Stanley Cup of Chowder, a Boston Bruins community

From the playoff standpoint, it's identical to the NHL system save for the best of 5 opening round. The divisions themselves are largely self-explanatory, but you'd think they'd have switched Charlotte and Abbotsford. Interesting that NY teams are in 3 divisions among both conferences!

Cam Neely will join BU Hockey Coach Jack Parker, BC Hockey Coach Jerry York, and AHL President Dave Andrews as this year's recipients of the Lester Patrick Trophy. The Lester Patrick Trophy is awarded for "outstanding service to hockey in the United States". Past Patrick Trophy winners with connections to the Bruins include: Brian Leetch, Ray Bourque, Willie O'Ree, Harry Sinden, Milt Schmidt, Joe Mullen, Fred Cusick, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Johnny Bucyk, Weston Adams, Eddie Shore, Walter Brown, and Charles Adams. Congratulations to all four award winners. It is a proud day for hockey in New England.

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com is reporting that Bruins depth forward Trent Whitfield is likely on the shelf for the entire season after rupturing his Achilles tendon while working out. According to Mark Divver of the Providence Journal, Whitfield injured the tendon while running back on August 13th. The Pro-Jo is reporting that Whitfield had surgery and will be out until at least mid-February.