Fresh Links: Analyze, Strategize Issue

<p><b> Practice time had been at a premium during the full schedule the Bruins played late in the season. Now they and their ECF opponents, the Penguins, (as well as all of the reporters and bloggers) have time to take stock, analyze, and strategize. </b></p>

<ul>

<li> An analysis of strengths and weaknesses for some individual players and the teams as a whole. Plus, how tight vs. "let them play" refereeing will play a role. Video (5:13, but worth it.) [<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/bruins/post/_/id/12525/video-inside-the-nhl-on-bs-penguins">ESPN</a>]</li>

<li> "Boston guys, everywhere." Enjoy this in depth look at Bruins/Penguins history, right down to fans hanging Don Cherry's dog, Blue, in effigy. [<a href="http://triblive.com/sports/joestarkey/4091693-74/penguins-boston-bruins#axzz2UmdQbBmc">Pittsburgh TribuneReview</a>]</li>

<li> Speaking of dogs... underdogs? The Bruins have heard it before. And used it to advantage. [<a href="http://bostonherald.com/sports/bruins_nhl/boston_bruins/2013/05/buckley_don_t_count_out_underdog_bruins">BostonHerald</a>]</li>

<li> Naughty Brad Marchand trolls reporters. The Bruins can benefit from puck possession, defense, and vigilance. [<a href="http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x2038011012/Boston-Bruins-aren-t-about-to-concede-NHL-playoff-series-to-Pittsburgh-Penguins#axzz2UmiZE93n">PatriotLedger</a>]</li>

<li> Depth and the "consistent surges" that have impressed Peter Chiarelli of late will be key. Are the Merlot now the "Poison Ivy" line? [<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/05/29/bruins-seek-sustained-push-against-penguins/IqJ5CY1mRZb3RqTy6GJ0UJ/story.html">TheBostonGlobe</a>]</li>

<li> In praise of Claude Julien, who acknowledges his demanding audience even when they're unreasonable, and employs a thick skin and patience to overlook their faults. A good lesson for all of us. [<a href="http://www.sportsmedia101.com/bostonbruins/2013/05/30/boston-bruins-head-coach-claude-julien-has-earned-his-spot-behind-the-bruins-bench-as-he-drives-the-team-deeper-into-the-playoffs/">SportsMedia101</a>]</li>

<li> David Krejci was not at practice this morning. [<a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/340121536994344963">@NHLBruins^CS</a>]</li>

<li> This in-depth Wednesday post-practice report noted D-pair juggling, the return of Andrew Ference, specific drills, and more answers from Claude Julien. [<a href="http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/2013/05/29/bruins-wednesday-notes-d-mix-and-match-claude-julien-gets-shots-in-tells-players-to-soak-in-rays/">WEEI</a>]</li>

<li> Dog in the manger? Howler's Coyote Cafe in Pittsburgh will not serve Boston beer during the ECF. Their loss! [<a href="http://nesn.com/2013/05/pittsburgh-bar-will-not-be-serving-any-boston-beers-during-bruins-penguins-series-photo/">NESN</a>]</li>

<li> No Sam Adams = TRAITORS! [<a href="https://twitter.com/bruinshockeynow/status/340097427237380097">BruinsHockeyNow</a>]</li>

<li> Fact. The final 4 NHL teams standing represent the last 4 Cup winners. [<a href="https://twitter.com/NaokoFunayama/status/340100057347014656">@NaokoFunayama</a>]</li>

<li> Pittsburgh sign FAIL. [<a href="https://twitter.com/DJ_Bean/status/339883926636081153/photo/1">@DJ_Bean</a>]</li>

<li> Old friend and backup goaltender Michael Ryder is likely available... [<a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/30/report-canadiens-wont-re-sign-michael-ryder/">ProHockeyTalk</a>]</li>

<li> Enjoy this generous potpourri of NHL news: Kings vs. Blackhawks in the West after a controversial Game 7, John Tortorella's firing, whither (wither?) Marc-Andre Fleury, paging Tyler Seguin, Toronto blames Zdeno Chara, and more. [<a href="http://nhl.si.com/2013/05/30/top-line-seabrook-saves-hawks-and-the-nhl-tortorella-firing-fallout-more-links/">Sports Illustrated</a>]</li>

</ul>