’11-12 Bruins Season in Review: Benoit Pouliot
Benoit Pouliot/Photo by Dan Hickling
The Bruins player everyone was waiting to be a failure provided plenty of fodder for his detractors at the outset of his stint with Boston after arriving via free agency from Montreal.
However, the second half of the season turned into a time for Pouliot to prove people wrong. Did he fully replace Michael Ryder on Boston’s third line? Not quite. Did he finally show why he was drafted fourth overall in 2005? On an individual play here or there, but over the course of the season, not even close.
That doesn’t mean that Pouliot wasn’t a solid pick imported at short money and on a short-term deal. Whether he returns to the Bruins will depend on several situations that have to play out the next several weeks. But at the very least, Pouliot has earned himself another job in the NHL and might even be able to thrive somewhere he’ll get the ice time and the faith of his coaching staff.
Stats
Regular season: 74 GP, 16-16-32, plus-18
Playoffs: 7 GP, 1-1-2, minus-1
Contract status: RFA 2012
Regular season recap
Highlight: With just 3:01 left in a game against New Jersey Nov. 15, Pouliot potted the game-winning goal – just his second score of the season. As far as confidence boosts, this was a good one for the speedy forward, who finished with two hits and two blocked shots in just 8:26 of ice time. Later in the season, Pouliot scored highlight-reel goals against Florida and Montreal that might stick out more in people’s minds, but his goal against the Devils was the one that most helped the team.
Lowlight: Pouliot’s first chance to face his former team turned into a disaster in Montreal, as he skated just 8:07 and accumulated six penalty minutes on a pair of foolish penalties. He didn’t receive a second of third-period ice time in a 1-0 win over the Canadiens.
Playoff recap: Pouliot played solid against Washington, but the lasting image will always be him shooting the puck off Mike Knuble at the blue line in overtime of Game 7 and sending the Capitals off to the races for the series-clinching goal.
Grade: C-plus. After a terrible start and a lot of excuse-making, Pouliot found his comfort level and a decent amount of physicality to accompany his speed and make him a serviceable bottom-six forward.
Carnac predicts … after the Bruins let Pouliot walk, I’m sure he’ll get a couple million from some team looking to fill in its bottom six with a guy that could push 20 goals with the right surroundings.
Caron did not show me anything this year- I thought Zanon did a better job with the limited time he had. I like the way Pouliot plays, even if he hasn’t lived up to expectations based on when he was drafted. He showed a lot of determination and hustle, was willing to take or give a big hit, can create scoring opps, and in general fits well with the Bruins style. Disappointed that they let him walk for nothing.
I like him a lot，I’d love to see him stay with us next season. I think he’s a good fit with Kelly and Rolston, I truly wish Bruins could sign a contract with him.
I actually liked Pouliot. I think if the injury bug hadn’t caught the Bruins big time this season, he’d have done substantially better with stable third line with Kelly and Peverley throughout the season. I don’t know whether we’ll keep him or not, but I don’t see any harm in it, even if I’d rather see what some of the Bruins in the system can do.
I also don’t make a huge deal of that one bad play that ended the Bruins playoffs. Yes, technically it did directly contribute to losing the series with Washington, but we really were out when Bergeron got injured earlier in the series. I’m not saying Pouliot was playing to lose, but just that every player makes bad plays from time to time, and when all things are considered, Pouliot’s bad play, although poignantly inopportune, wasn’t really all that significant. When you consider the injuries we had and particularly the lack of offense being generated by the team as a whole, we weren’t in a position to win the series anyway. Losing when we did also kept the Bruins from having to go through what would likely have been a punishing series with the Flyers that would have been a likely futile effort without Bergeron and could likely have seriously injured even more of our team.
I dont think that Caron is the answer. For me, he just seems to be the player that continuosly underachieves. Not to rehash what some have said here, but timid is a good word.
I would really like to see Sauve get a shot in Boston this year. If I remember, he was one of the last cut in camp last year. He has the potential to be a pretty dynamic offensive forward.
It seems the Bs have a good crop of prospects and “potential” guys coming up. It wouldnt surprise me in the least to see PC put some together in a package deal to bring in a top 6 forward.
I think Pouliot was a decent bridge player, but he isnt gonna be back next year.
You can read my history. I was glad to be rid of him. I’m just saying people can’t stop singing Gregory Campbell’s praises when he put up half the numbers was a bigger minus and was signed for more money.
Don’t get me started on coaches. There’s so many former players circling Therien right now in Montreal, it’s hard to say who’s going to actually be in charge of this team.
Bojangles
I don’t think Caron fits the definition of timid. He does go to the high traffic areas and he does hit, although at times I wish he was more physical. You may be right, Knight may move above him on the depth chart. Spooner, we’ll have to disagree at this time. I don’t think that body will ever get much stronger Koko has a better chance!
RD
If you like him, convince the Habs management to re-sign him. Its not out of the question the way you guys recycle coaches. For me, Pouliot’s goose was cooked with his performance in the playoffs. Enough said!
You were promised an enigma…and you got one.
Still 16-16 is pretty good for a 3rd liner.
Not a Caron fan. His game is supposed to be that of a banger, grinder, possession guy. He’s timid. The problem with the rest is there is no size. I’d LOVE to see Knight claim that 3rd line spot, but I doubt he’s ready. His game seems to fit though.
Think you’re wrong about Spooner B16 – Uber skills – Uber Speed – He just needs to develop his body and learn to play with men. This will be an interesting year for him in Providence. Sure hope Sauve stays healthy and plays on his wing.
Big Jim
I think you’re wrong about Caron, but you’re right about re-signing everyone. If Caron doesn’t take this year, then open the door for Knight or KoKo. I don’t think Spooner has what it takes.
first of all, this guy is an all time under achiever. it’s really remarkable to be honest. he has tons of talent, it’s all between the ears for him obviously. if he walks it’s no loss.
secondly, how can we say caron is “obviously” ready to be a full time player? he isn’t that sweet, he’s had opportunities to take a role on this team and hasn’t done it. i don’t think he’s all that good to be honest but neither is poulliot so no loss letting him play. in the end the bruins have some talented guys who will be coming up in the next couple of years, if they keep living by this re-sign everyone we will never see them.
PA Parenteau, please.
BBB, well now that you mention it, agreed. Thomas put Bs in a bad spot this year with his disloyalty.
Yukester, it just makes me made that Cam has his pants down to his ankles over a barrel courtesy of Timmy Thomas. Cam wore this jersey with pride, bleed black and gold and deserves better treatment from TT. It gets me worked up. I could care less about PooPoo.
Of course Caron is ready to be a full-time NHLer.
Not saying he’ll be great, or even better than what they got from Benny this year, but he’s certainly ready as he’s gonna get. Sink or swim time.
I hope he does well.
We’ve seen flashes of potential. Playing full time on a line with Kelly and Peverly is a great way to step in and really become a contributing member of the club.
Hahaha, BBB you are the king of tangents. Where do you get Neely/Thomas from Pouliot being a “C” grade player? Silly.
Getting back on topic… I would like Caron to take Poo’s place on the third line. Jordan played well in some spots toward the end of last year and we all know Pouliot was a holdover. Good bye Benny!
Things are about to get nasty in Bruins town. Nobody bends Cam Neely over a barrel like Timmy Thomas is doing and gets away with it. Cam doesn’t take this from anyone. NOBODY.
This guy has potential, bring him back PC.
It kind of makes me sad to see him go. I like Benny. Who do you think they would get to replace him, or who would they bring up? Caron? I don’t think he’s ready yet to be a full time forward…