Tom Brady works out with the Pats

Tom Brady worked out with the Patriots this morning and spoke to the media. He didn't think he was especially sharp, not too surprising given the time he has had off. He spoke about everything from the Pollard hit to the rehab to his future and the goals for the Pats season. Click "read more" and then on the links below to hear his comments to the media this afternoon.

-"My body feels good"

-"Don't really notice the brace"

-"Hope to play for a long time"

-"Doesn't think about the end too often"

-"Feel as good as I can possibly feel"

-"Big season off the field"

-"Doesn't think about the Pollard hit"

-"Relationship with Josh McDaniels"

-"On the Vrabel trade"

-"Dealing with setbacks"

-"Been doing everything he needs to do"

-"5 years since the last Super Bowl win"

-"Didn't make the playoffs last year"

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Kevin Pelton, Basketball Prospectus

Kevin Pelton stops by on a Wednesday night. We discuss the shocker that's developed in the Eastern Conference and how much of a surprise the Magic really are. Kevin's evidence suggests that maybe we should've been playing closer attention to Orlando all along. We also check in on the Western Conference Finals where the Nuggets are giving the Lakers all they can handle. Plus, Kevin gives us his thoughts on the likely first overall pick in the draft, Blake Griffin.

Jeff Erickson, Rotowire.com

After an enjoyable Memorial Day off, the guys are back with Jeff Erickson from Rotowire for the latest fantasy updates. Jeff discusses the fantasy value of John Smoltz when he returns, master thief Carl Crawford and the Twins two big guns. He also gives us his opinion on the sometimes controversial fantasy trade veto and how often he uses it. And he finally caters to Brian Graham's love of Johan Santana.

Rick Middleton on the Young Guns

Former Bruins captain and great Rick Middleton joined the Young Guns at the 338 Grille in Revere to talk about the B's successful but abruptly ended 2008-2009 season. Rick discusses the direction the Bruins are heading and what he thinks of the guy who wears the C for Boston right now, Zdeno Chara. He also gives his opinion on who he would keep between the likely options of David Krejci and Phil Kessel and talks about the future of the game, including who he's take between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.

Rick's appearance on the Young Guns at the 338 Grille was all brought to you by Hood Home Delivery. To find out how to get the quality of Hood delivered right to your home as well as more than 500 other great products, visit HoodHomeDelivery.com.

Jay Jaffe, Baseball Prospectus

Jay Jaffe from Baseball Prospectus just wants a night out to hit the town in NYC, but the Guns want to talk some baseball and Jay is more than happy to oblige. Jay has some good things to say about David Ortiz and whether he will be able to turn the tables on his early slump. He also goes into whether the Jays are for real and whether the Sox defense is good enough to keep them in the hunt.

The Only Solution for Ortiz

By Ben Altsher

He may have hit his first home run of the season last night, and that may help turn his season around, but let's face facts. David Ortiz is no longer the greatest clutch hitter in baseball. He's not the best hitter on the Red Sox. Big Papi is no longer Big Papi.

It's like realizing Batman is really Bruce Wayne or Spiderman is really just Peter Parker. He's not beyond human anymore. How many guys could you put in the majors that have a .210 average, one homer, and a .320 on base percentage? My guess is lots.

Let's not kid ourselves, either. While his blast to deep center against the Blue Jays can help his mental state, it won't fix everything. There will come a time this season when the Red Sox come to the realization that Ortiz batting 3rd does more harm than good.

When they do come to that point, there's only one thing do, one right thing to do. Tell Ortiz he's injured.

It sounds a little sinister to tell a player he's injured when he really isn't, but it's the only way to fix the Red Sox lineup without shattering his self confidence.

First, it does no good to just move him down in the lineup. At best, you'll still have just a .250 hitter (at best) which is more reasonable in the 7 spot, but you can't tell me there aren't better hitting options on the Sox bench. You could even strengthen two parts of the team by DH-ing Julio Lugo and have a better defensive shortstop in the game.

Second, you can't trade him for anything of value and you can't bench him or send him to Pawtucket outright. No one will give up even a middling prospect for someone with his contract at this point, and nothing could shatter his fragile state of mind more than a designation for assignment.

So what's left? Tell him why he can't turn on a 90 mph fastball anymore. Tell him why he only has one home run in 150 at bats. He's hurt. Use whatever is easiest, most likely the wrist. Tell him the sheath that caused him to miss almost half of 2008 is still not right. Put him on the DL and have him rest for awhile and rehab after that.

It's not glamorous to be sure, but you try telling Superman he's been reduced to just Clark Kent.

You can read more on Ortiz or more of my thoughts at bleacherreport.com

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Jeff Erickson, Rotiwire Fantasy Baseball Expert

Jeff Erickson from RotoWire knows fantasy baseball and...as the Guns found out tonight...a little hoops as well. He also takes some questions on David Ortiz, Roy Halladay, and Johnny Damon.

Don't forget to go here for a free 10 day trial of the RotoWire fantasy service and check out all the great stuff Jeff and the other writers have to offer!

A sudden beginning to summer...

By CHRIS VILLANI

A swell of anticipation.

A pall-like silence.

A season ended in the blink of an eye.

That was the chain of events in the waning moments of overtime last night at the TD BankNorth Garden as the Bruins were sent home for the summer with a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and a 4 games to 3 series defeat.

Time to cue the onslaught of negativity the sports fans and writers in this town are famous for. The avalanche of suffering and ranting about what a "disappointment" this was and how the Bruins "choked" away a shot at a championship and a chance to make this a hockey town again. Forgive me if I look at things in a bit more of an optimistic light. The Bruins loss was disappointing, crushing even. But make no mistake, this team won over this town, and gave us younger fans just a little taste of the black and gold glory days gone by.

"But Villani", you say, "they were the top seed in the East and got the best possible match-up they could in Carolina. A team they had beaten handily FOUR TIMES in the regular season. Even you yourself said the Bruins 'couldn't lose to this team'"

Well, I was half right, half wrong. The B's couldn't lose to the Carolina team they played the regular season. The 'Cane's were arguably the most improved team in the East from the trade deadline on. Zdeno Chara admitted after the game Carolina presented a much more difficult challenge than Montreal, and the additions of Jussi Jokenin and Eric Cole helped bolster a solid and physical line-up.

I also made the case for why the Bruins could lose last night, although admittedly I didn't think they would, and it was simple: Cam Ward wins game 7s. He still hasn't lost one in four tries and he arguably had no business winning any of them. After he out-dueled Martin Brodeur handily in a 4-1 series win in '06, he ousted a good Sabres team in 7 and then an upset-minded Oilers club to win the Cup along with the Conn Smythe Trophy for play-offs MVP. That season, he became the first rookie goaltender to win the Stanley Cup and post a shutout in a finals game in 20 years. The guy who did it in 1986 was a gentleman named Patrick Roy, so I think it's time we all, myself included, start giving Cam Ward his due. The kid is like Josh Beckett, he just amps it up when it comes time for the play-offs.

Another reason not to get too down on the B's, is that upsets happen in post-season hockey more so than basketball. Guys who really don't know hockey tend to think of it in NBA terms and it's not the right way to go about it. An 8 seed can knock off a top seed and then take the 2nd seed to a final game as the Ducks did this year and it's not an Earth-shattering feat. Oh, and that Edmonton team referenced above, the one done in by Ward, was an 8 seed out of the West. In fact, that season the West made history by having all four lower seeds advance into the 2nd round. That's one of the things we love about play-off hockey, it's truly anyone's Cup to win.

And the last reason why people should feel good about this year's Bruins team, is the point I have been making now for awhile, and that is that this team did not need to win a cup this year for the season to be a success. Yes, I really felt, as did most, they would have a legit shot to get to the finals once they disposed of Montreal. But I was brought back down to Earth by the twists and turns of arguably the best pro post-season out there.

Remember, change tends to happen in slow increments. It's true in historical trends, tidal erosion, and sports. Sure, every now and then there's a turnaround like the one the Celtics had from '07-'08, but those are few and far between. They also tend to happen in basketball where one or two players can impact a game and a team to a higher degree than any of the other pro sports.

Four years ago, the fan base was as down on this team as they could be after the trade of Joe Thornton. Last season, after a dramatic seven game loss to the Habs, most fans thought they'd be spending another season trying to figure out how many points the B's would need to hold onto one of the top 8 play-off spots.

And then something happened, well a few things really. David Krejci became one of the top centers in the East. Phil Kessel went from a guy some fans wanted to run out of town last season to being one the go-to scorers on the team despite missing a month with mono. A rookie named Matt Hunwick held his own on the blue line and then some. (Oh, by the by, don't discount the loss of Hunwick and Ferrence in the play-offs as another reason for the struggle against the 'Canes.) Tim Thomas became the best goaltender in the game, and Claude Julien got a young group of guys to buy into a system, to play an exciting style of hockey, and to win over a city.

The last point is where I differ with most of the nay-sayers today. The Bruins did not "miss their chance" to make this a hockey town, they knocked it out of the park. More than half the crowd stood and cheered after Scott Walker ended Boston's season, quick exit from their parking spaces be damned. Walk around Boston or the South Shore and you'd see an array of B's hats, shirts, and jackets in numbers usually reserved for the Red Sox. WEEI had full hours of Bruins talk on shows that did not involve Dale Arnold. Milan Lucic became a rock star. I've picked up girls just by saying I've interviewed him. It sounds crazy but chicks dig this team far more than the Celtics or Patriots. If you're a young, single guy out there, do yourself a favor and learn how to spell Hnidy and rattle off forward lines...it may help you get lucky.

And in perhaps the biggest sign that this team had won over the city: Ricky Villani actually watched game 7 as opposed to the 2009 Valero Texas Open coverage on the Golf Channel. When my dad watches hockey, you know there's a damn good reason.

And there was. No, these guys aren't Orr and Espisito and O'Reilly...at least not yet. Don't forget there are 9 Bruins aged 26 or younger and Tim Thomas is inked for another four years. Should he falter, perhaps the best goalie prospect in the world waits in Providence. This team isn't going anywhere.

So, just as the Red Sox needed their near miss in 2003, perhaps the Bruins needed this test to prepare them for next season. Hockey is back in Boston, and when the leaves turn and the long, lazy days of summer have passed us by, I think the fans will come back to the Garden as energized as ever. The Bruins took a huge stride this season towards being a force in the NHL. But they'll want that next level, the chance to play for that big silver trophy.

And we'll want it as bad as they do.
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Bruins vs. Hurricanes Game Seven

12:03 AM (Game Over) - Scott Walker put home the game winning goal on the rebound after a save on Ryan Whitney. Claude Julien said he would not comment on the fact that it was Walker who had the series winner. He gave a ton of credit to the 'Canes for winning back to back seven game series but also acknowledged the fact that the team had 9 days off might have been a reason for the lack of consistency.

Most of the players were pretty subdued in the locker room. Marc Savard admitted the team had a hard time getting going. Byron Bitz thought the turning point might have been the Lucic goal and recognized the opportunities the team had during both the 3rd period and OT that just did not pan out. I will have some final thoughts on the B's season tomorrow and of course a complete breakdown tomorrow night. For the final time in this Bruins season...goodnight from Causeway Street! Final score: Carolina 3, Boston 2, Hurricanes win series 4 games to 3.

11:23 PM (1:14 OT) - Canes win 3-2...season over.

11:07 PM (9:40 OT) - "WE WANT IT!" chants rocking the building. Both Ward and Thomas have saved their team's seasons a few times here in OT.

10:57 PM (15:12 OT) - I love and hate OT hockey. Thomas stoned Scott Walker's slapper on a breakaway that would have ended the season. Out in open ice, Ward blasted Ruutu with a huge hit. Some physical play out there and a couple tripping calls that could have been but the refs are letting the boys play. Ward has made 2 huge saves.

10:49 PM: Ovvvverrrrrrrrrtime here at the Garden. The Bruins clawed out of a 3-1 hole in the series and 2-1 hole in this game. You can feel the energy here as the B's and 'Canes take the ice. Patrice Bergeron really stepped up his play in the 3rd, including a "stick with it" escape whilst hemmed in by a couple Carolina skaters. The B's have found their energy in the 3rd, but in OT with the next goal being the winner, anything can happen. Two seasons hanging in the balance and Pittsburgh waiting in the wings...should be fun...

10:24 PM (3:39 3rd) - Haven't been blogging because I've been pretty fixed on this period. The Bruins have put the foot on the accelerator. Lucic has a few big hits, his shift after the goal he pretty much became a one-man wrecking crew. I thought he might hit Montador just for the heck of it. Tim Thomas just made a save from the left side door and then basically sat on the puck to keep it out. The biggest concern for the B's continues to be gaining their own blue line.

10:04 PM (13:41 3rd) - Luuuuuuuuuuucccccchhh! Milan Lucic puts one home in the upper left 90 off a feed from Marc Savard. Give Phil Kessel a helper as well. The crowd and the team are definitely re-energized. 2-2 tie.

9:58 PM (17:39 3rd) - Aaron Ward just saved the game for now. Thomas had one tipped past him in the latter seconds of the 'Cane's power play. The puck went under the right pad of the goalie, tricked towards the net, and hung ever so tantalizingly on the edge of the red line before Wardo stepped in and swept it out of harms way. The B's seem to have a little more energy this period, but are still playing flat out sloppy hockey. The blue-liners, Montador and Hnidy in particular, are struggling tonight.

9:53 PM (Start of the 3rd) - Well, 20 minutes left in the Bruins season unless they can erase this 2-1 deficit. I don't feel overly confident given the way Ward has played and the limited chances the B's have given themselves. Already have the Sox and Celtics going down tonight...a chance for the trifecta...but not the way you'd hope...

9:26 PM (6:56 2nd) - Three fairly uninspiring power play chances so far for the Bruins. On the latest, Chara got the puck in his own zone with about 0:15 left and kind of ambled about rather than turning it back up ice which seemed to get the natives a bit restless. Even though it's only a one goal game, you can feel how tense the atmosphere is here with the Bruins trailing. Many thought, myself included, Boston would roll in this game, but Ward has 15 saves and has been a rock in net while the B's have been sloppy at times. 2-1 'Canes.

9:17 PM (12:15 2nd) - I am really starting to dislike Sergei Samsonov. The former Bruin pit a right side wrister past the out-stretched pad of Thomas. Give the helpers to Pitkanen and Frantisek Kaberle. It's Samsonov's 4th of the play-offs, though it seems like he has seven against the B's alone. Remember when this guy was, along with Joe Thornton, the future of the Bruins? 2-1 Carolina.

9:04 PM (Start of 2nd period) - SOG were 11-10 B's in the first, testament to how even things were out there...well, as is the 1-1 score. The cute girl who passes out the notes between periods seemed to like my Facebook picture and really, who could blame her. Also, the bear who roars and swipes at the ground on the jumbo tron is pretty scary, though not as intimidating as new B's good luck charm Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake who I saw hanging around just a few minutes ago looking all big and badass.

Changes both ways on the goal scoring. For the Bruins, it's Bitz from Krejci and Ryder, rather than from Krejci and Wideman. For the Cane's, give Brind'Amour the goal on a point-blank redirect on helpers from Seidenberg and Pitkanen.

8:57 PM (1st Intermission) - Fairly underwhelming 1st period for both teams. I thought the Bruins might have a chance to open this thing up big time after the Bitz goal but the game things seem to be doing them in: weak forecheck, inability to clear the zone, blue line turnovers...oh and big Cam Ward saves. Still can't feel too badly about playing even, literally and figuratively, in the 1st period.

I do enjoy, and have enjoyed all week, the hockey "experts" that have come out of the woodwork over the past couple of weeks and called into sports talk radio. Either a number of bandwagon jumpers or just a lot of die hard hockey fans finally having something to get truly fired up about. I personally believe it to be a little of both. A number of sports radio and TV shows are also now filled with some hockey talk, which is great. I do, however, want to make note of the fact that we here on the Young Guns have talked hockey big time all season long for one reason and one reason only: chicks really dig this team.

8:45 PM (2:12 1st) - They just clarified the Seidenberg goal came at even strength, rather than in the waning seconds of the power play. B's with an extra skater at the moment thanks to Toumo Ruutu slash. Ward made a couple big saves on a one timer and a rebound to keep the score tied.

8:38 PM (6:01 1st) - Dennis Seidenberg ties it with a big one timer on the power play. The Bruins should had the puck out of the zone on that possession, but turned it over at the blue line after sending it to the other side of the sheet twice. Give Jussi Jokenin and Joni Pitkanen an all-Finnish assist combo. Thomas looked viably frustrated after surrendering the goal. He may have been screened a bit by Rod Brind'Amour in front of the net as the shot beat him five-hole. 1-1 tie.

8:35 PM (7:38 1st) - The bad news, PJ Axelsson just took a seemingly bogus hooking call, the good news...Carolina has the worst power play going among post-season teams. Let's get a gander at that PK, shall we?

8:27 PM (10:24 1st) - Catching up on some pre-game notes:
-The Bruins come into tonight's game 0-20 in series in which they have trailed 3 games to 1, with this season and last year's 1st round exit to the Habs being the only times they've forced this deciding game
-the crowd was (as expected) abnormally charged even by play-off standards, with Rene Rancourt providing a little extra oomph on the fist pump and even yelling out "one more!" after the closing notes of the anthem
-the B's are 9-8 all-time in game 7s, with only three of them in the past 15 years...all against Montreal
-Cam Ward is 3-0 all time in game 7s, posting a .927 save percentage
-Carolina and Boston come in tonight ranked 2nd and 3rd among play-off teams in the PK, respectively

8:24 PM (11:12 1st) - Coming to you just a bit late from the TD BankNorth Garden but bearing some good news, the B's are on top 1-0 after a Byron Bitz put back. Pace of play has been pretty even both ways with both teams looking just a bit sloppy around their respective blue lines. The goal for Bitz is the first of his post-season NHL career. 1-0 Bruins
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Taylor Back on South Beach, What's Next for Belichick and Company?

BY ALASTAIR INGRAM

So Pats fans, Jason Taylor apparently isn't walking through that door. But I can guarantee that, as upset as you may currently feel, it's nothing compared to the disappointment of Bill Belichick. He's been drooling over Taylor's pass rushing ability for his entire tenure here in New England, and why not? I can't think of another player who has either sacked or hit Tom Brady more since 2001. But the light-stepping 34 year old took the hometown discount (1 year, $1.5 million!) to return to Miami, a family and overall lifestyle decision that makes you wonder whether the Pats ever had a chance. So with Taylor dancing his way back to the Sunshine State, what can the Patriots do now to improve a pass rush that avoided opposing quarterbacks like the plague last season? Here's a look at the team's options, but don't get your hopes up...


PATRIOTS LINEBACKING OPTIONS:

1. Julius Peppers

Analysis: Wouldn't count on it. Peppers wants to get paid, plain and simple. The problem is that he also wants to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, which is in direct opposition to his financial aspirations. Peppers has yet to sign the franchise tender in Carolina, which would pay him in the neighborhood of $16 million for one season (not too shabby if you ask me). The one glimmer of hope is that the Patriots are one of four teams to which Peppers would accept a trade, and they are apparently the only AFC squad on that list. However, most teams (including the Pats) have already made the majority of their offseason moves, and as a result have exhausted the majority of their free agent budget. Factor in the draft picks Bill Belichick still has to lock up, and it wouldn't appear that New England has the financial flexibility to give Peppers his big pay day. You'd also have to send draft picks or other compensation to Carolina in exchange for the pass rushing freak, so long story short, it's just not in the cards.

2. Free Agency

Analysis: It didn't start as a very long list at the linebacker position, and needless to say it's gotten shorter as free agency has progressed. Here's a look at some remaining FA options, in descending order of overall appeal (relatively speaking)...

Pisa Tinoisamoa (say that 5 times fast)
- Led the Rams with 135 tackles last year
- Released by St. Louis and new head coach Steve Spagnuolo last week in a bit of a surprise move
- Rams drafted James Laurinitis out of Ohio State, presumably to start day 1
- 6 year veteran, will be 28 by time season starts
- Fantastic name, watch out Gil Santos

Derrick Brooks
- Recorded just 73 tackles last year with the Buccaneers, the only time he's had less than 100 tackles since his rookie year in 1995
- Has definitely lost a step but still provides leadership, and can likely teach young LB's a thing or two
- Might contribute as an extra body to provide depth, and can mentor guys like Woods, Crable, Mayo, Guyton, Redd etc.
- Will be 36 years old when season starts (that's old)

Napoleon Harris
- 32 tackles playing in just 10 gms last year with Vikings
- Former 1st round pick in 2002 out of Northwestern
- Visited with Steelers last week, who are looking to fill the void left by Larry Foote (recently signed with Detroit)
- 7 year veteran, 30 years old

3. Waiver Wire

Analysis: The poster child for this method of acquisition was Ted Washington in 2003, but it's not often you can add that type of impact player through waivers. You never know though, someone could become availible, and the Patriots are still one of the most attractive options for a player who isn't expecting to get paid. That player would have a great chance to win a title, and presumably could compete for immediate playing time on the defensive side.

As Austin Powers once said, "Whoop Di Do, what does it all mean Basil?" Well, what it means is that there likely will not be an impact signing or trade at the linebacker position. In my mind, that creates the possibility that linebacker could be the equivalent of the cornerback position last year. Not that you need a refresher on that one, but the Pats didn't do enough to address the void left by Asante Samuel, and the patchwork job was largely ineffective (re: Deltha O'Neal).

The Pats currently have very little depth inside, with Jerod Mayo and Tedy Bruschi (who reminded us last year that he was drafted in 1996) starting and Gary Guyton as the main back up. 3rd round pick Tyrone McKenzie is out for the year with a torn ACL, and the South Florida product would have been the 4th option at the very least. Outside, Adalius Thomas and Tully Banta-Cain are the only players with any kind of extended NFL experience. The rest of the depth chart includes youth and inexperience in the form of Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, and Vince Redd. Don't get me wrong, Woods showed promise last year when thrust into a starting role, and Crable could be a nice, athletic option down the road. You just wonder how either will perform if asked to play consistent snaps in high leverage situations. Maybe the Pats will have a disaster in the middle of their defense, maybe they'll be fine. "In Bill We Trust" right? We'll wait and see...
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Kevin Pelton, Basketball Prospectus

Kevin Pelton swings by to talk to the Guns and is taking bets on whether the Celtics will still be playing by the time he comes back on the show in a couple of weeks. For now, the C's are in action and heading into Game 6 against the Magic. Kevin talks about the Orlando break-down at the end of Game 5 and whether Dwight Howard has a point with his sharp criticism of Jeff Van Gundy.

KP also chats about the other series, including whether the Cavs are unbeatable, whether Yao Ming will ever overcome these injury troubles, and how much the officials effected the outcome of the Nuggets-Mavs series.

Pat Williams, Orlando Magic Sr. VP

Pat Williams joins the Guns to talk about the Magic-Celtics series and react to his team's crushing Game 4 loss. He also compares Dwight Howard to a guy he drafted back in '92 for Orlando, that of course being Shaq and talks about how the team coped with losing Jameer Nelson mid-season.

Pat also goes into some of his thoughts on the physical play and the officiating in the post-season, answers the question of who is a better athlete between Dr. J and Dwight Howard, and tells us how many kids he has...and you will not believe the answer.

Jeff Erickson, Rotiwire Fantasy Baseball Expert

No surprise, this week's chat with Jeff Erickson revolves around the S-word: steroids. What is Manny Ramirez's fantasy value? How about Juan Pierre? Are there any great, clean players left in the game? Jeff answers all of the above. He also chats about some of the "buy low" shortstops out there and whether he was buying and answers this rather shocking question: should you consider dropping David Ortiz?

As always, you can get a free 10 day trial of the RotoWire service and get the edge in your Fantasy baseball league this season.

We all wanna be JT

by BRIAN GRAHAM

The debate is officially over. Every girl loves him and every guy wants to be him. It's time to start giving Justin Timberlake his props. He's probably the coolest person on the planet.

Most people remember the "dick in a box" skit from his first time hosting SNL. Now on Saturday he comes out with this gem

Do or Die: Bruins vs. Hurricanes Game 5

11:02 PM (Game over) - Hanging out in the TV/Radio room (of which I seem to be the only occupant) after hearing from a number of players and coach Claude Julien. First the bad news, Coach said Aaron Ward may have a broken orbital bone as a result of the hit from Walker. He is hoping the "guys in charge do their job" regarding that hit. He was pleased with the effort tonight and felt his team was ready to play from the get go. He talked about Chara's effort, and said the team did a much better job of playing team defense on Staal's line.

The players were reserved after the win and of course everyone was spouting the company line regarding this being the set up for game 6 and still having a lot of work to do, needing to play better, etc. The B's did acknowledge they got a lift from Lucic's hit on Seidenberg, and Chara said he was humbled and appreciative of the reception the fans gave him upon his return to the ice.

Listen in to 1510 AM tomorrow for the updated Bruins minute and don't forget to tune into the Young Guns tomorrow night at 10:00 where we react to this game, the Sox, and Big Baby's game winner in Orlando. Goodnight from Causeway Street. Final Score: Bruins 4, Hurricanes 0.

10:00 PM (2:47 3rd) - The natives are getting restless. After a scrape on the ice between Ward and Walker, the fans began returning some of the free Bruins towels they were handed out during the game. Come on B's fans, you're better than that. On a side note, it really must suck for most of the folks in the yellow seats who have to got to work early tomorrow. In the aftermath Matt Cullen grabbed a roughing call, Scott Walker racked up 17 minutes of penalties for an instigator, fighting, and a misconduct. Aaron Ward grabbed a 2 minute roughing call. Bruins 1 for 7 on the power play tonight. Time to head downstairs.

9:50 PM (7:07 3rd) - More shenanigans from Conboy. He gets into a fight with Mark Stuart that goes much the way of the one with Thornton in that the Hurricane was spun to the ice and pummeled. The only Hurricane he reminds me of is Peter "the Hurricane" McNeeley. You know, the Medfield native who was the sacrificial lamb for Mike Tyson's boxing comeback. He lasted all of 89 seconds, which is longer than Conboy has lasted in both of his scrapes tonight combined. Conboy and Stuart each get the five for fighting.


9:46 PM (7:39 3rd) - Michael Ryder was turned away by Cam Ward but the rebound for Milan Lucic is a different story. The winger blasts a one-timer past Ward and the "Luuuccccchhhh" chants continue for awhile afterward. Ryder and Patrice Bergeron get the assists. This one is all sorts of over. 4-0 Bruins.

9:38 PM (14:43 3rd) - Seconds before the Pitkanen penalty expires, Erik Cole sends the puck into the stands for a delay of game. Needless penalty for Cole to take but it doesn't hurt much, the Bruins put us right back to 4 on 4 26 seconds into the power play with a hooking call on Michael Ryder. I think that's the first we've really heard of him tonight, which is far from a good thing.


9:33 PM (17:30 3rd) - Brief...and I mean brief...scrap between Shawn Thorton and Tim Conboy. Thornton put him on the ice quickly and started raining blows before the officials stepped in and separated the two. There were multiple penalties both ways with Thornton getting a cross check and roughing, Anton Babchuk grabbed a high stick and Tim Conboy got the roughing. Pitkanen puts the B's on the power play with an elbowing call seconds later.

9:29 PM (19:12 3rd) - Chara comes out onto the ice to a standing ovation and a raucous "Chara" chant. Steve Montador had a nice sliding block on his 1st shift before a rebound try was snapped out of the air by Thomas. It's a quick shift for Chara, but good to see he is OK and able to play.

9:26 PM (2nd Intermission) - What were we saying the other night about turning it on quickly? The Bruins look nothing like the team that was beaten soundly over the past three games. They've been the aggressors, getting physical with the Canes, peppering Cam Ward (who hasn't been half bad) with shots, and trying to keep the tempo high throughout the game. They are cycling, skating, and just flat out playing better than Carolina. And a bit more good news, Chara is on the bench to start the 3rd.


9:09 PM (0:28.8 2nd) - Chara just took a stick to the back of the leg from Jussi Jokinen and stayed down on the ice for about a minute before coming off slowly but under his own power. He had a visibly pained expression and was grabbing the left ankle the entire time he was down on the ice. 2nd period has come to an end with the Bruins on top 3-0 and holing a 29-11 SOG advantage, but I'm sure the question for most B's fans is whether Chara is hurt badly.

9:03 PM (4:35 2nd) - The B's keep the heat on. A couple of scrums in front of the 'Cane's net, one of which required Cam Ward to literally lay down and stay down to keep the puck from getting in the side door. The B's have a 28-11 SOG edge and Carolina has having all kinds of trouble clearing the zone. Dennis Wideman just took a penalty for high sticking, probably the worst thing to happen to the Bruins all night...and, well, it ain't all that bad. 3-0 Boston.

8:50 PM (10:19 2nd) - 2 minute roughing minor on Chad LaRose...here comes another power play, Bruins are 1-4 so far but, as I just stated, they've looked very good.

8:47 PM (11:20 2nd) - Very nice power play shifts for the Bruins. Several close calls including a one timer feed across the crease from Recchi to Chara that was a misfire but barely and a big drive from the point by Dennis Wideman. The 'Canes killed off the penalty but had all kinds of trouble clearing the zone.

8:40 PM (15:20 2nd) - Slow down boys, I'm trying to blog here. Phil Kessel scores his 2nd goal of the game of another backdoor feed from Marc Savard. Just before the goal Zdeno Chara had a huge open ice hit on Eric Staal. Give Chara an assist on the goal as well for his second of the evening. He, Kessel (2 G) and Savard (2 A) all have multi-point nights. This is looking more and more like the regular season pre-Jussi Jokinen and Erik Cole beatings the Bruins laid on the 'Canes. 3-0 good guys.

8:38 PM (16:45 2nd) - The B's have picked up right where they left off. Cam Ward looked like a sittin' duck in a shootin' gallery through the first 2 minutes of the period. Clearly the Bruins are working hard not to have another lull. Chuck Kobasew delivered a hard hit into the boards on Tuomo Ruutu during the stretch.

8:26 PM (1st Intermission) - The Bruins have themselves an early lead and are showing signs of life for the first time since game one of this series. They are cycling very well in the Carolina end of the ice, especially on the power play and definitely exerting some physicality with the big Lucic hit on Seidenberg being the top example thus far. The Bruins led the SOG category 16-7 through the first period and most importantly got out on top of Cam Ward, who has been shown to struggle when a team can get to him early. 2-0 B's, end of the 1st.

8:12 PM (2:10 1st) - Tim Thomas entering the highlight reels with the Bruins on the PK. Stopped a Samsonov shot with the pads and then sprawled to his right to put the blocker on a rebound try from Joni Pitkanen. A moment later the Bruins made it 2-0 with a Phil Kessel one timer from the left side. Give Savard and Lucic the helpers, Savy had the pretty backdoor feed that let to the goal. 2-0 Bruins.


8:07 PM (5:07 1st) - Apparently Dennis Seidenberg took a penalty at the end of his shift that we all missed up here. It was for a slash, and just seconds into the power play the B's make it 1-0 with a Zdeno Chara drive from just outside the right point tipped in by Mark Recchi juuusssssttttt through the 5 hole of Ward. 1-0 Bruins, SOG 14-2.


7:56 PM (10:30 1st) - Great PK for the B's who have turned up the heat in the last several minutes. They clear the puck 3 times without letting Carolina get a shot off before Sergei Samsonov takes an interference penalty. The B's went 5 on 4 for 0:56 but couldn't produce a goal despite a big blast from Dennis Wideman that just missed and a crease buzzer from the side door off the stick of Milan Lucic. Maybe the boys have come to play after all.

7:49 PM (13:54 1st) - 2 minute interference for Zdeno Chara. So far the B's have all 4 SOG, thanks mostly to the power play. It's discouraging to see the Bruins appear passive in the opening minutes. You'd figure if there was any game they would come out overly hyped for, it would be this one. Neither team has been very physical yet, and there hasn't been a lot of great end to end action. All in all the only thing intense about this game so far seems to be the crowd.

7:45 PM (16:30 1st) - 2 minute hook on Tim Gleason yields a lackluster PP effort for the B's. So far things don't look much different than the last three games.

Hello from the 9th floor of the TD BankNorth Garden. At the beginning of this series, I predicted we would be here tonight for a game 5 that would finish off the series. Turns out I may be correct, though I hope I am not. The B's trail 3 games to 1 as we get set for Face-off. This place is amped, there is no denying that. Louder than I've heard it at any point this season. Rene Rencourt even seemed to give the anthem a little more pizazz than normal. And he is man with some pizazz.

A few pre-game notes:
-Cam Ward and Tim Thomas come in tonight with the two best GAA's in the post-season, in that order.
-Carolina has the 2nd best PK in the play-offs, Boston is 6th, the power play units are 11th and 7th for the Canes and B's, respectively.
-the money stat, Boston is 0-20 when trailing 3-1. 15 of the series were ended in the 5th game, 4 went to game 6, and only last year's series with the Habs went 7. Buckle up folks, this may be the end of the line for the B's...or perhaps not...
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Manny being Manny...sort of...

By CHRIS VILLANI

Wow.

That's what most baseball fans are saying this morning after the story broke in the LA Times that Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games. The suspension will keep him out until July 3rd and makes Manny the biggest star to be suspended under the MLB testing policy implemented in 2003.

This development is going to hurt the Dodgers (though Juan Pierre is hitting .355 in a whopping five starts this season), give Red Sox fans a chuckle, and take some of the heat off the soon-to-be returning Alex Rodriguez. But most of all this serves as yet another reminder that no one, and I mean, no one, is ever going to be free from the cloud of the steroid era.

I know, I am an unabashed Manny supporter and have been since the day he arrived in Boston and really even before that. I defended him against nearly everything on and off the field with very few exceptions. In this case, there is not much to say. Can any mother's child who calls his or herself a baseball fan really say they are surprised by this? Sure, few predicted it, which the exception of Jose Canseco, and how could they?

Manny is one of those guys. One those guys that can just play. Pujols, A-Rod, Griffey...Manny. These are the guys who just truly had a gift. Hard work over the years sure, but coupled with the native ability few possess. There was never an appreciable bump in any of their numbers, never a solid line of pre and post steroid use that you could draw in the sand like with Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens et al. These guys just hit, it's what they were born to do.

Now two of those guys has been tied to the thing that will define this generation. It shows us no one is above reproach. For everything we thought we knew about the make-up of a steroid user, we are proven time and time again we really don't have a clue. Need to bulk up big time like McGwire and Sosa and Bonds, right? Well, Clemens got thinner, Andy Pettitte never looked any different, and A-Rod and Manny were always big guys. Well, if they have a bump in stats, that should be a pretty good sign, no? See above.

The truth is we just don't know, we'll never know, and it's frustrating. But Pujols and Griffey still remain. I was won over by Albert's faith and high moral acumen and I would be very disappointed if it came out that he had used. Although he does have 11 home runs and 9 strikeouts this season, so I can't say I'd be shocked. No, for me Griffey is the guy. He was my favorite player growing up. I used to wear my cap backwards, much to the chagrin of my dad. I'd wear cut-off sleeves too despite my pipe cleaner arms. One winter my Christmas list revolved around Griffey autographed memorabilia. I loved the way he made everything look so easy, so effortless. Like the game was made just for him, rather than the other way around.

Learning that Griffey cheated would be the one thing left that would break my baseball heart. It would be like a piece of my childhood was taken and tarnished. I've grown somewhat grizzled in my own age and the steroid era hasn't taken the fun out of the game for me yet. I've learned not to expect baseball players, human beings, to be perfect or to be heroes. There's a sense of cold uncaring when it comes to finding out players used steroids, and I still appreciate what they've done and have argued all of them should be in the Hall of Fame someday if their numbers, enhanced or otherwise, merit such consideration. Maybe it's because I'm not a kid anymore and I know people make mistakes and are driven by the desire to compete and excel, even when it seems as though they've reached the pinnacle of their profession.

Or maybe it's because in my baseball mind, I'm still 12. Watching Griffey track down a fly ball in center field or send an inside fastball into the right field stands with that sweet swing. The game seemed pure to me, even as balls were flying out of the parks at record clips. Maybe Ken cheated, maybe he didn't. But from my perspective, I say stay clean Jr.

This baseball fan's love of the game may depend on it.
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Jay Jaffe, Baseball Prospectus

How fitting, Jay Jaffe from Baseball Prospectus stops by one day later than normal and the best player on his favorite team ends up being suspended for 50 games. Goodbye ManRam until early July and Jay reacts to the story: is he surprised? Is there anyone left in the game above suspicion? Can Juan Pierre hold down the fort in left field?

OK so maybe the latter question isn't of any great concern but the bigger questions are legacy related. Will Manny be looked at differently? Ditto for the Red Sox championship teams of '04 & '07? Does Manny Ramirez get into the baseball Hall of Fame. It's Jaffe being Jaffe on those topics and more.

Jeff Erickson, Rotiwire Fantasy Baseball Expert

Jeff Erickson's weekly chat includes some hits on Zach Greinke, Alex Rodriguez, and Josh Beckett. E-mailers inquire as to whether it's time to give up on the latter, what to expect from the middle, and why the former is looking like the greatest thing to happen to baseball since crackerjack.

Jeff also talks about a wacky fantasy baseball scenario that will greatly impact a number of teams, including Alastair Ingram's. Don't forget, to be included in this segment, all you need to do is E-mail your fantasy questions to YoungGunsRadio@Gmail.com. We'll take E-mails at any point during the week on any fantasy baseball subject, and pick the best ones to pitch to the two time fantasy writer of the year.

Bruins vs. Hurricanes Game Two

10:44 PM (Post-game) - Claude Julien just wrapped up. He broke the flow of the game down into the three periods. The first period he thought Carolina was better, but not that much better. Good skating both ways and some chances for both teams. The second period he thought the Canes handily outplayed his team, and I would have to agree. For the final frame, he thought his team woke up a bit and skated harder, but a combination of big saves from Cam Ward and a "too little, too late" aspect of the comeback proved to be too much.

Claude was impressed by some of the adjustments Carolina made. He also said he expects his team to be able to bounce back from this bit of adversity in two days when they head down South for game three. I'll have a complete analysis of this series up tomorrow here on YoungGunsRadio.com and don't forget to listen for the Bruins Minute tomorrow during 1510 AM's new political talk daytime line-up. I am off to the Greatest for a nightcap, so goodnight from Causeway Street. FINAL SCORE: Carolina 3, Boston 0; Series tied 1-1.

10:30 PM (Post-game) - 3-0 final thanks to an Eric Staal empty netter in the closing minute. The B's locker room was understandably somber following the let down. Patrice Bergeron talked about the need to get more traffic out in front of Cam Ward while admitting just how well the young net minder played this evening. Aaron Ward seemed more frustrated than most, saying the B's accomplished "about 0%" of the things they set out to from game one.

Tim Thomas was a bit more lighthearted, saying this game, like the B's win in game one would likely be blown a bit out of proportion and now the focus is on going to steal one in Carolina. Zdeno Chara made no excuses for his turnover that led to Cullen's shorthanded goal, he said it was a bad play on his part, plain and simple. Still awaiting Claude Julien's trip to the podium...


9:53 PM (5:16 3rd) - Have to tip the cap to Cam Ward. After a Tim Gleason delay of game penalty gave the B's a *gulp* power play, the Bruins had their best set with the extra skater. Several great rebound tries in front of the net but Ward stopped them all, including a great pad save on a would be backhander from Lucic. I think it might just be his night. 32 saves on the evening...2-0 Canes.

9:45 PM (10:11 3rd) - Looks like my hunch on the initial signal being crucial in the LaRose no goal was pretty accurate. Here is the explanation from NHL.com:

"Hockey Operations reviewed the shot by Carolina's Larose to see if the puck was entirely across the goal line. The referee's call on the ice was no goal - therefore video review needed to determine conclusively that the puck was over the line. Video review determined that it was inconclusive as to whether the puck crossed the goal line in its entirety - no goal."

9:41 PM (12:36 3rd) - Small scuffle behind the Cam Ward net involving Chara and Lucic and a couple of Canes. Good skating this period as well but every scoring try for the B's is coming up empty. Savard was a hair behind a one timer try a few minutes ago, and PJ Axelsson found himself turned away on a couple close range tries. The action has been primarily in the B's offensive zone, with the SOG total now 27-22 in the Bruins favor, but still 2-0 Canes with time running low.

9:27 PM (2nd Intermission) - The Bruins are 0-3 on the power play but really that doesn't even begin to tell the story of how ineffective it's been. Big turnovers for Chara and Ward with the extra skater, the former leading to the SHG. Carolina is pressing the points and clearing the puck seemingly at will, and it's frustrating to see the Bruins struggle to get into a set. They're doing well to hit the net from the points, which is nice but not vital in a two point power play. I'd rather see more action in front of the net and perhaps the ability to control a rebound instead of "one shot and down the other end of the ice" which has come to define the B's man-up action so far. Can we take a page from football's playbook and decline the next Carolina penalty?

A few notes heading into period number three:
-the Bruins were 2-11-4 in the regular season when trailing after 2 periods
-the B's had just three scoreless periods in the play-offs before the two tonight
-Cullen's goal was the league's fourth shorthanded goal of the post-season

9:09 PM (0:00.2 2nd) - So much for good things, after a completely hapless power play, a neutral ice turnover gave LaRose a breakaway with he finished...orrrrr did he? The puck ping ponged around the red line and out which led to one of the longest reviews I've seen in awhile. After nearly 10 minutes, the official waved "no goal" but I honestly don't think he got it right. The overhead Versus camera had the puck on its side over the red line during its brief but eventful trip around the front of the cage. I think the fact that the initial signal was "no goal" helped the Bruins as it meant the evidence had to point to the contrary and the officials didn't feel it was conclusive enough. Or perhaps the video guy, like so many others, just doesn't get Versus. Either way, it's a massive break for the B's. For the record, nearly everyone in the press halo, friend and foe alike, thought Larose scored, and yet here we remain, 2-0 Carolina.

8:56 PM (5:58 2nd) - They just started playing the Nutty...aka the Bruins Minute music bed, I feel immediate good things coming on.

8:50 PM (8:31 2nd) - As the 2nd period moves along, I have to say I am pretty surprised at this turn of events. The B's have continued to look off on the power play, not only with Chara's turnover but also missing on a couple of close range opportunities such as Kobasew failing to put a stick on a rebound with a lot of net in his eye line. I feel like the Cane's, while playing well, aren't playing to the point where the Bruins should be trailing in this game. I know Carolina isn't physical, but I'd like to see the B's start to muscle it up a bit here in the latter stages of the period.

8:47 PM (11:19 2nd) - Matt Cullen just scored of an assist from Chad Larose and all of a sudden the Garden crowd is deathly silent. The tally came shorthanded. Zdeno Chara coughed it up with a lazy pass from the point and led to the SHG. 2-0 Carolina.


8:35 PM (17:30 2nd) - Well then, Joe Corvo just buried a slap shot from the left side, going high to beat Thomas. Give Eric Stahl the assist for his first point against the B's this season. He got tangled up with Chara in front of the net to leave Thomas vulnerable. 1-0 Canes.

8:29 PM (1st Intermission) - Scoreless first period but a well played one to be sure. Carolina seems to be on borrowed time, this could easily be 2 or 3 to nothing right now. We'll see how it plays out, but I'd feel pretty solid if I was Claude Julien. Timing still seems a hair off, but is it possible this team is playing better hockey now than during November and December?

8:09 PM (2:22 1st) - Not a whole lot to report on this one out of the ordinary, this is great skating so far for both teams. Clean game, though with some physicality, Thorton had a nice hit early in the game and Stephane Yelle wrecked Erick, no penalties yet and good scoring chances for the Bruins. Good play-off hockey. So far the loudest cheer of the night game for a guy wearing an undershirt that said I hate Peyton Manning. How can anyone hate the guy who cheers vehemently for insurance adjusters?!

7:58 PM (8:42 1st) - Couple more good chances for the B's, first a soft pass from Kessel skidded across the crease, then Lucic whiffed a turnaround one timer before being stoned by Ward on the rebound try...seconds later Bergeron had a great look at the net only to miss high into the glass. Still 0-0...but I'm guessing not for long.

7:52 PM (12:00 1st) - SOG 5-3 Canes at the moment, so far the game has been similar to game one (aside from the lack of a quick B's score): more chances for Carolina but better chances for Boston. The Bruins nearly caught Cam Ward out of the net moments ago when he stumbled behind the goal trying to play the puck. To the Canes credit, they've done well to protect the slot and clear the crease so far. David Krejci just whiffed on a one-timer try off a feed from Blake Wheeler as we remain scoreless.

Hello once again from the TD BankNorth Garden. I'm checking in just a few minutes late due to some pre-game commitments but happy to be high atop the Garden with the B's up a game in this best of seven that I personally don't see going longer than five.

Some pre-game notes (even though we are 5 minutes into a scoreless first period as I type this):
-Tim Thomas opposite Cam Ward in goal, no shock there...Thomas has won his last 11 games overall, finishing the regular season on a 6 game win streak before the current run of 5 in the play-offs
-Michael Ryder and Phil Kessel both have points in every play-off game so far
-6 skaters tied for the lead in post-season goals with 5, including Ryder, Eric Stahl of the 'Canes, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp from the Blackhawks, Sidney Crosby of the Pens and Mr. Alex Ovechkin from the Caps
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Bruins vs. Hurricanes Game One

9:44 PM (8:38 3rd) - I am declaring this one over and on my way back to Marina Bay a bit early. Still 4-1 B's, though I am feeling a 5-1 final.

9:38 PM (12:14 3rd) - Savard puts this one on ice with his second goal of the game, give Phil Kessel the assist. Mutli-point nights for both of them, 2 goals for Savy, 2 assists for Phil. 23 saves so far for Tim Thomas, he has been solid as a rock, but did we really expect anything else? 4-1 Bruins.

9:24 PM (Start of 3rd) - The Bruins are 3-0 in the post-season and 41-2-3 overall when leading after two periods, one of the better "closing" teams in the NHL. A couple other notes before we get started here in the 3rd frame, the B's are 4 for 18 on the power play in the post-season, 0-2 tonight. This one's over folks. Pacman is feeling a Recchi goal and I am feeling a Bruins win. (NOTE: In the interests of, you know, not tempting the wrath of whomever from wherever atop the mountain, I just knocked on some wood but good)

9:00 PM (5:00 2nd) - A minor scrape lands Chara in the penalty box for two minutes for roughing. He got into it with Erik Cole after some contact out in front of the Bruins net. Better not Alastair, he loves him some Cole. Savard came over and kind of tackled both of them in an awkward pig pile. As I type this, big open ice hit for Mark Stuart, the B's are taking control.

8:57 PM (7:15 2nd) - Make it 3-1 Bruins with Michael Ryder going top shelf to beat Ward with a wrist shot. No assist on this goal for Ryder who is tearing it up in the post-season, 9 points (5,4) in the four and a half games. 3-1 Good Guys.

8:49 PM (11:10 2nd) - This place nearly exploded, 2 on 1 for the B's but Blake Wheeler holds onto a feed for Krejci juuuuust a bit too long. This is what I mean by being a hair out of sync. The puck skids the crease and doesn't connect. One more note on the last goal, Kessel now has a point in all 5 play-off games this season for the B's.

8:48 PM (12:39 2nd) - Marc Savard backhands a rebound right past Ward (who had little to no chance) after Ward made the initial save on a tip by Lucic. Give Phil Kessel and assist as well. 3rd goal of the playoffs for Savy. 2-1 Bruins.

8:42 PM (14:40 2nd) - Awhile since my last post, distracted by random AM Sportscenter hosts milling about, envious of my solitary spot on the B's side of the barn. So far a fairly uneventful 2nd period, the Canes killed off a the B's power play with relative ease and aside from that there have been a few chances either way but none especially sexy. I slightly amend my "Bruins don't look rusty" comment to say that, while they aren't exactly rusty, they are just a hair off on some of their puck movement in transition. As a result, some of those good chances they've had are near misses rather than hits. Still 1-1, SOG 13-10 Carolina.


8:13 PM (1:10 1st) - Tough break for the B's, the rare "post goal for the other team power play." Jussi Jokinen scored on a wrister as Ryan Bayda clearly interfered with Thomas. However the interference came after the goal beat Thomas blocker side and therefore the B's go on the power play with the score tied at 1. Give Bayda the assist (in more ways than one) and add a helper for Joni Pitkanen as well.

8:06 PM (3:43 1st) - Most of Carolina's shots on goal have been easy saves for Thomas. He was tested a moment ago with a rebound that literally knocked him on his ass. Luckily the puck went over the net and bought him some time to get to his feet. The B's came back in transition with a 2 on 1 with Kessel feeding Montador but Cam Ward came up with a nice pad save to his left. SOG 9-5 Carolina.

7:55 PM (11:10 1st) - Tuomo Ruutu just got cross checked by the cross bar as Thomas stuffed him point blank on a quasi breakaway. Tought times for Tuomo. The current quandry in my mind is whether I could get swine flu from using the public rest room behind me. A number of good chances for the B's so far but not much on net, Carolina has the 7-3 shot edge. Still 1-0 Bruins.

7:50 PM (13:40 1st) - First power play for the B's. Two minute hook on Ray Whiteney. Right before the play was blown dead, Mark Recchi delivered a big hit into the glass and moments before that, Chuck Kobasew did the same, physical play from the B's who look anything but rusty.

7:47 PM (15:26 1st) - Near miss for Krejci in a 4 on 3. His one timer was sticked aside by Ward, but already two great shifts for the Ryder, Krejci, Lucic line.

7:43 PM (18:26 1st) - Well, that didn't take long. David Krejci beats Cam ward with helpers from Aaron Ward and Michael Ryder. Ryder is one of two Bruins (Kessel the other) to have points in all 4, and now make it 5, play-off games this season. He's also scored a goal in three straight, and the assist here was his 8th total point (4,4). 1-0 Bruins

Hello from the TD Bank North Garden where the B's and 'Canes are just underway. The electricity in the building is palpable. Thousands of yellow towels waving, a giant "B" banner making its way around the crowd, and not an empty seat to be found. Should be a fun series, especially from the Bruins perspective.
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Kevin Pelton, Basketball Prospectus

Another weekly chat with Kevin Pelton from Basketball Prospectus and it couldn't come at a better time. The Celtics and Bulls are locked up in an epic battle, the Magic losing Dwight Howard with a chance to knock off the Sixers, and the Hornets trying to bounce back from a crushing game four loss.

Who will emerge from the Celtics-Bulls battle? Is the finals destined to be LeBron versus Kobe? Will the Hornets come back to make a series of it? Have we seen the last of the Spurs dynasty? Kevin tackles all of this...and more.

Mark Carmen, WGN Radio Chicago

Mark Carmen from WGN radio in Chicago stops by the show once again to discuss the team he covers, the Chicago Bulls. Mark weighs in on how much the team has been getting from John Salmons, what Chicago thinks of Rajon Rondo, and what the Bulls have to do to ultimately win this series.

Mark goes on to chat about the future of the Bulls as Ben Gordon approaches the end of his walk year and Chicago tries to take the next step from middle of the road team to the upper tier in the Eastern Conference. Most of all, Mark and the Guns talk about just how good a gosh darn series this has been.