Projo Bruins Blog

October 2005 Archives

Alex Zhamnov, who has been sidelined with a bruised shoulder, participated in the Bruins' game-day skate this morning for the first time this season.

According to coach Mike Sullivan, the team's newest centerman is getting closer.

Zhamnov could be in the lineup this week.

Bruins goaltender Andrew Raycroft was swiftly walking around the locker room this morning and showed no ill effects from his strained left hamstring.

He said he felt fine after some backwards work on the treadmill and he's hoping to be back on the ice early in the week. The reigning Calder Trophy winner said he should be back in the lineup next weekend. He’s 3-4-2 with a 3.36 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.

Jonathan Girard returned home to Quebec last weekend and will meet with his doctors in the next few days before he decides whether or not to retire.

Girard was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident on July 24, 2003, near his home. He made a remarkable comeback and was at Boston's training camp this season. His body, however, has not responded the way he had hoped it would and that's why he will be examined again.
Dr. Robert Shalvoy, of University Orthopedics in Providence, does not know the specifics of Girard's case, but he fully understands the exact trauma the defensemen's body suffered during the accident.

Shalvoy admitted that while Girard is still young at 25, his body is now functioning more like a 40-year-old.
"His body has changed," said Shalvoy. "He will never be the same. Massive trauma changes you. Mechanically nothing will be quite right."

It's been obvious Girard, who was always one of the fastest skaters on the ice, has lost a step due to the accident. The reason for that is his stamina will never be the same due to the numerous bone fractures he suffered.

According the Shalvoy, when a bone is crushed the fat-filled marrow explodes and rushes into the blood stream, causing a "fat shower." In turn the fat can get lodged in the lungs and never work at 100 percent again.

Shalvoy has dealt with this type of trauma before with other athletes and understands how it can be tough for Girard to quantify what has happened to his body. If Girard underwent a physical today, he would pass with no problem. But, the damage has been done and he won't be able to regain his pre-accident form.

That's why he back at home in Quebec talking with his doctors about his options.

Girard was assigned to Providence from Bruins' training camp on Sept. 29 and has played only one game with the P-Bruins. Still, it is amazing that Girard was able to return in the fashion he did after he suffered a broken pelvic bone, lost a lot of blood, broke two vertebrae, suffered several lacerations and had fluid in his lungs.

"It's tough for a 25-year-old," said his agent Bob Sauve. "It's not like he doesn't know if he can play in the NHL. He is a proven NHL-caliber player . . . This is a life decision. What is good for Jonathan, as a human being, is first."

Under terms of his insurance agreement, Girard could play 20 professional games -- at any level -- before having to decide whether to continue playing. If he plays more than 20 games, he will forfeit his settlement, which was originally reported to be in the $3-million range. According to Sauve, the settlement is not quite that high, and would not give the exact figure out of respect for his client.

Bruins' top goalie, Andrew Raycroft, reportedly was injured Wednesday night against the Hurricanes.

P-Bruins goaltender Jordan Sigalet has been called up to Boston and will serve as Hannu Toivonen's backup tonight.

Sigalet has been recalled because Tim Thomas would need 24 hours to clear waivers. It's not known at this time how bad Raycroft's injury is, but coach Mike Sullivan is scheduled to meet with the media at 5 p.m.

Rookie goaltender Hannu Toivonen will make his third start (fourth appearance)for the Bruins tonight against the Maple Leafs. He is 1-1-0 with a 4.49 goals-against average and a .869 save percentage.

After dropping five of the last six games, including a 4-3 overtime loss to Carolina on Wednesday, the Bruins were given this morning off from the usual game-day skate. However, Patrice Bergeron, Toivonen, Colton Orr, Jiri Slegr, Shawn McEachern (back) and Alex Zhamnov (shoulder)all skated.

Jonathan Girard has returned home to Quebec and it appears the 25-year-old defenseman is considering retirement.

Before he makes a final decision, however, he will be examined by his doctors to assess where he is physically. Girard returned home over the weekend and according to his agent, Bob Sauve, a decision will come very soon.

Girard was involved in a near-fatal car accident on July 24, 2003 near his home and he made a remarkable comeback to rejoin the club for training camp this season.

Under terms of his insurance agreement, Girard could play 20 professional games -- at any level -- before having to decide whether to continue playing. If he continues to play after 20 games, he will forfeit a $3 million settlement.

According to Sauve, Girard is disappointed but he must consider his well-being first and foremost.

"It's tough for a 25-year-old," said Sauve. "It's not like he doesn't know if he can play in the NHL. He is a proven NHL caliber player. . . this is a life decision. What is good for Jonathan as a human being is first."

Girard was assigned to Providence on Sept. 29 and has played only one game for the P-Bruins.

''It was very difficult,'' said Bruins head coach Mike Sullivan about sending Girard to the minors. ''We obviously admire and have the utmost respect for what he has overcome to get to this point. But, for us, it is our responsibility to try to put the best team on the ice for the regular season. That's not to say Jonathan is out of the picture, because he's not. He hasn't played hockey in two years, and to ask him to step right in where he left off would be unfair.''

Girard met with P-Bruins coach Scott Gordon last week before deciding to return home.

Calling it quits "was something that was a consideration from Day One," said Gordon. "Whether it happens, we still don't know. Obviously, it is looking like it is going to happen, but until he makes a decision he is still part of the mix here. We hope it workes out so he can come back."

The vehicle Girard was operating near his hometown of Rawdon, Quebec, overturned, and he was trapped inside it for 45 minutes. He suffered a broken pelvic bone, lost a lot of blood, broke two vertebrae, suffered several lacerations and had fluid in his lungs.

He has been playing with a plate in his back.

More to come...

Ray Bourque may come out of retirement and rejoin the Boston Bruins.

Don't get too excited, his No. 77 will remain in the rafters of the Garden. Coach Mike Sullivan has had numerous conversations with the Hall-of-Fame defenseman about joining the club as a consultant.
The news of Bourque possibly joining his former team broke earlier in the week and according to Sullivan, he was expecting to speak with Bourque again yesterday afternoon. With such a young core of defensemen in the Bruins' organization, Bourque would be a huge asset to the club.

"It would be invaluable for our staff and our team to have Ray's presence," said Sullivan. "He has an extensive knowledge of the game and I think he can offer our team so much."

Wooing Bourque is not something new for the Bruins. Sullivan approached him about joining the team during the 2003-2004 season. Bourque, who retired after winning a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, wanted to spend time with his family and declined the invitation.

Now, it may work. Sullivan is just waiting for an answer.

Shawn McEachern (back spasms), Jiri Slegr (back strain) and Alex Zhamnov (bruised shoulder) will be out of the lineup tonight. McEachern and Slegr are listed as day-to-day and Zhamnov is out indefinitely.

McEachern was examined by the team doctor on Wednesday and is scheduled to see him again today. According to coach Mike Sullivan, McEachern has had a history of back problems. But, the coach admitted that the Bruins' forward is consistent with his preventative maintenance of the injury and hopefully he won't be out for an extended period.

Slegr will begin skating with the team on Saturday and Zhamnov is hoping to begin skating this week.

Bruins captain Joe Thornton was given the thumbs-up after this morning's game-day skate. He will be in the lineup after missing three games with a strained back.

"I think he looks good," said coach Mike Sullivan. "He feels good. He had a good, hard practice yesterday and he has felt better everyday, so he will play tonight."

"I woke up this morning and felt great," said Thornton. "I'm just excited to be back in the lineup."

Rookie goaltender Hannu Toivonen will start for the Boston Bruins tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.

It will be his third appearance and second start for the B's. Toivonen, 21, made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 8 and earned a 7-6 victory.

"He lived up to expectations," said coach Mike Sullivan. "We thought he played extremely well and he gave our team a chance to win. We think Hannu is a capable guy, that's why he's here. He had a tremendous training camp and he is a competitive kid. He really battles everyday to improve and get better. Right now we feel like we have a pretty solid tandem."

Sullivan informed Toivonen on Wednesday night that he would start against the Sabres in the club's return trip back to the Garden since the season-opener on Oct. 5.

"It's really exciting," said Toivonen. "I'm being honest with you, it is a great thing to play the first game at home. Hopefully it is going to be a good night with a packed building. It's going to be a good feeling."

In only his third year as a professional, Toivonen learned a very important lesson during his first NHL game against the Penguins.

"Basically I learned that I can play the game," he said. "I got my confidence level up and I feel comfortable out there. This is going to be my third game in the thing and you just have to take steps all the time. You start to feel more comfortable everyday and the things you do start to get easier. Hopefully tonight will be another step forward. I can't get ahead of things right now, I just need to play another hockey game and not make it any more difficult than that."

Bruins captain Joe Thornton practiced with the club this morning in Wilmington and showed no ill effects. He said afterwards that it is the best he has felt in a while and could be in the lineup against Buffalo. It will all depend on how he feels tomorrow morning.

Thornton returned from the team's recent six-game road trip last week with a strained back. He and physical therapist, Scott Waugh, has been working hard over the last week with massage and stretching exercises.

"We've been hitting it hard the last week," said Thornton. "And, it has really come around."

Today was the first day he has really pushed himself on the ice and said he felt good after practice. How he feels tomorrow, however, will be the gauge if he plays.

"Right now it feels pretty good," he said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to play tomorrow night."

When Thornton returned from the road his back was in rough shape. The captain admitted this morning that it started to feel better on Sunday, Tuesday it felt "great and today it feels even better."

He also said that the back if pretty loose and he doesn't feel any stiffness.

Two seasons ago, Thornton said in an interview with a Canadian television station that his back was so sore he was considering retirement. Now that the back has sidelined him again, the question came up after today's practice.

"Last year (in Switzerland) my back felt great," he said. "Ever since training camp my back has been sore, but working with the trainers here, they said If I stay on a program I should be good for the rest of the year. . . I was just frustrated at the time (two years ago)with all the holding and hooking in the league. Obviously, this year there is a big change. My back was really hurting back then, but now it is better and that is all that matters."

Waugh told Thornton that this shouldn't be - and doesn't have to be - an issue for the rest of his career. As long as Thornton continues to work on a program, he should be fine.

Watching the games from home did help matters much, but Thornton is anxious to get back out there.

"You want to be out there helping the guys out," he said. "Seeing a tough loss like (Tuesday) night, you want to be out there helping out. Hopefully tomorrow night I can help."

Here's hoping.

Bruins defenseman Milan Jurcina was assigned to the Providence Bruins this morning to make room on the roster for Nick Boynton, who signed a one-year contract with the club on Thursday.

Jurcina was picked up at T.F. Green airport by P-Bruins coach Scott Gordon and could be in the lineup tonight against the Portland Pirates at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Bruins defenseman Nick Boynton, who signed a one-year deal with the club this morning, will join the team in Ottawa tomorrow. He will begin practicing, but coach Mike Sullivan wasn't sure when Boynton will be in the lineup. After Saturday's game in Ottawa, the Bruins face the Canadiens in Montreal on Tuesday before returning to the Garden to host Buffalo on Thursday.

"Obviously, we are thrilled to have him," said Sullivan. "He is going to be a big ingredient in helping us win. We are a better team with him in our lineup and we are excited it was resolved."

"We'll get a gauge of where he is at [physically]," added Sullivan. "Obviously, like all of our players, we want to put him in a position so he can be successful and help our team win. We will have a better feel for where he is at once we get him into practice. We obviously want him back in our lineup as quickly he can."

Bruins captain Joe Thornton has been diagnosed with a back strain and will be out longer than expected, according to coach Mike Sullivan. Originally, Thornton was listed as day-to-day when he returned to Boston on Wednesday with back spasms. There's no timetable on his return.

Defenseman Nick Boynton signed a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins today. Details of the contract were not disclosed, but check back later for more info.

"We are very pleased to have Nick signed," said general manager Mike O'Connell. "He is one of the best young defensemen in the game, is a leader in our dressing room and we expect that he will play a big part in our team's success this season."

Former Brown standout and Hobey Baker finalist, Yann Danis, made 32 saves to record a shutout and lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-0 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers in his NHL debut.

Danis becomes only the third Montreal goaltender to record a shutout in his NHL debut. Wayne Thomas (1973) and Bob Perreault (1955) were the other two.

"This has been great," said Danis prior to the season-opener in Boston on Oct. 5. "It's been unreal. I really can't describe the feeling right now being a part of this team. To put on this jersey night after night is a dream come true."

Danis starred for Brown from 2000-04, then signed with the Habs and played for their AHL affiliate in Hamilton. He played more than 50 games for the Bulldogs last season, and had an impressive training camp this year.

With Bruins captain Joe Thornton back in Boston to receive treatment for back spasms, a recent interview resurrected a statement he made in November, 2003.

At the time, Thornton told Gino Reda on TSN's Molson That's Hockey that he was considering retirement because of his frustration over the non-penalty calls and the physical beating he's taking from opponents during games.

Here is the story that ran in The Journal on Nov. 12, 2003.

JOE McDONALD Journal Sports Writer

Source: The Providence Journal

PubDate: Wednesday, 11/12/2003

BOSTON - Don't get nervous, the rumors and published reports aren't true.

While Joe Thornton will retire at some point, it won't be anytime soon. The Boston Bruins captain conducted an interview with Gino Reda on TSN's Molson That's Hockey on Monday, during which he said he was considering retirement because of his frustration over the non-penalty calls and the physical beating he's taking from opponents during games.

It's come to a head, and Thornton is sick of it.

Recently, he exploded after a game in Pittsburgh about the on-ice officiating and the Bruins even sent a tape of the infractions against Thornton, and his linemates Mike Knuble and Glen Murray, to the National Hockey League for review.

"It was a tough day for me," the 24-year-old Thornton told TSN. "I look back on it with thoughts that this might be my last year. It's not worth the pain. My back is killing me and things like that. It's just not worth the ordeal."

His back is bothering him - and has been for the last two seasons - but he has no plans on retiring. He said he doesn't want to sound like a whiner; he just wants the game to be called as the rule book states.

"I was just frustrated," he said prior to last night's game about the report. "That's pretty much it, but I'm not going to retire. The boys were kidding me about it, but I've got another, well, you never know with this CBA, but hopefully I'll have quite a long career."

During Saturday's 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars, Thornton drew a hooking plenty on Mike Modano but one game won't make a difference in Thornton's mind.

"It's not just one game," he said. "Hopefully (the league) will look at the tape and realize."

As far as his health, Thornton said his back is just fine. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound centerman has been experiencing lower back pain for the last few years, but has been able to play through it.

"You just have to maintain it and things like that," he said. "Some days it's better than others, but you just have to keep up with it. You look at the guys over 6-4 and most of the guys have a tendency to have lower back problems."

It hasn't affected the way he's played and he hasn't missed any practices this season.

Bruins captain Joe Thornton returned to Boston today to undergo treatment for back spasms. He left the ice late during Monday's game against Tampa Bay. Thornton is listed as day-to-day and is expected to work with the club's physical therapist, Scott Waugh.

A sour note last night came immediately following the game-winning tally. As a jester of goodwill, each fan received a replica Stanley Cup as they entered the Garden last night. Unfortunately, many were tossed to the ice in disgust in the final seconds.

"I was worried about the guys cleaning the ice," said Raycroft. "You get one of those Stanley Cups in the head from the fifth deck, it's not going to feel good. It's too bad that it has to get to that. I don't know if the fans were mad at us, the refereeing, or the year-and-a-half layoff. Maybe there was a lot of build-up. It was too bad and hopefully it doesn't happen again."

Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs met with the local media prior to tonight's season-opener against the Canadiens and admitted he would like to see No. 44 back in the lineup, but also realizes that this is the third time Boynton has held out.

"I've talked to Mike and it's very much up to Mike and Nick," said Jacobs. "Commenting probably won't do anything good on that [situation]. But, Nick has a history and you have to realize where he is coming from. He did not go through arbitration and he is sitting out right now. To me, it's not smart."

Boynton was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals as their first pick (ninth overall) in the 1997 NHL entry draft, but he did not sign and re-entered the draft. The Bruins selected him with their first pick (21st overall) in the 1999 draft.

Boynton also held out at the beginning of the 2003-2004 season before signing a two-year deal worth $3 million just days before the season-opener. This time, the Bruins were offering Boynton $1.75 million and his camp was seeking $1.9 million.

"I don't know what to say about it," said Jacobs. "I know we are on the right side of this, but time will tell if we get him back. I wish to heck that we had him tonight. He could play an important role for this club and we would like to keep him."

Speculation is the Bruins increased their offer and a possible deal could be finalized by early next week.

Bruins rookie Pat Leahy registered his first NHL point when he assisted on Patrice Bergeron's goal at 17:44 of the first period. . .

Milan Jurcina was a game-time scratch, leaving a six-man blue line. Brian Leetch, Hal Gill, Jiri Slegr, Kevin Dallman, Andrew Alberts and Ian Moran.

Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs met with the local media prior to tonight's season-opener and was clearly excited about the return of the NHL.

"This league is in a very healthy condition," said Jacobs. "Hopefully the Bruins are the healthiest of them all. That, of course, only time will tell. I like the team. It's a good looking team and we have a good bunch of players."

Brad Boyes, Colton Orr, Kevin Dallman and Pat Leahy are ready for tonight's season-opener, but the butterflies were plentiful this morning.

Boyes, Orr and Dallman all made the team out of training camp, while Leahy was called up from Providence to replaced the injured Alex Zhamnov.

Leahy, a Duxbury, Mass., native played six games for the Bruins during the 2003-2004 season and is ready for tonight's action.

"Opening night after the [lockout] year, this place is going to be hopping," said Leahy. "I'm really excited and I can't wait to get out there."

Orr, who is the resident pugilist, is ready to go. If the Canadiens have Raitis Ivanans in their lineup, he and Orr should give fans a good bought.

"Going into tonight I'm really excited," said Orr. "It's a dream to be here, we have a great team and it's exciting."

Orr has played one scoreless game for the Bruins (Jan. 8, 2004).

Kevin Dallman spent the time after the game-day skate this morning to adjust his equipment. He just wanted to occupy his time to keep his mind off his NHL debut.

"I'm excited, anxious and little nervous right now," he said.
What do you do to calm the nerves?
"Talk to yourself to calm yourself down," he said. "Stay social with everybody to keep your mind off it."

Boyes, who had a tremendous traning camp, has played only one NHL game for the San Jose Sharks at Dallas on March 7, 2004.

The 23-year-old forward was a bit jittery this morning.

"I'm excited," said Boyes. "I can't wait to get going. We had a pretty good crowd (12,000) for our last exhibition game, so I can't wait for everyone to pack the place and start screaming. With what happened in the playoffs two years ago, it's going to be an interesting one. Everyone is fired up for it."

Especially the rookies.

Bruins coach Mike Sullivan jokingly said this morning that he couldn't remember his first NHL game because it was too long ago. But, he did recall how quick everything moved at this level.

"As a young player the biggest adjustment is the speed of the game," he said. "Not as much the physical speed, but how quickly the players make decision with and without the puck.
"For me, what separates this league from any other league in the world is how fast windows of opportunity open and close. As an offensive player you have to recognize that and execute quickly. As a defensive player, you have to close down those windows. If not there is enough talent in this league to exploit it."

Good advice from a 11-year NHL veteran.

Former P-Bruins players Jay Henderson and Jayme Filipowicz are playing in Germany.

Filipowicz, who suffered a severe eye injury during the Eastern Conference Finals last May, is able to play despite the setback. However, he recently injured his knee and will be out of action for the next several weeks.

Goalie Tim Thomas cleared waivers and reported to the P-Bruins on Tuesday. He practiced with the team yesterday and today and is slated to remain with the club.

Thomas played in Finland last season and was offered a two-year contract, beginning this season. When the Bruins contacted him early last month about resigning with the organization on a one-way deal worth $450,000 he decided to take it.

On Monday, the Bruins placed him on waivers, leaving Andrew Raycroft and Hannu Toivonen to work the pipes in Boston.

Former Brown University goalie and Hobey Baker finalist, Yann Danis, earned a roster spot with the Montreal Canadiens and will serve as Jose Theodore's backup.

"This has been great," said Danis. "It's been unreal. I really can't describe the feeling right now being a part of this team. To put on this jersey night after night is a dream come true."

Danis stared for Brown from 2000-2004 and after completing his season season, signed with the Habs and played for their AHL affiliate in Hamilton. He played over 50 games for the Bulldogs last season and had an impressive training camp this season.

Danis has learned a lot from Theodore, on and off the ice.
"He's a great guy," said Danis. "I’ve learned a lot by just watching him play and how patient he is on the ice. He's quick and he reads the play real well. I've also had a chance to see him off the ice, he obviously has a lot of pressure being the No.1 guy in Montreal. He gets all the focus and he stays cools.”

Isbister Thornton Murray
Samsonov Bergeron McEachern
Axelsson Green Fitzgerald
Moran Boyes Leahy and Orr

Leetch
Gill
Dallman
Jurcina
Alberts
Slegr

One player will be a game-time scratch.

There was definitely a buzz around the Bruins locker room after the team's game-day skate at the Garden this morning. Players and coaches are fired up for tonight's season-opener against the rival Montreal Canadiens.

"I'm sure whoever was doing the schedule had this in mind," said Raycroft. "It's definitely not a coincidence that's for sure. It's good to start off with a rivalry; hopefully it will be an intense game."

The Bruins have a special pregame ceremony planned for tonight. The Stanley Cup banners and the retired numbers hanging from the rafters have been rearranged for the show.

Also, there will be a red carpet celebration, beginning at 4 p.m. Montreal legends Henri Richard and Yvon Cournoyer will join Bruin greats John "Pie Face" McKenzie and Derek "Turk" Sanderson.

Milt Schmidt, the only person to serve as a Bruins player, captain, coach and general manager will drop the ceremonial first puck.

Dave Scatchard and Alex Zhamnov will be out of tonight's lineup. Scatchard has been bothered by a groin injury, but according to Bruins coach Mike Sullivan, Scatchard will return sooner rather than later.

Scatchard skated with Bruins strength and conditioning coach, John Whitesides, prior to the team's game-day skate at the Garden this morning and showed no ill effects.

Zhamnov bruised his shoulder during the preseason finale against the New York Rangers last Saturday. He is listed as day-to-day.

As a result of Zhamnov's injury, the Bruins recalled Pat Leahy from Providence.

It appears that Bruins holdout defenseman Nick Boynton is ready to rejoin the team. It's likely Boynton and the Bruins could come to terms as early as today, but the specifics are not clear at this point. Boynton's agent, Anton Thun, spoke with general manager Mike O'Connell yesterday.

I just spoke with Thun and asked him if a deal would be finalized in the next 24 hours and he said he could not comment at this point. That tells me a deal is close since neither side will comment until a contract is ironed out.

Recently the Bruins were offering Boynton $1.7 million and the 26-year-old wanted $1.9. The stalemate could come to an end very soon.

Check back later for more....

Since Walter was assigned to Providence, it is a possibility that Colton Orr could be inserted into the lineup for Wednesday's season-opener until Dave Scatchard (groin) returns.

McEachern Thornton Murray
Samsonov Zhamnov Bergeron
Isbister Green Walter
Axelsson Fitzgerald Boyes

The Bruins' roster is set at 22 players after the team assigned Ben Walter to Providence and placed goaltender Tim Thomas on waivers.

Forwards: P.J. Axelsson, Patrice Bergeron, Brad Boyes, Tom Fitzgerald, Travis Green, Brad Isbister, Shawn McEachern, Glen Murray, Colton Orr, Sergei Samsonov, Dave Scatchard, Joe Thornton and Alex Zhamnov.

Defensemen: Andrew Alberts, Kevin Dallman, Hal Gill, Milan Jurcina, Brian Leetch, Ian Moran and Jiri Slegr.

Goaltenders: Andrew Raycroft and Hannu Toivonen.

Goaltender Tim Thomas and forward Ben Walter were assigned to the P-Bruins following this morning's practice in Wilmington.

Thomas recently signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Bruins while Andrew Raycroft was still a holdout. With three goalies in camp and the season-opener on Wednesday, management decided to place Thomas on waivers.

He has 24 hours to clear waivers before accepting his assignment to Providence. He said early this afternoon that he was not sure what he was going to do.

It is likely he could return to Finland before playing again in the minors.