Fresh Links: Blue Christmas

The Bruins ho-ho-host the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at 7:00 PM on NESN. Will the air turn blue when John Tortorella takes his spot behind the visitors’ bench?

• Four games in six days. The next stretch will be a challenge for the Bruins. Boston Herald
• Getting ahead early is going to be important, not just relying on a strong finish. Patriot Ledger
• Who is going to score those necessary goals? Boston Globe
• The Bruins gambled and lost on a delayed play against the Rangers on Saturday. WEEI
• Is there any penalty that screams "BRUINS" more than too many men on the ice? Bruins Daily
• Who should be on David Krejci's wings? The youngsters that beat Matt Beleskey for roster spots have demonstrated some inconsistency. CBS Boston
• Adam McQuaid is poised to return- which player will sit? iSportsWeb
• Charlie McAvoy might beat the odds and snatch the Calder Trophy as a defenseman. Boston Herald
• Kevan Miller is a REAL stay at home defenseman now that he and his wife have welcomed a baby girl. Patriot Ledger
• The Bruins sported festive attire as they arrived at TD Garden on Saturday. Patrice Bergeron looked like a sparkly ringmaster. Noel, indeed! (Video, 0:33) Bruins NHL
• Tim Schaller found time to go out to dinner with an Olympian on Thursday night. Boston Globe
• Brad Marchand spoke with Cabbie, who asked about the Little Ball of Hate's re-branding. (With video) BarDown
• Last minute gift idea- snap up some Bruins Pucks and Pups calendars. Bruins NHL
• In NHL league standings, the Bruins remain in third place in the Atlantic Division this morning with games in hand and Montreal challenging. NHL Click the tabs here to see point predictions. Corsica
• As we saw in the last two games, Metropolitan Division teams continue to be problematic for the Bruins. Metro
• Meanwhile, on the road, the Providence Bruins were foiled by the Syracuse Crunch on Friday night (with video) Providence Journal but continued on to drop the Bears HARD in Hershey on Saturday night, 6-2. Cumberland Sentinel Jordan Binnington celebrated his return on loan to the PBruins by scrapping with his chum and fellow goaltender Pheonix Copley in the rout. (With video) Chocolate Hockey

Elsewhere around the rink:

• The Senators shut out the Canadiens 3-0 in the NHL 100 Classic outdoor game. Silver Seven
• Share the love this holiday season- join the Bruins affiliate ECHL Atlanta Gladiators in their inaugural Officials Night celebration. Atlanta Gladiators They do seem like a fun bunch. @ATLGladiators
• Here are the best 10 individual years of hockey, ranked for your convenience. ESPN
• Butterflies or floppers? Back in the good old days, goalies stood on their own two feet. The Star
• NHL first semester grades are in- will your team be proud to show their report card to their parents? The Hockey News