2008 Woodie Awards
Bruins should break into Boston sports spotlight
Dan Ryan
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Sports
For the past few years, the Boston Bruins have been the ugly stepchild on the Hub sports scene, out of sight and, for many, out of mind. The Red Sox have won the World Series twice since 2004, and the Patriots have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy three times since 2001.
Meanwhile, the Bruins have struggled to maintain relevance, failing to make the playoffs in 05-06 and 06-07, and suffering embarrassing defeats in their two prior playoff appearances, both versus the hated Montreal Canadiens.
Amidst this lack of success, the team has been in a state of turmoil. Star player and franchise building block Joe Thornton was traded (for little return), only to flourish in San Jose. New coaches were brought in, and were sent packing just as quickly. The team has also gone through numerous front office changes, including the firing of their general manager.
However, things for the Black and Gold appear to be headed in the right direction. In the last calendar year alone, the city of Boston saw a World Series parade, the resurgent Boston Celtics bring home their 17th NBA Championship, and the Patriots become the first NFL team to ever go 16-0. Lost in the shuffle of all of the hardware Boston teams were bringing home was the quiet resurgence of hockey down on Causeway Street.
The 2007-2008 season for the Boston Bruins started out as one of questions, and ended as one of hope and optimism. Claude Julien, unceremoniously fired as coach of the New Jersey Devils mere games before the team was to begin the playoffs, was brought in to completely revamp the team.
Goalie Manny Fernandez was brought in from Minnesota to pair up with Tim Thomas to give the Bruins a two-headed option in net, solidifying what had been an abhorrent defense. Young talent was blooming, and there was reason to believe the B's could make some noise, and would at least be entertaining to watch.
All of that changed on Oct. 27, 2007, when the Bruins best young player, Patrice Bergeron, had his season, and nearly his career, derailed by a Grade-III concussion. Bergeron would miss the rest of the season, and the Bruins, already thin on offense, were in trouble.
Meanwhile, the Bruins have struggled to maintain relevance, failing to make the playoffs in 05-06 and 06-07, and suffering embarrassing defeats in their two prior playoff appearances, both versus the hated Montreal Canadiens.
Amidst this lack of success, the team has been in a state of turmoil. Star player and franchise building block Joe Thornton was traded (for little return), only to flourish in San Jose. New coaches were brought in, and were sent packing just as quickly. The team has also gone through numerous front office changes, including the firing of their general manager.
However, things for the Black and Gold appear to be headed in the right direction. In the last calendar year alone, the city of Boston saw a World Series parade, the resurgent Boston Celtics bring home their 17th NBA Championship, and the Patriots become the first NFL team to ever go 16-0. Lost in the shuffle of all of the hardware Boston teams were bringing home was the quiet resurgence of hockey down on Causeway Street.
The 2007-2008 season for the Boston Bruins started out as one of questions, and ended as one of hope and optimism. Claude Julien, unceremoniously fired as coach of the New Jersey Devils mere games before the team was to begin the playoffs, was brought in to completely revamp the team.
Goalie Manny Fernandez was brought in from Minnesota to pair up with Tim Thomas to give the Bruins a two-headed option in net, solidifying what had been an abhorrent defense. Young talent was blooming, and there was reason to believe the B's could make some noise, and would at least be entertaining to watch.
All of that changed on Oct. 27, 2007, when the Bruins best young player, Patrice Bergeron, had his season, and nearly his career, derailed by a Grade-III concussion. Bergeron would miss the rest of the season, and the Bruins, already thin on offense, were in trouble.
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