Jessica Belmosto

I shouldn’t be blogging right now. I have an exam at 9am and know basically nothing on the study guide. The urge to write will always overpower the urge to study. I was watching the Bruins tonight and realized how special this season has been. There has been a charm to this team since what seems like the start. Goalie controversy and a whole bunch of rookies would lead this team to where they are now and where they’re going.

Tuukka Rask was fighting for his job in November. He closed out October with a .896 save percentage. It was like he couldn’t stop a puck to save his life. It wasn’t long before backup goalie Anton Khudobin was in net what seemed to be every night. This sparked the most frustrating debate. Should Rask lose his job as a starting goalie? You were either for Dobby as your starter or Team Rask all the way. Listen, I’m not the most knowledgeable hockey fan but I have a brain. You cannot blame the entire thing on Rask. He has a defense playing in front of him. I wish people would realize that. It’s easy to blame a goalie but there’s no reason to ignore what’s right in front of your eyes. I believe Rask needed that push. He needed to see that there is someone out there who can do his job. Rask came back with a vengeance. I don’t think there’s any reason to doubt him now.

The chemistry between the guys on this team blows my mind. You can tell it’s not just an on the ice thing. They mesh too well. My heart was set on Andres Bjork having an outstanding rookie season. Sadly, it just didn’t catch. He’s out on injury now and for the rest of the season. There’s always hope for next year! If you aren’t on the Charlie McAvoy train, you’re missing out. The kid is 20 and has 32 points on the season. The kid is a stud. He goes out there and plays his hardest night after night.There’s not a doubt in my mind that once he’s back, he’ll be stronger than before. Jake DeBrusk is nasty. He goes out there and gets the job done. He’s on top of the puck and knows where to take it. I didn’t expect him to have the season he’s having. I kind of adopted him once he scored his first goal and saw his dad cry. ( total softie moment, I know ) He’s been out for the past few weeks with an injury. There hasn’t been much talk about him returning to practice so my anxiety is up a bit. Is it more serious than they’re letting on? Danton Heinen is another one that’s stood out to me this year. He played eight games last season and has played 68 this season.  42 points on the season the 22 year old has certainly made a name for himself. I feel like you can go out there and expect something good from him. I could go on and on about how much I love these guys. The fact of the matter is that this team has never been too young to get the job done.

We’ve seen a gallant effort from the veterans as well. Marchand has gone out time and time again and secured those two points. I’m sure he’ll continue to put those numbers up with his partner in crime back. Patrice Bergeron was a strong contender for MVP before he went down with a fractured right foot. A whopping 54 points on the season… The dude is an animal. A well rested Bergy for the playoffs is what this team needed. David Backes has had a hell of a season as well. He goes out there and plays for his life. I’ve never seen anyone complain about him being too slow or not doing enough. He’s a well rounded player. The three game suspension tried to slow him down. Unfortunately, that wasn’t what stopped him. A laceration to the knee has put his season on hold for now. According the Bruins official twitter account, he’s not too far off from skating again.

This team as a whole has done so well. I could dissect this team for hours but unfortunately, it’s late and this blog is already getting long. I’m sure the playoffs are right around the corner and I can’t wait. Players are coming off injury and it’s perfect timing. I love this team. The anxiety of watching them in March isn’t what it used to be. Bruce Cassidy turned this team into something magical.  Let’s go get the cup!

**Okay so I definitely was exhausted when I wrote this. I just wanted to add Ryan Donato to this list. The kid is taking classes at Harvard while playing in the NHL. I know some people don’t agree with this or are tired of hearing about it. I can barely manage a part time job and classes at a community college. Donato has some serious work ethic and all the power to him.