Defender Down

Staffing is again going to be an issue on the Bruins’ thin blueline.

• There was some lighting up yesterday afternoon, but it was the Bruins doing it. This was especially surprising as yet another defenseman fell to injury, and another cooled his heels for seven minutes in the sin bin. The Boston Globe
• Somehow, David Backes has not played very many dreaded matinees in his career. He explains why he likes daytime games. Patriot Ledger
• Apparently there was some light-hearted drilling at practice on Saturday, which may have helped loosen some players’ death grips on their sticks. Boston Herald
• Claude Julien reached a milestone yesterday, and it wasn’t being the first NHL coach fired this season. Mass Live
• OUCH! John-Michael Liles is out and being evaluated for a head injury after crashing into the boards in the opening minutes of the game. (With video) WEEI
• Take five observations from the win- Jimmy Hayes broke his scoring slump, and fellow fourth liner Dominic Moore notched a goal as well. WEEI
• His teammates are happy for Hayes, who will forever be the Bruin that arrived in exchange for Reilly Smith. Boston Herald
• Just how long HAS it been since Hayes lit the lamp? Just for fun, here are the notable events that have occurred. Bruins Daily
• Does Tuukka Rask seem especially stellar of late? “Goalie Bob” Essensa and he have been tinkering with his technique. Bonus: Andrew Hammond once burst onto the scene and dashed the Bruins’ playoff hopes, but was just unclaimed on waivers. Sample size! (With video) The Boston Globe
• Ryan Spooner, where are you? Your team needs you! The Boston Globe
• Meanwhile, in the Great White North, the Providence Bruins split games with the St. John’s Ice Caps. Friday’s win had Daniel Vladar saviang 30 shots... Providence Journal ...while Saturday’s shootout loss came despite the PBruins having fought back with three unanswered goals- Danton Heinen scored two of them. Providence Journal
• Who knew? It turns out that Tyler Randell is practically a Newfie. The Telegram
• Bruins fans have spoken-their disdain for the Vegas Golden Knights is clear. Bar Down

Elsewhere around the rink:

• Here’s your wrap-up of weekend NHL action. The high-fliers are still aloft, the likely lottery contenders are circling the drain, and Sunday’s win means the Bruins are no longer merely middling, for now. Sportsnet
• So you think your favorite player is safely above the expansion draft because he has got a no-trade clause? I’ll bet you believe in Santa Claus, too! Hockeybuzz
• Think of the children! These saucy goalie pads are probably NSFW. The Score
• From Jack Adams Award finalist to the curb, it was a changing culture that likely rubbed the edges raw on the Gerard Gallant/Florida Panthers relationship. TSN
• Affable former Bruin Shawn Thornton, on the other hand, soldiers on, not only surviving, but thriving in his role with the Panthers. The Hockey News
• His sister’s scrapbooks memorialize the life and career of Maple Leaf legend Bill Barilko, who was lost during a backcountry fishing trip. Sportsnet
• Risky business... Take giveaway numbers with a grain of salt -sometimes a player logging big minutes finds himself exposed to unwarranted criticism. Sportsnet
• It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Calgary Hitmen and their teddy bear toss. (With video) Bar Down