Last Skate of the Day, February 2, 2014

Jan 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman

(33) and defenseman

(55) during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s start tonight by taking one step away from the rink and look at the end of the 2013 NFL season. The Seattle Seahawks blasted and assaulted Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a blowout 43-8. The Seahawks scored every way possible in a rout that started practically from the first twelve seconds of the game. Congratulations to the city of Seattle, and I sincerely hope you enjoy your win. If Gary Bettman comes to your town and dangles a franchise before your eyes, just say NO.

The Boston Bruins have been running a continuous series on the players on the team. Some of them have been semi-serious, others have just been a funny disaster. This time Caryn Switaj has Johnny Boychuk in her sights, and it’s as goofy as you might expect it to be. Boychuk’s a beast on the ice, but he’s still a kid at heart. Here his likes, dislikes, and who he would never want babysitting his two daughters. (Boston Bruins)

The battle of Toronto ended in a Maple Leafs win after a questionably clean hit and an obvious boarding call by Nazem Kadri is missed by the referees allowing Joffrey Lupul to score the tying goal. Instead of a goal celebration, a hockey scrum started when several Senators objected to the hit. (NESN) Toronto went on to win, backed up a Phil Kessel hat trick 6-3. Kadri faced no further discipline for the hit and got away clean. (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Chad Johnson had a solid 4-0 performance over the Edmonton Oilers, and has proven to be a solid back up for Tuukka Rask. It was important for the Bruins to give their starting goaltender an occasional rest, and Coach Claude Julien is doing what he can to make sure that Tuukka doesn’t get worn out (although he has had to pull him four times this season). (CSNNE)