GoonBlog.com

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. the Washington… Cornholios?


in Hockey Fight Recaps, Garnet Hathaway, Patrick Maroon, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vladislav Namestnikov, Washington Capitals

What a weekend in Sluggerville! Time for a few hockey fight recaps, and usually when you see a link associated with a particular brawl, it will take you to the almighty HockeyFights.com where you can participate in a poll to vote for the winner. At least until they send us a cease-and-desist.

Things got a little snarly as it were in the Nation’s Capital last night between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning. ESPN may have a real grudge match type game on their hands on Sunday, as these two teams meet at 7 bells. Back in the old days, the coaches would start their 4th lines. The tough guys would square up, and it would be over. Sometimes, you’d be lucky enough to get a line brawl, and then back to the hockey. I’m interested to see what happens Sunday, but let’s take a look at last night’s action first.

Things got started at the 1:56 mark of the second period. After Washington’s Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who has a last name that sounds like a German dessert, tried to decapitate Tampa’s Cal Foote both teams were at center ice milling around. That is never a good idea, and the linesmen needed to do a better job of keeping the teams separated. To no one’s surprise, Pat “Big Rig” Maroon was jawing with Washington’s Garnet Hathaway for a few minutes as the officials tried to sort out the penalty for Aube-Kubel. I like my Aube-Kubel warm with cinnamon.

Pat Maroon vs. Garnet Hathaway
Anyway, to no one’s surprise, the jawing betwixt Maroon and Hathaway escalated to sticks down, gloves off at center ice. It didn’t look like much was landed, punch wise, save for a few body shots and a couple of rights before they got their gloves off by Maroon. He and Hathaway got 5 each for fighting, a misconduct each. Nicolas Aube-Kubel received a match penalty for the hit and is most definitely going to have some words with NHL Disciplinarian George Parros about his actions. Tampa coach John Cooper certainly approved of the Big Rig, as you can see him shouting his praise to his tough guy in the box.

Vladislav Namestnikov vs. Erik Gustafsson
Things got nasty again at 14:20 of the third period. After some jostling in the corner between Washington’s John Carlson and Ross Colton, things got really serious when Colton had enough of Carlson’s manhandling. Colton gives Carlson a hard cross check which draws the attention of everyone on the ice. Tampa’s Vladislav Namestnikov and Washington’s Erik Gustafsson get squared up.

At the same time, “Scorey” Corey Perry and Anthony Mantha decide to dance. Namestnikov gives Gustafsson a sound beating, landing many rights. Perry gets the classic jersey over the head move on the Capitals Anthony Mantha – leaving the announcers to wonder if anyone is tied down anymore. And while he’s got Mantha shirted, gives him a bunch of rights for his trouble. When they’re separated, Mantha is left in the classic Cornholio pose from the old Beavis and Butthead days. Classic!


These two teams combined for 79 total PIM, and as I said, they’ll get back at it Saturday night – so stay tuned for a hockey fight recaps update. I wish Tom Wilson wasn’t hurt for Washington, as he would have likely been the one answering the bell toll. I question if he would, but it should be him on a good night. I’m dropping the girls off (not a euphemism) and will hopefully make it for the opening faceoff this evening. It will take some speeding (only on the way home), but it can be done. I wonder if I get pulled over if “racing home to see a potential donnybrook” will be a valid excuse?

Update: 11/14/22
I likely opened up a time warp on Route 95 in Maine Sunday, racing home to make the start of the Tampa / Washington game. Because I expected some kind of a response to the previous game’s chicanery from Washington. Instead they seemed very… disinterested.

Matt Irwin loses to Patrick Maroon on November 13, 2022

They were soundly outplayed by Tampa and were not really in the game – at all. While there was a scrap at the 20:00 minute mark of the first, between Tampa’s Pat Maroon and Washington’s Matt Irwin, there wasn’t much to it – at all. Looked like a bunch of punches to the license plate by Maroon, and then a take down.

The Capitals eventually lost 6-3, and again, were never in the contest to begin with and didn’t seem to even want to be there. These two teams don’t play again until March. Quasi-toughguy Tom Wilson should be back from his injury by then, and maybe he’ll have to fight, but in hockey – revenge is traditionally a dish best served warm.

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Chris Neil Gets His Goddamn Due


in Chris Neil, Matt Carkner

Huge news out of Ottawa last night.

And it has nothing to do with beaver tails, large rinks, elections, or Dan Aykroyd. Hey, The Ref was born in Ottawa, too, but you’ll excuse the citizens of Carleton County for not giving one single, solitary beaver shit. Also, remind me to show y’all that photo of The Ref where he looks shockingly like Dan Aykroyd sometime. For reals. It’s hilarious.

That photo of The Ref where he looks like Dan Aykroyd.

Update 11/10/22:

Thank heavens – the Ref/Aykroyd photo has been found!

And we definitely hope the anticipation/suspense didn’t actually kill anyone. That was touch and go for a while there, but the planets aligned and another tragedy has been averted.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled… horseshit.


No, Ryan Reynolds didn’t buy the pro team and get them that new arena they so desperately need. Neither did my all-time favorite Senator, Matt Carkner, decide to come out of retirement. But we’re still waiting in hope, Matty. Click the link for an outstanding interview we did with Matt way back in 2011.

Get to the Goddamn Point Already, Chris
Sorry, sometimes I drink. In fact: the Senators announced they would be retiring long time enforcer Chris Neil’s number “25” on February 17 when the Chicago Blackhawks are in Bytown. Congratulations, Chris. GoonBlog salutes you. Truly a remarkable honor for a guy that did what he did – for as long as he did – in the National Hockey League.

NHL player Chris Neil in his Ottawa Senators jersey.

What Did He Do?
In looking at Neil’s career, he played 1026 games and recorded 112 goals to go with 138 apples for a total of 250 points. He also amassed a very healthy 2522 PIM.

The PIM total puts him 20th all time, and the number includes roughly 213 fights. He also has a dozen fights in the AHL, and close to 40 in the OHL with the North Bay Centennials.

Incidentally, GoonBlog favorite Trevor Gillies was a part of those North Bay teams for a spell. I think if I were an opposing player, with Gillies and Neil in the lineup, I would mind my fucking P’s and Q’s for sure.


Chris Neil could actually play a little hockey, too. God forbid, eh? As far as tough guys that could play, I would put him right there with the likes of Chris Nilan, and Bob Probert. Obviously, Neil wasn’t counted on to do what Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson were doing. He was there to make sure those guys had the elbow room to do what they needed to do, and pop a couple in on the offense from time to time. Neil did exactly that – and became a solid fan favorite in Ottawa along the way.

Anyone else actually in attendance for this classic scrap back in 2009? No? Sucks to be you.

I, as a huge Bruins fan, fundamentally had to hate this guy. Never had a choice. I thought he was a dirty, no-good-spot-picker of a fighter, and I didn’t like his face. Had he been in the Black and Gold, I may have been low-key stalking him out of undying affection for the 20 years he played in the Show, but since he was on the other side…fuck him. I say that only out of love and respect, Mr. Neil.

Chris Neil, We Hardly Knew Ye
That said, I’ve always believed guys that did what he did need to have that effect (hatred and extreme dread) on the opposing fanbase, and the opposing team for sure, to be effective at what they do. So much of pugilism in the NHL during his time was about turning the energy in the building in your favor. If 19,000 fans see you come on the ice, and they know what’s coming, nothing shuts them up and turns the tide of a game your way like beating the stuffing out of your favorite team’s tough guy.

So, Chris Neil, you beautiful bastard, as they raise your number to the rafters on February 17, I will raise my glass to you. As will The Ref. As will Carleton County en masse. What an incredible honor to be acknowledged for doing what you did for so long.

Going to the roof for being a fan favorite is truly is a testament to how beloved and unsung heroes that did and continue to do what Neil had to do in the NHL truly are.

But I still don’t like your face.

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How to Fight in NHL 22


in Hockey Video Games

* Looking for our article on How to Fight in NHL24?

Chris has already spent ample time discussing how happy we are to be back, so just assume I feel the same way and lets get down to business. It’s important business, too. Because it involves hockey video games as a potential outlet for those of us bemoaning the way fighting in the NHL has changed, decreased, been bastardized by mixed martial arts moves or however the hell else you want to put it.

Alright, maybe it isn’t that important. And if last week’s real world games were any indication, the art form is far from dead, but I sure have had a lot of fun over the past few months since getting a PS5 and immediately downloading NHL 22. Possibly too much – as my personal hygiene has suffered, my new Boston Terrier puppy’s growth has been stunted from neglect/malnourishment, and I haven’t so much as spoken to a real human woman in at least 6 months. Relax, I’m only kidding. About the dog.

Look at my New Dog. Look at Him, Goddamn You!
Since I brought him up, it seems like a good time to introduce you to the newest member of the GoonBlog family. Meet Gooseberry (“Goose” for short) who recently turned one-year-old and is the friendliest and most social dog I’ve ever met, let alone owned. I’ll just have to post an update when he finally stops shitting in the kitchen.

After some of the high-strung Bostons I’ve had in the past (rest in power, Shep and Pixie), I was due for that luck of the draw I always hear people talking about. Well, this little dude is tha shiznit.


Hockey Video Games – I Likes Them
Where was I? Oh yes, a grown man on the wrong side of 40 talking about video games in public. NHL 22 is great fun, even though I’ve never even tried playing online because I know I’ll immediately get smoked by a 12-year old and fall into a deep depression. The “Be a Pro” mode is where it’s at for me. And what a career #41 has had so far!

Drafted to the Sabres, then traded to the Senators, and have now ended up a proud Boston Bruin going into my 4th season. I’ve led all three teams to a Stanley Cup victory and won the Conn Smythe – even though the only way I know how to score is via a lucky 3-hole slapshot from the right wing.

What were you thinking, Cracknell? Sit the fuck down.

Probably sounds like I’m limiting myself as to the fun potential, and dating, but I assure you it’s been a blast. I love nothing more than when, in the middle of a very fast-paced game (it’s the new NHL after all), gloves get dropped and I’m suddenly facing off against… well, some of the names of my opponents may surprise you. But we’ll get to that.

There are 4 ways a fight can start in NHL 22:

  1. Double-tap the triangle button and rub your glove in someone’s face. The game, like the modern league, is light on aggressive goons… so this rarely results in anything but an interference penalty, a tongue-lashing from your coach, and a reduction in your “teamwork” and “discipline” statistics.
  2. Absolutely friggin’ nail one of the opposing team’s star players on the open ice or against the boards. If there’s anyone present with even the slightest amount of grit or a dash of the “fighting” metric, they’ll find you, and quickly. And it’s extremely likely your pursuer is gonna be a little light in the ass with no right to be fighting anyone – in either the digital or real world. This can lead to some very one-sided donnybrooks, of which I’ve recorded (nerd alert) and embedded several throughout the article for your viewing pleasure. These are my favorite kind of NHL 22 fights, and your coach and teammates will love them too. If you win, that line gets a boost of energy, too.
  3. Make a late hit, or fire a puck at the goalie, after the whistle. You’ll often find yourself playing against artificial snowflakes who just cannot deal with that level of blatant disrespect, lose their goddamn minds, and come gunning for you. Your coach will not be impressed, and will likely let you know.
  4. You step in for for someone else. Sometimes there will be a kerfuffle which initially doesn’t involve your player at all. In this situation, you’ll get a little popup asking if you want to step in, on your lesser teammate’s behalf, and accept the fight on offer. This will always work in your favor in terms of the “teamwork” metric and delight the coach.
Anyone else unable to hear the name “Owen” without thinking of “Throw Mamma from the Train”?

Light in the Ass, Ref?
Sure, Cracknell has a few fights under his belt. But not many and not recently. Owen Tippett is a big Peterborough boy, but didn’t stand a chance against my pro either – who is my fully psychotic alter ego and was designed to be a killer as far back as day one with the game when I made a point of distributing his attribute points to violent categories.

Who cares about “skating”? Let’s crank that “fighting” skill up to the maximum level for a giggle. And even though Burlington, Ontario is like a second hometown to me, Shane Wright also had absolutely no business being on my dance card. So that’s what I meant earlier when eluding to the fact you may find yourself in the middle of some questionable matchups. Matchups that can end up as multi-game injuries.

Don’t Rub it in, Domi
In the clip below, you can see me striking a couple of unnecessary victory poses on my way to the box. There’s a few to choose from and you can really demonstrate your breathtaking maturity by pressing any one of the main buttons post-fight en route to the sin bin. Other fight-related controls include the ability to throw straight punches, hooks or helmet-displacing uppercuts. You can also dodge and grab on to your opponent’s jersey for a little extra leverage.

A little super-sportsmanlike grandstanding for good measure.

“The Fighting was Better in ’94“
Yeah, the fighting in EA’s NHL hockey game series hasn’t changed much since the last time I forked out for one of them a decade ago, but it sure remains a fun interlude. Come to think of it, I even have a video I recorded way back when NHL 2010 was hot off the presses. That was they year they introduced first-person fighting as an option, but I guess it didn’t catch on. Also, them graphics sure came a long way in the years since. I remember thinking “man, they’ll never top this” at the time. But watching the video back today after so long – it also sounds apparent I was just drunk enough to be thinking that.

“OI, YOU! C’mere and take yer lumps!”

Should I Buy NHL 23?
NHL 23 came out just a few weeks back. While I got excited for a brief moment, I realized it would be stupid not to read a few reviews first – as from year-to-year these editions usually don’t change much and it’s better to make it a twice-per-console-generation type of an investment to let the addition of new features and better graphics catch up. I’m glad I did, because all the opinions said 23 is extremely light on enhancements, and that the “Be a Pro” mode (again, my favorite… because I don’t have the patience to work on actually becoming a “good” player capable of competing online) is virtually identical to the previous year’s. Dah, well – I guess that nutty little psycho #41 has a few seasons left in him yet.

I really didn’t intend to spend an hour writing about hockey video games this evening, and I doubt there will be a line of ladies forming outside my front door as a result.

Should you still be awake, I hope there was some enjoyment to be gleaned from my mis-prioritized choice of topic, and I look forward to checking in with y’all again, real soon. Stay tuned for the upcoming list of “GoonBlog’s Favorite Goddamn Hockey Movies” which I’ve been fiddling with for a month now, and if you have any hockey video game thoughts of your own – please leave them in the comments.

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The Future of the Hockey Enforcer


in Uncategorized, Brendan Walsh, Goons, Shawn Thornton, Trevor Gillies

I get this question a lot these days, as friends and relatives are well aware of my proclivity for a good ol’ professional on-ice donnybrook. While I have strong opinions as to the best answer – the true future of the NHL hockey enforcer and the fights they once graced fans with – I don’t have to like it. And, frankly, I don’t.

Where Have All the Good Goons Gone?
On the ice, are there even any classic goons left? Gone are Shawn Thornton, Trevor Gillies, Brendan Walsh and most of the other Goonblog favorites from the site’s heyday. Replacing them are guys like Trent Frederic, Connor Clifton, and Zack Kassian.

The last hockey enforcer, Ryan Reaves.

The first three were the last of a dying breed of guys that were there to intimidate and keep the other team in line. The latter are all guys that are required to be able to take a regular shift, especially in Clifton and Freddy’s case. Times have changed dramatically over the last 10 years, and there’s not a lot any of us punters can do about it.

The last true enforcer out there, in my opinion, is Ryan Reaves. He’s been plying his trade since 2010 with the Blues – and is a man that truly embraces his role as an enforcer. Intimidating, scrapping, filling out checking lines and doing it all with apparent glee.


The Era of… Grappling? You’re Fuckin’ Kidding Me
Not only has fighting largely disappeared from hockey, but the way in which bouts are conducted is totally different. The days of Bob Probert standing in, going toe to toe trading rights and uppercuts in a Rock ‘em Sock ‘em homage have been over for a long time. It’s a rare thing to see a fight where guys are flat out trading punches. With rare exceptions (see the aforementioned Zack Kassian getting KO’d by the “WiFi” the other night) most of the fighting is in close and involves lots of grappling.

In fact, many of the guys that make a living dropping gloves these days are trained in common MMA techniques. It’s a totally different style, and I’m not sure how anyone that fights now would have fared in the wild west days when guys swung wildly and frequently just to stay in the league and were recruited only for that purpose. Tom Wilson, I’m looking at you.

Exit Staged Left
The staged fights are also largely gone. Does anyone remember the last time two guys came over the boards and the gloves were off before the puck even hit the ice? A lot of people don’t like those fights, especially in the league office, but we loved them. Admit it.

How I long for the days when two fourth liners would get something going because the team needed a lift. Or a Rob Ray gave young rookies like Todd Fedoruk a chance to make a name for himself by taking on established hockey enforcers. It’s just not done that way anymore. The game is played at such a high skill level there’s just not a lot of room for a one-dimensional player anymore.

I’m glad to be back behind my keyboard talking about hockey enforcers and fighting, regardless of how the latter has evolved. We always aim to entertain here at Goonblog, and I missed having a vehicle for my mostly nonsensical stream of “consciousness”.

Once we get our momentum back, keep your eyes peeled for some Goonblog merch, and we were way ahead of our time with the hockey podcast angle which may rear its head once again. Perhaps we can embrace some new media as well. Good to be back. Let’s drop the mitts and get at er!

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A Change is as Good as a Punch in the Yapper


in New York Rangers, Trent Frederic

Siting here at Goonblog HQ eating my Berry Berry Kix, I am thinking about change. For starters, I just sent a work email on a Saturday from my home office/daughter’s room. Secondly, why am I awake? Lastly, I’m eating goddamn Kix.

When this GoonBlog endeavor first started there were no kids, no Kix, or work emails, and most likely I would have been sleeping off a hangover somewhere… only to stumble upon a greasy egg sandwich and a black coffee. Heart healthy Kix? What has become of me?! Yet, I digress, because I do have a point.

Change is inevitable. There is nothing so constant as change. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I’m thinking of change because as I’m eating my Kix and working on a Saturday, I’m getting ready for a Saturday night trap game featuring the beloved Bruins in Toronto against the Leafs. As an aside, every time I say “Leafs”, I think of the time the Ref’s sister, Janet, and I were at a Bruins/Leafs tilt a few beeyahs deep, and she turns and says, “…shouldn’t it be the Leaves?” Yes, Janet. Yes it should. Anyhow, change and things staying the same and so forth.

Bruins Off the Block
The Bruins are off to the best start in franchise history. I don’t like tonight’s game, at all. Classic trap. I want to go back to Thursday however for a minute if I may.

Watching on ESPN+ (don’t even get me started on this new TV package. Again, change) they kept trying to pump up this big Ranger and Bruins rivalry. The announcers were talking about the New York and Boston rivalry and how it pertained to the hockey teams, and then cut to a graphic of the Red Sox and the Yankees. Aside from being confused, I got to thinking about this alleged hockey rivalry.

A New York State of “Frig Off”
Boston and New York don’t like each other. For me, hell is having to go to New York. I simply don’t like that city. I think the rivalry is based predominantly upon the hatred between the Yankees and the Red Sox though. Sure, the Bruins went into the stands at MSG in the 70’s when someone threw a set of keys at a Bruin, and yeah, I guess there’s the whole Original 6 angle, but I don’t feel the distaste for the Rangers, or their fans like I do for many other teams. I don’t think they’re in my top 10. As the game Thursday went on, I could maybe feel a bit of a rivalry building. These teams are both pretty good right now, and perhaps being good and the animosity of two fights at the same time might fuel the rivalry.

It all started at around the halfway mark of the second period. Bruins’ newcomer, AJ Greer, is alongside Trent Frederic and Nick Foligno. This, for me, is a classic Bruins line. I love Greer because he’s willing to do the little things to stay in the National Hockey League. Foligno is rejuvenated after being able to rehab all summer and being waived right as camp broke, and Trent Frederic is my favorite Bruin by far. Now out of Butch Cassidy’s doghouse, Freddy will thrive. He’s got a great motor, never stops running his mouth, can chip in offensively, and can fight. Cassidy, by the way, is a known diddler, and has the worst haircut in the show.

Freddy carries the puck over the Rangers blueline and got absolutely laid out by Rangers’ defenseman, Braden Schneider. You want to talk change? Back in the day, no one had to fight after hits like that. Welcome to the new NHL.

The hit was clean, and Frederic hopped up looking to exact revenge. As he was going after Schneider asking if he would care to fight, enter AJ Greer. Schneider obliged Greer, and the two traded some decent right hands. Schneider wanted to get Greer’s helmet off, and they got locked up. This led to some wrestling, and eventually they fell to the ice. Hockeyfights.com users have it scored as a 61% win for Greer. I guess I can agree. He did get in two rights, and a nice hard left, before they went down.

Not to be outdone, as Trent Frederic was asking Braden Schneider to go and AJ Greer entered, Barclay “Donaldson” Goodrow appears to square up with Frederic. Freddy, not shy about dropping the gloves, gets started early. Goodrow was outmatched the whole fight. Goodrow seemed more interested in getting his face away from the right hands that Frederic was throwing, and Freddy seemed content to give him said rights until he got tired. Goodrow got away from him a bit, and manages to land a good straight left hand. Frederic then gives him the old over and under. Goodrow is throwing rights that don’t appear to land as Freddy channels his inner Lyndon Byers and lands a very hard uppercut. They get locked up and the fight is over. A clear win for Trent Frederic.

Change rears it’s ugly head again, as Boston is assessed an extra two minutes for having two fights at the same time, or some shit. I may need to rethink my unhappy opinion as to the future of the hockey enforcer, too. The Bruins went on to win the game in decided fashion, with Trent Frederic adding a goal.

Here’s one thing that will never change. I love fights in hockey. The Rangers were looking to turn the tide of the game. The score was tied when this went down. It did not work. Here’s hoping the Bruins can “change” my mind about the outcome tonight with a real grudge match type victory tonight in Toronto.

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Stranger Things Have Happened – GoonBlog.com Returns


in Site News, Emma, Goons, PJ Stock

Quite a while since we’ve all gathered on this once popular, and even slightly sacred, little corner of the internet, hasn’t it?

Goonblog.com was cold kicking ass for a couple of years if we’re being honest. We had the traffic, we had the quotes, we had the backlinks. I dare say we even had a sizeable and always growing fan base who we loved interacting with daily. So where did it all go wrong?

Well, the Bruins won the cup in 2011, Goonblog Girl Emma got married, we both had babies… and everything just drifted off into stagnant obscurity. Life got in the way – and that’s OK. Regardless of the years (10 since our last post) and the many ways in which the world has changed (definitely not in our favor), we never could bring ourselves to take the site down. No, boys: we never took ‘er down.

“You know what they call that? They call that a decade.” – Boss Spearman

It’s been so long in fact – even the common vernacular has changed and we’re probably frightfully out of touch. I guess the kids today might say it’s “been a hot minute?” Or maybe even “100 percent”, “not gonna lie”, or “holla!”. Also, fuck those annoying kids.

We had it right the first time, and they need to get comfortable with the idea of working for a living, not taking their parents to job interviews, and fucking fighting in hockey. In spite of their “triggers”.

For God’s Sake – Why?
Because… we knew the day might come when we’d have our own incredibly unlikely reinvigoration – and that day may have finally arrived. We’ll have to mind our P’s and Q’s more closely than we did way back when, but the original Goons had a recent conversation, and we think we’re up to the task.

Stranger things have happened. Like maybe Hatchimals, or Black Panther being nominated for best picture, or even John Scott almost fighting Phil “Iron Man” Kessel back in 2013.

It’s now been said, it’s out of the way, and we’re ready for yet another comeback attempt. Which will hopefully maintain momentum longer than a Bob Probert probationary period.

The Ref and I have been kicking around a serious and lasting Goonblog revival for all of those last 10 years. Most of the time it’s via text – when one, or both, of us have had a few – and nothing gets done. But things are just a little different this time around.

For Christ’s Sake – Why NOW?
Things have changed, on and off the ice as they might say. The Ref is having a hard time recovering from Covid isolation, and has a shocking amount of free time. My kids are now both over the age of 10 and no longer need me to be “not drunk” all 24 hours of the day. As a result, we’re looking forward to being back and trying to entertain the runny-nosed rink masses like never before.

Off the ice, The Ref and I are now separated geographically by about 3 hours. I won’t name exact locations, but think defunded police towns, Lake Champlain, maple syrup, and foliage for Ref. While I am in a place that is very famous for… Deck Hockey. Seriously. The in-depth discussions I have endured with various people around the 88 finals alone could be a 3-hour Goonblog documentary. We can call it Goonblog Presents the 88 Finals. It was 34 Years ago. Let it Go. It’s long, but you get the point. And that is – we’re excited to be back.

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Straight Outta North Station


in Chicago Blackhawks

For the initiated, Monday night’s game was what one would call domination. The Bruins stood over the Blackhawks, like the cover art from Straight Outta Compton, in all facets of the game. I am certainly not counting the Hawks out – but right now the Bruins appear to be very much in the driver’s seat of this series. Game three did give us the only fight to date, and since we are a blog dedicated to fighting in hockey – let’s talk a bit about the donnybrook in question.

Brad Marchand is a super-pest, as is Chicago’s Andrew Shaw. Both can play the game as well and have even shown a willingness to drop the mitts when forced. These two got locked up together with a few minutes remaining in the third, as were Brian Bickell of Chicago and Boston’s Zdeno Chara. Chara and Bickell were involved in a nice shoving match that ended with Z on top. When Bickell broke free, he arose sporting the same crazy stare of that kid in my neighborhood who used to wear a sheet for a cape whilst jumping off a tree stump to crack me over the head with a Wiffle Ball Bat. He looked nuts, I tell ya. Anyway, as this was happening, Shaw and Marchand got locked together, sans sticks and gloves. Not many punches were thrown, as Marchand was going for the takedown. Once he got said takedown, Shaw got below the hard deck to break a major rule of hockey pugilism by punching Marshy right in the face, really hard. Allegedly there was an eye gouge in the mix as well.

I take a lot of issue with Shaw hitting Marchand when he was down. So as to not be accused of being a homer, I also take issue with Marchand and his penchant for slew footing guys. He has been borderline undisciplined all playoffs and that’s continued into this series. Thankfully, the Blackhawks’ power play makes the Bruins’ PP look downright prolific!

Back to Shaw for a moment. Marchand is a pest, we all get that, but that is no excuse to hit him when he’s flat on his back. If you’re going to play the game on the edge like these two guys do – sometimes the gloves need to be dropped. I think it’s best to know the code before engaging.

While we’re on the topic of bad power plays, this seems like a nice time to bring up the very poor officiating in this series. Last night was no exception, with the roughing call on Shawn Thornton and the tripping call on Shaw being especially erroneous. It was my thinking that the refs were also the best of the best at this time of the year. On the one hand it’s good neither team can score on the PP. Conversely, it would really suck if either team decided to get the PP in order when playing out some shitty phantom rough, hook, trip, or whatever the hell. Either way, I like the Bruins having the mo, and expect them to continue it this evening in North Station.

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She’s Got a Great Pass!


in Chicago Blackhawks

Saturday afternoon I was at a graduation party (congratulations, Nick!) with a ton of feverish Bruins fans. Obviously, the game was all we were talking about. I asked George what he thought, and his response was, It’ll be a 5-1 blowout. Could go either way. I think it’s a huge statement game. While George was incorrect about the lopsidedness of the final score, I agree – it was a huge statement game indeed.

After being outshot 678 to -4 in the first period and generally being outplayed all over the ice, the Bruins came out for the second far more determined. I am not a big Tuukka Rask fan, but if it weren’t for him the score would have been out of hand. His brilliance kept everyone in the game and that’s exactly what you need to win in the playoffs. The ice started shifting back towards the Bruins in period 2, and Chris Kelly (the ugliest guy on the team, nay – the league) got a suitably ugly goal to pull it even.

Once the Bruins got through to the third period it became “win a period; win a hockey game” hockey, in which they absolutely thrive. I felt they were all over the Hawks the second half of the game, and Chicago couldn’t get one past Rask to save their lives.

In OT, it was all Bruins, all the time. Jagr hit the pipe, again, and the Bruins controlled the frame. They outplayed the Hawks and seemed more desperate to win. Perhaps it was the thought of going home down 2, but they were inspired (and it showed) in the chances both sides did or didn’t have. Paille’s winner was perfectly placed on Corey Crawford and if the Hawks netminder wasn’t aware, the book is out on him. Shoot high glove, and you’ll have success.

As soon as the game ended, I flipped over to Heat which was on one of the movie channels I keep threatening to cancel. I caught it right at the diner scene between Pacino and DeNiro. Arguably, one of the greatest movie scenes in the history of film, and a fitting analogy for what had just transpired.

In the scene, you have two of the game’s most respected players telling one another they are aware of what the other does, and have no intention of backing down. The mutual respect across the table is palpable and I think it translates well into this season’s final. Both are the best of the best in the game right now, and we’ve seen each team flex their muscles a bit. The Bruins made a statement the other night that despite being down in the series, and down in the game, they were far from finished. The Hawks, on the other hand, have to be a bit concerned after giving Boston their best game and still ending up on the losing end.

As the series shifts to Boston, I am feeling like the Bruins have a bit of the momentum on their side. They are coming off a huge win in which they battled all game long, and the Hawks have to be thinking they let a great chance to try and start to put the Bruins away slip through their hands. With Bruins fans behind them on home ice, I feel another statement game coming on – and they will win another nail-biter, 3-2

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This is Why I Don’t Drink


in Chicago Blackhawks

What started with nervous energy and confidence ended with a puck hitting the back of the goal at exactly 1 AM, and me turning the television off. No swearing, no cross words. I had remarked to The Ref before the game started, that it’s a good thing I don’t drink anymore. Last night’s game would have put me over the edge before it even started – and the triple overtime would have translated into triple bourbon. Instead, I ate a pickle and three Double Stuff Oreos at around 12:30. No wonder my belly hurt. Oh, I have a few thoughts on the game, too.

Torey Krug was not good. I’ve been super impressed with this kid, and I think he may have played Andy Ference right out of a job for next year, but last night, Freddy, as he is known in the room, looked every bit the Nightmare on Elm Street for which he is named. Bad giveaways and plays that work in the AHL are not going to cut it in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Tyler Seguin was not good either. Seguin needs to be a hockey player and stop being a pussy. He spends entirely too much time on the perimeter. Seguin has an obvious nose for the net – but his unwillingness to pay a price to score in the NHL is holding him back.

The Lucic-Krejci-Horton line is firing on all cylinders. Well, they were up until the widely rumored upper body injury on Horton reared its ugly head. Oh, and Horty had a bad giveaway too. Other than that, they’ve been great.

Are we seeing the Mid-April Bruins? Anyone that watched this club in 2013 knows the old Bruins that NEVER gave up leads is gone and has been replaced by a team that simply can’t hold onto an advantage. I am hoping the alarming trend isn’t continuing now and the Blackhawks are just a really good hockey team.

I am not the slightest bit concerned they lost that game. It literally could have gone either way and as brother Dave pointed out – these clubs are so evenly matched it looked like an intra-squad scrimmage. The Bruins need to put their foot on the snake when they get up 2 again, and limit bad turnovers. Freddy: this means you. I would look for both clubs to try and play the same game Saturday they played last night. If you have a foot on the ledge, it would be my advice to come on inside. Bruins in 6.

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Let the (6) Games Begin!


in Bryan Bickell, Chicago Blackhawks

It’s game day, finally. Nervous? Excited? Both dem things. I really dug the media day coverage NHL network had. Highlights for the Bruins included Jags, and Shawn Thornton. On the Hawks side I dug Patrick Kane and Captain Serious. The message I got from everyone was they were excited to get started and liked their chances. Well, if you’re asking – so do I.

Expect tonight’s game to be the tone setter for the entire series. I realize I’m not really going out on a limb by saying that – but it’s the truth. I would imagine the Bruins are going to want to let the Hawks know they are in for a delightfully physical affair, and I expect them to try and get inside Toews’ head as much as possible. That job ought to fall to Mr. Brad Marchand. The Hawks, on the other hand, will try and push the pace with their puck possession and try (perhaps desperately) to match Boston on the physical side.

For those of you that haven’t seen Bryan Bickell play, you’ll get a good introduction tonight. He’ll lead the way in the physical department and I will be secretly fantasizing about one day seeing him don the black and gold. Good gravy, if there was ever a prototypical Bruin – Bick is it.

There’s not a lot more to say about this series until the horse is out of the barn. On the one hand, you have the regular season juggernaut, and the best uniforms in professional sports. On the other, there’s the Jekyll and Hyde hooligans from Boston.

If the team that’s been showing up in Beantown lately continues to show up through this round, it’s time to cue the Duck Boats. I mean, let’s just make sure the inspection stickers are up to date right now and maybe even flush the transmissions. If not, this Chicago team is so good, and so balanced, they will punish the Bruins and send them packing in short order. Boston has to bring it tonight and maintain the pain through the whole series. I think they will do just that. Bruins in 6.

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