Amazingly some people still calling for Bruins coach to be fired

Almost unbelievably there are some Boston Bruins fans out there that want coach Claude Julien fired. We take a look at a few of them

Claude Julien - Boston Bruins coach

Some folk are just never happy. Despite the fact that Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien has been a large part of the reason hockey is now relevant again in Boston, there are people out there who are demanding he is fired. #fireclaude is actually a 'thing' on Twitter, believe it or not. Apparently guiding your team to one Stanley Cup title and having them on the verge of another doesn't get people a free pass anymore!

There are actually two entire Twitter accounts setup with a view to having Julien fired. The below account is going all out, however has only managed to attract 17 followers thus far.

This account really hasn't managed to get off the ground as yet!

Zero followers just isn't going to get it done.

Let's have a look at some of the individual Tweets. To start, this person basically shouldn't be allowed watch hockey.

Series can't start soon enough. I'm taking at 2 week break to enjoy it but when it's over goin rite back to #fireclaude win or lose
— Mark Lange (@Coach_Lange) June 9, 2013

Straight to the next idiot. Would a second Stanley Cup win be acceptable? Probably not to this demanding soul.

Two first round exits in two consecutive years. Unacceptable. #FireClaude
— Vick Reilly(@Vick_Reilly) May 14, 2013

This clown uses weak, short term statistics to back up a hasty demand to have the coach fired, despite the team going deep into the postseason

#FireClaude RT@trenni: The #Bruins have gone 78 minutes, 18 seconds without scoring a goal. Scored first & only goal 1:42 into the game
— Mark McLaughlin (@marktmcl) June 6, 2013

At least this guy accepts he might have been a bit hasty

And who was the IDIOT who started that #FireClaude nonsense? Oh yeah that was me. #Bruins #WeWantTheCup
— Adam Bailey (@BeantownSports) June 8, 2013

The moral of the story, as ever, is that some people should simply not be allowed on the Internet!

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Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask punches Toronto player in face during game

Bruins goalkeeper takes care of business in the crease during the Boston versus Toronto playoff game seven last night

Tuukka Rask - Boston Bruins keeper

Incredible comeback by the Boston Bruins last night. Playing game seven against Toronto, for a place in the conference semi finals, they were absolutely dead and buried down 1-4 late in the game. The Maple Leafs were completely dominant to that point, and their fans were celebrating like maniacs on the streets of Toronto.

The Bruins got one back to make it 2-4, however Toronto looked nailed-on to score and salt the game away on a fast-break. Instead, Bruin's keeper Tuukka Rask made a superb save, and allowed what happened next to occur. As time wound down, the Bruins stunned Toronto with two very late goals (one with only 50 seconds left) and then scored the vital goal in overtime.

Boston moves on to play the Rangers in the conference semi finals.

Rask made a number of key saves in the comeback, but also had another interesting moment. During the game, Toronto's Joffrey Lupul decided to venture into the crease. Let's just say Tuukka Rask took care of business.

Tuukka Rask @ work

You have to love the honesty of the NHL. The honesty and also the lack of prima-donna, Diva types. Imagine for one second if the above happened in any of the other major sports. Even the NFL. ESPN would literally explode. Rick Reilly would wet himself with excitement.  Hey, whether it is right or wrong to box someone in the snout during a hockey game, it is a credit to hockey fans and the hockey media too, that this hasn't been turned (yet anyway) into a big deal.

The game was intense, someone got punched by a goalie, move along, nothing to see here. You have to love hockey, and, unless you are  Joffrey Lupul, you have to love Tuukka Rask.

The Boston Bruins

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Rousing anthem electrifies at start of Boston Bruins game, emotional crowd unites with rousing rendition - VIDEO

Before last night's game, Bruins regular Rene Rancourt gets the anthem started and then a passionate crowd takes it to the bridge (and further!)

Pre-game scenes from last night's Boston Bruins game

There is nothing worse than staged, stale and forced nationalism. When it has to be encouraged, or cajoled out of a crowd of people, it is one of the ugliest sights around. However, the flip side of that is that when it comes naturally, when a group of people with a common thread come together and let their emotions and passion get the better of them, it can be awe inspiring.

The Boston Bruins got back on the ice last night for the first time since Monday's Boston Marathon tragedy. The atmosphere in the stadium pre game was electric, a passionate crowd ready to let their emotions out in the open. A very respectful silence greeted Rene Rancourt as he started the anthem before the game.

Then, this happened.




The Bruins went on to lose in a shootout to the Sabres. It was always going to be a tricky game for Boston, with so much emotion running through the building. On top of that, the Sabres were battling for make the playoffs, something the Bruins officially achieved last night by gaining the single shootout point.

It should be said the Sabres are also due praise, for gathering with the Bruins after the game at center ice, and saluting the crowd, a classy gesture after a hard fought, crucial NHL match.

Bruins and Sabres gather center ice post game to salute the crowd

After all is said and done, no detailed commentary required really. Just click on 'replay' and enjoy, over and over. Boston Strong. Damn right it is.


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Bruins media and fans announce player coming to Boston a little too quickly

Boston sports media and fans on Twitter left with proverbial egg on face as Jarome Iginla goes to the Penguins, not the Bruins as so many expected (and so many announced).

Jarome Iginla goes to the Penguins

Last night was set up to be a thing of beauty for the Boston Bruins and their fans. The Bruins were playing old rivals the Canadiens on the ice and behind the scenes the Bruins front office was manoeuvring to make a trade with  the Flames for their long-time captain Jarome Iginla. Despite his age (35) and relatively ho-hum regular season thus far for the Flames, Iginla’s potential arrival sparked great excitement among the Boston fans and media.

As the evening progressed, some just couldn't help themselves.

Bruins media and fans jump the gun

The report that the trade had been made official appears to have originated from TSN's Aaron Ward. The Bruins, though, are saying they never made any official announcement, and that appears to be the case. As reports started to come out that Iginla was infact going to Pittsburgh, confusion reigned.

Then the hard truth set in, and it is safe to say that Tuukka Rask did not take the news well

Tuukka time!

The above and the below should serve as a timely reminder to all to check your facts, sources and then check your facts again before making announcements. Otherwise you end up like poor old Mike Petraglia, who must still be sifting through the Trolls on Twitter.

Answer: Pittsburgh

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Kaspars Daugavins tries circus shot in loss to Boston Bruins

Kaspars Daugavins attempted a crazy 'circus shot' attempt in penalty shootout last night against the Boston Bruins

Tuukka Rask's big save led to more points for the Boston Bruins

The NHL almost made it on to the front pages of mainstream US sporting media entities last night and today, with a player trying what can only be described as a total circus shot during a penalty shootout. The Boston Bruins, busy having a fantastic season, were tied 2-2 in regulation forcing a shootout with the Ottawa Senators.

Enter Kaspars Daugavins.

Apparently he has tried this trick shot once before. Check out how he decided to try and get the puc past Boston's Tuukka Rask.



The other time he tried it, it worked, however, that's a pretty lame excuse. After his miss or Rask's save, whichever way you look at it, Boston went on to score their (conventional) penalty shot, so Daugavins' flamboyant attempt came at a steep price. You have to wonder what his Ottawa team mates thought as they watched, jaws dropped, as he made his way towards Rask.

As it worked out, another point for the Bruins, who are quietly enjoying a superb, truncated NHL season, and look set for what could hopefully be a deep run into the playoffs.

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Bad Dad gone mad - Vancouver coach jailed for tripping 13 year old - VIDEO

Normally 'tripping' in hockey costs you two minutes in the sin bin. For one delinquent Dad it is costing him 15 days in the slammer.

Martin Tremblay of Vancouver will serve 15 days in jail for assault, an incident where he tripped an opposing player after his son's youth hockey game.Tremblay (48) swept out the leg of an opposing player while the teams were going through the age old youth hockey ritual of lining up to shake hands after the game. Two players, a 10-year-old and a 13-year-old, fell to the ice.

The bush league move was caught on video and yes, we have it for you right here:





The former coach (yes, he lost his gig as a coach because of this) is said to have acted out like this because of issues linked anger-management problems. That and he is clearly a total **** (If in doubt at all at this flippant derisory judgement, press replay on the above video).

One final bizarre anecdote attached to this sad tale of bullying. Google the name Martin Tremblay and you not only find this ugly bully, you also find serial sex offender Martin Tremblay, not to be confused with the bully, who was convicted of killing people back in 2010.

Not the World’s absolute greatest name, it would appear.


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Life, the universe and everything according to an NHL goalie.

All too often we are let down by those in authority when it comes down to quotations on the 'heavy' topics in life. Life, the meaning of same, the universe and such. Do you recall we had a US presidential candidate that once said; "Space, is a very big place."

On the flip side of that coin, all too often we are also let down by our sporting heroes, in that absolutely all they want to talk about is themselves.

Let's face it, the life perspective and World view of many of our athletes is nothing short of pathetic.

Thankfully, there are exceptions.

Take for example Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. He was asked last week his thoughts on how, you know, asteroids nearly blew the earth up and all that.

His summary finalé is a thing of simplistic, honest beauty.

"I think we've gotta like be thankful, and be happy, and enjoy every day (of) our life with our relatives, our wives, kids, and enjoy our work every day."

Someone needs to go ahead and put that on a t-shirt.

I'll buy one.

The People’s lockout – send the NHL a message

Rejoice! The NHL is back. This column often strikes a sarcastic pose so we should clarify, we do think that is actually a good thing.  A great thing, in fact. The return of the NHL is terrific sporting news. Word on the street is that once the suits finish crossing and dotting their proverbials, we should have hockey on or between the 15th and 19th of January. As far as the NHL is concerned at that point the NHL fans, casual and loyal both, should dutifully put on their jerseys and make way in orderly fashion to their closest Ice Hockey rink to pay their hard earned money to watch the NHL product.

The NHL thinks it can basically slap whatever it wants on your plate, and you are going to gobble it up without any reservations. And you will be thankful. Although those within the league, extending from front office execs to heavy set ‘enforcers’ on the ice, are all striking the right conciliatory tones, you can bet that once the season starts and once their precious stadiums fill up, we will be back to square one.

Here’s the thing. This particular lockout is not only one of the greediest, it is also one of the stupidest in recent memory. Coming into this season, the NHL was in particularly super health. A short while before the lockout, league executives made a presentation to both owners and players demonstrating how the league hoped to add over $300 million in revenues over the next 2-3 years. The initiatives disclosed were many and varied, and included both the States and Europe also. The path forward looked extremely rosy and all the owners and players had to do was basically not sabotage it all.

Naturally, the league kick started the self-destruct process by locking the players out.  What happened next can be judged by whichever side you fall on, owners or players, however what is clear is that both sides have made mistakes.  This leaves us with the fans.

The fans are effectively almost powerless in this whole process. The NHL probably thinks the fans are exactly that, powerless. The fans watched patiently as the drama unfolded, and then watched in despair as both sides shovelled fuel apparently gleefully onto the flames. Now, as the fire subsides, the fans are expected to open up their wallets and march back into the stadiums. The fans are basically expected to act as if everything is OK.

Well, it doesn’t take me to tell you, everything is decidedly not OK! This is the third time the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has locked the players out under his reign. The third time! That is simply ridiculous.

The fans should not accept this and the NHL might think they are powerless to do anything about it, however that is far from the truth. The fans of the NHL could deliver a nuclear bomb level statement with one simple act.

Don’t go to the first game your team plays at home.

Watch it on TV or the Internet, sure, you can’t expect loyal fans to miss a game, that’s asking too much. However, don’t go to the stadium. Let the league experience what it feels to be left helpless, as the fans have three times now because of the flamboyant, incendiary decisions Bettman has made.  Spend your money on your wife and kids, or yourself for that matter! Make a statement, make yourself heard, stay away from the home opener for your team.

Can you imagine the massive, sticky, messy egg this would metaphorically leave on the NHL’s face? Imagine for a second the wonderful message this would send, the fans will not accept being screwed around with any further.

A statement such as this would force the League, the owners and the players too, to think long and hard before screwing with the fans like this again. A simple act, easily organised and yet so powerful in its implications, would deliver a punishing, powerful warning blow to the greedy bellies of those who would mess so easily with the fans.

The NHL is back and that is a great thing.

Before you throw yourself into it fully, send the league a statement, that you won’t accept this kind of behaviour again. The NHL doesn’t really want you to, but you the fan has a voice, a powerful one.

Let it be heard.

Stay away from game one.

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Apparently Boston Bruins Tim Thomas hates "The Troops" - VIDEO

There is a great moment in the seminal mini-series ‘Band of brothers’ where Captain Sobel attempts to march past Captain Winters without acknowledgement due to his personal distaste for the latter. Winters stops him and says, with authority:

‘Captain Sobel, we salute the rank, not the man’.

Apparently Tim Thomas has never seen ‘Band of brothers’.

The Boston Bruins were bestowed the great honor yesterday of meeting the President of the United States at the White House yesterday, to celebrate their fine Stanley Cup victory last season. Tim Thomas, Bruins goalie extraordinaire, chose not to attend due to his political beliefs. Every single other Bruin attended, no matter what their beliefs.

This was a day to celebrate with his team mates. This was a day to enjoy the camaraderie that anyone who has had the luck of being on a team for any protracted length feels.

Instead Tim Thomas made a woeful decision and selfishly turned it into a day about him. Those same team mates had their day in the sun hijacked by someone ignorantly putting themselves first ahead of their band of brothers. That’s the worst thing you can do in team sports, put yourself ahead of your team mates. Not only did Thomas choose not to celebrate this fine achievement with his brothers, he stole the moment from them with his poorly thought out, selfish and ill conceived decision. He has insulted his team mates and he has insulted hockey. He has come out and said, 'My archaic, angry and divisive beliefs are bigger than my team mates and the game of hockey'.
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Thomas made an enormous mistake in not attending, and he did so on a fundamentally simple principle. Respect is respect, respect shouldn’t be a variable in any situation. No matter who is sitting in the Oval Office, one should respect them. Choosing not to attend shows a simple lack of respect by Thomas. Lack of respect for the station of the President of the United States, lack of respect for his team mates, lack of respect for the game of hockey and lack of respect for the United States.

It should be noted that Thomas was a silver medal winner with the United States hockey team. If he wants to make a statement, well then give the medal back. If you disrespect the President of the United States, you are disrespecting the country as a whole, no matter what turgid, redundant political ‘spin’ you try to put on it.

There will be plenty of clowns who ignorantly blather ‘But hasn’t he got the freedom to do that, freedom of speech and so forth’ yes of course he does, but do so in a respectful and dignified manner.

Make no mistake, Thomas’s action is a despicable course.

One would assume Thomas is a big part of the ‘respect the troops’ ideology that is currently sweeping the States. If that’s the case, Tim Thomas has directly spat in the eye of all the armed forces of the United States. The President is the overall commander of those same troops, and Thomas has gravely disrespected the Office of the President.

To use the dangerous, vitriolic rhetoric of the right wing goons Thomas has now forever associated himself with, apparently Tim Thomas hates the soldiers of the United States. Those same ‘freedom fighters’ he would so quickly have you believe he worships. Well, it turns out he hates them. Hate the commander, hate the troops.

Tim Thomas has tried to pull a Captain Sobel. He has tried to march past The President of the United States without saluting. It is every single United States citizens duty to their country to take him to task on that. No matter what your particulat political beliefs, salute the rank, not the man.

Massachusetts is the home, the birth place, the origin of so much that is good in the United States 'set up'. Brilliant men and minds originated from there. Sadly today it is the home to a selfish, disrespectful, backward thinking goalkeeper who cares more about his stagnant political beliefs than camaraderie, honour, team and respect.

And we're not talking about Tuukka Rask.



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The Boston Bruins and the $156,679.74 bar tab

Charlie Sheen take note. There are some new bad boys in town. And they are after your bottle of champagne. Much to the delight of Vancouver and the rest of Canada, which reacted with grace, class and dignity, the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup last week. Much to the delight of the bar staff at Foxwoods, Connecticut last Saturday night, six of the Bruins celebrated there. In style.

Yes, just six of them. See, perhaps a few of you have already seen the snapshots doing the rounds of the incredibly outrageous $156,679.74 bar tab and thought to yourself, ‘We’ll, how many guys are there on a hockey squad, 20? 30? That aint so bad!’ That’s the proverbial kicker. This tab was run up by a mere six of those legendary Bruins of Boston.

You can almost guess which six. Go on, try it. If you guessed Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand and Shawn Thornton, come on down, you are a winner. Seriously though, how predictable was that murderer’s row of Chug Monkeys? The only shame of the entire affair is that the legendary bar tab isn’t itemized by player.


It should be noted that $100,000 of the tab was cordoned off for a bottle of Ace of Spades Midas Champagne. What, you don’t normally order a $100,000 bottle of bubbly on your Saturday night out? Subtract that insane single bottle cost and you are left with a piffling tab of $56,679.74. May as well call them the Utah Bruins.

Two items stand out most on the tab to end all tabs. First of all, Americans and Canadians (and Slovakians actually) need a stern talking to in terms of beers. With all that spending power the six Bruins spent $680 on Bud Light? Really? All those tasty, rewarding beers in the world, you know, the ones without a content 70% chemical, and they chose Bud Light?

Secondly, that infamous bottle of champagne. Made by luxury brand Armand de Brignac and produced by Champagne house Cattier, it is the largest bottle of luxury Champagne in the world. The gold metallic bottles are crafted entirely by hand, inspired by fashion designer Andre Courreges. There were just six of the 30-litre bottles in existence. The bottle ordered by the Bruins was hand-delivered by the owners of the club. Word on the street is Shawn Thornton drank directly from the bottle.

No doubt at this stage there are many left wing, environmentally friendly trolls (like myself) who’s reaction reading this is something along the lines of ‘Oh so much waste! Won’t somebody think about the children?!’ Well still your sense of outrage, the Bruins have you covered. The Midas bottle was signed by all six of the Bubbly Bruins, and is on display at the club and set to be raffled off to benefit the Bruins foundation. That is one seriously cool piece of Bruins memorabilia and someone will no doubt pay big bucks for it, benefiting the charity greatly.

If you still find yourself outraged by the Bruins bad-ass bar tab, then perhaps you should be focusing on the main issue, those crazy, rioting Canadians. The Vancouverians who made Ghengis Khan look like Michael Bublé. Speaking of the latter, the incredibly scary, hard core Canadian crooner, actually born in Vancouver (assumedly in the middle of a raging riot) has come out all Chuck Norris in the wake of the troubles. He has promised those guilty of rioting something special, something very special. He promised them "…a very, very special round of applause".

If you are a Canadian who participated in those riots, take note, and be afraid, be very afraid. Then head down to Foxwoods and grab the fifth last bottle of Ace of Spades Midas Champagne.

That is unless Michael Bublé has already bagged it.




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