November 21, 2007

Pre-Thanksgiving Confessions and Shockers

For starters, CONGRATULATIONS to Tuukka Rask on his first NHL game and his first NHL win. As many of you know, I am a huge Andrew Raycroft fan, and more than that, I am a dedicated fan. If you are someone I respect and admire, and even more if I feel that people are not giving you a chance, I will defend you up and down until I am blue in the face. This has never been more apparent than with Andrew Raycroft. I have taken criticism from friends and strangers alike and while I will never back down on the fact that I think Boston gave him a bum deal during his last season with us, this holiday season I am going to say a few things that will shock many.

Shocker #1: I think the Andrew Raycroft trade was a good one. While it seemed last season we gave Raycroft up for nothing (Tuukka was not able to join the Boston organization until this season), it is as they say that all good things are worth waiting for. With that said, I think that Rask is a phenomenal goaltender! He has remarkable talent and great reflexes which combined make him nasty in the net. Because he is still so young I think that his talent and athleticism will continue to improve over the years making him an even bigger weapon. Despite his talent, I feel bad for Rask. When talking to Boston fans, a majority seem to have a positive outlook in regards to the young goaltender. They did not know what to expect though I would venture to say many will be pleased after last night's 4 - 2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Providence however is a different story. Fans seem to either love him or hate him. The sad part about the hating of him is that it is not because he is not talented, it is because he is not Jordan Sigalet. A lot of fans are resentful of Rask because when in Providence he gets a majority of the playing time...playing time that many feel Sigalet has earned after spending several years with the team and putting in a lot of hard work. Other people do not seem to like him because they think he is not going to live up to the hype. Not that it matters much, but you are going to get my opinion anyway....cause you know I am opinionated about everything!

I think Jordan Sigalet has worked very hard and I hate seeing him passed over when it comes to playing time. I was thrilled that he got called up to Boston and disappointed that he did not get to play! I think he is a strong goaltender with a lot of talent and a winning personality to boot. He is gracious to all of his fans and that goes a tremendous distance in my book! I would be tickled pink to see him be the starting goaltender in Providence. A position I believe he has worked hard for and earned.

I think Tuukka Rask is very talented and is a wonderful addition to out team. I was excited that he too was called up to Boston and very excited that he got to not only start his first NHL game, but won his first NHL game stopping 30 of 32 shots. I would never begrudge him an opportunity in Boston, nor would I begrudge him playing time in Providence. I believe the Bruins organization has a bright future in Rask.

As for Mike Brown, well, I think I was quoted the other night as saying that I wish Providence could have three goaltenders on their roster. I have been a fan of Mike Brown for a while now and was thrilled that he has had the opportunity to play with Providence this season. I think he has matured as a goaltender over the past year and have been impressed by his level of play thus far.

While on the subject of goaltenders, how a bit on Manny Fernandez? I know he has a history of injuries. I know that he is presently injured. I know that Boston needs a reliable goaltender with has skill and who can stay healthy. However, I am also a believer in giving people a chance! I know this is a hockey site, but I am going to take you to the baseball word for a moment. Two seasons ago many people were disappointed in Josh Beckett saying that he was not living up to the hype. In case anyone did not notice, this past season he was the ALCS MVP. While on the subject, what about Mike Lowell? The man was believed to be a throw in just to get the Beckett deal done. He ended up being the World Series MVP and one of the most beloved members of the Boston Red Sox. Both of these players played a huge role in the team not only making it to, but winning the World Series. This is why I say that you need to give players a chance. Sometimes the first year is not the greatest. It can involve injuries and taking time to getting used to a new system, a new team, a new city and a new type of fans. Nor do I think it is fair to hate on a player just because you have another favorite. This brings me to...

Shocker #2: Tim Thomas. I have always said that I liked Tim Thomas as a person but not as a goaltender. This is in part because I was bitter over the way Raycroft was treated and I hated the way Boston glorified Thomas saying he was the only reason Boston played better during the second half of the 2005-2006 season. I did not think that was fair statement as the team took on a few new players and started working together and playing like a team. Remember that memorable Bergeron, Boyes and Sturm line? Over time I have learned it is not fair to resent a goalie because he took my favorite's place on the team. So this year, I made the pledge to embrace Tim Thomas as a goalie. I have done just that. Even though there have been moments when the frustration rears its head, I have a lot of respect for Tim Thomas as a person and a goaltender. In retrospect, Tim has done a lot for this team and much as I wanted to blame him, he was in no way responsible for the situation with Raycroft! Like Sigalet, Thomas has put in his time and worked hard. I think Thomas deserves the opportunity he has been given. Some day I would like to see Sigalet, Rask and Brown all have the very same opportunity and the same success that Thomas has had.

I know, I know...you never expected me to say that I am content with the Raycroft trade or that I have mutated into a Thomas fan....but don't you worry, I will leave it at that for today! So pick your jaws up off the floor :) As I close, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Letters of love, lust, or disagreement can be sent to rlord (at) soveryobsessed.com

by Rebecca | 1:26 PM | 0
filed under: 07-08 season || boston bruins || providence bruins