Originally Posted by
Raleik
I was really hoping the Bruins would put this series away before now... I'm not optimistic at all about tonight. Boston has sucked all season when playing three games in four nights. Toronto's younger, and I honestly don't like Boston's chances in this game. As Claude said after last nights game, we really are a Jekyll and Hyde team. We can look unbeatable some nights, and then play awful the next. Just have to hope the good side comes out tonight.
I'm starting to wonder how much of this whole Jekyll and Hyde thing is the players, and how much it's Julien just not being able to press the right buttons. I mean, if it's not for Thomas being near godlike in '11, we don't win the cup. That's not recipe for consistently winning. Rask has been fantastic this series, but our goal scoring problems are cropping up again. That mixed with our defensive misplays the past few games is not a good combination. I'm starting to think we need to bring in some fresh blood for coaching. Idk if the guys have just gotten too comfortable under Julien, or if he just can't win without a ridiculous goalie hot streak. His defensive minded system seems to be stifling Seguin to some extent. I can't help but think his development is being hindered in part by Julien.
I also feel it was a mistake trying to keep the whole band together after the cup run. Everyone except for Jagr, Rask, and Hamilton/Redden/Bartkowski was a starter for the cup run. Ever since then, they've just never been able to dominate consistently. They have these runs of domination like the beginning of this season, and November of last season, then they just seem to fall apart. They can't keep it going for some reason. It's really frustrating as a fan to see how good the team can play when they're firing on all cylinders, and just not seeing it consistently, especially in the playoffs when it matters.
Jagr has been awful this series. I'm starting to think it's because he's on the third line. I mean, last night he took the puck into the zone by himself, had four Leafs on him, and just wouldn't pass the puck. I feel like he's gotten to the point where he doesn't trust Kelly and Peverley to do anything, so he just tries to do everything himself. I'd like to see him on the line with Bergeron and Marchand, drop Seguin down to play with Kelly and Peverley. We saw some great chemistry between Jagr and Marchand in a couple games in the regular season when Bergeron is hurt. And the demotion may light a fire under Seguin to get him to finally find the back of the net. That whole line has had their chances and just can't bury the puck, it's time to shake it up somewhat.
I'm guessing this is another tight game, and it's honestly a coin flip. It all depends what Bruins team shows up to play tonight. Based on their history this season, I'm not optimistic. But, I have to hope that they'll recognize the importance of this game and come out strong. I just haven't seen enough consistency from them to trust that they will...