Going through withdrawals

[blackngold]

I really enjoy watching this team win games; I always have.

But this has been 6 straight games without a single scrap! 16 days, over 2 weeks, without a goddamn glove hitting the ice!

Winnipeg, San Jose, LA, Tampa, the ****ing Montreal Canadiens, and the goddamn Dallas Stars have all surpassed us in fighting majors in recent days. Those teams barely even have any fighters on them! That ain't cool!

I have a feeling Dave Lewis snuck back onto the team and is wearing a Julien mask.

I'm to the Hockey Gods as I conclude this rant.

[Matt Doom]

Yeah it's just really strange. I have to admit I haven't been getting as excited to watch the games as I usually do. It's been great that they've been winning, love seeing that. But the game just feels so much emptier without a fight, without barely any scrums. Tonight was a bit better in terms of the hitting but still not quite the same. I don't know when things will change but hopefully soon. What do you think the reasoning is? I DON'T think it is Julien as he has never been like that, and he even agreed with Lucic's actions to go after Weaver in the Florida game.

[blackngold]

Honestly, I think Thorts, McQuaid, and Horton are concerned about their recent concussion problems, and Soupy's face has looked like absolute **** after each of his fights so far this year and that probably brings him painful memories. They're reluctant to go unless prodded. Aside from Asham, I haven't even seen a single challenge thrown out by these guys.

Looch has been fighting at his regular pace of the past 2-3 years but he should be due for another one soon as well.

Beyond the fighting though, as you mentioned MD, it's weird that they're not even engaging in scrums after the whistle which is something you'd see out of this team multiple times a game when they're playing at their physical peak.

I don't think it's Julien either, as much as it is the players' hesitance themselves.

[Matt Doom]

I've seen so many chops after whistles on Rask, and other times opposing players doing little semi-cheap things to absolutely no response. Not even a small push or getting in the players face like old. It's like they're afraid to even get involved, no matter what player it is. Maybe they had a players only meeting or something, I'm out of ideas, ha

[Boston Garden]

I think it's a combination of all the factors you guys mentioned. I'll just point out that they seem to look for fights when they are losing, to get the team going. If I recall correctly, when Thornton challenged Asham it was right after a Ranger goal to take the lead. With the success the team is having and how the Bruins are rarely down in a game lately, especially down 2+ goals they just haven't needed a spark lately.

If Boulton was dressed last night I bet they would have went, other than that it may take the Bruins being down in a game to get them to fight with the winning streak they've been on.

[bammer24]

They seem to have never gotten over the Scott fight.Then Cambell fought and lost.It`s like there goal is just Hockey and just Hockey.Like there was an internel message set.

[Boston Garden]

With the Bruins back home, I'll take a stab and say they find a fight with Zack Smith or Chris Neil tomorrow, if not Thursday I doubt they fight anyone on the Lightning...maybe the Habs on Sunday.

They know how to get the fans going at home, they better use it to their advantage.

[Matt Doom]

Originally Posted by Boston Garden

With the Bruins back home, I'll take a stab and say they find a fight with Zack Smith or Chris Neil tomorrow, if not Thursday I doubt they fight anyone on the Lightning...maybe the Habs on Sunday.

They know how to get the fans going at home, they better use it to their advantage.

Yeah I do think there's a better chance at home but still not really counting on it unfortunately

[Broons66]

Yea, the winning is nice, but I would definitely like to see more physical play. Wether it be more hitting or fights. As far as the Lewis regime, that was no doubt the most embarrassing chapter in Bruins history. Really only Chiarelli's mistake as GM. Thank god it lasted only one season. I'm thinking we'll see some action on the homestead with both Ottawa and Montreal coming to town.

[Matt Doom]

Now that was a thoroughly exciting game to me, even without fights. Fast paced action, a few scrums, some good hitting. Marchand being Marchand, including trying to send Zach Smith into the bench and contuining (good job Nesn for not showing a replay) Lucic getting involved and angry. Some shoving after whistles. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come. Oh and they got the win

[Boston Garden]

Originally Posted by Matt Doom

Now that was a thoroughly exciting game to me, even without fights. Fast paced action, a few scrums, some good hitting. Marchand being Marchand, including trying to send Zach Smith into the bench and contuining (good job Nesn for not showing a replay) Lucic getting involved and angry. Some shoving after whistles. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come. Oh and they got the win

I agree, it looks as if Neil has taken on a bigger role with the injuries so I can't say I'm surprised that he didn't fight. It took too long for the nastiness the culminate in the 3rd with the period tied...but for a fight less game this was a mildly encouraging game.

Now what hurts is the next game is versus Tampa, those games tend not to be overly physical.

[blackngold]

Yep, for once I saw a decent amount of solid hits, some agitating, and some pushing and shoving after the whistle.
There is a pulse after all!

I doubt someone can show me a recent NHL game where all the 3 goals scored were so ****ing ugly. But I'll take it! That's my kind of hockey!

[farcyde21]

I think part of the reasoning might be what you said in your opening post:

Originally Posted by blackngold

Those teams barely even have any fighters on them!

The rest of the reasoning is, why bother fighting if your team is winning? One of the main reasons fighting exists in hockey for teams is to inject some energy into your own team to get the rest of the players to "fight" for the win. If your team is already winning and the other team isn't willing to put in the fight, it just isn't going to happen. Is that a brand of hockey we like to see? Surely not, but in this shortened season most teams wont be able to "fight" every night.

[Boston Garden]

****ing Pandolfo in for Thornton? This better be a 1 game type of deal with the upcoming schedule. I can't stand useless Bourque as is, now both of these scrubs are in at the same time!?

[tomnuetten]

Originally Posted by Boston Garden

****ing Pandolfo in for Thornton? This better be a 1 game type of deal with the upcoming schedule. I can't stand useless Bourque as is, now both of these scrubs are in at the same time!?

I love thornton, but he was bad all season...

bad turnovers, lazy with the puck, not throwing his body around, looked slow... he was a liability and didn´t do much fighting too (I understand, that he´s not willing the weeks after the concussion, but if he isn´t ready to hit during a game, he shouldn´t be playing)

I think julien wanted to send him a message.... his ice time is low all season because of his poor play....


I´m not a fan of bourque at all, but he was one of the few bruins who gave 100% effort during all of his games... he hit everything and wasn´t that bad on the pp....