So I've decided to do each teams one by one by division instead of rushing them each night that so that it'll be a lot more accurate and more in depth for you guys following. 30 teams 30 days it fits perfectly and makes things just that more magical haha. Let me know what you think. Your opinions are important and any feedback is good feedback. If this format doesn't work for everyone then I still can make a few changes.-Scoopz
NORTHEAST DIVISION
Boston Bruins - 1st - 82 Points
Total Salary = 54,981,075$
Cap Space = 1,718,925$
The Plot:
The Bruins have been a powerhouse this season and are at the top of the NHL as the best team. One of the few teams in the league who just look overall good at every position. At forward they have one of the best young cores in Phil Kessel, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron and Blake Wheeler. With Marc Savard leading the team in points with 62 the team it's safe to say the teams in good hands. Boston also has a tough bottom 2 lines to play against as well with veterans Stephane Yelle, P.J Axelsson and tough guy Scott Thornton. Boston has a fast team with a lot of offense but can also play old time hockey as well. The balance of both skill and grit is one of their main keys to success.
On defense captain Zdeno Chara logs heavy minutes and has opposing forwards keeping their heads up while also providing a booming point shot and offense from the point. Denis Widemans emergence on the point has provided the B's with another talented blueliner who can play in any situation. Aaron Ward has been a defensive relief and has a +/- rating of +15. Rookie Matt Hunwick has been a pleasant surprise with 15 points in 37 games and Mark Stuart has been fairly effective this season. Shane Hnidy and Andrew Ference have nicely stepped in a depth role. If there was one weakness it would be their "D" because if they lost Chara or Wideman they would have a lot of ice time to fill.
As for goaltending the Bruins have somewhat of a log jam situation leading into the playoffs. Tim Thomas as been nothing short of spectacular leading the NHL in most categories. Thomas gives the Bruins a chance to win every time he plays because he has that competitive fire in him that can push him and his team. Manny Fernandez has also been really great and leads the league. the Bruins know Fernandez can step in at anytime and take over the number 1 spot. His only down fall is his 4.3$MIL salary that hangs over the Bruins for a back-up. Prospect Tuuka Rask who was stolen off the Leafs in the Raycroft trade is ready for the show and already makes 3.2$MIL. This is a tough situation as the Bruins may need the cap space too bring in a free agent for the deadline. Did I mention both Fernandez and Thomas are both free agents this summer?
Major Injuries:
LW - Marco Sturm - Out for the season after having knee surgery.
Key Prospects:
1. G Tuuka Rask - Providence Bruins
2. D Matt Lashoff - Providence Bruins
3. C Zach Hamill - Provindence Bruins
4. C Brad Marchand - Providence Bruins
5. C Joel Colborne - NCAA
6. C Vladimir Sobotka - Provindence Bruins
Players On The Block:
G Manny Fernandez - The B's have to make a choice moving forward and I believe they'll keep Tim Thomas over Fernandez. If they can clear Manny's salary for a major deal before the deadline I believe they will. They have Thomas and Tuuka Rask is clearly ready in case he falters. A team interested in obtaining a number one goalie for a playoff run is highly unlikely but a team with cap space may take a chance on a number two or risk trying to re-sign him.
LW Marco Sturm - Sturm may be a casualty in the sense hes injured and will miss the season no matter what. He is expendable because the team has been playing so well without him so if hes traded it really doesn't effect the Bruins. Sturm could bring in decent value to a non playoff team as he makes a respectable 3.5$MIL for the next two seasons for a guy who can put up decent numbers and play 1st or 2nd line duties.
LW Peter Schaefer - Schaefer has been playing in the AHL most of this season after being waived. He still is a decent player but has an effort problem he must get over. If Boston can get his 2.1$MIL over the next 2 years off the payroll they would be really happy. Any team that can't afford to give up a high pick or decent player could bite on Schaefer.
Team Wants/Needs:
Although Boston is pretty happy with what they got they really need another high calibre defenseman to help them in case one of their big two go down with injury. They also could use a veteran player whose been though the grind of winning a cup and can mentor Bostons young stars in the playoffs. The Bruins management would love to also add another high end offensive talent but it really isn't a need in my opinion.
Target Players:
LW Erik Cole - We've all heard the rumors about Erik Cole heading to Boston the last few days but this one really could happen. The Bruins would love to add another scoring threat to it's line-up to keep its high paced offense going. Cole would also be a good fit because won a cup with Carolina and knows what it takes to win.
C Doug Weight - Weight made a huge impact when he got traded to Carolina when they won the cup. Weight is a player who would lead by example and give the young Bruins someone to look up to and take a little weight off Savard and Chara's shoulders. Weight can still play most situations and still find the back of the net. The only problem is he has a hefty 4.3$MIL price tag on his head.
LW Gary Roberts - What can be said about Roberts that isn't said every single deadline day? He is the ultimate warrior? He can score score timely playoff goals? He is one of the toughest players in the game? A great leader? Enough said any team would be stupid to pass up the chance to land him. He would fit right in on the Bruins 3rd line and add a bit of grit and skill to the entire team.
D Chris Pronger - This is a real long shot but if the Ducks fall out of the playoffs and are convinced that Beauchemin and Niedermayer will both resign then maybe just maybe there's a chance. Boston could throw together a package of picks and prospects to land Pronger and add to the size and skill of their blueline. He also has won a cup and would kill two birds with one stone. Just imagine trying to play against both Chara and Pronger!
D Mathieu Schneider - Now hes a more affordable solution for the skill level and the veteran impact on the blueline. Schneider still can play in any situation and is a powerplay quarterback. He can no longer log massive minutes but he could step in and provide solid depth just in case. He does have a massive contract 5.6$MIL but this could be overlooked if the Bruins could trade Manny Fernandez.
D Marek Malik - He is a poor mans offensive defenseman and could give the Bruins that extra insurance in case the worst happens to Chara or Wideman. He would be easily affordable since he really hasn't made an impact since he joined the Lightning and is also a UFA at the end of the season. The best back-up for the B's.
The Final Word:
The Bruins really don't need to change anything but I expect they'll make a minor move to add insurance or veterans in their lineup. In other words Bruins fans aside from Erik Cole or another defenseman don't expect a major deal unless an injury occurs. They have what it takes to compete with the West and should easily beat most Eastern Conference teams so I don't believe any big changes are necessary. The Bruins will be minor buyers only...
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