The season is just over a week old, so it is a great time for the first edition of Heroes and Zeroes. Though this feature will generally focus on the Bruins – it is a Boston Bruins blog, after all – occasionally there will be something so worthwhile from somewhere else in the NHL that it is worthy of being shared here.
HEROES:
Tyler Seguin is one of a few select Bruins who does not appear to be affected by the Stanley Cup hangover. Perhaps it is because he did not have to play every game of the playoffs, perhaps it is because he is one of the youngest players in the league, or perhaps it is because he has something to prove. No matter the reason, Seguin is off to a solid start, registering a goal and three assists and a plus-3 rating in the first four games.
Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask are certainly not the reasons the Bruins are 1-3. Thomas has posted a 2.03 GAA and a .933 save percentage, while Rask allowed just one goal on 36 shots in a 1-0 loss to Colorado.
Brad Marchand was thought to have partied too much in the offseason, but he has been one of Boston’s best players with two goals and two assists. More importantly, he continues to play with energy and an edge to his game. He looks like he is prepared to not only prove last year was no fluke, but also to elevate his game to another level.
ZEROES:
Milan Lucic has been downright awful. He looks lethargic, out of shape, and uninterested. He has not used the physicality that got him into the league and made him a solid player. Without it, he is virtually useless.
Arron Asham is a rarity – an enforcer who can play and not hurt his team when he is on the ice. However, he crossed the line with his devastating knockout of Washington’s Jay Beagle. While Beagle was crumpled in his own blood on the ice, Asham made a knockout gesture, then put his hands to his head to indicate he put Beagle to sleep. Even though Asham apologized for his actions after the game, saying, it was, “uncalled for, classless on my part,” he still deserves a lengthy suspension. I think fighting is part of the game, but actions like this are not.
Bandwagon Bruins Fans have always irritated me, but some have already given up and it is only four games in. Everyone told us that the Bruins would struggle early, so it was expected. However, if they are still playing like this into mid-November, it might be time to start worrying. For now, they are just a little behind.
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