Fighting Friday

One NHL tough guy is in the news, and another still keeps in touch after retirement.

• One major reason the Bruins are not circling the NHL drain at the All-Star break is due to their all-star, Patrice Bergeron.[TheBostonGlobe]


• Never tell me the odds! The Bruins stand at a 25:1 likelihood of winning the Stanley Cup, but much depends on what lies immediately ahead.[NESN]


• Don't lock in your postseason travel plans yet. The Bruins future depends on some Don Sweeney choices, player health, and whether or not streakiness continues for the team.[PatriotLedger]


• Revolving doors to the press box and Claude Julien juggling forward lines is very telling. Several players could take a lesson from Ryan Spooner.[BostonHerald]


• Midseason report cards are in for the Bruins forwards.[BruinsDaily]


• The Bruins loll amongst several NHL teams that either need to make a move to hit their postseason mark, or risk skating off quietly into the sunset.[SBNation]


• The ever eloquent former Bruin Bobby Robins addresses the eternal question- is fighting in hockey real, or all for show?[Facebook,BobbyRobinsPro]

Elsewhere around the rink:

• As we leave off the regular season for a moment, check the NHL Power Rankings. The Bruins have chugged up to #6, just under the surprising Panthers.[Sportsnet]


• The unlikeliest hero emerging from the NHL All-Star Game is the West captain (who only misbehaves ON the ice.) John Scott recounts why he ultimately wouldn't roll over and play dead for the NHL brass.[PlayersTribune]


• Don't even bother trying to buy a Scott All-Star t-shirt, either...[BarDown]


• Temper your enthiusiasm for the current NHL All-Star game. Being named to the roster was once an important honor.[Sportsnet]


• Digital hockey cards? I never saw it coming![TheHockeyNews]


• A reminder- the AHL will stream their All-Star challenge and skills competiton FOR FREE.[TheHockeyNews]


• This'll give you man-cave envy. All the kewl kids have home Jumbotrons, and one brings new meaning to the words "hardwood floor."[BarDown]


• A seemingly small rule tweak regarding sponsorship will allow Olympians to cash in on their personal endorsement agreements during the Olympic games.[TSN]


• Move over, Sedin brothers, another pair of hockey playing twins is emerging out of Colgate University.[TheGlobeAndMail]


• This week's Thirty Thoughts goes international, with the KHL expanding hockey into Beijing and becoming a viable route for players to the NHL.[Sportsnet]


• Godspeed Providence's colorful former mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci. He was often seen at the Providence Bruins' games.[ProvidenceJournal]


• It is a sign. There's a liquid Velveeta fountain on display at the All-Star Game. Can Marty Turco be far behind?[Vine,BrooksBratten]