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Examining the Bruins deadline moves

Posted 2012/02/28 By Benti

Brian Rolston is about to start a second stint with the Boston Bruins

After a month of speculation involving trade deadline rumors including everyone from Rick Nash to Bobby Ryan to Tuukka Rask to Dustin Brown and even Tim Thomas, the NHL trade deadline came and went with very little fanfare for the Boston Bruins.

That’s not to say they weren’t successful on deadline day. The Bruins, at one point this season an unstoppable juggernaut on both offense and defense, have stumbled somewhat recently. Their offense has a little less bite, thanks in no small part to missing both forwards Nathan Horton (concussion syndromes) and Rich Peverley (MCL injury) and the defense hasn’t looked nearly as good as they did back in the months of December and November. General Manager Peter Chiarelli took an opportunity to give the Bruins a little bit more depth and acquired defenseman Mike Mottau and forward Brian Rolston from the New York Islanders and defenseman Greg Zannon from the Minnesota Wild.

Sure, no huge names, but the Boston Bruins did exactly what they set out to do at the trade deadline which was acquire depth for a roster clearly needing it.

After the jump, taking a closer look at the Boston Bruins’ deadline moves Read the remainder of this entry »

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Projecting the Boston Celtics Second Half

Posted 2012/02/27 By Benti

Rajon Rondo give the Celtics the best chance to make the playoffs, but do Celtics fans really want to get to there?

If you are a fan of the Boston Celtics and are currently happy with this basketball team, raise your hand now.

(Looks around)

(Looks around some more)

Oh, no one is happy. Can’t say I’m surprised by that.

Currently, the Boston Celtics sit at 15-17, good for the eight seed in the Eastern Conference. In a shortened season that started as the last ride of the Celtics Big Three of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett has slowly morphed into “The Charge of the Light Brigade” where the entire team dies before it even reaches the end. It’s obvious things are bad in Boston when the Cleveland Cavaliers are two games back of the Celtics for the final playoff spot.

I will say that again. If the Boston Celtics lose two games and the Cavaliers win two games, the Boston Celtics will be out of the playoff picture and last years worst team in the NBA will be in the playoff picture.

Yep, things aren’t good.

After the jump, a closer look at what’s gone wrong and what the Celtics can do to fix it

Read the remainder of this entry »

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Thoughts I thought: Celtics lose to Mavericks, I start playing with the trade machine

Posted 2012/02/20 By Benti

The only thoughts I have on this game is that I only have one potential trade in the trade machine right now:

 

Clippers get a true two guard who is also a veteran leader and another big man for their shallow front court. Celtics get cap space and two highish potential players. Who says no? I think it’s the Celtics, but I’m not sure.

This is what I have been reduced too. If you have any other trades, let me know.

2 Comments so far. Join the Conversation
  • Benti posted on 2012/02/21
    Atlanta wouldn't do that because I think they value Smith over Rondo. I also think I'm the only one that ...
  • Roberto posted on 2012/02/21
    KG, Rondo, Stiemer and Moore to GS for David Lee, Ellis, and Biedrins. We get value for rondo, Golden state ...
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Potential Wideouts for the New England Patriots

Posted 2012/02/20 By Benti

Mike Wallace might be a player the Patriots target this spring

The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful passing teams over the past two seasons. Led by quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots have been efficient and deadly. Their up-tempo, often no-huddle offense has been difficult for teams to prepare for and has resulted in an offense that was first in points scored in 2010-11 and one that was third in points scored in 2011-12.

The scariest part about the offense? The passing game could still get better.

The Patriots have made their bread on utilizing weapons such as Wes Welker, Deion Branch, and Danny Woodhead, small, quick receivers who are adept at route running and finding open spots in the defense. They also have brought along young tight-ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez who have quickly become two of the hardest players to guard in the entire National Football League.

Yet,  something has been missing from this offense. Not since the Patriots traded Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings at the trade-deadline during the 2010 have the New England Patriots possessed anything that could be considered a deep-threat by NFL standards. Sure, players such as the previously mentioned Gronkowski have been good at getting open in the middle depth ranges – the fifteen to twenty yard range – there has been no player that the Patriots could simply point to and say “go deep”. Outside of defensive needs (something we will get into later) it is the Patriots biggest need for an off-season set to begin March 13th.

Thankfully, a couple of players are available for the New England Patriots to chase and will have upwards of $20 million in cap-space to sign their own free agents and chase other players.

After the jump, some players that the Patriots might be after Read the remainder of this entry »

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