Bruins Nation

GM Peter Chiarelli announced today that the Boston Bruins signed winger Mikko Lehtonen and center Vladimir Sobotka. Both drafted in 2005, they have been playing in European leagues since. Lehtonan in Finland, and Sobotka in the Czech Republic. Both signed entry-level contracts and will hopefully get some playing time in Providence.

Also the Anaheim Ducks now have 2 game lead over the Ottawa Senators as the NHL finals move to Ottawa for game 3. Looking at the lines, it is obvious that Ottawa has a much better offense, and Anaheim has a much better defense. So far though, the Ducks have executed their game plan and made sure both games one and two were defensive struggles. Yesterday, Samuel Pahlsson scored the only goal of the game very late in the third period to give the Ducks the win. Giguere was amazing and the Ducks defense completely shut down every Senators line. Game 3 is Saturday at 8:00 on NBC. This game will decide whether Ottawa has a chance of coming back. The Senators need a win in game 3 over the border.

A big 3rd period comeback in game one by the Ducks gave them the win!

I am still updating the bracket.

With a goal by Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson 9:32 into the first OT, Ottawa defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2, winning the Eastern Conference championship 4 games to 1. Ottawa will face the winner of the Ducks-Red Wings series which is currently tied 2-2.

Also NHL.com right now has an article about how Ottawa's defense has flurished since Zdeno Chara left. I'm sure if you asked Chara today, he wishes he stayed with Ottawa, who will easily be the Stanley Cup favorite.

In other sports news, Curlin just won the Preakness stakes by a nose! After a poor start, him and Kentucky Derby winner street sense went head to head in the final stretch. Curlin litterally won by one millionth of a second.

Check out the new official website of the Boston Bruins. It is now http://bruins.nhl.com



It is not really any better then the old one, and now all the links in the archives won't work because of the new address. I emailed Bish to ask his opinion, I'll forward his response when it comes.

Also, the Bruins (probably Providence) acquired Defenseman Adam McQuaid from some OHL team. Here is the official press release.

Sorry about the lack of posts but not much has happened in Bruins Nation. Here is a summary of the last week.

• The PBruins lost their series with Manchester four games to two. The overall consensus is that this is a young inexperienced team and will probably be even better next season.

• Ottawa is up over Buffalo 3 games to 0, and the Ducks and Wings are tied at 1 game each. I am still updating the playoffs page frequently.

That's about it for now.

Last night, TJ Trevelyan scored a late goal in Providence to win game 3. That Puts the Providence Bruins up over the Manchester Monarchs 2-1 in the series. Hannu Toivonen had a great game, making 24 saves out of 25 shots. This team could really take the Calder Cup. The PBruins have a great defensive core, especially once Lashoff and company get healthy. Toivonen is playing great, and forwards like Jeff Hoggan and David Krejci are among the best in the AHL right now.

Also, with the Wings win on Monday night, the Conference championships are set to go. It will be 1. Buffalo Sabres vs. 4. Ottawa Senators in the east (going for the Prince of Whales trophy), and 1. Detroit Red Wings vs. 2. Anaheim Ducks (vying for the Clarence Campbell trophy). I picked Buffalo vs. Nashville at the beginning of the playoffs, so I have to pick another team to represent the west. I was leaning towards the Ducks for how they handled Vancouver, but I got a sign from the TV. While watching Scrubs on Comedy Central yesterday, Dr. Cox walked into church wearing a Red Wings jersey. That's all I needed. I am confident that the finals will be between Buffalo and Detroit (with Buffalo winnning).

Also, to the BC fans in the crowd: Doug Flutie today was just elected into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Tuuka Rask will join Hannu Toivonen and the Providence Bruins Tuesday in Providence for game three against the Manchester Monarchs. Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli announced that Tuuka Rask signed the maximum three year contract on Saturday.

Thanks to Doobie (from The Spoked B) for reminding me of this.

On friday night, the Anaheim Ducks beat the the Canucks 2-1 in double overtime to advance to the Western Conference finals. The Vancouver Canucks put up a fight in ever game, and Roberto Luongo played extremely well. But that didn't stop the Ducks from taking 4 out of 5 games.

Last night, Detroit took the series lead over San Jose with a 4-1 lead. Game six is monday night at 9 on VERSUS.

Also last night, Emery's Senators got the better of Brodeur's Devils and the Senators took the series 4 games to one. Scott Gomez (the first Hispanic and the first Alaskan hockey player) scored two goals, but it didn't help as the Senators won 3-2.

Earlier today, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the New York Rangers 5-4 to win the series 4-2. Paul Mara scored today for all ye' Bruins fans.

Lastly, the Bruins of Providence are tied in their division championship series 1-1 with the Manchester Monarchs. Game 3 is in Providence. Center David Krejci is tied for first in the AHL with 13 points in the Calder Cup playoffs.