins are playing this smart. They lost one player to this devastating issue, they can not afford a second. My belief is that Patrice Bergeron is a very smart man, and would not jeopardize his livelihood and his life for a Stanley Cup. I think in the end, they will make the right decision. If you believe the scuttlebutt, Bergeron may suit up Tuesday. Time will tell, but it is clear the Bruins need him.
Last but not least, in the you had to do it didn't you department, two Maine Black Bears alum took part in taking down the Bruins last night. Brett Clark (1995-1996) and Teddy Purcell (2006-2007) each scored 1st period goals that helped to put the Bruins back on their heels much of the rest of the game. Clark's rush was kinda cool. Here is the video.
THE MAINE SPORTS NETWORK'S COVERAGE OF THE BOSTON BRUINS IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS PRESENTED BY THE SHIPYARD BREWING CO.
It could be nothing, it could be something, but a New York paper has some interesting quotes from Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black on the affiliation between the Sabres and Portland Pirates.
“We have a deal in place with Portland (and) it extends for two or three more years,” Black told the radio station AM 550. “But, I also know affiliations change.”
The CBC's Glenn Healy stated last night on Canadian television that Portland Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen will be in high demand this off-season (my children would say "duh" to this news), but also said the Sabres have given permission for him to seek other jobs already if he desires. Dineen was a candidate for jobs in Columbus and in Tampa Bay last season, and with the success Guy Boucher has had jumping from Hamilton to Tampa, it's possible a team takes chance on Dineen without NHL head-coaching experience.
Tyler Seguin on way to his 1st Playoff Goal (PHOTO DAN HICKLING)
After not playing since last Friday night, some rust was to be expected from both hockey teams. Unfortunately for the Boston Bruins, they were three goals rustier than Tampa Bay in a 5-2 game one loss.
Three quick goals in the first period ended the Bruins chances. Sean Bergenheim, who killed the Caps in the last round, continued his good play, potting the first goal of the series for either team. After two more quick Lightning goals, the Bruins were down 3-0 and the building was zapped of life. Tyler Seguin, who made the most of his sparse ice time, scored his first career playoff goal to make it 3-1 at the end of the first period, but the Bruins never got any closer than that.
Stay tuned for post-game audio taken live from the TD Garden, and a reminder, our Bruins coverage is brought to you by the good folks at Shipyard.
Thanks to Shipyard Brewing Co. for sponsoring our coverage of the 2011 Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals. Check back here tonight to follow Jeff from the Garden and Matty from the Remote Bunker as the Bruins make their way to the Stanley Cup Finals
Joe Haggerty from CSNNE.com, joined us this morning to talk Bruins before Saturday night's game one against the Lightning, and provides us a possible to update to Patrice Bergereron and when he might play in this series (hint: it's later on in the series)
There will be no repeat of the collapse of the Boston Bruins in 2011. Milan Lucic scored 2 goals and a blast from Johnny Boychuk put the Bruins on course for a conference final battle with the Tampa Bay Lightning, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-1 Friday. The Bruins win the series 4-0.
Philadelphia looked very strong early, taking the play to the Bruins. They had an early SOG lead and looked like they were
ready to not give up yet. Braydon Coburn looked like a house on fire, pressing the Bruins everytime he hit the ice.
The Flyers energy didn't last all that long as the Bruins physical play and speed started wearing the defense down.
The power play got to show its improved self at the 12 minute mark of the 1st. Daniel Carsillo was tired of chasing Gregory
Campbell around and inexplicably clearly cross checked him in the kidneys right in front of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The
crisp passing that has been missing from the PP of late showed up, as Milan Lucic broke his own scorless streak on 2 pretty
passes from Nathan Horton and David Krejci.
Both teams played extremely physical play throughout the 2nd period, and the Flyers threw the equalizing punch. On a nice two on one Mike rihards rushed with Kris Versteeg. Dennis Seidenburg tried to stay in the middle, but Richards did a great job holding the body, allowing Versteeg a virtual breakaway, went top shelf, beating Tim Thomas to make it 1-1.
The 3rd period was that much more physical from both teams, unfortunately the Bruins may have been dealt a blow. In the opening minute of the period.Patrice Bergeron took a shoulder to the head, went face dowbn on the ice, got right up and skated off the ice and didn't return.
Luckily, the Bruins wasted no time getting the game winnwer and making life easier without their best player. Johnny Boychuck buried a slapper from the blue line right off the face off at the 2:42 mark.
Philadelphia jumped right on the absence of Bergeron, playing desparate, yet controlled offense. The Bruins stood tall on wave after wave of Flyers pressure. Unfortunatly for the Flyers, the Bruins D was up to the task and nathan Horton fed Lucic for the backbreaker at the 15:03 mark of the 3rd. From then on it was all Bruins as Brad Marchand and Daniel Paille scored empty net goals for the 5 - 1 win to close the Philadelphia Flyers out 4-0.
The Bruins will go on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 1st time in 19 years. The Bruins will go on to face the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Bruins completed the sweep and exorcised the demons of last season's collapse with an epic 5-1 win over the Flyers. Here's the post-game audio with Milan Lucic (who had 2 goals during the game and a huge smile after it) and head coach Claude Julien.
Tickets for the next series (The Eastern Conference Finals) against Tampa Bay go on sale Saturday at 4 PM.
Home cooking went sour again for the Pirates, as their season ended with a thud, losing 3-0 to the Binghamton Senators in a series-ending game 6. The Pirates failed to win a game at home in the series, and it cost them as a promising season came to a crashing halt. Jim O'Brien scored
25 seconds in, Zack Smith scored another goal in the series and Kaspars Daugavins scored an empty-netter for the Senators, who now head to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The excitement of the Pirates return to Portland to fight another day didn't last long in game 6, as Jim O'Brien scored on a broken play just 25 seconds into the game. Jared Cowen and Kaspars Daugavins picked up assists as the Pirates were in a very early hole in a must-win game. The Pirates would hold an 11-6 shot advantage after one period, but Senators goalie Robin Lehner was in tip-top shape in this one.
The Pirates had to weather an early storm in the second period, as Jeff Dimmen took a penalty less than three minutes in. Portland goalie Jhonas Enroth had to make a handful of tough saves on the penalty kill as the Senators looked to extend their slim lead. Enroth stood strong, however, and the Pirates were still standing. Portland looked to get the equalizer eight minutes in, but the goal was waved off as Daugavins was called for a hooking penalty. In the post-game press conference, Pirates coach Kevin Dineen said it was the right call, as the Senators touched the puck before Portland put in in the net. It was deflating for a team struggling to solve a hot goalie. What was more deflating was when the Pirates went on a 5-on-3 40 seconds later, and couldn't capitalize on the advantage. It may have been a turning point in the game, as the Pirates best chance to put one past Lehner was not good enough.
The Senators would go on the power play midway through the period, as Igor Gongalsky was called for delay of game for knocking the net out of place. Zack Smith took advantage of the power play halfway through, lighting the lamp as he beat Enroth up high on a pass from Ryan Keller. Mike Hoffman also picked up an assist on the goal. After two periods it was Binghamton with a 2-0 lead, and the Pirates with their backs against the wall.
The Pirates couldn't seem to put together a sustained attack in the game, with an advantage in shots on goal misleading. Lehner was the best player on the ice in game 6, and maybe for the whole series, finishing with 36 saves and causing the Pirates to wonder what could have been.
The players were emotional after the game, wondering where a season where everything was going right went wrong. Both Dineen and the players were frustrated that they couldn't take advantage of home-ice advantage in the series. A team that was near impossible to beat at home in the regular season, and 3-0 in the first round, was 0-fer for this series, and it all boiled over in the deciding game 6, when they failed to even score.
While things look bad right now, in time the team will have a chance to look back at this season and see all the positives. For Dineen, it might be his last season in Portland, as his name will surely be near the tops of many NHL team's lists for open head coaching positions.
Matty is live at the TD Garden tonight as the Bruins look to finish off a sweep of the Flyers. You can interact with him on Twitter during the game below and stay tuned for post-game. Tonight's coverage is brought you by the good folks at Mister Sparky, America's On-Time Electrician.
It took less than one minute and three seconds for the Bruins to take a two-goal lead on the Flyers Wednesday night in their Game 3 Stanley Cup Playoff match-up, but it took 58 minutes and 57 seconds for the Bruins to go up 3-0 in the series with a 5-1 win.
Zdeno Chara and David Krejci scored 33 seconds apart in the first 63 seconds to literally start the game for the Bruins, and the Flyers, who had said they were treating this game 3 like it was a game 7, treated it like it was a game 7. Of the exhibition season.
Tim Thomas was his usual, Vezina-quality self, making 37 saves against the hapless Flyers, who played once again without defenseman Chris Pronger and used Jeff Carter on a limited basis.
Daniel Paille and Nathan Horton each scored in the second period, which chased Rhode Island native Brian Boucher from the game. Sergei Bobrovsky, with the help of some quick legs and kind goal-posts, managed to keep the Bruins mostly in check the rest of the way. Late in the 3rd period, the Bruins got a 5 on 3 power play and FINALLY scored with the 2-man advantage as Chara knocked home another goal. The Flyers are going back to the future, hoping they can do the impossible in back-to-back seasons, coming back from 3-0 down to win in the second round of the playoffs.
Jeff hit the road tonight and will be on the scene as the Boston Bruins look to take Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series against Philadelphia tonight. Follow him on Twitter to interact during the game and stay tuned after the game for post-game audio and photos.
This Bruins playoff coverage is brought to you by The Drum Shop! Check them out at DrumsForLess.com or follow them on Twitter.
Mancari was key in getting series back home (Photo Jeff Schools/MESN)
Mark Mancari scored twice and added two assists to lead the Portland Pirates to a 6-2 win over the Binghamton Senators in Game 5 of the Atlantic Division Finals played tonight in front of 3,152 at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.
The victory forced a sixth game in the best of seven series, which will be played Friday at the Cumberland County Civic Center. The Senators lead the series 3-2.
Colin Stuart added a goal and an assist for the Pirates while single goals went to Luke Adam, Mark Parrish and Mark Voakes.
Jim O’Brien and Bobby Butler scored for the Senators.
The Pirates jumped out to a quick start in this one scoring four times in the opening period to build a 4-0 lead after one. Stuart and Adam netted power-play goals in the first seven minutes, Mancari connected shorthanded and Parrish found the back of the net even strength to get the Pirates rolling and chase Binghamton starter Robin Lehner after the fourth goal, replaced by Barry Brust with five and a half minutes left in the first. Voakes scored early in the second to increase the Pirates lead to 5-0 before O’Brien got the home side on the board. Mancari, with his second of the game, and Butler traded goals in the second half of the second to send the game into the third with the Pirates ahead 6-2. There was no scoring in the third.
The Pirates out shot the Senators 41-37 in the game as Jhonas Enroth posted the victory.
The Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the game were all from the Pirates. Mancari was the first, Stuart the second and Enroth the third.
The series returns to Portland for Game 6 on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Fans in attendance will receive pom poms courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Tickets for the game are on sale at the Civic Center Box Office, by calling 207-775-3458 or on line at portlandpirates.com. Advance tickets are $18 for Adult Premium Main Deck, $17 for Adult Main Deck and $14 Adult Quarter Deck. Advance tickets for Youth/Senior/Student in the Premium Main Deck are $13 and $12 in the Main Deck or Quarter Deck. There is a $2 increase on all ticket prices when purchased the day of the game.
The game can be seen live on TWCTV Plus-Channel 1000 or when Boston Red Sox Overflow games are not occurring it will also be seen on TWCTV Channel 9, 21 or 22 (depending on location). The game can also be heard live on 95.5 News Talk WLOB and on line at portlandpirates.com beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.
If necessary, Game 7 will take place at the Civic Center Saturday at 7 p.m. with fans in attendance receiving pom poms courtesy of Time Warner Cable.
-PORTLAND PIRATES-
Karpars Daugavins and Ryan Potulny each scored a pair of goals to lead the Binghamton Senators to a 6-1 win over the Portland Pirates in Game 4 of their Atlantic Division Final series played tonight in front of 3,180 at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.
Binghamton leads the best-of-seven series 3-1.
Mike Hoffman and Ryan Keller rounded out the Senators goal scoring while Corey Locke registered three assists.
Luke Adam scored the lone Pirates goal.
The Senators used three first-period power plays to build a 3-1 lead after one. Hoffman opened the scoring with the man advantage just 2:54 into the game. Adam tied it for the Pirates only to see Daugavins connect 10 second later to restore the Senators one-goal lead. Keller added another power-play goal in the later stages of the first to complete the period scoring. Daugavins, with his second of the game, and Potulny accounted for all of the offence in the second to carry the home side into the third with a 5-1 lead. Potulny registered his second of the game to complete the scoring in the third and give the Senators a 6-1 victory.
The Senators out shot the Pirates 39-23 as David Leggio started and took the loss. Leggio surrendered four goals on 20 shots before being replaced by Jhonas Enroth early in the second and the Pirates trailing 4-1.
The Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the game were all from the Senators. Daugavins was the first, Keller the second and Potulny the third.
The series remains in Binghamton for Game 5 tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. The game can be seen live on TWCTV Plus-Channel 1000 or when Boston Red Sox Overflow games are not occurring it will also be seen on TWCTV Channel 9, 21 or 22 (depending on location). The game can also be heard live on 95.5 News Talk WLOB and on line at portlandpirates.com beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.
Game 6 of the series, if necessary, will be played Friday at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland County Civic Cente
Tim Conboy scored with 12.5 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Portland Pirates to a 3-2 win over the Binghamton Senators in Game 3 of their Atlantic Division Finals series played tonight in front of 4,637 at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.
Binghamton now leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Derek Whitmore added a goal and an assist to the Pirates attack while Brian O’Hanley netted the other.
Ryan Keller and Kaspars Daugavins scored for the Senators, who saw a five-game playoff winning streak come to an end.
O’Hanley struck for the only goal of the first period five-and-a-half minutes into the game to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead after one for the third straight game in the series. Binghamton tied it early in the second as Keller found the back of the net followed by a power-play goal by Daugavins to give the Senators a 2-1 advantage heading into the third. Whitmore tied the game with just over five minutes remaining in regulation to set the stage for Conboy’s heroics.
The Senators out shot the Pirates 34-33 in the game as David Leggio posted the victory.
The Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the game were 1. Whitmore, 2. Conboy and 3. Keller.
The series remains in Binghamton for the next two games, Game 4 on Monday and Game 5 on Tuesday. Both games are 7:05 face-offs and both can be seen live on TWCTV Plus-Channel 1000 or when Boston Red Sox Overflow games are not occurring they will also be seen on TWCTV Channel 9, 21 or 22 (depending on location). Both games can also be heard live on 95.5 News Talk WLOB and on line at portlandpirates.com beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.
Game 6 of the series, if necessary, will be played Friday at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Fans in attendance will receive pom poms courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Tickets for the game are on sale at the Civic Center Box Office, by calling 207-775-3458 or on line at portlandpirates.com. Advance tickets are $18 for Adult Premium Main Deck, $17 for Adult Main Deck and $14 Adult Quarter Deck. Advance tickets for Youth/Senior/Student in the Premium Main Deck are $13 and $12 in the Main Deck or Quarter Deck. There is a $2 increase on all ticket prices when purchased the day of the game. -PORTLAND PIRATES-
