Boston Bruins Offseason Preview with Caylee Allard from Causeway Crowd

Craig D'Alessandro: 0:24

On this episode of missing the point we're joined by Kaylee Allard, contributor for fansided calm and Causeway crowd as we do look back at the end of the 2000 22,021 Boston Bruins season. We'll examine the Bruins early exit re examined the Bruins selection of now three first round busts in the 2015 NHL draft and preview the offseason and see if the score Bruins led by Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marshand one more going them for the Stanley Cup. This is missing the point Episode 68 but it's all relative.

Michael Marcangelo: 1:10

Welcome to missing the point I'm your host Michael Mark Angelo joined alongside by the real BK Bob Kelly and today we are performing an autopsy on the Boston Bruins season and to do that we have brought in a very very special guest. She is a diehard Bruins fan and hockey fan in general born in New England, but now living in the south. She's a Boston Bruins contributor for fansided Please welcome Caylee Allard. How are you? Kaylee

Caylee Allard: 1:35

I'm good Yeah, I'm missing the team a little bit I'm still kind of recovering from it but besides that I'm good I guess.

Michael Marcangelo: 1:44

Yeah, it's you know, the high that you got after the capital series right like you just I was thinking I know Bobby was to like this team could actually make a run and then they fall to the islanders in six games and were utterly dominated and most of them so as someone who was a diehard Bruins fan someone who's you know written about the team what happened What do you think happened in that scene?

Caylee Allard: 2:05

I really placed most of my blame on the defense considering the you know the trade deadline pickups we all know Taylor Hall was huge also you know, David Krecji finally got his winger he has Craig Smith a secondary scoring was looking good offense wasn't really a problem in the capital series at all. And, you know, everything was going well, you know, five games is, you know, they didn't even come close. And then once we got to the second round the injuries between Carlo and Miller, which the Miller signing still makes no sense to me, but for later, I guess, but Brandon Carlo and Kevin Miller were a huge hit and Charlie McAvoy can't do everything. Matt Grzelcyk had a horrible game six, and people will blame Tuukka for it. But that was what he was injured. But yeah, it was just a defense. Overall, I think it's going to be crucial to get some big bodies at the blue line this offseason. And I fully believe that if everyone was healthy, I don't want to say 100% because no one's 100% in the playoffs. But if everyone were a healthy I fully believe that could have at least gotten to seven games and maybe even won the series.

Rob Kelly: 3:12

Yeah. Now I couldn't agree more about defense. I have to ask you, you brought up Kevin Miller already and he's one to me that wasn't he? I understand why they resigned him after we let Zdeno Chara go, you know, we needed that muscle on the defense. But for them to throw that kind of money at someone who already has that injury history. And then it comes up in that playoffs. It's just like, like, I think you hit the nail on the head like that. Kevin Miller siding, man, that's brutal. And I couldn't agree more with the defense. I want to know if you saw this, just like we did. Was it not the most frustrating thing in the entire world that the New York Islanders seem to have someone parked in front of our net? Every single possession it was without fail, and you already brought up Tuukka Rask, Not only that, but that everyone's blaming Tuukka Rask for guys being two feet in front of his net shooting point blank shots is just like what was that not the most frustrating thing in the world to

Caylee Allard: 4:12

it was because the Bruins didn't do that. And I mean, Tuukka, if Tuukka can't see he's not going to stop the puck. So it's pretty, it's pretty self explanatory. And I don't know how you guys feel about getting rid of Chara either. But that's something Charo was known for the guys almost seven feet tall. So I feel like the Bruins are missing that a lot. He was still playing all those minutes in Washington and he would have been a great big body and a great mentor for the young defenseman. I understand they wanted to move forward with the young guys, but who better than your leader of 15 years to lead them there for at least one more season and make another run and be that big guy and be in front of the net? And you know, even Yeah, got it. He's old, but he's still got it. I mean, look at Jaeger Chara still got it too. So

Michael Marcangelo: 5:04

it's like you know, Chara has a lot of deficiencies now he's not fast fine, but you know what he wouldn't allow to happen. He wouldn't allow Matt Barzal l or anyone else to stand point like in front of Tuukka and just fire shots away at him. And I mean, was there no one else on the team in your in your opinion, Kaylee that could have stopped that like what a Fredrik have helped. And if so why don't they play him?

Caylee Allard: 5:27

See, I know a lot of people were calling for Frederick, but the guy has never played in a playoff game and everyone loved him in the regular season including me, you know, like Frederick fightclub. Like I'm in your kitchen like, that's great. Like that's what the Bruins need. They're known for being the big bad Bruins. But I don't know if such a young guy would be able to keep up or bring that fire out in the playoffs because it is such a different animal and hockey is such hot, the NHL playoffs I may be biased, but it's just a different animal from any other sports, let alone the NHL regular season. So I don't know if Bruce Cassidy didn't want to take that risk. I mean, he who knows how Frederick's nerves are, who knows if there's something behind the scenes, we didn't know that he maybe just didn't feel comfortable with Frederick, but I don't think Frederick would have been the difference maker. Just like I also don't think swayman would have been a difference maker. Because to me the goaltender situation was a lose lose. So I feel like what Cassidy did with the lions was fine setting the brass bringing kuhlmann kind of switching everyone up a little bit but I don't think Frederick would have been like the key piece to you know that physicality.

Michael Marcangelo: 6:40

So based on what you saw it right. So because it was it really was a tale of two different a series and it looked like two different teams. Was this team built for a deep a deep cup run, or did the perfection line just cover up a lot of the inadequacies that are actually on the Bruins.

Caylee Allard: 6:58

I think the perfection line even though that's the worst nickname ever, thanks to NBC. I think the first line really did carry it throughout the whole season until the trade deadline. I felt very optimistic when the second line was completed with Hall, Krecji and Craig Smith. But you also can't rely on just two lines just like you can't rely on one line. I always refer to the 2011 team because that was a perfect team. You know, you have four rolling lines. The Merlot Line was one of the best fourth lines the Bruins have ever had. And you need that in the bottom six also as a problem in the second round the bottom six scoring, so I I truly think if the Bruins beat the Islanders, I could not have seen them beating Tampa because they are just insane. So I've tried to like console myself with that I'm like to get heartbroken now or do I want to get heartbroken later. So I think they still have a lot of things to work out and I don't think this would have been the year honestly.

Michael Marcangelo: 8:02

So does this mean that you're rooting for the islanders? Because wouldn't like, isn't it? Isn't it better to be beat by the champions? Really? Aren't you written for the islanders to win the cup now?

Caylee Allard: 8:10

I am rooting for them. I have Vegas winning the cup. I think they're gonna win the cup. But I'm rooting for the islanders to be Tampa because I hate Tampa even more. And then I'm rooting for the islanders to lose in the final. So in this series, I'm rooting for the Islanders. Yeah,

Rob Kelly: 8:28

I listen. I have to say I underestimated the Islanders. I don't know about you two. But coming into the series, I did not know that they were as tough and would beat the shit out of us like they did because that's what they did from top to bottom every single game by the end of that game. And you knew they were that the Bruins were getting their ass booked. And I really have to say I was also more impressed that they came out and actually beat the lightning in game one and they played that same exact game. It's crazy how good they are. Now I have to ask. So going back to your comment on the bottom six. I don't know if you knew this. But so this is the scoring breakdown. For that I wonder serious ready? Pasta in Marchand each had five goals apiece. Krecji had to McAvoy Patrice Bergeron Smith Coyal and hall each had one and not one other person scored on the Bruins. So literally that is more than 50% of your scoring from two different players from only two players out of your entire roster. So like you said is do you so my question based off that is do you think that this was something like we didn't have the pieces, or we just didn't play as well as we should have?

Unknown: 9:43

I think they just didn't play as well because also Nick Ritchie was on fire all season and where was he? He was? Yeah, what the seven player went missing when we needed him most. So like that third line too. I think it was mostly Richie Crowley and Wagner. I mean, invisible and then debrusk invisible was scratched a game. So I think it's just they didn't do what they were supposed to do. I feel like overall the roster is pretty solid, a few tweaks with the defense and if the offense shows up, and Tuukka's not hurt. We could have a serious team here and I think next year is More important than ever, and I feel like we've been saying every year, but the core is old. And next year, especially with the Tuukka contract and everything going on and Krecji's contract like, next year has to be it in my opinion like period. That's it.

Michael Marcangelo: 10:40

How worried are you about about a potential drop off perversion, right because he's been the best player on our team for so long. And like you just mentioned, he's getting older. I remember the commercials of him riding over the the zaken Bridge in a Zamboni with Ray Kroc. That's how old he is. Right? So what happens to this team? So it's a two part question. How concerned are you about a drop off in play? And what happens to the team if he's not the version that we know?

Unknown: 11:07

I mean, I am very worried but I'm I don't I don't see his game declining at all. I don't know if you saw like the NHL player vote him and Sidney Crosby tied for the NHL is most complete player for like, right now. Like player would be awesome. And I mean, Barry trots is accusing you of cheating on face offs, because you're just so good at them. And I just I don't know, I don't see any worry with him getting older, same with Chara. He's still old, but he still got it. I mean, the guy needs to retire. Abreu and he's a captain. Now he needs to go until the end. And I think it was him that said he I think he said he's going to take it year by year, which means that hopefully he's got a few more and he's feeling good. So I'm really not too worried about him at all.

Michael Marcangelo: 11:59

It is a scary time that when you get to the we're gonna take it year by year phase of the career though, right? Like that's, that's how you know it's a we are way closer to the end than we are at the beginning.

Caylee Allard: 12:08

Yeah, he's like, Alright, how am I gonna feel next year? We'll see.

Rob Kelly: 12:12

The disrespect by the way on that Barry trots calling Bergeron out for cheating on the face offs. And then the next game. I don't know if you know, the refs threw him out of the face off the first for face offs he took. I know Cassidy was livid about that. But it's just the disrespect this guy got from that is just I believe, I couldn't believe when that happened.

Caylee Allard: 12:33

Yeah, and it's funny how trotz is complaining about the calls now I know if you saw last game against the lightning, he was losing it on the bench. And everyone was like posting memes of like Bruce Cassidy smile and and they were like I told you so like, it's funny how it's a big deal when they don't get the calls. But yeah, the New York saints.

Michael Marcangelo: 12:54

I love that. I do love that. It was it's funny because I think Cassidy's probably the most outspoken coach in Boston, right? Like you don't, you don't get that from Belichick. You get nothing less than nothing. Brad Stevens was always a pro player. He but he's not gonna say anything about the league. But Cassidy did not pull any punches there. He knew he was going to get fine. So he went down with it. But do you think that the the islanders use any of that for fuel in their next game? Because as you mentioned, the after that, after the broomstick a two one series lead, they don't win another game. And it was in the midst of, you know, bergy getting thrown out of out of faceoffs and cash the feeling of they were disrespected. But was that? Do you think that was almost like a rallying cry for him? He was trying to motivate the team and it just didn't work?

Caylee Allard: 13:42

I think so. Because once trots made those comments about Bergeron. I think it kind of lit a fire under everyone because he's using the refs to his advantage and complaining about it. And the refs definitely heard it and NHL refs or just something else and so that and for every team, I'm not just complaining as a Bruins fan. I mean, everyone has dealt with their brutal calls. And I feel like the islanders do just get so lucky, whether it's Puck luck, or the calls or their way or just, I mean, they're talented team, but they also have that luck there. I feel like and they're so frustrating and play against. And it's it's just frustrating how Cassidy got fined for I mean, it was worth $25,000 I would have started work on me for him. But But yeah, I think yeah, I think the mind games did play a part too. So that's also frustrating.

Rob Kelly: 14:36

It I don't know if you guys noticed this to the Islanders. That's their game. That's what they do is they frustrate you to death and they did it to the penguins that first series, the penguins were leaving the playoffs in shots on that exit in the first round of the playoffs and the Bruins lead this lead the second round, and shots on that. It's just unbelievable. How frustrating that team was to play again,

Michael Marcangelo: 15:02

a little bit of a backstory here is that while the Bruins were up to two one I said if the Bruins lose this series, it will be because of Matt Barzal. Oh, and don't forget that you had three not to not one three chances to draft him. You're the 13th 14th and 15th overall pick in that draft and he was selected 16 So, one, How good was Barcel To how awful was that draft? I mean, it came back to bite us.

Caylee Allard: 15:30

Yeah, I mean, I, I know that like people want to blame Sweeney for it but I feel like it's also so hard to tell when a player is going to be come. I mean, I guess like he definitely should have done a better job. But but just the names What is it so Borel

Rob Kelly: 15:51

recite those is a Borel debrusk. In Zed edition, yeah. For bars all like that.

Caylee Allard: 15:58

Yeah, passing on him several times is frustrating. It wasn't like like he said, not just once, but several times. But yeah, I mean, definitely super embarrassing. I never gonna live it down the brass who has a scratch, he might not even be staying a lot of people do want him gone, because he's just not reliable enough. I mean, I love the kid. He's had some great moments. Like, I really thought he could be something in Boston, but he just has improved himself. And he's given been given so many chances. But yeah, it's quite painful to see. Marcel Absolutely. tearing it up. And I'm just trying to picture him like on the first or second line, and just how dangerous the ruins man

Rob Kelly: 16:39

imagine.

Michael Marcangelo: 16:40

It's just like, you know, not once fine. Everyone misses on one draft pick. That's fine. You had them? Three times, and huge and you just could not do it. So I feel like I feel like we're kind of vibing right, like, we're friends. And I think that that could all come to an end. After this. I was the leader of the Tuukka hate club, the leader for? Yeah, for a very long time. I'm sorry, I know. But he changed my mind a lot in the Washington series and even more so in in the Islander series. I think the reason just for clarification purposes, the reason why I was in the 2k Club is because he's just so damn talented. He's really such a good goalie. And it felt like when you need when you needed him the most last year excluded that he was just never there. Right. But with him playing hurt this year, and with him not wanting to be pulled. Do you think that he will change the mind of fans like me in this town because of the guts that he showed? Or is he just relegated to the Yeah, you're good but you'll never be Tim.

Caylee Allard: 17:48

Oh, to go will never get the credit unless he gets the Stanley Cup as the starter I have spoken to many tuca haters because they're always in my twitter and I have to see what they say about it. Unfortunately, at this point, just don't respond to them. It's not even worth my time. But I think Bruins fans and Boston fans in general are so spoiled like I always use this goaltenders name. Look at Tristan Jari on the penguins. That man cannot stop a beach ball. Like I'm not even like no joke. When I was watching him play against the Islanders. I was like, This is their starter and the playoffs like this guy would maybe be decent in the AHL, it's that bad like, but no, because people complain when to God. So they want him to show heart, but he showed heart by playing through an injury. But now he's stupid for doing that. So it's a lose lose for Tuukka like, Oh, he's a quitter. But if he sat out, they'd say, Oh, he has an injury. He's faking and giving up on his team. But because he played he's hurting the team by playing with an injury so the guy cannot win. So I mean, if you look up the symptoms for a torn hip labrum and you're a goaltender playing in a playoff game, sliding left to right, practically doing splits sticking out your legs. People are like limping when they have torn head play rooms. It hurts to walk. And this man said, No, I'm suiting up for my team because I feel like I should. And he told apparently told coach Cassidy he was healthy. Like he was like, No, I'm good. And Bruce was like, he told us he was healthy. So this guy wanted to play, but that's still not good enough and it never will be.

Rob Kelly: 19:34

Yeah, so I echo those spoiled Boston sports fans. times a million. So a little fun fact about me. I'm not a Patriots fan. I'm a Cowboys fan. Unfortunately, it's one of my biggest flaws in life. I know you

Caylee Allard: 19:48

guys don't die other teams but I can tell you later. Not all lost.

Rob Kelly: 19:53

That's what it comes down to though is like we have a different perspective of this that like so when teams make it to a championship, I never see that as like a disappointment and I never will if you are good enough to play for a championship trophy. That is a successful season. You have done your job, you were in it to win it to the end. It's unbelievable that no one gives credit to tuca for leading us to that Stanley Cup in 2013, leading us to another Stanley cup in 2019 Yes, we didn't win it. But you know what the hardest trophy to win in sports is word Stanley Cup. And this dude has brought us within one game of doing that twice. And I've been tackling this since day one with two kids like exactly what you said about the penguins go you got people don't know how good we really haven't having this guy in that for as long as we've had it been that like you think back to all these goalies like john Sebastian Garr amazing with Anaheim. What was his show? five, three to four years. Like only the greats are around for this long. And just because he didn't get the cut to me. Doesn't make him not a great. Granted Yes. Could he have shown heart in those games sevens could have played better in those game sevens? 100%. Well, but listen, the guy got us there. What else it comes down to is like, Listen, in that game seven against St. Louis. Do you remember that first quarter? Jordan Bennington stand stood on his goddamn head. Yeah, we had so many opportunities. And you know what I remember about the Bruins. It's never about to grass. It's about missed opportunities. Missed open nets, which that reminds me to something else. The worst Miss open that I've ever seen in my goddamn life with with us are now on. Unbelievable. But that's always what I remember. And I'm interested to know like so you're not about Paige. So you're not a Patriots fan. Okay, so I'm interested to know like, when you look back on those seasons, so there's 2013 2019 Stanley Cup runs. Do you look at those as disappointments, or do you look at those as like, Listen, that was amazing. We got all the way there. Yeah, we didn't want to. But what else can you ask for?

Caylee Allard: 22:19

Yeah, I couldn't have said it any better. Honestly. Like 2013 against the Blackhawks, everyone brings up to 17 seconds like that Heartbreaker, like, but if you I actually have recently re watched those two goals, and I think it actually was Andrew ferens and Chara defending. They were nowhere near the net. They were often no man's land. They weren't like to go was left out to dry like the Blackhawks were hammering him like it was too greasy goals to like it was horrible goals that never should have happened. They should have never been that close to the net at that corner. Slide in that pumpkin. I think it was Bickel and I forget who else scored it but that's all on rask That guy is one man like he's one man and I honestly see the two Cup finals with him as a success because also in game seven against the blues. The Bruins scored one freakin goal. And it was Matt Grizzly back in the third period with like a few minutes left and the blues are already up for like nobody showed up. No hurry, you're on no pot. No anyone. No one was there. So you don't win by not scoring in game seven of the Stanley Cup final. Like the Bruins be Vancouver and a shout out for nothing. That's how you win like I mean to go like you said Tuukka is an imperfect I'm not saying he doesn't let himself goals or have bad days but no player is perfect. But somehow to go gets all the blame like when they win Oh to God, but when they lose Oh, it's too good fall. So it's definitely a success even getting that far with him.

Michael Marcangelo: 24:06

Yeah, I think the 2013 you just you just came up against a wagon, right? The Blackhawks were at the height of their powers and that they just they were just so good that for that run, I'll always remember it was it was the Toronto series right? You're down three goals and Bergeron scores in overtime jacket was it was one of the play by play guys that you just hear Bergeron version like that.

Rob Kelly: 24:31

That's one of my Listen, I mean to drop. That's one of my favorite sports memories. Like literally since beginning of sports. I still go back sometimes if we're having a bad rough day, I will go back and watch that third period of that game just because of how amazing it really was.

Michael Marcangelo: 24:50

Like that team had heart and I would always say and Bobby will can attest to this. I don't hold 2013 against them like the he played so well. I don't remember the stats. I think he was like 14 and eight with a it was wasn't a nine I think it was it was like 14 and with a sub two goals against average, which by the way, like those stats are comparable to Tim Thomas in 2011. They might even be a little bit better. The game seven in 2019. The team didn't show up. They hung out to dry But that's the game where, you know, for for one feels too much like maybe like I would I think my outlook on him and again, I'm just speaking for me, my outlook on him would have been different if that game ended like to one right even if it up to nothing. You just showed that you're going to they're going to fight your ass off. So I think this year he showed guts. And do you think he had to? Do you think he knew all the things that we were saying? Not us but maybe even people in the locker room after after the whole bubble experience last year? For someone who writes about the team and is a far bigger pocket than I am. Do you think that was on his mind all year that I have to be here?

Caylee Allard: 26:06

I truly don't think Tuukka cares what people think. He cares about his team. But he doesn't read Twitter. He's not reading articles. He's not listening to Boston Sports Radio, especially. But I every year like in the post post loss zoom at the end of the season, just this year, they asked all the players about Tuukka they're like, you know, do you think it's fair, the criticism he gets? And they're like, no, like, the guy fights his butt off every single game for us. We would be nowhere without him. I mean, obviously, they're not going to trash his their goalie. Yeah, but everyone knows, like, I know that to go knows to he doesn't know the extent or the specifics, but he knows that he's heavily criticized. And I think he feeds off it. But I don't think it's always on his mind. Like, oh, I need to please the fans. Like I don't think he cares. He just wants to do his best because he's also very passionate, and he's known to be a angry goalie. And that's another reason I hate when people say he has no passion because I'm sure you've seen the infamous video of him throwing milk crates back in the AHL, when he lost the game, and one of my favorite pictures is when I think it was the lightning scored when he had to go lost his stick blade, and he took it off the ice and was shoving in the refs face. Like, look, I lost my blade, like he's just like angry and fiery and passionate. And that to me shows that he does care. Like, people are like, oh, like he's emotional, this and that. Like, I think it's awesome. And I think he wants to do everything he can because the guy if he didn't care, he wouldn't have played her. So that's a really big deal.

Rob Kelly: 27:45

And not only play hurt, that's the thing I think is lost in the shuffle to is like yeah, listen, he may not lose maybe game was a game five, lose and five or six, six, maybe game six. He swam and could have played he would have been more effective. But for too good to be out there in that capital series and those first five games with a torn labrum and to perform on that level. Like this dude wasn't just performing like as a good goalie. He was magnificent. Like, there were points where like, you would get through a five minute stretch of hockey and you would get to the end of the five minutes you'd be like, holy shit Tuukka like what even just happened? How did they not score a goal? That's where like any reservations right was I was with you Mike last year in the bubble to grow hated that everything about it was the worst like the way way it happened. Is unforgiveable to me, like you know about me I'm all about passion when it comes to hockey. I'm all about passion when it comes to literally everything. But for him to show up like that with that injury. I don't know about you Kaylee, but like that, to see him perform not only at a top level, but at a premier level with that injury just to me like, I don't think there's any I think you have to bring to Quebec and I know I've said before Mike to you like we need swim and swim. You should be in here. But like, the more I think about it, is like What else you got to do? Like, when are you really going to let this dude walk after what he just did for you. And after seeing another Boston team? let someone else go with a bad hat. And how much that Kherson down the future after everything he gave you. You can't let them walk. Yeah, I just correlated the Celtics in there. You like that? Yeah, no, no, no, we're

Michael Marcangelo: 29:44

aware. It do you think? Is it fair to say though? A couple of things. Where do you stand on what happened last year, Kaylee, so my stance and I'll kick it over to you. He left for a family emergency. I get it. I'll never judge that ever. Never once. You shouldn't have a tee time the next day. You can't do that. So were the criticisms fair from us. And I guess how did you feel about it?

Caylee Allard: 30:11

Yeah, I mean, I I mean, I don't know. Maybe, you know, I don't know if the whole golfing thing is even 100% proven or if it was just a rumor like do we 100% Have any photo evidence that it was to grass? Was it just like a rumor by the boss or media? Like Did someone definitely say that was to grass? Like I truly don't know.

Michael Marcangelo: 30:35

Yeah. So I can't confirm it. But I think the speculation was that he had a tee time I believe it was like 1130 tee times somebody saw it. He was made aware that the press knew that he was there. And he stayed in the clubhouse until they left and was late for his time.

Caylee Allard: 30:51

Hmm, okay. Yeah. So I obviously like you said, family emergency, like, totally get it super crazy. Like, I guess his daughter was in the hospital as a story. We don't know what but he like ran out of there. But I think it is pretty messed up to be golfing like the next day, maybe you would maybe I would understand like, a few days later, when he got home, saw your family made sure everything was okay. But if it definitely was like that very next day, that is very suspicious. And I guess people were also kind of upset because Tuukka had made comments, saying that it's like, feels weird to be there. And he's not like, it's not like a real season where he's that into it or something like that. I think those comments were blown out of proportion, though, because pretty much every player said that about the bubble. They're like, well, it's weird. It's tough to be away from family. It's the hardest thing we've ever done. Of course, when Tuco says it's blown out of proportion, but that's because he did leave. But I mean, it's so hard to say like, I truly wish there was a video or photo to be there. Because I would say yes, that's messed up. But I mean, yeah, I I also don't know if last year would have been the year because again, Tampa was pretty much unstoppable. So I try not to harp on that too much. But it did suck having him go. And I don't think kolok put on too great of a performance he took over either.

Michael Marcangelo: 32:10

Yeah, I think so. I can't judge him for why he left, I can judge him for how he acted while he was there. And then what he did when he returned, and those press conferences, when he said, You know, I'm just happy. Like, I'm just here to have fun. It's hockey in July or August and you're just playing with my friends. It doesn't even feel like it like it counts. You can't say that right and make a million dollars a year. But you can't that you could be a fourth liner or like a 10th defenseman on the team. But as the leader, it does look that so again, I was the leader of the anti tuga. I think I'm reforming. Because I don't think you can see it. You can't watch what he did this year and think that that man doesn't care. Because he had no reason to stay out there. In reality, it would have better suited him to pack it in. And to just have the surgery and be ready for the start of the season. Now they're saying that he might not be back until February of next year. So do you think that he comes back or for the Bruins? Like do they move him? And if so, like, how good could can he be?

Caylee Allard: 33:18

Yeah, I think this I mean, it really does suck that he's hurt. He's my favorite player. And I want him to finish out and have a great year. But I think there's no perfect, more perfect opportunity for swayman to show what he's got because everyone's calling for swayman swim and especially the two Gators. So it is kind of nerve wracking, knowing they're going to be going without him and people are speculating, oh, are they going to sign veteran goliad for just for now to replace Tuukka. But with this injury and being at the end of his career in his contract, it is pretty concerning. Especially you're coming January, February, once you get to February, and like I don't know the whole All Star game this year. But like after the all star break and all that like and January beginning February, that's when it's like crunch time, like we got playoffs in a couple months, these games really matter. So it's gonna be interesting to see if swayman can I'm assuming they'll be swayman get them into that position. But I still think it's the perfect opportunity to ease swayman in and then hopefully when he goes back he can pick up any slack or play a lot for the remainder of the regular season. So it's concerning, but I also think it's a good opportunity to see what swayman has and if he can really take the starter position.

Michael Marcangelo: 34:37

What do you think is swimming so because I asked that because he I think your Twitter handles 2k Ras right so you're you love Tuukka and you can you can find Kaylee @2kRask on Twitter, but I guess my question would be Do you think that Boston Bruins fans overrated Swayman because they just don't they don't like to go or is he's someone that could be his replacement moving forward.

Caylee Allard: 35:02

I absolutely love Swayman. I think he's awesome. I think the Bruins organization is very lucky they've been vet the Bruins have been very lucky with goaltending throughout very recent history. You know, it's never oh that like Tim Thomas like and I love Tim Thomas to like I had his jersey like I guess I'm just a big goalie person. But I mean The 2011 performances on the bass ones I've ever seen. But yeah, I mean, I think swayman is the future. I think he plays like Tim Thomas and I think that's why the tuba haters love him because he has kind of that sporadic style and like he's like Acrobat kinda and it's kind of crazy, but he gets it done. And I actually listened to he did a podcast with a billy Jaffe. It's called an Andrew rea craft. They have their own podcast, I think it's called the morning brew or something. And swayman went on there. And he was just the nicest coolest kid like he literally said, like, I don't get nervous. Like he's like, I just have like a great time. And what I really like is how he said what's most important for him now that he made to the NHL is recognizing fans and like giving a kid a POC, or like waving to someone like he is just like, so for the people. And I think he's gonna be such a great boss and athlete. Like just listening to him. I was like, I love this kid. But I really think he's a future and when we started him this year, I didn't even feel nervous and he's brand new. Like, this guy just got caught up. And I don't know about you guys. But when I saw him in that I was like, oh, we're good. Like, he does not make me feel nervous are concerned at all?

Rob Kelly: 36:38

Yeah, it's a completely different feeling. So I'll never forget last year, my button texted me when void Ark came in in the playoffs actually went, it's what our time and I was like, Alright, let's see how it goes. Three minutes later, I was like, in your right swimming does just have a different feel to them. I couldn't agree more though. Listen, I'm going to parlay this into another question a little bit. But I think Don Sweeney is the luckiest GM in the entire world, with the lucky got with goaltenders, man to have Tim Thomas like he did. I know that wasn't Sweden. But then to parlay that right in the two craske with the absolute steal over trade that you got from Toronto, and to have this guy in that for all this time. I just think like, I don't dislike screening a lot. I do not like Sweeney as our GM but I just feel like you're right when it when the senate Bruins have gotten such a walk when it comes to goaltending and the fact that they now found this kid swayman who has such swag, man, you're right. Like when I heard that interview, they said like, I don't get nervous. I don't feel that. That is the energy that you want from a goalie like Eve if you think back. I'm going to pilot a lay this in the Patriots. For all you patriots fans out there. When I think back about Tom Brady, about what was so special about him when he fell asleep in that 2001 Super Bowl locker room, because he was so relaxed, didn't realize the moment he was and he took a nap. Like I feel like that's something that just seeing the personality of Jeremy swayman that's something that would happen with him like game seven Stanley copied be like, yeah, I mean, I took a nap before I don't know, I was feeling really relaxed. And you're like, yeah, that's the kind of guy you want is your goalie. So like, I love the swimming train. I think tuca being there is such a word I'm looking for is such a Yeah, positivity, like, is very positive for swimming for him to be there. Because it's like, you know, I've already been in these situations. Here's how you handle them. And you take that swayman swag and put it on top of that. It's just like, yeah, I'm ready. I'm ready for swimming.

Michael Marcangelo: 38:55

What's your question, Bobby?

Rob Kelly: 38:56

All right. So no question. No, but like, Alright, so my question is, as lucky as Sweeney has got, all right, I have been on this guy was that we can talk about that 2017 draft where he passed over bars, all 1515 whatever it was 2015 draft, Passover bars all but the moves that he has made in the last two years just driving absolutely insane. Like, listen, you can talk about the Taylor Hall trade. I don't give him any credit for that. Because if anyone was ever like, Hey, I'll give you tower hall for that scrub and a second round. I'd be like, Well,

Unknown: 39:33

I think I'll take that deal.

Rob Kelly: 39:36

I just feel like the way that he has handled this team, the fact that we had to wait seven years for a premium winner to be beside David creatchi that we had to replace the dino Chara with Kevin goddamn Miller, who who already was an underachiever before he resigned and then you look at the lack of depth you put behind this defense this year is just like as soon as one guy went down, you saw what happened in that I wanted to Syria so I need to know your opinion summaries around the team a lot who you follow Bruins hockey passionately? Am I off base here? Is this me just over analyzing the team or is this serious mistakes that this dude has made over the past few years?

Caylee Allard: 40:20

No, I think you're totally on base. I mean, I think Could be way worse. Like, it's not like he's driving the team into the ground, but I feel like he just does the bare minimum. I feel like he tries to find the most obscure random player and like puts a lot of faith in them. And then he's like, this is gonna definitely work. Like, I feel like he just like, closes his eyes and like throws a dart at a dartboard and whoever it lands on, he's like, Alright, we're going to try to acquire this guy. But like, other than the Taylor Hall thing, which I agree with you it's if it wasn't all Sweeney, like Taylor Hall would have done anything to get out of Buffalo. And I mean, yeah, like Taylor Hall, you could have give him him five bucks and you'd be like, Alright, I'm gone. So I don't really get like everyone was like Sweeney's a god, sweet. He's a god. But other than the Taylor Hall acquisition, I can't even name like any significant hiccups that I was happy with. I mean, I think the Craig Smith pickup turned out to be really good at first. I was really skeptical with that offseason pickup because I was like Craig Smith. Like I've really never even heard of this guy. I mean, got Craig Smith and Jared sonority from Nashville. And I think tinordi is like fine. He's a physical guy, but he wasn't good enough to be in the top D or make a difference at all. But yeah, I think you're on basis. Sweeney again, I don't think I think it could be worse. I don't think he's the worst ever, but I don't think he's good enough to where he's making significant moves to help the team get a cup. And he he they spoke about that him and cam Neely kind of came clean and they admitted they messed up in the 2015 draft. And they also said we need to make better move so they know it too. So

Michael Marcangelo: 42:08

it's just like surely when surely left right, I think he left with such a bad taste. He puts such a bad taste in and Boston Bruins fans mouths write it and in reality after he left he'd been to two cups and five years. Sweeney's not as good as surely. Yeah,

Rob Kelly: 42:27

I think so. I caveator me to take it.

Michael Marcangelo: 42:32

Obviously to you, Bobby for sure.

Rob Kelly: 42:33

But like So listen, I think we were really hard to show rally when it happened. The Sagan trade that happened for a reason. Like Listen, I love tower Sagan. I love watching him play hockey. He's an amazing hockey player. I don't know if it's true

Michael Marcangelo: 42:51

that you can't sleep at

Rob Kelly: 42:53

night Nathan Horton his wife. You can't bang the Oken Bruin for our 2011 Stanley Cup players life and like I get that that's what everyone always brags on him is that Sagan trade Shkreli made some moves man and and honestly I think if Shelley was still the GM yet what he did is he went for broke he always wanted for broke he was gonna he was gonna go get you that guy no matter what and if you weren't if neatly wanted him to go get him he was going to get and I feel like that's the opposite of swing. He is like the only reason we got Taylor Hall is because we got was our and a second round pick along with it if it was just Bjork for Hall and like maybe a first round pick for Bjork like I feel like he would have been like no I'm good. That's not that's too much risk for me to take and that's where I feel like I just fall with ciarelli also the fact that dissension I'm just for the rest of my life that name is going to be ingrained in my head like listen, I get some boral I get to Brock they have potential but like I've never even heard of this guy's Zachary ascension and map arizal is literally ending my playoff life and I just can't I can't deal with him anymore it's not gonna happen he's not going anywhere and I know he's not going anywhere because like you know all the interviews and everything like that but like man I just if I've ever wanted a GM out and Boston Bruins so I want Sweeney ad here I just want someone else who's gonna look at this differently what can just perfection line and be like, we need to make moves to win this cup because it's gonna be so depressing in 10 years we look back on this and we see this top line that we had and it's looked back in historical history is like the best first line in 20 years in Boston Bruins history, and we had them together for literally over a decade and one one fucking Stanley Cup is just like I notice how spoiled it sounds very Boston ish of me but like God damn it man like Sweeney Come on. Let's go for broke. Let's try man. Let's do something.

Caylee Allard: 45:07

Yeah, no, I think you're right. Like you said it's been a decade and that's not good enough with the amount of talent This team has had. And with you know, Bergeron, and Marsh and I hate to say deserve because everyone's like, nobody just deserves it. You got to earn it, but version one and Martian really need one more, and I would cry forever to go got his as well. And crazy Of course, too. I mean, these guys, I mean, even Marchand said he's like, we're getting old, like, ticking. And you think Sweeney, like you said, like an alarm would go off like holy crap. Like I have to complete the missing puzzle and get these missing pieces in here. So we can really have a chance like, it doesn't seem like he cares enough. He's like, we'll give this guy a try. We'll give this guy a try. Like that's not good enough. You cannot have as things as a GM.

Michael Marcangelo: 46:01

So, as we've now kind of stumbled upon the 10 year anniversary of the 2011 Cup, right, how crazy is it for you to believe a that that was 10 years ago that we haven't won a cup since. But be that we have now had the number one overall pick? And then number two overall pick of that draft on the Bruins in the last 10 years? How crazy is that?

Caylee Allard: 46:24

Yeah, no, it is crazy. I saw the number one was What again?

Michael Marcangelo: 46:29

Sure. Oh, yeah.

Caylee Allard: 46:31

Yeah. Yes. True. Number two is our Sega. Yes. I'm sorry, I missed your question. But yes, because I remember it was either Taylor or Tyler. It was like the Battle of Taylor and Tyler, like, who would they get? And obviously, Sagan was chosen. But at the end of all this, you know, people are upset about this Sagan trade. But we know there was a very good reason for it. But we may have never gotten Hall. And now Hall may be part of the team that leads us to the cup. So you just never know. I think it might work out in our favor. This offseason really is so important. But it is crazy to come like full circle to that like Taylor Tyler thing. It's interesting to see,

Michael Marcangelo: 47:09

I guess my question would be, because I'm really, really, really excited for Taylor Hall on this team. But the last time I was really excited, they didn't keep him and it was Sagan. Do you think that they keep Taylor hall? How much do they have to bend to make sure that they make him happy, and they sent him to a long term deal?

Caylee Allard: 47:28

Well, Hall said that he's not looking for the money, which I think is 100% of truth. Because he's having the time of his life. He said, The guy hasn't stopped smiling since he's been in Boston. And him and Craig Smith and criegee are such a great trio. And he said he's never had this much fun playing with linemates before and he's like, you know, this is where I want to be I'm playing winning hockey. He's in he said he's been in the league for it's over 10 years now. And he's finally winning. So I think call will 100% take a team friendly deal, and it's not going to cost much. And if Sweeney lets him walk. Oh, and he truly deserves the boot because you cannot let this guy go. Like I cannot like and especially if crazy goes after he finally has his winners with Smith and Hall like that second line has to stay intact no matter what like they have to come up with something with the cap. And I think Taylor Hall 100% will take a lesser deal in order to stay and keep everyone happy.

Michael Marcangelo: 48:35

I hope that you're right because I'm usually like the glass is half empty type of guy on this show when it comes to anything Boston sports related. Which brings me to one of my one of my last questions. So you mentioned that you're not a full Boston sports fan that you are a Bruins fan Now, I'd like to learn a little bit more about what teams you support but I'd like to guess beforehand if that's okay. I just want I just hope that our friendships on the line here because we put a lot of work into it. But for football for football. I'm gonna guess the giants. Yes.

Rob Kelly: 49:10

Oh, really? Wow. I hate the cowboy.

Unknown: 49:15

Oh, man.

Michael Marcangelo: 49:18

Like that is the Patriots kryptonite Kaley? Of course, it's the giants.

Caylee Allard: 49:22

I am from Connecticut in case.

Rob Kelly: 49:26

Yeah. I have to ask. Where do you hate the Eagles more than you hate the Cowboys?

Caylee Allard: 49:35

I think I hate the Cowboys more. Love Dak Prescott. I will give you that. I love that. I'll take that. I'll admit that is the only good thing of the thing about them.

Rob Kelly: 49:47

I respect I only respect the Giants because they beat the Patriots twice. Yeah, no, that's great.

Caylee Allard: 49:53

Yeah, everyone loves the Giants for that everyone was a dad.

Michael Marcangelo: 49:57

I just want to everybody cuz I sure as hell did. And now I think I think the next the next one. So we're going along these mutually assured destruction lines. I think that you're a Yankees fan. Yes. I mean It says on her social media platform that she's from Connecticut. So that leads you to believe that she's not an avid Boston sports fan that she also hates those other two sectors of Boston sports now for basketball. I don't know. So that I'll ask you like, what, what team you prefer for basketball.

Caylee Allard: 50:43

So I do not like the NBA. I don't watch basketball. I really don't. So I kind of just pick and choose who I want to win. But yes, I'm not just saying this. I always root for the Celtics. Because TD Garden, love TD Garden. And I'm like, Okay, if I'm gonna like be chaotic, I might as well be like, 5050 like to Boston to New York. Maybe I can get away with that. Because I'm like, Oh, I'm half and half. So I truly don't really care about the NBA, though. But when the Celtics were playing, I wanted them to win. So

Michael Marcangelo: 51:15

were you still in Connecticut? In January or February 2008. Yes, I was. Okay. So like, for those of you listening at home, that's when the Giants ended the undefeated season of the New England Patriots. So I assume that you probably have friends that are patriots fans, right? Like what was that? Like? How happy were I mean, just throwing it in their face. Because I said this way back we should have a college show that the patient fancy become Yankee fans now, which I don't mean as an insult to you, but we just expected to win. Everyone else sucked. So what was it like to be able to just look at one of your friends face and be like, hey, How'd that feel?

Caylee Allard: 51:53

It's really interesting, because I get to me on both sides of it. Like, especially on Twitter, like all my like Bruins friends are tweeting about the Sox and like the pads and the Celtics. And I'm like, I don't really tweet about my new york teams, because my following is like 98% Boston, and they will crucify me. But it was so funny to like, be able to brag about it. And they're like, well, you're a Bruins fan, so it doesn't make sense. And you're weird. And this and that. And trust me, I always get roasted for it. But I'm not gonna lie. Those two Super Bowls are one of the greatest moments. And the second a Super Bowl was when that 2012

Michael Marcangelo: 52:31

Oh, it was the 2011 season. So six months after the Bruins won, so I saw the Bruins win the cup, and then I saw the Giants win the Super Bowl. Oh my god, I was so spoiled. I guess the Patriots. Yep, that's that's a key part of that. rip my heart out.

Caylee Allard: 52:44

It's very weird. And I sometimes I'm like, Why can I just be all new yorker? All Boston, but I kind of love it because it's keeps things interesting. Yeah, yeah. No, I mean, well,

Michael Marcangelo: 52:56

yeah, I you know, as a Patriots fan again, I think it's I love having the one upcard on everybody. I hate talking to a Giants fan, man, because I just have nothing to say. But yeah, Brady's won six Super Bowls. He's like we should have had eight. How's a tune want to feel? Well, Kaylee, thank you so much for for taking the time to talk to us. I do want to give you the chance to tell people about where they can find you and how they can follow you.

Caylee Allard: 53:18

Yeah, sure. So I write for fansided I write for Causeway crowd about the Bruin . So the website for that is ju t Causewaycrowd.com and then you can follow all my crazy tweets and memes on my Twitter and it's @2kaRask.

Michael Marcangelo: 53:36

Awesome. Well for real BK Bob Kelly for our special guests Kelly Allard. I am Michael Mark Angela saying thank you so much for listening to missing the point and we'll talk to you later.