Bad Timing

I had meant to write something about those lovable Boston Bruins the other day but I forgot. Of course, last night they went to the Washington Capitals and got an old-fashioned dick-stomping, 10-2. The loss snapped the Bruins six game win streak. The good thing for the B's is that they don't have much time to think about that dreadful performance as they come home tonight to face the Florida Panthers.

Still, the Bruins who are overlooked by almost everyone deserve a little attention. As boring as they are and similarly the NHL, they're 35-24-6, good enough for the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with 76 points. With only 17 games remaining until the playoffs start (when the NHL actually gets interesting), the Bruins look like a good bet to make the playoffs.

Sure, they could choke and just miss out on the playoffs. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised at all given their recent pathetic team history but the fact that they didn't make any moves during the trade deadline, have dealt with a ton of injuries and yet are now playing their best hockey of the year is almost inspiring. Almost. I read about their games the next day but have to say that I can barely sit through more than three minutes of action, even with the esteemed Jack Edwards going bananas over something as mundane as a blocked shot or face-off win.

Marco Sturm is the leading goal-scorer with 23 while Marc Savard leads the team with 74 points (60 assists!). Goaltender Tim Thomas has been solid, he's 23-15-4 with a 2.49 goals against average. Super-sized defenseman Zdeno Chara has had a great season, racking up 15 goals and 31 assists. Many say he's been the best defenseman in the league. The biggest surprise has been rookie left wing Milan Lucic, who has unimpressive numbers-seven goals and 14 assists-but has endeared himself to Bruins fans with his willingness to throw down with any NHL tough guy.

After two years absence, it would be fun to see the Bruins back in the playoffs. Maybe that would slightly help NHL hockey come off life support in the Boston-area.