Video here. In his defense, that is one douchey-looking mascot.

With the NHLPA's unwillingness to provide their consent to the four-conference re-alignment plan recently approved by the NHL's Board of Governors, I thought it would be fun to hear what everyone's alternative ideas are on this subject. Of course, I'll offer up my own thoughts.

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So before we get started on this scouting report on our very own Dougie Hamilton, I'll have to apologize in advance if this isn't too good, I'm new at this.

Anyway, a speedy introduction; I'm a Rhode Island born, New Hampshire raised life-long Bruins fan, whose father used to take his life in his hands to watch Bruins-Habs games with the French Canadian family down the street in Cumberland, RI back in the Orr-Esposito days, so the B's are in my blood. That said, I currently live in Sudbury, Ontario and don't get to see much Bruins hockey unless they're playing the Habs or Leafs on HNIC. But, I did have the very good fortune to see our very own Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara Ice Dogs last night playing the Sudbury Wolves, so below the jump I've got a few thoughts on the game and his play. Again, I'm new at this and make no promises about the quality of my report.

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Brand new to this forum; not sure if this is where these ramblings belong.... I have been following the Bruins since 1967 or so, and remember the first round of expansion of the NHL that brought us the California Golden Seals (you could look it up, Casey)…I do not ever remember a Bruins goaltender playing as well as has Tim Thomas during the past 12 months or so…Is this the best Bruins team of my lifetime?

Gee, that’s tasty Kool-aid….gimme some more of that….

Well Like many of you or maybe not.... I like Shirts I like to wear them and people like that I like to wear them as well,

and I am sure like many of you, we have all seen the Vendors outside the Garden Before and After games selling there new Products of Boston Sports Catch Phrases/Logos/HiJinks etc etc what ever it maybe from the 2 Girls no Cup Sedin shirt, to the LUCIC ASS KICKER shirt ( Still want a PJ "Stock Crew" one )

any way I want to just talk about them much like my Jersey thread this is where you can post pictures and explain what you hate what you like what you would Like to see made into a shirt........... and maybe if someone is listening or ummm a shirt vendor they will listen to what the people want

So have at it Chowder and Enjoy

Following the Boston Bruins' narrow defeat at the hands of the despised Vancouver Canucks, CSN New England's hockey segment, "Sticks and Stones", invited Tony Gallagher of the British Columbia-based tabloid The Province on to talk about the game.

The conversation, inevitably, turned to Dale Weise's rejection of a fight with Shawn Thornton. While Gallagher was toeing the Canuck party line, Shawn Thornton was getting mic'd up for an interview, scheduled to follow Gallagher's.

"Sticks and Stones" producers then thought it'd be fun to allow Thornton to refute Gallagher's idiotic claims. Hilarity ensued.

Video after the jump

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A couple of things...I grew up in the Pacific Northwest as a fan of most sports, but for some reason I never got in to hockey. Sure, I'd watch the US Olympic team every four years and over time I've gained a basic understanding of the rules, but I never really followed the sport.

Now, in 2012, I live in the Los Angeles area and have a growing group of friends who are Kings fans. I've been married for 8 years to a girl who grew up in New England, who's parents are from Massachusetts and who are all Boston Bruins fans. Hockey has been slowly creeping it's way into my life.

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In a game that was over 1:14 after it started, Thursday night at the Garden the Bruins put together a full 60 minute dismantling of the Calgary Flames. 12 players recorded points, including 3 point games from Horton, Seguin, Bergeron, Krejci, and Pouliot. Two goal nights from both Bergeron and Horton helped pace the Bruins largest offensive night in 13 years. Add to that Tuukka Rask's 3rd shutout of the season, which improved his running tally of 1 goal over the last 275 minutes between the pipes, and you have another thorough domination by the Black and Gold. The score and shots on goal differential (42-25 in favor of the Bruins) were not even entirely indicative of how one sided this game was. As Andy Brickley called it, "Men against boys". The Bruins dominated long stretches of the game and had offensive zone possessions which frequently lasted minutes due to the non-stop fore check and crisp cycle game. The Bruins ability to grind and their killer instinct were both on display Thursday night. The Bruins got on top early and never looked back or took their foot off the pedal. Late in the game, the boys were still blocking shots, getting sticks in passing lanes, and being responsible in all three zones. In short, the fundamentals never stopped and we watched Bruins hockey in its purest form. Scoring from all four lines, energy, effort, and consistency. With the score 8-0 midway through the 3rd period, it would have been very easy for the Bruins to start looking forward to Saturday's rematch with the Vancouver Canucks. Instead, they continued their dominance and looked very much like they were now playing to keep Calgary off the board. A tripping penalty on Gregory Campbell put the PK on the ice, and their hard work once again yielded an opportunity with Danielle Paille netting his 7th of the year. This trait is something we did not see in prior years. The Boston Bruins relaxed when they got up, and that usually led to some interesting finishes, including some very frustrating losses. This team knows they have a target on their backs, and they are playing with a chip on their shoulder and a swagger that is a true pleasure to watch. This is not a team that is just getting the bounces or riding a hot goaltender. This team appears to be poised for another run. A team that plays their system and plays it well. Their team depth, offensive prowess, defensive mentality and ferocious work ethic (and attitude) can carry this team once again to the pinnacle of hockey.

Saturday, January 7th. It's the day all Bruins fans have had circled on their calendars for months. The return of the Vancouver Canucks. Sure, it is only another two points at stake and the winner will not be hoisting anything on Saturday afternoon. However, the pure hate that grew in that 7 game series, players and fans alike, has not been forgotten. I will not pretend to know the players mindset right now, maybe it is just another game for them. I doubt it, given the character, integrity, and attitude of this franchise, but maybe. So I will stick to what I know best, the mindset of the rabid fan. The mindset of the people that flooded the garden last June, sat on the couch, or took over the local sports bar. The person who watched as Raffi bleeping Torres stole game one. Watched Alex Burrows and "The Bite". Then, 11 seconds into overtime, he is the hero of game 2. Got excited for it to shift back to Boston for game 3, and then watched in silence as Nathan Horton lay on the ice. Sick to my stomach and unbelievably furious, I could not believe the turn of events for my Bruins. Then something clicked with the start of the second period. Inspiration was found. Confidence was gained. Someone poked the bear and the rest is history. Tim Thomas clearing out his own crease. The Sedin punching bag. The flat tires. Lord Stanley being returned home. It is all history now. But for those of us that truly love this sport, we will never forget where we were, what we did, what we felt on the night Big Z and the boys got to lift the cup. You know what else we will never forget? The unthinkable level of despise for the Vancouver Canucks that was reached by all of us. So, to some, the matinee on Saturday may be just the 38th game in a long season for a measly two points against a Western Conference team we usually see once a year. But to the masses in the city of Boston, in New England, and to true Bruins fans everywhere, this is about more. It is about putting another exclamation point on last spring. It's about showing the hangover is really over. And it is about telling a Western Conference powerhouse that if you want Lord Stanley, you are going to have to come through Boston to get it. That, my friends, will prove to be no easy task. Saturday the puck drops at 1:00. Let's go Black and Gold!

Check out my blog at: http://bigbadbruin51.blogspot.com/

When I was a giant sports fan nerd of a kid, one of my favorite things to do was watch the year in review highlight reels on New Year's Eve. I also enjoyed reading the best of ___ articles. But not this year, and not from a lack of highlights. This year's editions, have actually managed to make me angry. Mostly SI hosing Thomas for Sportsman of the year and the collaborative "effort" put together by Grantland (run by alleged Bruin fan and Casual Sports Guy Bill Simmons). The reason for my disgust is the complete lack of anything even beginning to mention the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. *I should

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It's that time again! The Bruins will be playing in Carolina on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 and there's gonna be another Viewing Party at The Fours Boston. This time it will be at least a bit better planned so we're not all crammed around a table that we grow as people leave. Hope y'all had a good time at the last one.

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