2020-2021 NHL Season Preview | Can the Bruins Still Trust Tuukka Rask?

Craig D'Alessandro: 0:24

This episode of missing the point is being brought to you by Boxo crafts. Save 15% off your first holiday box at checkout with the promo code MTP. That's boxo crafts.com. On this episode I'm missing the point where you preview the 2021 National Hockey League season. We'll discuss the biggest changes that have been implemented by the NHL to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus including going from to conferences for divisions we'll discuss with teams benefit and which teams will struggle to changes. We'll also focus in on the Boston Bruins season the Bruins storm to the regular season last year, but after the virus stoppage, they never seem to regain their dominance and were eliminated in the playoffs of the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning after the way Tuukka Rask left the team last postseason, can Bruins fans still trust him to be the regular season goaltender? And what about Zdeno Chara, then our former Bruins Captain has moved on to the Washington Capitals after a 14 year stint on the B's. Well the Bruins young and upcoming players be able to match the production of the former Stanley Cup champion. Today we'll look to answer those questions. But first, some housekeeping missing the point is a one hour podcast recap of the biggest stories in the world of sports with the New England flavor. The show notes and transcript of today's episode can be found in the description box below, as well as on our website. www dot MTP show.com. If you're new to the show, please consider subscribing. It's the easiest way to see we publish new episodes. We are on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to rate us and leave a review of any of our shows. We always appreciate your feedback. Also, be sure to follow us on all of our social medias. All of our links will be in the show notes and check it out brand new website WWW dot MTP show.com that's MTP show.com. And now this is missing the point Episode 32. But it's all relative.

Joe Malkin: 2:32

Hello and welcome into missing the point the sports podcast where we talk about sports. My name is Joe Malkin I am your host for this show. I am joined today by rayshawn Buchanan and Bob Kelly, along with our executive producer Craig D'Alessandro will release a blooper reel at the end of the year. And today we're here to talk about hockey because why not? the NHL season starts today. Thursday, the 13th of January. And the Boston Bruins played tonight and it's very exciting. And we're going to talk a little bit about what the NHL season is gonna look like what the Bruins are going to look like coming into the 2020 2021 season which is really just now the 21 season. And I'm going to ask the question later on and we'll talk about it but you know, they call this a big market tease. Will the NHL season be affected like the NBA season so we'll get to that a little bit later on down the line. But first, I want to start by kind of going through what the NHL is going to look like this year guys. The league reached a new CBA agreement on July 10 in the middle of all this stuff going on right so they had a lockout in oh five they had a lockout in 2012 2013 season. And they've avoided a lockout this time around. Although going into this season, maybe it was a good time for a lockout. But as rayshawn always says it's a business number one, they want their money, they lost enough of it last year, so they need to recoup it. The NHL will play in season beginning on January 13. ending on May 8, the season will be 56 games long, which is down from 82. So where the NBA came from 84 to 72. The NHL comes from 82 down to 5683 to 72 isn't 82 to 72 you know how many times I've always gotten that mixed up trying to figure out what plays 82 which play plays 80 for the league this year will be split into four divisions rather than the Eastern Conference in the Western Conference. They'll have the central the east, the north and the West changed from the eastern Western Conference. This is partly due to the Canadian government not allowing American teams into Canada and kind of just not wanting to have that travel between the two countries. So the seven Canadian teams will play in the north division. This is also the first time since 1923 that there has been an all Canadian Division in the NHL, which is very interesting. So 98 years since that has been a thing which is pretty cool to see it kind of reverting I'll ask this question in just a minute when I get through this but a question pertaining to that so don't let me forget. Once they get to the playoffs after the 56 game season the top four teams in each division 16 total which is typical, will qualify for the playoffs. The first two rounds will be played under a peer divisional format so the four teams of each division will play each other and then the playoffs will be receipted once it's down to four teams. So the four teams will play until they're down to one and then the four teams from each each division. Guys, I gotta ask you this question to start the show off. And I'll go to Ray for this one right there. They're going from an Eastern and Western Division to more of an MLB, NFL type format with the four divisions. Generally they have divisions within their conferences much like the NBA, right? Do you think they stick with this kind of a format going forward, even when they go back to when needed to get now granted? I don't think they'll stick with you just play games within your division because obviously, that's due to COVID and travel concerns. But do you think this is a format the NHL could stick with from here on out?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 6:05

I think it's depending on the success right. So Gary Bettman has to do a lot of things to make the NHL exciting. And you know, like you alluded to a few moments ago, about them having to go north division. I think that's pretty dope. I think that you know, seeing the whole 17th with this each other so you know, Toronto, Vancouver, you know, Winnipeg, I forget the rest of them, but those are the ones that come to mind Edmonton. But yeah, I think that's pretty cool. I don't think it will continue like that unless it's successful. But I mean, like anything's worth to try and they just have to throw a lot of things against the wall and just see the sticks. So maybe it'll stick by I personally, I don't think though could singer doing it? But, you know, hopefully it's assigning hockey to watch.

Joe Malkin: 6:42

Bobby Don't you think the Canadian hockey fans would eat that up? like think about that even as a Boston fan like that? We'll talk about the division that the Celtics, the Bruins are in shortly, but they're in it with basically the metro division. So Pittsburgh, Buffalo, the Islanders, the the Rangers, the devils that the capitals like, man. Yeah, I know most of those teams are in in the Eastern Conference to begin with. But imagine now breaking it into divisions and the Canadian teams playing each other all the time. I think that's pretty exciting to me.

Rob Kelly: 7:11

Yeah. I mean, I personally looking the way it's laying out. I would love it. Because to me, the biggest thing when it's hockey is when you get familiarity, you get chippy, you get this hockey, that's a different level. Because these guys actually, by the end of these games literally don't like each other. They like they look at each other and want to fight immediately. I mean, granted, they don't actually end up shaking hands at the end of the game and everything like that. But like when you have rivals going up against rivals constantly, like we're gonna have this upcoming year, I think it's gonna make for some great hockey, I do think the NHL, I don't know if it'll be this extreme, where, like you said, where you're only playing your division teams. But I think it's something that they will adapt to moving forward. There's definitely a type of week that will change his rules, and we'll adjust to things as they go. If they change the overtime rules completely. They change things. So I mean, I wouldn't doubt seeing them make the kind of change like this moving forward.

Joe Malkin: 8:08

Yeah. And so just to kind of give everybody an idea in case you're living under a rock or you don't follow hockey much, but you found your way to our podcast, the four divisions will look like this. And the Central Division will be Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Nashville in Tampa Bay. The East is Boston Buffalo, New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington. The North division is the seven Canadian teams Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, and the West, Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles, Minnesota, San Jose, St. Louis, and Vegas, I think they're gonna have to do a little bit of reworking with that, because I think it's interesting that Minnesota is in that West Division. But Chicago's in the central, but they can figure that out later as they want to, I think it's a great conversation for them to have, you know, one one of the things that, and I know Dave can attest to this, one of the things that's nice about most of the International, the international football leagues, or soccer, as they, as we call it here in America is that if there's a 20 team League, each team plays each other twice home in a way, and you play 30 a games. So I think you could find a format where Bobby, like you said, you get these divisional games that are very important. And you get these teams against each other for six times do two and two, or three and three, and then fill in with the rest of the teams in the league. I think it's something that could work moving forward. And I think you're gonna see a lot of the teams do a lot of these things. I mean, the NBA Ray was talking about doing that midseason tournament, something, again, that we see in a lot of international basketball leagues. And I think it's a great idea. But you have to give players and teams more incentive, which is why a lot of the times they need to involve the G league teams, but now we're getting way off off topic, but it's something that the NHL could look at as well. So, but what's interesting about this season two is instead of playing the classic New Year's Day, they're going to play two outdoor games at the Edgewood Tahoe resort in Stateline, Nevada on Lake Tahoe on February 20 and 21st. And the fly And Bruins will play on one of those games in the avalanche and Golden Knights. So it will be the only game outside of the Eastern Time Zone that the Bruins will play in the 2021 season. It's pretty cool that they're getting that done anyway, guys.

Rob Kelly: 10:38

Yeah, I love those out there hockey games, man. So my favorite hockey memories of those outdoor Winter Classic games. I remember we played it, I think was the flyers. Back in the day at Fenway. I think it was like four or five years ago where it was just one of the best hockey games I've ever watched. I said, I don't even remember who scored the game winning goal. That's how long ago it was. No,

Rayshawn Buchanan: 10:58

it was on New Year's Day, right?

Rob Kelly: 10:59

Yeah, exactly. Yeah, I love those outdoor games.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 11:02

I feel like there was like snow and fish like don't snow into the air. So I like that. So it made one of the few moments at Fenway magic over the last few years, because we know it hasn't been magical lately. But I mean, I want to go back to what we talked about how cool it was going to be for the divisions. You know, I still want to see Montreal in Boston, though. Like, I feel like that's something where, you know, I mean, I IV boyfriends. I know why I thinks I think immediately I think of Ryan Oh boy, Ryan Haney. You know, boy will Larry, you know, you mentioned Montreal, and they become be red, you know. So it's just like, and I noticed that that's the case for a lot of other Bruins fans. So I still want to see that. So hopefully, even if they do this next year, or going forward, like I hope that we're still able to see that robbery because seeing that seeing those guys play five, six times a year. And he maybe even in the playoffs is awesome.

Joe Malkin: 11:49

And that comes back to Gary Bettman in the league having to do their job to keep those things alive, especially through this time where and we'll talk about it here in a second going back to the 2019 2020 season. But that was something that they failed to be able to do. They always seem to be the first ones to have their COVID plan in place to get back to playing. But it seems like once they did, they were actually one of the worst executed just above baseball though, because that baseball was awful. Yeah. So I was just gonna say

Rob Kelly: 12:20

I think I want something I would like to see the NHL do because again, like I said, when you start playing these teams and that familiarity that comes great, chippy hockey is what basketball is doing right now where they're playing the series. I think they're doing it this year where they're playing the same team, back to back nights. And I think that's something that hockey should really look into because it would create that that many playoff series in the middle of the regular season where like, you play that team one night you lose the next night, you better especially divisional opponent, you better not lose that game. So creates like a creates another sense of urgency. It creates rivalries, because like you're playing all these big games against these teams that you see all season. I love that format. So I think that'd be something that'd be awesome. to see hockey addapt to.

Joe Malkin: 13:07

that's college style. You know, that's what they do at the college level, which I think is great. You know, there's only 64 Division One hockey teams. Oddly enough, Arizona State has one. But you know, that's what they'll do. And I mean, I watched an entire series a couple years ago where the University of Maine came down and played Northeastern in Matthews arena, which is probably one of the best places to watch a hockey game in the country. So it literally I'm going to throw it out there and say if you can get to Matthews arena to watch at Northeastern Huskies hockey game, go and do it. Also, I think I just I and Craig can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I said at the top of the show that they were starting the NHL season on Thursday, January 13. It's Wednesday, January 13. That they're starting the season. I'm off a day. So skipping today. This is what happened. This is the one when exactly. You know this whole week is just one day that really matters.

Rob Kelly: 14:02

That pandemic feeling man? Yeah, it's that quarantine feeling. You know, he

Rayshawn Buchanan: 14:06

was thinking about our team. You know, we started Thursday. So that's why

Joe Malkin: 14:09

that's right. That's what it is. Exactly. So yeah, I just, I think about the rivalries and what they're gonna have to do with the schedules. It's gonna take, we're gonna see a lot of things change in sports overall. And I think hockey has a great opportunity to up their popularity, and really put a face of the league. People like hockey, hockey is a fun game to watch. Hockey is a fun game to be around. And it's exciting. So, Bobby, I'm gonna throw a curveball at you here because we're gonna talk about the league stories before we get into the Bruins stuff, because I want to talk about last season, and then get into this season. So let's go back to last season and talk a little bit about what happened, basically. So the the league got to 70 games, there was 12 games left 13 for a couple teams, 11 for others. And then the season was called off the same day as the NBA suspended their season at the time, the seasons were just suspended. We didn't know when they were going to come back. The NHL finally on it was on May 26. They said, that's it. We're done with the regular season. We're gonna figure out what we're gonna do. We're gonna come back in July, and we'll play out some exhibition style games. Then we're going to go into the playoffs and get cruising. So we can talk about the Bruins in this facet as we get there. But how do we think the NHL overall handled the end of their season into the bubble and the way the playoffs went?

Rob Kelly: 15:38

They did a pret y good job that I loved the qual ty of play I saw in the bubb e. I mean, they didn't have any. Anything that stood out doin their when they came back and verything like that. That just was something that you're like what are they doing? They were the one that, like you said They were the first ones to a nounce they were coming back They had their plan first. And hey came back first. And I thin that I think that bubble qual ty hockey was really good. I re lly enjoyed it. I mean, you knew the lightning were the best team coming into it. And it prov d that going through. So yeah I know, I enjoyed every minu e of that hockey.

Joe Malkin: 16:12

Ray, we know you're not the biggest fan of the NBA bubble play, but what was your thoughts on the NHL?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 16:18

I mean, I think, you know, for a sport that needed to get it right. They did. You know, so you know, the powers that be so it was Gary Bettman who, you know, the rest of the owners? Could they played up in Vancouver, right was that when he played that the bubbler

Joe Malkin: 16:31

They had two differe t cities?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 16:33

gotcha. Yeah. So, yeah, so I forgot what both cities were, but I know they played up there. And, you know, so they did their thing for sure. And, you know, I've watched a few of the Bruins games I've heard the most I have watched them all year, because other games were on during the beginning of the year before the pandemic came about, but, you know, I was excited to see what they were going to do coming into the playoffs, especially, you know, a team that you know, had one of the Presidents that have presidents cup, but you know, like, like Bobby said, I think the quality was pretty decent. And, you know, let's say for a league that needed to get it right because of the popularity and undecided and in America, they did what they could and it did the best they could and did a good job.

Joe Malkin: 17:08

Yeah. And playing during that point of everything that happened in 2020 was not easy for any of the league's and that's why I think the NBA handled it the best. I think they had the best plan overall, the NHL executed it very well. And then baseball floundered. And we I honestly, initially initially Yeah, initially it was right. Initially they floundered once they got to the playoffs, I think they figured it out a little more, because they were able to bring more team the teams into a smaller place. But it's easier in hockey and basketball when you're dealing with 12 to 20 man rosters rather than, you know 25 or 50. In the case of basket

Rob Kelly: 17:47

Biggest thing with aseball what they did wrong, nd what hockey and basketball g t right to travel, which is w at that you're seeing ow with basketball, you know w ere you get these teams, which why but hockey is trying to lim t which is why I think this is better idea than what the NBA i doing. Because that's where you get the most contact like t at most tracing you know what I ean? Is like in the travel wher you're going from city to cit or you have no idea who you'r coming in contact with. You have no idea what you're touc ing. So like when you get the e teams traveling city to city That's right, thank you see the e COVID positive cases com ng from hockey i think is doing t right right now or they have a limited to 12 teams as if t ere's a breakout, they can sus end one division keep t e other divisions going. You kno what I mean? There's ways that hey can keep their season movin , where I think that they're doing a g

Joe Malkin: 18:34

Yeah, I agree. And Gary Bettman is proving to be one of the more competent. I thought he was kind of a punk for a while, but I think he's doing a good job at this point in time, along with Adam Silver. And I think that's one thing that the NHL has done well is that they've kind of mirrored a lot of the things the NBA have done. And they've done them a little bit better overall, again, the NBA did a great job in the bubble. But anyway, Alright, enough about the COVID stuff and everything else. So actually, I can't say that because we look into this season. And Bobby that what you just said, talking about suspending divisions or not letting teams play. The San Jose Sharks are already delayed until January until February 1, due to Santa Clara County in California, indefinitely banning all contact sports are in response to local COVID-19 cases spiking. And the Dallas Stars have had their first four games on January 13 14th 17th. And 19th, postponed two to six players and two staff members testing positive for COVID on January 8, so we've already seen some things move, but they've already been proactive and saying we're gonna we're gonna shut this down until everybody is back.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 19:47

Well, that's no yeah, cuz I know, the reason why I have such a crazy look on my face. Cuz, you know, I know, that's what happened with the 49 is right, or 49 is gonna play for a while and then, you know, they end up going to Arizona. And you know, let's say I don't know too much about hockey, but I know there's a team called the Phoenix Coyote. So I was wondering, like, maybe, you know, they could play over there and Phoenix for a while if that was the case, as opposed to waiting to February 1. So that's a long as time to play on my look. I've been waiting to play Yaga let me get on his ice like well,

Joe Malkin: 20:16

you got to imagine they're skating somewhere. Right?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 20:19

Right. But it's just like, this is not a Rockefeller place like I want. I want I want to skate. I want to play Again, if I'm them, you know, I'm saying like, I'm gonna play. That's just me. I want to play. So,

Joe Malkin: 20:29

if I'm San Jose, I call up the city of Seattle and say, Hey, you guys have been you guys are getting a hockey team next year. Why don't you let us come up and give Seattle a little taste of what they're gonna get next year

Rayshawn Buchanan: 20:39

for him? Exactly. Couldn't couldn't agree more. You know, cuz I, you know, my team's wait, just because, you know, you got some mandate that people can't come in here and we get it. Listen, if anyone's saying, oh, he's not looking to be saved. No, I am looking to be saved. I'm just looking at there should be other options. Let's say they left San Francisco, go to Arizona and play for the last few home games there. Why not let the sharks come in here for a few weeks in Phoenix are like Joe said, Go to Seattle, and just play a few weeks. I'm not trying to wait not three weeks to start my season just because of some mandates and or that's just me, that's just my take on it.

Joe Malkin: 21:09

But and that is the only county in California that has that mandate.

Rob Kelly: 21:13

So to they're not playing their first home game until February 1.

Joe Malkin: 21:19

Okay, so they are playing.

Rob Kelly: 21:21

So they're Yeah, they're sort of being on the they're, they're being on the road for three and a half weeks. Right.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 21:26

Which is, which is still that's a long time

Rob Kelly: 21:28

to be on the road the entire time.

Joe Malkin: 21:31

Which is weird, though. It was weird the way that this article worded it so I'm glad we got that. Yeah. But I mean that that makes much more sense, right. But so this was another thing that the NHL announced in the midst of all of this perfect timing,

Rob Kelly: 21:44

and they still don't even know if they're gonna be able to come back. Who's that? The shark?

Joe Malkin: 21:50

Oh, yeah, they won't be able to sit in Santa Clara County is kind of is kind of a lockdown. And honestly, I'm not wanting to sit here and judge that so. But hockey wise, the NHL did something else in the midst of all this. And over the summer, they announced their newest franchise, there's 32nd franchise the first one since 2017. When the the Vegas Golden Knights came in, and it feels like the Golden Knights have just been a mainstay. Vegas is very quickly just becoming a sports town, which it never was. Prior to that. I think the last time it was considered a sports town was when Vince McMahon brought the xfl. There back in 2001, the outlaws the outlaws, which is such a good name for a Vegas team. Right? So but the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017. And now the Seattle crackin are coming in, in the in 2122. So next season, which is great for the city of Seattle. It's great for the National Hockey League there. But again, Ray, like you said they have to make sure that the level of play is high, and that they get eyes on the TV, but I think they will. Seattle is a great sports town. We know that there. The Seahawks are beloved up there. They love the SuperSonics which we can get to that on another show. Oh, it's coming. But yeah, so they announced the Seattle cracking. I mean, I thought the logo was Charlotte. I thought all of it was sharp. I thought the way that the entire league got behind the announcement. It was honestly it was social media that was navigated perfectly. But yeah,

Rayshawn Buchanan: 23:16

go ahead. Bobby,

Joe Malkin: 23:17

what are your thoughts on the brand, the newest franchise coming in and 2122

Rob Kelly: 23:21

is the reason that this is gonna work. It's just the way that the NHL Expansion Draft works. It's made to, I'm pretty sure teams can only protect like, I think it's only like five to 10 guys or something like that. Like it's a very, it's not a limited crowd that the teams are picking from, what's the success of the Golden Knights just really made this such an easy sell for the NHL, you know what I mean? Like the Golden Knights came in, and were in the Stanley Cup Finals literally in their first year. So that's why I don't see it watering down the quality of play. I think it's funny to me that the only team that league that we see expanding in American sports right now is the NHL, that's two in the last four years, when I would put them probably them in baseball as a three and four. So I think that's kind of funny, big thing to look out for them as Ron Francis is their GM. And Ron Francis is a solid GM he was the he made up that entire hurricane run from back in like 2019 2018 2017 he made up that entire run. So he's a good coach and GM, so I would look out for them when they start. They're gonna they're gonna be good quick, I think.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 24:31

Yeah, and I mean, you know, like, you know, like we were already alluded to like Seattle as a sports town is awesome. And you know, if fans are able to come back for that 2122 season that arena is going to be rockin because listen when Seattle teams are going like I remember Ken Griffey Jr, scenes back in the day and the Mariners when you know, that play when they when they beat the you know, the Yankees 95 that play in that crowd? I mean, it was literally shaking at the kingdom. So sacred photos to get like that, but I feel like if they were dementors were good now that would be rockin too. So that death, they're dying for more good sports up there. Right. So, you know, let's say whether it's basketball, football, baseball, it doesn't matter. So it's good to see that they're expanding. You know, hopefully they're able to get more up there for several Northwest is awesome. So, you know, who knows, maybe we should say that we should all take a trip up there at some point to go see a game up there. You know, when things settle down, but yeah, I think they're gonna be great and I didn't know that. So I just learned something about, you know, because they're kind of different in the NBA like you can kind of, say players that were a part of like he championship players that happened when the Timberwolves became a franchise A long time ago, like, they took players from Detroit who had just won the championship that year. So that was crazy. So, like, could you imagine if you can just like oh, hey, we're gonna take Stamkos we're going to take, you don't say, we're gonna say carry price we're gonna take, we're gonna take posture, I'd like you to imagine that you just take those guys like that. So now the wild

Rob Kelly: 25:50

does. The thing is like, I know, I saw somewhere like the expansion drafts, we're looking at like to grasp possibly ending up there or who else is our backup, who's the other guy, HELOC ending up there? Those are the type of quality players that you're gonna end up seeing in that draft pool is along those lines.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 26:09

Or maybe they've tried to get lacrosse out of retirement. I know, he just left the Rangers after forever, but maybe they say, Hey, you know, can you give us a year or two? You know, you're one of the best code tendances legacy in a long time. You know what, why not? You know? No, I think that'd be a good look.

Joe Malkin: 26:26

So if they want to go, they can have them. And that's a good segue into our next part of this NHL conversation because guys, we have we've now gone through the a lot of the league and how it's gonna work this year. So hopefully everybody's with us still. But let's get into the meat of this. And let's talk about the Boston Bruins, and what's going on what went on and what's going on with this franchise, because everybody has their opinions on this. I think personally, this team is somewhat in shambles or getting to that point. That's just my opinion. Let's see what they guys have to say the Bruins will be playing in the Eastern Division and they won't travel any further west than Pittsburgh any further south in Washington, except for the one game against Philadelphia in late at Lake Tahoe, and that'll be for their entire four to six game season. So as we mentioned earlier, if it wasn't clear enough, they literally are just going to play the teams in their divisions for those 56 games. Bruce gassy who is named coach of the year last year, he led the Bruins to the President's trophy in the shortened season. And one Coach of the Year he's back for his fourth full season. He took over for cloud Julian five years ago. He's 161 66 and 34 in 261 games as the Bruins Head Coach 27 and 28. In the postseason, which is concerning. The Bruins won the President's trophy last year, as I mentioned before going to the bubble format. Guys, let's talk last season with the Bruins first before we get into this year, the Bruins finished 4414 and 12 last year, they were so impressive they were so impressive if none of this happens, I think we see them run right into the Stanley Cup Finals, maybe get past Tampa in the Eastern Conference Finals, who knows but you know Tampa was right was right behind them at you know four games behind it or eight points behind I should say. Excuse me, eight points behind the Bruins at the end of the season. And you know, when they called the season officially in May. And we saw this Bruins team and then we hurt we everybody was a little down in the dumps the seasons on hold what's gonna happen what's gonna happen when these guys get back? When are we going to start back up? They call the season on May 26. We get the President's trophy. They announced a bubble. They start getting back into warrior arena and scanning getting ready to go to the bubble and it they just look flat. They just look out of shape. They're not skating hard. They're not skating. Bobby, what what were your thoughts on the Bruins coming into the bubble? Because they didn't even play well in those first exhibition games?

Rob Kelly: 29:09

Yeah, I think so. I agree with you that if they didn't cancel the season, or they didn't stop the season, it would have a completely different story. This team was ready last year at the beginning of the year. They lost that cup to the blues the year before and they were ready to go. At the start of last year. They had Stanley Cup aspirations and they were real aspirations and they showed it regular season all year to go was out of mind all regular season. He was amazing. Mac was playing great. Pasternak was finally the elite goalscorer that we wanted him to be. We still have marshawn we still have birds around we still attire we still had all these guys. So it was there for the taking man. And I really think if that keeps going. You're right. We do. I don't know Tampa was tough. Tampa was tough last year, but I do think that we'd make that run. And we do take that next step. Hey, if it seemed as it canceled, as soon as it got canceled, you knew you just knew this is the type of Bruins thing we've seen for years. You said at the end of the year last year. They don't react well to certain things. And I feel like that was something that really just took the wind out of their sails like you could hear the interviews that they were having. I remember hearing marshawn talk about how pissed he I remember hearing about tuca talk about how pissed he was. And we'll get to that. I remember hearing about someone else said how bad they were that they were number one I forgot it might have been crazy. But you just knew that they weren't gonna have that same fire. And that first came as soon as they came out. You saw they were flat. Exactly like it sounds like they looked like they had anvils on the skates for half their games. The games they play great. They looked like that old ruins team again, but that was few and far between. No.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 30:52

Right? And that's the problem. Right? So you know, they were looking for, you know, Bruce Cassidy to come in and do what you know how Julian couldn't do it. Right. But you know, I said they you know, they lose sort of lose, like we said to you before they come back, they're on fire opening night you be Dallas, you know who in the making the finals Las Vegas, Tampa Bay? You know, so they said they start off on fire. Right? But then there was a couple of games in January, right? where you're like, man, like, okay, you know, we got Tampa Bay, we got some other teams we got to face and they beat him up, I think twice in that month, if I'm not mistaken. And it was like, wow, like, okay, like, okay, they're ready to go. And then obviously, you know, we found out that we talked about on a previous show. You know, Stamkos was out, you know, for most of that player, I think I've got the whole players i'm not mistaken. So it was like, okay, you beat them in a regular season already. You have an equally talented team, but not more talent. And you so don't get it done. But that to me was infuriating. But like you said, they seemed over from the jump, obviously, we know took it was over it. And I said we'll get into as we said, but it was amazing to see a team that was so together. So on top of things, so together, you know, kind of like another team that played in a bubble. And and all of a sudden, you just went to shit. And it's unbelievable to me that, you know, a team that would that must have it no one that, you know, cuz my thing is, how do you lose that fire? When you were just lost Stanley Cup at home game seven, at the crib, you lose four to one. But then you come back. You don't have that fire. And I granted we know 2020 took a hit on everybody. And I'm not we're not disputing that we're not arguing that. But that fires gotta be there to say, you know, what? were the best team. We were the best team last year. We were just finished. We didn't you know, we didn't get it done. We're going to do it now. But they did. Yeah, I

Joe Malkin: 32:33

mean, such impressive numbers here, as you guys talked about prior to them, going into the playoffs. Pasternak with 95 points, 48 goals 47 assists. I mean, Bobby, that's what you every team needs a guy like that. Right? I mean, I mean, those literally are Alex Ovechkin numbers. And that that was how the regular season went. And everybody thought I mean, they were literally on pace to have like 110 points at the end of the regular season, which is incredible because they had 100. And yeah, they had 103 I think it was the year before when they also won the President's trophy. So Brad Martian 59 assists to go 28 goals. Patrice Bergeron. 31 and 25 goals to assist. I mean, these guys, Cory crew will get to Tori crew to nine goals, but 40 assists. So kind of that two way defenseman. But, you know, Bobby and I were talking about it before we got on here. You're expecting more gold production from him. So there was definitely holes in that team, even though they were so good. But you also expected them to have that leadership, right. With Chara with Birger on. You know, you had david Baucus, who ended up leaving at the trade deadline in January. But you have Ras who's been there since 2011. has a Stanley Cup rang, you know, and then they go in and they're flat. They played 13 games in the playoffs and lost a Tampa who eventually won the Stanley Cup. But you know, if you're going to lose to somebody you might as well lose to the champion, which we found out later would be the case. So let's talk about deeper into that bubble and a couple of storylines. And I think the biggest one that we've all talked about already is when Touka Ras decided to leave the team on August 15. A lot of the speculation on that was you know, there's the straight up look at it, and just say hey, all right. He's leaving to go home to Finland to be with his team, his family, his team, families, a team, right? He's going home to be with his family. He didn't want to be there anymore. And then the eye test says his heart wasn't in it. He knew they were going down. He wanted to leave and that's going to translate into this season. But I know we've harped a lot on the past season with these guys but what were our overall thought Bobby What was your thoughts on rask leaving in the middle of the bubble?

Rob Kelly: 34:50

So I just think that was definitely the biggest impact on them throughout that bubble you saw it in that Tampa series they needed him. HELOC is great, but to go is literally one of the top five goaltenders in the league. As much as we hate on his personality how weird he is how I don't want to call him weird how eccentric ever met person he is. He's a great goalie and we needed him against Tampa so that was one of the biggest things because we saw it when we saw what are come in that he gave up like nine goals in three minutes. So obviously like we needed that talent that goalie so I really do think seeing your goalie back out on you like that, in the middle of a playoff run just affected them. You know, I mean, how could it not? You know, how could it not when one of your leaders or one of your top players just is gone? You know, one day he's there, you're relying on him to be you're going to be your backbone. And next days, like Alright guys, I gotta go. Granted whatever reason. He's still here, so I can't hate on him too much. But, you know, it is what it is, man. He left and it really affected that team.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 35:54

Yeah, but now man, like, Where's the fight? Like, where's the fight to say, you know what, whether he's here or not, we're gonna get this shit done. Like, and I get it. You're right. It started that way. Right? It started that way. But right, it didn't start that way. But it was just like, you know, but come on. We knew that HELOC wasn't going to be where rasp was, we knew that. And it's like the fact that and granted because we know we're delusional when it comes to Boston senior. So we're like, man, like, you know, you're gonna do great. No, but it's okay. You play the game. That's so great. All right, but this wasn't gonna be what Tim Thomas was in 2011 it wasn't gonna be that and we still hold Golden's in this town to that standard. degeneration anyways, you know, we hold us hash standards like man, like, you know, you know, he stood on his head all playoffs. A lock wasn't gonna do that. If anything, he was wide open, like a 711. All playoffs for the most part. So I just to me, it was sad. But it to me, you have to have that fight to say, you know what, whether this man's around or not, we're going to get the job done. So, but maybe that means that they all just wasn't in it to begin with. And that just gives them an excuse to say, you know what, we're out? That's what it seems like this.

Joe Malkin: 36:57

711 not a sponsor? No, absolutely. Right. You know, you're absolutely right. Because they played that first game after Touka left, and it was like there was a fire lit under their ass. And then it went out quickly. And I and you wondered where the leadership was? Because that was part of the narrative. Where's Chara? Why is why are we not picking up this locker room? Why are they not picking these guys up and and pushing them forward to where they need to be to get past this team? This Tampa Bay team, but so he leaves and you know, like Bobby said he's still here and we're gonna get into that now because we've mentioned a million times that they lost a Tampa Bay everybody knows that's listening to this podcast, the Bruins lost Tampa Bay Touka is still here. So clearly, there wasn't as much of a rift between him and management as maybe there was so we overreacted?

Rob Kelly: 37:54

No

Joe Malkin: 37:55

Boston fans Oh, no. So you know what

Rayshawn Buchanan: 37:59

it went over reaction replacing period.

Joe Malkin: 38:04

You know, if you if we correct the world, right, and go back to march 12. You correctly you know, snap your fingers, we go back to march 12. And everything is back to normal. There's no pandemic, we play out the rest of the 82 game season and go into the playoffs. touken never leaves.

Rob Kelly: 38:21

And it's not even a question. And it's not even like a semblance of a thought.

Joe Malkin: 38:26

So going into that point, right? Like keeping everything close to your chest in this day and age with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, everybody feels like you need to know everything about everyone all the time. And if you don't, it means a certain person is or isn't doing this in their life. And vice versa. Gotta give to give the benefit of the doubt because at the end of the day, it probably didn't matter. He left he to us anyway his fans, he left his job to go be with his family for whatever reason, and we have to leave it there. Gotta go with it on face value. So let's get into the season because this season has a lot of shake up for the Boston Bruins a lot with locker room presence, and maybe some on the ice presence. It's I think that the two could Jerry is going to be out for a while because I think we can all agree while he was great in the regular season last year. He isn't necessarily the guy he was a few years ago. And he's always been kind of streaky in the playoffs. But Captain Zdeno Chara, whose name I completely spelled wrong in the rundown is a Danielle. Apparently he's related to our scenario. But Charlie signs with the Washington Capitals. Exactly right love coming to America great movie, and his late night show back in the day was underrated. Today on Chara signs with the Washington Capitals also in the Eastern Division after 14 years with the Bruins he was their captain since he walked into the locker room 14 years ago. Guys, what does this last mean? For the Bruins? For the Bruins on the ice and in the locker room. Let's start there, Bobby. So

Rob Kelly: 40:10

I don't want I don't want to be the date. I just I loved it Daniel Chara I will start out with that that he holds a special place in my heart his banner his number will be in the rafters called the fleet center for a second but at TD at TD Garden, but I don't blame the purlins. Man, I really don't. I've been thinking that it was time for today in order to go for a long time. The way it happened kind of disappointed me. We talked about that, that the Bruins just always have a way of just doing things in the way that you're like, man, did you need to do it like that? I don't know if he did. But it was time for him to go. He's been skating around like his animals on a skate since he had a little bit of resurgence the past few years. But last year, in the playoffs, you could tell that he's just slow man. He's just not the same player he was. And if the Bruins actually do have faith in this young core on defense, which just seems they do they're bringing up a lot of guys this upcoming season and we'll get to that. But it was time for him to go. There. There was no better time than the president granted. Yes, he could have came back on like a bargain salary been like, there's defensive presence that plays 10 minutes a game. But that's not what he wanted to do. So he's gone. And now we've got these young guys on defense, we're gonna have to deal with it. And I don't think it's the worst thing in the world. I really don't.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 41:33

So 895,000 is the number of students 507 I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was giving them even more 795 that's a number that's gonna live in infamy. Most Bruins fans, and it's gonna live with me too. I think that you know, when you think about our T's, Brady, you know, peers, you know, do you think about char right? Those are four guys that had been staples in the city for a long time. And my law team sometimes messes with me, which is why I was pissed off about the Brady thing. I wasn't happy about this agenda. There's no charge, or the Daniel char. I wasn't happy about that. Because my thing is, when a guy has given you this much less it knows you remember him as a New York Islander or whatever team he was before he played it for 14 years. He is a Boston Bruins. When if he be if he becomes a Hall of Famer, he's going in as a black and gold not going as the as a navy blue aren't sure white? He's going as a Bruin. So he's been awesome here. And I mean, my thing is, I mean, unless you think there's gonna be macro voice or coil, or whoever's gonna be there's gonna be that guy defensively. But, you know, all the defenders now a six, five or under? There's no imposing presence back there. Yes, they got younger. So I'm yeah, you know, and I talked about that, with Joe off the air about how they need to get younger on the ice to get more speed. But I just think that, because he's been there, and he's been there so long. I don't think that you. I don't think they came to him and said, Hey, you know what? We want? We don't mind giving this number because this has nothing to do with peanuts. But, you know, said are you playing 32 minutes on the ice. Now you'll play 21 minutes on the ice, but still a mentor these guys. I think if they said that to him that he would have been great, I could be wrong. And maybe he still wants to play 32 minutes tonight, which is crazy at 43. But once again, we don't say that. But another 43 year old I left here, so I get it. But it's different when you're skating around. Either way. I feel like bosses should have kept him but I understand the business side of it. But I do wish he was still here.

Rob Kelly: 43:31

No, you're fine. So they did offer him. They they wanted him to come back as a reserve player. That was the thing is they wanted him to come back. He wouldn't be in the starting lineup. He wouldn't be on that top tier defense. They were gonna move up into the portal into that line no matter what. So so. So he was coming up into that line, no matter what they told Charles and they're like, Listen, man, you're not gonna be the guy. Yo, you'll be here. You'll still be our captain. You'll still be you know, Zidane Oh, yeah, but you're not gonna be that starting player anymore. And he thought he could be Washington thinks he can be so you know, I think I think it was just like all right. See you later but at the same time, and Robin, the Bruins I'm with you, right? You know, I am with you that like I would have brought him back and I would have done something to bring him back. And then he's not happy midway you're like Listen, man, he's a captain. Suck it up.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 44:21

You know, right? Exactly. Correct. Yeah, I would have lied my ass off like hey, yeah, come on back big fella. six nine number 33. Yes, sir. Your numbers going up in the rafters next to Esposito Bobby your Chara like i would i would have sold the dream. And then when we got into the season, Hey, you know what, you know, we feel like these guys are doing X, Y and Z. Step. Four,

Joe Malkin: 44:45

hang on, you do that to the 43 year old veteran that's been there for 14 years. He's not gonna buy that. I'll tell you that right now. You do that to the 20. You do that to the 25 year old?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 44:54

Can I dream?

Joe Malkin: 44:56

Yeah, we can all dream. But that's where that's where I have to go on my rant here. If we do that in sports all the time, right? We do that in the city. I'm guilty of it. You know, when Brady signed with Tampa wins the day, no sign with Washington. You see, you see these guys do this. And we get upset. Right? We get angry at the team. And I don't know if this is I don't think it's exclusive to Boston, but I feel like Like we put our city and our teams on such a pedestal, that we cannot get over the fact that these guys, they have no loyalty and they don't owe us anything. And that's one of the biggest things because Ray as much as you say, it's a business. It is a business, right? So if you're GM, Ray Buchanan of the Boston Bruins, I don't care what team you're the GM of. But that's a business to you, right? Like your job is to bring in the best players to put the most amount of assets in seats, sell tickets, sell hot dogs sell beer, like you're, you're generally managing that team to bring those players and those players are employees, they're really no different than every single one of us walking into our jobs on a daily basis, and sitting down at our desks and doing our job. And eventually, we're going to leave those positions to make a little more than just a little. They're, they're a V is a little bit higher than ours. But the but at the end of the day, nobody, there's not people walking into my office or going on Twitter saying I can't believe that they let him go, I can't believe they let him walk. They let him go to this. And Bobby, you said it. He wanted to still play. He wanted more. So he went, Tom Brady still wanted to play he wanted more. So he left. But the point is, we talk about business, we talk about loyalty. And that's what everybody wants is his loyalty. But they don't look at it from a human standpoint. Because when you go to the arena, or you go to the baseball stadium, you go to the football stadium, and you watch these guys play, whether they're in college, or they're at the highest level of their game, no matter what the sport is, you go and watch them and you think they're going to be there forever. And then somebody leaves and it has to be somebody whose fault and it just it blows me away in sports when a guy like Chara, and I'll keep it NHL base for this show. When a guy like Chara up and leaves after 14 years with a team and a C on his chest, and everybody jumps down the throat of Don Sweeney and Jeremy Jacobs, and Bruce Cassidy and they just jumped down their throats. And why couldn't you give him this money? Why couldn't you give him this? Why couldn't you give them that? Because Ray, what do you always say? Say it for me? Go ahead. It's a business. You can't pay a guy $800,000 to skate around on one leg for 20 minutes a game and expect to get to where you want to be. They scored. They got 100 points out of that season last year, in a shortened season was the dino Chara playing his normal 20 minutes and he looked okay doing it. But who's to say this is the other problem was sports and social media and all this other crap and fans being so immersed in all of this stuff? Us included, myself included? I watched Jew Jews tic tocs I think they're freaking hilarious. I think he's an idiot, sometimes a great football player. He's an intelligent person. I think what he did two weeks ago was stupid. But besides the point you look as a dino Chara and the conversations that he had with the Bruins we don't know what the hell they said to each other because they're never going to come out and tell us and they don't have to. They're not obligated to do so. Their only obligation is to put a good product on the ice for us to pay our money, our hard earned money to go and watch that. That's all they have to do. And Dana has he's not from Boston with a name like Zdeno Chara. He's just he's not from here, right? So so whatever so what is this loyalty? Sorry, way off on a rant but it needs to be said and fans need to understand that they don't owe us anything right?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 49:05

No, that's cool. I got you mustn't Listen to me for a long time. Yeah, I get it. He's banned for a long time and that's why obviously the attachments that we get that part obviously, so my response to that is Charlie McAvoy better be damn sure you bet He better be the answer. If you're letting that guy go, you know because you didn't want to pay him for 20 minutes once again sell the dream I get he's been so they say he's not from here. Fine. Sell the dream telling me to go be XYZ and then you know, let us use it play out. But Charlie McAvoy better be the answer.

Joe Malkin: 49:37

So to Bobby's point before when he said you know they wanted to cut to the report is Bobby the same thing you heard is what I heard is that they were offering him 800,000 for like 17 minutes a game which took

Rob Kelly: 49:49

longer for less,

Joe Malkin: 49:51

right, which is three or four less shifts a game. So obviously, let's watch the Dinos numbers with Washington this year, because he's going to be up around 20 minutes, which is three extra shifts again, which probably tells me he's at least on their second D pairing, if not their first. So you're gonna see over the season, what happens on both sides and Ray, you're absolutely right. This is the part where it falls on the GM and the coach and ownership, the front office to say what are we going to do now that this guy's gone and how are we going to do it and that's the part the fans can look at and say fine You let them walk out the door, you got to get rid of your emotional attachment for a second find you let them walk out the door. What are you gonna do now? What's the plan?

Rob Kelly: 50:31

Well, that's it. That's the thing though, is like the same people. And you know, I probably as I bitched about it when it first happened, but the same people who are saying today no shouldn't have left are the same hockey fans who were gonna be sitting here 20 games in the season if we're beside them saying, dude, this guy's so old, he's so slow. It's, you know what I mean? It's the same thing where it's like, what's nostalgia at

Joe Malkin: 50:52

that point? That's all it is. That's

Rob Kelly: 50:53

that's really what it's all nostalgia. And I just think that, like, anything you're gonna get from today. No, you're still gonna get from these young guys. And at least you're going to give them a shot in a shortened season in a weird season, to to show that they're what we have invested in.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 51:10

So who's that guy named Bobby?

Rob Kelly: 51:12

So the ones the one that I want to step up is Jacobs aboral. He's been up and down. He got a one way contract for the first time in his career this year. So I think he played great in Providence last year. He's the guy that he's going to take that next step up, I'm pretty sure he's going to end up on the first defensive pair with McEvoy. So those are the two guys to watch out for sure.

Joe Malkin: 51:35

So let's get there. So all of that said, and I went on my rant we love We love the Dana char 14 years here with that see on this just gave us so many exciting moments whether it was his 108 mile an hour slapshot fights being the enforcer while also being the captain.

Rob Kelly: 51:53

Those are my favorite moments actually. No, yeah, the way where you see someone start to go to fight child and you're like, Okay, let's go buddy,

Joe Malkin: 52:01

because that's what he was doing to you can't take down the tower. Yeah. All right. Let's go. So now with char I haven't gone to Washington for another season in the NHL. The Bruins have named Patrice Bergeron, the new captain of the Boston Bruins. He served as the alternate Captain since 2006. Until 2020. And he was he's been on the team since 2003. He's the 20th captain in Boston Bruins franchise history. I don't I mean, I think I can just speak for all of us and say this, there was no other option. And I don't know if you guys saw the video, but it was kind of a dumb video, but it was kind of funny is that they came up and that they announced marshawn as captain and then and marshy came up and then said it's around like, they know it was coming. It was literally all for the cameras. So it's fine. It was funny. It's good. Because who who is even wearing the alternate a?

Rob Kelly: 52:54

It's crazy and marshy. I'm pretty

Joe Malkin: 52:57

sure yeah. Which a bunch makes. I knew he was but that makes perfect sense.

Rob Kelly: 53:01

He's always had david I'm pretty sure. All right, exactly. Right. John's got an outfit,

Joe Malkin: 53:04

which which he should I mean, I think that's the right move. So let's talk a little bit. We talked about their losses. They lose charter to Washington Tory crew to St. Louis. And I guess if you want to mention them Joaquim norstrom. to Calgary, they resigned Anders Bjork, Jake debrusk Matt Grizz. Like Dan Vlad, our who will serve as the third goalkeeper Carson Coleman, Zach senyshyn Kevin Miller, Jake's aboral you know, we really didn't bring up the Miller contract because a lot of people were bringing that up with with Chara saying really, you're gonna pay this guy this amount of money by late so I I do too. I think he serviceable and you know, everybody, Cried Wolf when but, you know, then there's the other thing where everybody says, Oh, you know, with no fans in the stadium and everything else. They don't want to spend that 800 on chart, but I don't want to harp on that. Let's stay on the hockey side of things. Patrice Bergeron, Captain. No doubt here. So Bobby, you mentioned what the lions are going to look like. And I want to talk about the big signing for the Bruins this year. And there's only one key edition, which I feel like the Bruins haven't done enough, but there's only one key edition. And that's Craig Smith, and he's a winner. And he spent the last. Oh goodness, he was in Nashville since 2011. Yep. So you know, he's played pretty much every single game. So he's kind of a grinder. He's kind of an Iron Man for Nashville. He played very well there.

Rob Kelly: 54:32

Sweeney loves those guys. He loves those guys, man.

Joe Malkin: 54:36

He's played 661 NHL games. He's got 162 goals. And 168 assists. Really good numbers. Last year, he had 18 and 13 and 69 games, his career highest for a season he had 25 goals in the 20 1718 season. He had 28 assists in the 1314 season. So a great addition and right now, as you mentioned the lines he is projected to be the right wing on the third line with CATIA and Nika as his I'm sorry, they're the other right wingers with Charlie Coyle and Nick Ritchie, and then Grizzly ik and Carla would be the second line defenseman behind them on that third line for the forwards so what do we let's get let's just get right into the lines because Bobby, you brought it up right now. and I were talking about this before we got on and re your thoughts on the first line marshawn Bergeron, stud Nika. And you know then Jeremy Luzon and Charlie McAvoy are your first appearing. What are your thoughts?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 55:37

I mean, I mean, I said it to you off the air. I think the Bruins had the best first line and I love hockey. You know when you can hurt marshawn what's ironic but marshawn Burgess.

Rob Kelly: 55:47

Yeah, beginning the season, right? That's why

Rayshawn Buchanan: 55:49

well, he was he was skating today, so it seems like he's gonna be back pretty soon. Okay, solder knows. We're trying to actually say hey, Tony, how are you? But you know you didn't meet me yet. But I'm totally blushing here. Sorry. That wasn't weird. That wasn't weird, wasn't

Joe Malkin: 56:04

she? This is what would have happened if I said hello to Hillary that day at the park. Totally saying hi, Greg. If you could contact a lawyer that would be great.

Unknown: 56:13

I know I'm so sorry. But

Rayshawn Buchanan: 56:17

we have no I think we got the best service that we have the best first line and all of hockey in my opinion and then like say you know I think about Richie I think about Craig he I feel like those are the guys that can be something on the second line. So you know, the first two lines really weren't the problem let's say it was getting help for the third line. So hopefully the third line can step up like you said, we just signed that guy Craig Smith, and I'm just really it's really unfortunate it wasn't got from Boston College right Bobby? You know Boston College Craig Smith, you know, you're great.

Rob Kelly: 56:42

I forget I remember Craig's yeah no no

Rayshawn Buchanan: 56:45

no rabbit hole with Joe Jones Get it? Right exactly right. I just think like I said the first few lines aren't the problem. I just think that we get to get production from that third line when it was first realize maybe beginning playing as a better defensive team or a team that can skate better them and you know really fly around the fire on the ISO But I'm confident in the first two I just hope the third line is able to produce and hopefully Smith today would help that a lot.

Joe Malkin: 57:07

So and that was what's going to happen with when pasta comes back right is that you're gonna see the right wingers kind of shuffle around says this is all projections by NBC Sports.

Rob Kelly: 57:18

He was throwing me all off it is where's Pasternak? But

Joe Malkin: 57:22

I know I know. Yeah.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 57:23

But it's coming. Oh, it's coming and he was already out. He was on the ice as I was coming

Joe Malkin: 57:26

home. Right now still, Nick is projected as the first line right winger and then CATIA and then Smith, and then Wagner on the fourth line. So then when you get pasta back, somebody's gonna have to move probably Wagner. But then I think that almost makes those lines solid, right? If they do it the way they do it in hockey generally. And they push everybody down. Now you have CATIA on the third line, and Smith on the fourth line. I mean, you're going to look at you're going to be looking at pretty good production. If you have a guy on the fourth line at right wing that scoring 18 and 30 and 18 goals and assisting on 13 others I mean, that's not a bad place to be in so then to grasp is still our starting goalkeeper. How do we actually feel about that going into the season.

Rob Kelly: 58:10

I don't hate it. He's a good goalie as long as he doesn't, if he has a HELOC to back them up. I like to cook because too, cuz not a guy that you're gonna get to play back to back nights because he's gonna play a stinker, either one of those two. You know what I mean? It's just no doubt one of those two nights, he's gonna give up three easy goals. The other night, you're gonna stand on his head and get you a shout out. So that's why it's good to have him back there to give him a spell. I think this team really is solid. I do think their defense took a huge step back from last year obviously bringing all these young guys up without Chara being in there and without crew being in there. Definitely a big hole that they didn't really do anything to fill, literally nothing except for bringing these young guys up. But that offense, you know, they're going to outscore teams, some nights it's going to be six to four some nights, you're going to see a lot of high scoring games out of this team because that first line when it's healthy is unbelievable. And then a second line of debrusk crazy and depressed Cray G and Casa or case however you want to say

Rayshawn Buchanan: 59:14

Casa

Rob Kelly: 59:15

Casa I always say case i whenever I bought them. But yeah, that that's a solid second line coil to me is probably the best third line center in all the NHL. I love Charlie Coyle. He's my favorite Bruins acquisition since like Nathan Horton back in the day. I love Charlie Coyle. I have some good faith in this team. However, that East is fucking bloated. So it's gonna be tough. It's gonna be tough.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 59:41

Yeah. And I mean, if they're out of it, in my opinion, you're actually able to knock out of it. I and I said to some of my notes, if they're maybe by the turn deadline, go and find a replacement. He's in the last year of his deal anyway, so go find a replacement for them. If you don't think these the long term answer. You know, he is starting to three now but I know how long 35 so you know if he's someone that you know he's become a cancer and you think that he's no longer the guy he was. Once again, he's only here right now because they couldn't find someone in the offseason that was better than him. So I don't know if you want to look at Carey Price on or you want to look at the guy that was a tip I got today to trade with us because we just placed him to play on us. But you know, there's somebody out there. I don't know john to cricket stone elite I played with Los Angeles back in the day. But some somebody who like, do something, because I say, if he's been that cancer, he's a guy that quit on the team, so to speak, you got to find a replacement, you know, sooner rather than later,

Joe Malkin: 1:00:33

while they were hoping it was gonna be Malcolm Superman, but that clearly

Rob Kelly: 1:00:37

didn't work out well. And he broke his learning. Remember that?

Joe Malkin: 1:00:40

Yeah, that too. So, you know, Bobby, you mentioned how tough the Eastern Division is going to be. The Bruins finished last season first, as we know, presidents Cup Winners, but they are going to have to play all season long. The team that finished in third last year, which is the Washington Capitals, the fourth place Philadelphia Flyers, the fifth place Pittsburgh Penguins, the seventh place in New York Islanders, the 11th place New York Rangers and then the 14th place a New Jersey Devils. So you know, I mean, there's a couple teams at the bottom there, but we're talking about five top eight teams that they're going from last year that they're gonna have to play. And a lot of these teams knew what they had going and it doesn't seem like the Bruins, as Bobby just mentioned have not added enough to compete with this division.

Rob Kelly: 1:01:29

Yeah, no, I completely agree. So they they're going to be scrapping so that's one of my things I have written down here is one of my big thing is for the Bruins this season, it's gonna be a fight for them to get into the playoffs they're gonna be so it's four teams this year, they get into the playoffs from each division. And it's no there's no wildcards there's nothing like that. Like you got to be top four. And Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington islanders Bruins is a dogfight, those five teams are pretty even, you know what I mean? Like, one of them is definitely going to be one of the better teams out of the fight. Like, it's gonna be that team that steps up above the rest of them, but there's gonna be a group in there that's just going to be fighting for that spot. So I do think that it's gonna be a tough road for them to get into the playoffs this year, strictly because they took that step back on defense. I mean, I have faith in these young guys. I have faith in guys like and guys like Grizzlies and guys like, I like Carlo Clifton. But like, I don't know if they're ready to take that next step and be that contending defense. So

Rayshawn Buchanan: 1:02:36

I know who was ready, though them

Rob Kelly: 1:02:37

right around. I know. But he was right around. Like, I just would have liked to see them bring someone in on that defensive side because listen, john Moore is not doing it for you. All right. I'm telling you, john Morris is what 30 He's like, he's the same thing. He's like, 3233 years old, like he's an old, he's an older vet. Like he's not gonna be the guy that's gonna step up and play those minutes. So I just hope if one of these guys can step up, then they're in business. If they struggle on the back end all year long. cuca upgraded breakaway shots, man, he loves to give up easy breakaway goals. So and it

Joe Malkin: 1:03:15

is interesting, right? Like, if you look at this team, sure the leadership is down with tarragon and you're you might have less defensive production points wise with crew gun. So you lose your two of your top defenseman. And you only add a third line, right wing so yeah, Bobby, I'll totally agree with you. But otherwise, this team is the same right? So I found a much better depth chart on on CBS NHL, so thank you CBS for formatting all of your pages like your fantasy football pages, which makes my life much easier. But they have it's burgee. Marcia instead Nika on the first line, creatchi debrusk Kasha on the second line, which is what I had said from NBC, and it's christlichen McEvoy on that first pairing, and then listen and Carlo. On the second. Yeah, and then it's Miller and aboral, on the third. So there's not much change. And I keep trying to talk myself into this and say, but no one knows it. And Mike said it on our NFL show that came out on Tuesday. It'll be down in the show notes. Thanks, Greg. But Mike said it might Mike and Dave kind of went back and forth. And we're like, if you can tell me how this game is gonna go. You're lying. And I'm gonna say that about this entire NHL season because everything has changed. Everything is moved around. So this could be the best team in the NHL. We don't know. We don't know. I mean, sure, you got rid of some leadership, but you also got rid of some old legs. And let's see what happens. I mean, it's gonna be an exciting, fun season to watch. They open up with the New Jersey Devils who stunk last year, so hopefully they lay a stinker again. And the Bruins can catch too fast wins on them because they play them in New Jersey on Thursday, and then Saturday for a matinee on Saturday. So this is going to be an exciting season.

Rob Kelly: 1:05:01

Yeah, no, I agree. I the thing that scares me is like I said, to throw it to do you NGK is love there in the group of death here. You know what I mean? That's what they are, like, you look at you look at this setup, is like the Canadian teams are all together, the West, the solid, Central's week, and then you have the East that's just loaded with literally if you ask me Philly pit, Washington and Boston are all top four contenders for the cup every single year. And it's been that way for three years, especially Philly taken that step up in the playoffs last year. It's just gonna be tough for them and it's gonna make for an exciting season that guy can give you that. I can't wait to see this season. I'm pumped,

Rayshawn Buchanan: 1:05:42

right and imagine how much free how much freer is going to be on now is at times when maybe he escapes behind a charge and charges ladies someone out like it's going to be great. And if we if you thought you couldn't stop eventually and before, baby Look out, it's about to get real. He was always to me. He was always the Carmelo Anthony to Sidney Crosby on the bronco. They came in the same year. They went wanting to get back in oh five. A comparison. Yeah, yeah. So I he's one of the best scores that League has ever seen. And now was, you know, charged being someone that's gonna be on the ice for 20 minutes a night, Clara falls off the way like a Mack truck. Look out. He might mess around to get 60 goals.

Joe Malkin: 1:06:20

And it's gonna be awesome because they play each one of these teams eight times. So you mentioned Sidney Crosby. I'm excited to watch the penguins because you know, yeah, my long lost cousin.

Rob Kelly: 1:06:30

So it's kind of leaving something else too is I'm excited. Nervous to see what kind of step we see Charlie McAvoy take this next year, because we're either gonna see him struggle without the backbone of charm because you're right where it gave McEvoy this freedom to kind of roam and B and B's and Charlie McAvoy that we love and seeing the playoffs, you know, make these great plays. But he's not gonna have that he's gonna have to be that guy. So for him to have to change his game a little bit and see if he can step up. If he does. He could be in conversation for the Norris trophy by the end of the year, or at least be in like that top five conversation. But if not, he could get exposed as one of the more overrated defenseman in the league. So we'll say about him. I do love McIlroy, but I think this is gonna be a big year for him for sure.

Joe Malkin: 1:07:24

So here's a fun fact that I want to point out when we talk about the dino and losing him. But deep Do you know that prior to dessert is a dino Chara coming to the Boston Bruins 14 years ago? One guy on this current Bruins roster was on the team. Yeah, Patrice Bergeron. That's it That's it so all these guys know that have been here for multiple years and for a long time is what the Boston Bruins look like was a Dana char as the captain so what you guys just said is absolutely right. It's time to nut up or shut up for a lot of these guys because they don't have that support behind them in six foot eight 280 pounds a day no char so let's see what they have.

Rob Kelly: 1:08:05

Yeah, for sure. I think this year I thought about this earlier today actually did I take this is the make or break year for this team? I know we said it last year that we thought it was but honestly this is it because if they don't make the run next year, they don't give Sweeney and this team something to look to really think that okay, we actually do have a runner in a cup or even win a cup this year. I think we're gonna see something big happen because you have crazy on a con. I don't know if it's this year, or next year. We have crazy marshawn rask I don't want to I don't know burger. I'm pretty sure bertrams locked up but we have some that we saw those three guys coming up on contract years and next year. So if you don't see something this year, and we happen to miss out on the playoffs. I don't see that happening. I don't think it's a guarantee we make it. I think we get in but this could be a monumental year in Bruins history. If they don't if they don't do what they're supposed to do. This team's gonna look a lot different moving forward.

Rayshawn Buchanan: 1:09:08

What am I able to get me to get their mind right then? Yeah,

Joe Malkin: 1:09:11

yeah, I mean it has to right so we can actually look at it right here and I'll tell you after this season, crazy is unrestricted. Kasha is restricted. Ritchie's restricted coralli Lindholm which isn't homestyle on the roster. I thought he was gone. And then let's see. Carlo is restricted to cut and HELOC or unrestricted after this season. And Kevin Miller but I think he's been signed. So this might be out of date so don't quote me on all those but you were pretty spot on with all those guys. So yeah, so guys, I think we've given you a lot on the Bruins and what we think I mean, this season's gonna be kind of a an interesting one to watch. I think it's gonna be fun in this Eastern Division to see what happens with the Bruins and and the other six teams. And you know, we're gonna Bobby's absolutely right Bobby said it. So we're gonna go with what Bobby said. And it's this is the year to prove it for the Boston Bruins. So we've given you a look inside the NHL what it's going to look like this year from the MTP perspective and what the Bruins are going to look like from the MTP perspective, and we may not have given you much but we hope that you can form your opinion on that. Another Bruins season coming out of it. And you know, let's watch this 56 game season they play each team eight times, this is just going to be so much fun.

Rob Kelly: 1:10:31

It is going to be a lot of fun. It's kind

Joe Malkin: 1:10:33

of it's almost like the original six all over again in a lot of ways, where it's just teams beating up on each other all season you're gonna see rivalries form within the season and within the game, so it's gonna be a blast. So, guys, any final words tonight before we sign off?

Rayshawn Buchanan: 1:10:48

Yeah, just shout out some our grandfather that was an inside joke, but I wrote it on the page. Willie over here and getting his number retired. You know, the original 22 before my guy, Sean thoren, aka the enforcer was on a bronze but Yeah, me too. They need to actually need to get like that back here. But you know, not gonna keep wanting to rant about that.

Rob Kelly: 1:11:05

But Kevin, though, is supposed to be

Rayshawn Buchanan: 1:11:06

right. Okay. We'll see. You know, but yeah, so yeah, shout out to him for getting his number retired as long overdue as well deserved. And you know, yeah. Thank you for being a pioneer Willie.

Joe Malkin: 1:11:15

Yeah, so we'll just expand on that Willie O'Ree. It was announced on Tuesday that he would be inducted into the Bruins Hall of Fame and have his number retired. I'm actually just number retired, I think he might already be in. Either way. He's having his number retired February 18. Before the team's game against New Jersey Devils. He was the first black player in the NHL played his first season in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, and ended up playing a 29 year career of professional hockey, which is just incredible, from 1950 to 1979. So Bobby, what are your final words tonight.

Rob Kelly: 1:11:51

So I think that this next season is going to be a big the biggest season we've seen in the Boston Bruins in the last three years when it comes to turnover of this team, or at least the impact for toner over turnover on this team. If we see them make a big run into the playoffs. I think that they make a push to actually bring some guys in here next year. And make a final run at this cup. If the Bruins take a step back this year, and we can't get carried to that next level and possibly at least into the Stanley Cup Finals. I think you see a lot of turnover moving forward. And I also think that my biggest thing is that the Colorado Avalanche, I have some three tags written down for like the entire NHL for the show. The one I'll go with is that the Colorado Avalanche are going to win the Stanley Cup this year. I think that they are the best team in the NHL. Eric Johnson is such a good addition to this team. He lot of people think this dude is washed up. I think he's going to show back up and show that he is that that and that he can bring the team back up so I think avalanche are gonna win the cup. That's my big takeaway from the 2021 NHL season.

Joe Malkin: 1:13:00

It's weird to say just 2021 NHL season since it didn't start before January. So thank you for joining us for this episode of MTV, MTP where we've broken down the last NHL season and we've kind of given you a glimpse into what this season's gonna look like. It's all a mess right now in sports. It's chaotic. I love every second of it. So thank you for joining us again. I'm Joe Malkin, your host joined tonight by rayshawn Buchanan and Robert Kelly. And our AP is Craig D'Alessandro. It's been fun guys. Have a great night. We'll see you next time.

Craig D'Alessandro: 1:13:35

Thanks for listening to this episode of missing the point. missing the point is a one hour podcast recapping the biggest stories in the world of sports. What the New England flavor. The show notes and transcript from today's episode can be found in the description box below, as well as on our website. www dot MTP show.com. If you're new to the show, please consider subscribing. It's the easiest way to see when we publish new episodes. We are on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to rate us and leave a review of any of our shows. We always appreciate your feedback. Let us know how we're doing and how we can sound better. Also, be sure to follow us on all of our social medias. All of our links will be in the show notes and check out our brand new website WWW dot MTV show.com that's MTP show.com. For all of us here missing the point. I'm Craig D'Alessandro. We'll talk to you next time.