Falling Stars

How do you like the Cassidy gang so far? The Bruins host the Coyotes next, tomorrow night at 7:00PM on NESN.

• An energized Bruins team closed their road trip by fighting back after allowing the Stars to tie the game up in the second period. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand forged the way. Boston Globe
• Marchand, in fact, is having a heck of a year. He has bested his former season high in points already. WEEI
• David Backes appeared to have unfinished business to settle with Jamie Benn. Raptor Rich Peverley dropped the ceremonial first puck. There were some adjustments to the Bruins roster. Boston Herald
• Call it a successful road trip- the team is 6-1-0 with their new coach. Bruins Daily
• Rookie Peter Cehlarik is doing just fine, thank you. Bonus- the Bruins have begun breaking the long tradition of allowing a first goal to opponents. Boston Herald
• Tuukka Rask foiled one scoring attempt in spectacular fashion. (With video) Fox Sports
• John-Michael Liles returned to game action- the timing may have been more than a coincidence. WEEI
• But whispers are that Don Sweeney is going to stand pretty much pat at trade deadline. Exhale! Mass Live
• Once believed to be a bit of a niche specialist, Torey Krug‘s numbers show his evolution into a surprisingly effective defenseman, despite his unique approach. Boston Globe
• Meanwhile, in Providence Bruins action, the team played a weekend home-and-home with the Sound Tigers. Facing Jaroslav Halak, the PBruins won 2-1 Friday. Providence Journal (See video here) ABC6 Zane McIntyre pitched his first career shutout yesterday... Providence Bruins ...in the 3-0 win (With video) ABC6 The unseasonably warm weather in Providence caused issues for the basketball game on Saturday, played on parquet laid over the ice at the Dunk. Officials and coaches met at halftime to amend the rules for the game as a result. Providence Journal

Elsewhere around the rink:

• The first champions of the World Hockey League were the New England Whalers. The emergence of the new league (and the new team in the Bruins’ back yard) improved hockey going forward. Boston Globe A new documentary about the WHL California Seals celebrates the new league, the team, and their unique marketing ploys. (With video) Boston Globe
• Have a little fun with a gaggle of NHLers photoshopped into Brent Burns‘ coif and beard, with mixed results. BarDown
• Confessions of Principal Parties on Trade Deadline Day- Buyers, Sellers, Scouts, Agents, and Lawyers Spill The Goods. Sportsnet
• Remember 2014 and the mumps outbreak? Deadspin It’s baaaack, and the Canucks are quarantining players as a result. NHL Another pair of players along with a trainer are now also exhibiting symptoms. Ottawa Sun
• The Lightning bid adieu to (former UMaine Black Bear) Ben Bishop and welcome former Kings Peter Budaj, Erik Cernak, and a pick into the fold. (Story stream) Raw Charge Why now, and for how long will Bishop stay in LA? Globe and Mail
• For the beer and bucks- from all walks of life, itinerant beer league goalies answer the call (or are summoned by app) to play pick-up games as needed. Globe and Mail