Hockey news a Bruin for October 10th, 2013

Jun 27, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NHL vice president of hockey and business development and director of player safety Brendan Shanahan arrives at the Westin Hotel for the NHL Board of Governors meeting. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Well, once again the Department of Player Safety has done it again. Brendan Shanahan and the DoPS has leveled a three game suspension to San Jose Sharks'(and former Bruin) Brad Stuart. The Shanaban was for violation of the updated rule 48 when it comes to head hits. According to the new policy any head hit whatsoever is free game for punishment. Well Shanahan did just that, punishing a player that has not had a single serious violation in a thirteen year career.

Here is the explanation given by the Department of Player Safety (NHL).

Way to go guys. You let Phil Kessel wave a meter of lumber like a battle axe and you give him three games. You let a clean player screw up once and you give him three games. I seriously have to wonder if determination of games suspended is devised by a dartboard or some other less than intelligent means.

Moving on, it’s hard to tell who has a worse week in Sunrise, Florida. At the moment, it’s even money on Tim Thomas or the Florida Panthers. Thomas, the 39 year old veteran goalie who gave the Boston Bruins its first Stanley Cup in thirty nine years hit a major hurdle in his attempt at a comeback this week. Thomas gave up five goals to the St.Louis Blues before being pulled(the Blues obliterated Florida 7-0), and then pulled a groin muscle after giving up two goals to the Philadelphia Flyers.(The Flyers won 2-1)  He’s currently 1-2-0 with a .850 save percentage and a painful 5.02 goals against.

I still love what he did in Boston, and Bleacher Report has the most current rundown on Thomas’ condition. (Bleacher Report)

In last night’s action, the Calgary Flames beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. The St. Louis Blues pulled a goal in the last thirty seconds of the game to edge the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2, and after having a three goal lead evaporate in front of them, the Los Angeles Kings got their act together in overtime to get a win over the Ottawa Senators 4-3.

The Bruins will be playing tonight at the TD Garden against the Colorado Avalanche. The puck drops at 7:05, with NESN covering the game. If you don’t live in the area, pick up the Boston Bruins app on any smart device and hear the guys at 98.5 talk you through the game as the Black and Gold move left to right across your iPhone. I’d offer commentary, but I’ll be there.