BRUINS
The Bruins played three tough, gritty games in four nights last week. Perhaps their biggest motivator to date so far, the Bruins escaped the tough test with a 2-0-1 record, tallying 5 points and clawing their way back up the standings, currently tied for 8th with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Flyers will be the visiting team against the Bruins when Fenway Park hosts the NHL Winter Classic. A highly anticipated match-up for both sides and for the league as these two teams were in the original six when the NHL was first established. The outdoor spectacle will feature an all- star caliber lineup for both sides. The B's will be represented by studs D Zdeno Chara, G Tim Thomas, and C David Krejci. For the Flyers, newly acquired D Chris Pronger and G Ray Emery will look to continue to make an impact and the ever dangerous C Jeff Carter will look to continue to be the centerpiece of a potent Flyers offense.
The Flyers will be the visiting team against the Bruins when Fenway Park hosts the NHL Winter Classic. A highly anticipated match-up for both sides and for the league as these two teams were in the original six when the NHL was first established. The outdoor spectacle will feature an all- star caliber lineup for both sides. The B's will be represented by studs D Zdeno Chara, G Tim Thomas, and C David Krejci. For the Flyers, newly acquired D Chris Pronger and G Ray Emery will look to continue to make an impact and the ever dangerous C Jeff Carter will look to continue to be the centerpiece of a potent Flyers offense.
The B's showed some resilience in the wake of the recent injuries to notable players C Marc Savard and W Milan Lucic. Backup goaltender Tuuka Rask put on a show against a very good Flyers offense, stopping 36/39 shots including some saves that would've made Dominik Hasek's jaw drop. D Derek Morris had back-to-back two point efforts and it looks that he's finally transitioning to the B's style of play and gaining some much needed confidence after a slow start to his season. Also notable has been the recent play of C Patrice Bergeron, as he looks to be really turning up his efforts on the offensive end. Many in the hockey world have forgot about the young star's dynamic playmaking ability, and he is out to prove this season that he is indeed one of the most talented young players in the league.
The Bruins have been playing the role of comeback kid since the season began, constantly finding themselves having to dig out of holes and mount comebacks in order to win games. This style is different than what we saw from them last year, when they dominated games with their physical play and ability to score early. If the Bruins hope to sustain any success this season, they will have to be able to play solid hockey until the studs are healthy and then make for a strong second half push.
The Bruins will host the New Jersey Devils tonight at 7 PM. Daniel Paille will be out of the lineup this evening as he is in Buffalo ascertaining his personal items.
PATRIOTS
S Brandon Meriweather was named AFC defensive player of the week as he had 2 INT's, one of which he returned for a touchdown in an impressive 35-7 romp over the Bucs in London. Meriweather has been the most consistent defensive player this year, and is really coming into his own.
QB Tom Brady was named the AFC offensive player of the month, an award that Brady is quite familiar with. It's the third time he's won the award, with the first two occasions coming in September and October of 2007. Brady completed 70.2% of passes (92-131) for 1,161 yards, threw for 12 TD's, and posted an impressive passer rating of 121.7. Two words: Tom Terrific.
After looking through NFL mock drafts last night, it slipped my mind that the Patriots have three second round picks in the upcoming 2010 NFL draft which is one of the most talented drafts in recent memory. The rich continue to get richer.
T Sebastian Vollmer continues to do everything that the Pats have asked and has clearly earned a roll with the team. He seems to be one of Coach Belichick's favorite rookies to date. Look for this and more in our bye week report on how the Pats' rookies have progressed so far this season which will be posted tomorrow.
RED SOX
Young Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman may not be a household name quite yet, but he will be by season's end. The 21-year old young man is a dominant left handed pitcher who consistently throws over 100 MPH, has a dynamic changeup, and even has a plus curveball, meaning that even his third best pitch can be used as his out pitch. He defected from Cuba earlier this year and is one of the most sought after free agents this winter. Chapman was scheduled to throw a bullpen session at Fenway yesterday, but had it canceled due to the inclement weather. The makeup date is TBD.
Chapman came away very impressed by the Red Sox and their front office, according to the Boston Globe. The Sox may have the inside track for two very important reasons: first thing's first: the money. Chapman's demands have initially been a contract in the $40-$60 million range, which is a price the Sox seem content with paying. The Red Sox also inked his former teammate, SS Jose Iglesias to an $8.5 million contract this summer and this may provide extra incentive for Chapman to join the Sox. However, if the Sox dish that cash to the lefty, how will it affect their efforts to resign Jason Bay?
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