Thornton/By S. Bradley
BOSTON — If Bruins head coach Claude Julien is contemplating a move that involves Shawn Thornton re-entering his lineup, there’s nothing on Thornton’s end of things holding up the switch.
“I practice hard every time,” said Thornton after the Bruins’ morning skate at TD Garden in preparation for tonight’s Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
“I’ve been trying to treat my practices like games. I’ve been working out probably harder than I did during the season. So I feel pretty good. If need be … you have to be ready to go. This is not time of year to say ‘oh, maybe I’m ready.’ I’m ready.”
It’s quite a dilemma Julien and his staff are in. On the one side, Vancouver’s agitators have been running around without any fear through two games, but Boston has only scored two goals in two games. To remove Tyler Seguin could weaken the offense. Benching Daniel Paille would hinder the penalty kill.
Nonetheless, Thornton’s presence on the bench alone could make the difference. He’s one of just two Bruins with a Stanley Cup championship ring, which he says is still in the Garden after he and Mark Recchi brought there’s to the dressing room for extra motivation before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against Tampa Bay.
“It was a whole thing about bring the rings in, bringing the pictures [of Bruins championships] in, we’re this close to getting there. It was just maybe a little reminder about that,” said Thornton.
The Bruins might be able to use the whole package of things, tangible and intangible, Thornton brings. If Julien asks, Thornton will do his best to help the team climb out of its 0-2 series hole.
Steamer:
“… As for agitators yup.. Where are yours? This is hockey beantown, not basketball, baseball. Hockey”
Snerd:
Beantown does seem to have taken the bait. And where’s the push back? ‘Bearly’ noticeable, except on the blogs.
Horton at least said Burrows should have been suspended, but then threw cold water on any follow up.
Snerd
David, I agree. Vancouver took advantage of their opportunities, in the same way MTL did in the first series–that’s a credit to them. But to say the Bs have been outclassed is ridiculous.
I honestly cannot understand how the Bs can make it through not one but two game 7s, get all the way to the finals, and still be accused of not knowing/having “what it takes” to win the Cup.
Don’t forget how the Penguins won it all only two years ago… Lost every road game until game 7. If the Bs keep playing like they have been they will take these home games, and this series will be anyone’s. This is where CJ shows that he does have what it takes, simply by doing what he’s always done… staying calm and keeping the team focused.
David,
Are we watching the same games… We got lucky…. Boston played better in game one… Fairly even in Game 2.. Did you watch the 3rd period in both games. Playing hockey both ways is what wins…Bruins have not done that yet for the whole game.
Divers and agitators… Maybe Sedins’ taking a flop but they call it embellishment… He was crosschecked.
As for agitators yup.. Where are yours? This is hockey beantown, not basketball, baseball. Hockey
Thorton playing … !? I thought he swims with the ‘fishes’ …!
Snerd
I think that Boston wins these two games at home. They’ve been a great road team all year, the best in the NHL if I recall, and have gotten better at home whenever they come back these playoffs. The last two games were awfully close, essentially coming down to next goal wins both times, and Vancouver got lucky we made a few mistakes and made sure to capitalize. That’s not domination, it squeaking by. Boston was the better team game 1, and played fairly evenly in game 2, although Vancouver had noticeable surges in the first and 3rd. It’s a load to say Boston is done after these two games. What I think we will see is a much more focused team tonight, one that tries its best to get the right D match-ups, and will ignore whatever distraction(s) Vancouver brings to the game (Hey, they brought in 3 full lines of agitators/divers).
Thornton will definitely be ready to jump in because he’s a team guy but it will not be easy for him to adapt to Vancouver’s speed.
Will he be able to squash Vancouver’s players? I doubt it. The refs will be aware that the Bruins are looking for retribution and will call penalties as they should.
Vancouver in turn will probably pot a powerplay goal since they have a good powerplay.
Do I condone Maxim’s taunt? No way. But I’d be pissed if my team decided to goon it up and get penalties rather than simply win the battles, outplay and ultimately outscore the opponent.
Go ahead, toss away the cup.
If Horton plays with intensity than I say bring him in. He can’t be any worse with what Seguin is doing out there.
One play stands out & that is the hustle that Ferrence showed skating back to block a sure goal. Unlike, Marchant on that OT goal, or Lucic on that goal in game 1.
These guys don’t know what it takes to win the Cup. I don’t see it & Julien needs to go. Its his responsiblilty to get the team fired up.
Bruins better win 2 at home which I doubt. Van is a great road team & all they are looking for is a split.
PS WTF was Thomas doing on that OT goal???
I am going back and forth on this all day. Guy sure would deliver a spark and likely smash some Van players, but I just don’t know who sits. I can’t figure that out.