Bruins are licking their wounds and focusing on next season.
- Zdeno Chara is unavailable to represent his country at the IIHF World Championship due to a fractured ankle suffered in the game against the Maple Leafs. (Google translation from original Slovakian) [Sport.sme.sk]
- Dennis Seidenberg expressed a feeling of unfinished business this season, and prioritizes being ready for Bruins camp. He may skip Worlds for "down time." Although he enjoys a bit of basketball in the off season (don't tell Coach Whitesides!) and a hockey player's contract does not specifically rule out recreational activities, an injury unrelated to hockey could negate his contract . (Google translation from original German) [Spox]
- Cap and free agency will cause openings, and there are a few younger players showing signs of being ready to step up, including Zach Trotman and Joe Morrow . And who will be Tuukka Rask 's backup? [MetroWestDailyNews]
- Not to dwell on recriminations, but Don Cherry asserts that the Johnny Boychuk trade was the move that cost Peter Chiarelli his job. Bonus: Check out Grapes' snazzy black and blue flamed blazer festooned with golden dragons. (With video, 6:03) [SportsNet]
- What's next? Draft! Let the conjecture begin with this projected first round, including another Swede for the Bruins. [NESN]
- Or focus specifically on likely Bruins targets, these three youths would make fine acquisitions. [CausewayCrowd]
- The Providence Bruins' roster is loaded and will not be poached by the Boston Bruins. First up? Hello, Bourque brothers (and the Hartford Wolf Pack) in the first round. [PatriotLedger]
Elsewhere around the rink:
- Joyous Jets fans revel in playoff hockey, even in defeat. [Grantland]
- In honor of 4/20, here are the very grooviest hockey jerseys. [TheHockeyNews]
- Despite no major market team participation in Boston or L.A., Stanley Cup Playoff ratings have been strong. [TVBizWire]
- Seattle's ability to support an NHL team is in question. [SeattleTimes]
- Fans behaving badly is not just a hockey parent thing, and arena staff's failure to act during incidents in this year's playoffs is troubling. [PuckDaddy]
ass ass damn