Fresh Links: Miller Abs Edition

<p><b>Patience! The Bruins take the ice in Philadelphia tomorrow at 1pm against the Flyers. </b></p>

<ul>

<li> Even after losing to the Blue Jackets last evening, plucky Claude Giroux refuses to see the Flyers' upcoming stretch against strong teams as anything but a welcome test. [<a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqflyersreport/Giroux-says-fading-Flyers-welcome-the-challenge.html">Philly.com</a>]</li>

<li> It was at the urging of a coach that Kevan Miller left home and family to pursue hockey by attending prep school and college in New England. He won't divulge which NHL player's poster was on his boyhood bedroom wall. [<a href="http://espn.go.com/boston/columns/nhl/story/_/id/10340923/boston-bruins-kevan-miller-here-stay">ESPN</a>]</li>

<li> Having a lot of recent Providence Bruins alumni in the dressing room is easing Miller's transition, despite Matt Bartkowski 's joking about his age. [<a href="http://nesn.com/2014/01/kevan-millers-confidence-boosted-by-new-contract-but-journey-not-done-yet/">NESN</a>]</li>

<li> Bartkowski pointedly won't be teasing his Providence defensive partner Miller about being re-signed to simply be traded. [<a href="http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/2014/01/23/kevan-miller-wont-get-complacent-with-new-contract/">WEEI</a>]</li>

<li> It must be a California thing? The very fit Miller is apparently often sans shirt in the dressing room. [<a href="http://nesn.com/2014/01/kevan-millers-strength-well-known-by-teammates-as-are-his-shirtless-ways/">NESN</a>]</li>

<li> Meanwhile, Zdeno Chara has quietly stepped into the breach left by other players' injuries. With his Olympic responsibilities, he will be one busy man. [<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/01/22/zdeno-chara-leads-bruins-with-efficient-game/bAND6PPhCro0ysbRnZoPuI/story.html">TheBostonGlobe</a>]</li>

<li> Loui Eriksson continues to work on finding his game after two concussions, and Claude Julien is not pressing, citing Patrice Bergeron 's recovery as an example of patience paying off. [<a href="http://www.patriotledger.com/article/20140123/SPORTS/140127933/2000/NEWS">PatriotLedger</a>]</li>

<li> By the numbers, and with his multiple championship resume, veteran Shawn Thornton is arguably the best hockey player among the ranks of current NHL enforcers. [<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/23/5338066/which-nhl-fighter-is-the-best-hockey-player">SBNation</a>]</li>

</ul>

<p><b> Elsewhere around the rink: </b></p>

<ul>

<li> An Utah State University goalie is schooled on why you play until the whistle. [<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24418165/video-goalie-gives-up-winner-from-opposite-end-while-talking-to-fans">CBSSports</a>]</li>

<li> Got plans? The Black Ice Pond Hockey tournament begins today in Concord, NH, this year featuring more female teams. [<a href="http://www.concordmonitor.com/community/town-by-town/concord/10345651-95/as-black-ice-tournament-opens-in-concord-today-more-female-teams-take-the-ice">ConcordMonitor</a>]</li>

<li> While we're all discussing Team USA opening ceremonies outfits, check this historical retrospective of what has been worn in the past. [<a href="http://extramustard.si.com/2014/01/23/history-of-olympic-opening-ceremony-outfits/?eref=sihp">SportsIllustrated</a>]</li>

<li> The hockey teams of smaller nations are very excited to participate in the Sochi Olympics. Team Switzerland may be a dark horse candidate for a medal. [<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/olympics/players-from-smaller-hockey-nations-eager-for-olympic-experience/article16459059/">TheGlobeandMail</a>]</li>

<li> Sticktap to Gary Bettman and the NHL, who have supported You Can Play and pushed to remove gay slurs from the game. Aaron Ward believes the NHL will have an openly gay player soon. [<a href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/getting+closer+openly+player+Ward/9418279/story.html">MontrealGazette</a>]</li>

<li> Hayley Wickenheiser will be the flag bearer for Team Canada, and her son is thinking of making a "Go, Mom" sign. [<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/olympics/flag-bearer-wickenheiser-doesnt-believe-in-curses/article16480154/">GlobeandMail</a>]</li>

<li> The St. Louis Blues will be supporting teammate Jaden Schwartz today by attending Yale's "White Out for Mandi" game in honor of his late sister. [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/sports/blues-to-join-jaden-schwartz-on-trip-to-yale-to-honor-sister.html?_r=0">NewYorkTimes</a>]</li>

<li> An Utah State University goalie is schooled on why you play until the whistle. [<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24418165/video-goalie-gives-up-winner-from-opposite-end-while-talking-to-fans">CBSSports</a>]</li>

<li> The Dallas Stars snarkily featured a recently arrested Maple Leafs fan's mugshot on the Jumbotron. [<a href="http://arts.nationalpost.com/2014/01/24/justin-biebers-mugshot-mocked-by-dallas-stars-as-singer-hits-a-miami-bar-hours-after-dui-arrest-in-a-leafs-jersey/">NationalPost</a>]</li>

</ul>