Bruins Network

Friedman is reporting on 32 Thoughts that he firmly believes Boston’s offer to Marchand wasn’t less than his current AAV of $6.125m. Says that he’s “certain” his offer from Boston wasn’t less than his current salary and he wasn’t being asked to take a paycut: #NHLBruins

Empty-net effort, speed and playmaking from Fabian Lysell, No. 22 in gold, as he wins his race and puck battle before helping Providence establish some zone time and scoring chances. His two-way effort and speed has been consistently on display as of late IMO. #NHLBruins

FWIW Letourneau may have two points on the season, but only six forwards on Boston College have more than five points (!) this year. His production and usage is still right in line with the other bottom-six regulars for BC.

Morgan Geekie has 10G-10A-20PTS in 40GP this year, which is one less point than both Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm (21) in five less games. One more point and Geekie will be Boston’s third highest (!) scorer this year. Quite the response after being healthy scratched. #NHLBruins

Dean Letourneau should probably be in the USHL right now, but BC is very high on him and lost Will Smith, which expedited his arrival. Was always a long-term, high-potential project and his turbulent freshman year doesn’t change that. Recent dialogue around him is dramatic IMO. #NHLBruins

The main issue I have with Wahlstrom and his extended rope isn’t even Lysell or Poitras, it’s actually Merkulov. You have a shoot-first, 30-goal AHL’er in the system and haven’t given him much of a chance at all. Merkulov is 24 and not developing in the AHL anymore. Time for NHL reps IMO. #NHLBruins

If only my followers on Twitter could be this aware

While you can rightfully look at holes in the roster and point at Don Sweeney, it’s not his fault either that Pastrnak, Zacha, Coyle, McAvoy, Frederic, Carlo, Swayman and other good players are performing extremely poor on any given night. It’s now on him to fix the roster going forward.

Jim Montgomery is a very good coach and more importantly an extremely genuine, humble person. While it wasn’t all his fault, think it’s clear he lost his handle on the locker room and team. This core has ran another good coach out of town and once again it’s on them to respond now. #NHLBruins

He’s actually been pretty solid with the puck when he’s not glued to the bench in the penalty box IMO. Hope he and the coaching staff can continue to gameplan opportunities for him to actually make plays with his stick, especially in ghe attacking zone.

Top-five scorers in Boston this year:

1. Pastrnak
2. Marchand
3. Lindholm
4. Koepke
5. Brazeau

Only two players (!) on this top-15 list have double-digit points. Frederic is 10th, Coyle is 14th. No matter what you think of this roster, they shouldn’t be this bad.

#NHLBruins

For further context on just how poorly Boston is playing this season:

Cole Koepke has just 1G-0A-1PTS in his last 10GP with Boston, yet still his more points (8) on the year than Pavel Zacha (7), Trent Frederic (6), Charlie Coyle (4) and Morgan Geekie (4). #NHLBruins

Not scoring because you’re lacking talent is different than not shooting or even attempting to score btw. Not asking everyone to be Pastrnak, but it’s unfathomable how poorly executed this plan is from top to bottom right now. No purpose behind their passes, shots and attempts.

Boston managed to get a point in OT, but there aren’t many excuses to be dropping games against STL in Novemeber. Roster construction isn’t an excuse for registering just 17 SOG and Montgomery can’t do it all, but don’t think he’s really getting through to them either. #NHLBruins

Riley Duran follows up on his first-period goal with an even better assist. Duran, No. 11 in white, gains the attacking line, pulls up, protects the puck and feed McLaughlin on the doorstep. Excellent patience and awareness. #NHLBruins

Riley Duran, No. 11 in white, goes forehand, backhand, forehand and tucks his second goal of the season. The hard-nosed forward isn’t known for his scoring, but he’s much more skilled than he gets credit for. #NHLBruins

Really nice backcheck, stick-lift and steal by Fabian Lysell, No. 22 in white, as he turns up ice again to gain the line and dish to Merkulov at the point. This is definitely something Boston wants to see more often from Lysell. #NHLBruins

I’ll be listening, tuning in and screeching behind the wheel of my car.

Hello.

Look, the season is long and Boston usually has a lot of patience while struggling. Just think infusing a younger, energetic player or prospect for a few games would be a good start. Can’t keep calling up players like Brown as you’re sending talented players down. #NHLBruins