Fresh Links: Nostalgia

Today is nostalgia day, look back at an interesting anniversary in Bruins history, and look in on some former Bruins.

• Why shouldn’t the Bruins be contenders? Take a look at how they got to this point after a sobering start. Metro
• Originally a spindly left winger passed over by Western Canadian powerhouse Junior teams and very nearly overlooked in the draft, Danton Heinen has seized his opportunities at the University of Denver and in Providence. Working on his compete level has taken him to the next level. Boston Globe
• Ty Anderson will be silent no longer, even though he knows he is wasting his time. Get off Tuukka Rask’s back, lazy trolls! WEEI
• Don’t forget about Matt Beleskey- he has not discarded his professionalism as he strives to return to the show. Boston Herald
• At least there’s AHL hockey- here’s the week that was for the PBruins. Providence Bruins Review the best, worst, and merely meh. Despite the addition of some Boston players, the PBruins have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Rinkside Rhode Island
• The Regina Pats are glad to have Jesse Gabrielle back after his time with the Bruins. He sees it as a win/win. Leader Post
• Where were YOU for this historic moment in Bruins history, starring Shawn Thornton? @DaysofYOrr Revisit the game thread, which I have dusted off for your entertainment Stanley Cup of Chowder or this gleeful game summary. Stanley Cup of Chowder
• Whatever happened to... Look back at the 2003 NHL Draft, and the players that it brought to Boston (including Thornton’s adversary in a fight on the above noted historical date, BTW.) You may recall some of them. Causeway Crowd

Elsewhere around the rink:

• Former Bruin Marco Sturm spoke about his favorite player, Patrice Bergeron, the benefit (or trouble) in a mid-season bye week, and then praised his old coach Gerard Gallant, whose Golden Knights typify a team approach to winning. (Auf Deutsch) NHL (Google translation from German) NHL
• As we take a breather this week, the Bruins remain high in this power ranking. Puck Daddy
• The second half of the NHL season begins with surging Bruins, although the Lightning and Capitals still carry the day. Dig into five relevant storylines, and one heady prediction. CBC
• Former Bruin Chris Kelly is parked with the Belleville Senators, and is a candidate to represent Canada in the Olympic Games. Intelligencer
• Former Bruin and Olympian Eric LeMarque was addicted to powder, and nearly died on the slopes at Mammoth Mountain as a result- the snow was the least of his problems. Now Josh Hartnett plays him in the biopic “6 Below.” LA Times