Remember how the other day I quoted my friend Marissa who suggested that since we weren’t going to have Tarasenko over here for the 2011-12 season that we start signing people?

Guess the Blues listened.

I am pretty pumped that Berglund is coming back. I know there has been all sorts of speculation about his ability to be a dominating center without the influence of TJ Oshie. His numbers while Teej was gone with his ankle injury and the numbers once the Mayor came back definitely encourage that type of thinking.

Or they did.

Bergy’s performance in the IIHF World Championships was the type of thing that every Blues fan I know was waiting for. We’ve known what kind of potential he’s had since his rookie season, but the slump he faced after that had a lot of people disheartened. Yet being named to the tournament’s All-Star team and playing the way he did (second in points, goals, and plus/minus) was the shot of life that everyone was looking for.

On top of being thrilled with his showing after the regular season, I’m pretty pumped that the Blues decided to sign him to a contract that makes sense. A two-way contract reported by Lou Korac to be worth $2.25MM per year, Technoviking will be an RFA following the 2012-13 season. Instead of an inflated contract due to his IIHF play, he got a contract that will allow the Blues to sign others around him, keeping the core of this team young and capable and FULL OF POTENTIAL.

Bergy, I’m glad to see you sticking around. October cannot come fast enough.

I’m going to take a post to get us back to our team for a bit. There isn’t really anything to  report on the Blues front, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about them.

Sometime soon (the date has yet to be set), this whole network will be putting up playlists for our teams. Nothing fancy, just some songs that remind us of our boys. I don’t know about you guys, but I REALLY miss them. I adore the Bruins, but it’s just not the same.

Here’s what I need from you guys. SUGGESTIONS. I would love to have your input. What song reminds you of this team? What song would you like to play for them on the days they seem to forget how to play? What song would you say best describes the team? And why? That’s the important part. Tell me WHY you’re choosing the song(s) you are.

Leave me a comment, shoot me an email (youremyboysblues [at] gmail [dot] com), message me on Twitter, whatever. I want your input!

So, hop to it!

LET’S GO BLUES!! (oh man, it feels good to type that again.

• I love goalies.
• Like, really, really love goalies.
• I want to hug Roloson because he was so awesome.
• This just….wow.
• Stamkos. Ouch.
• No, seriously, I love Tim Thomas.
• I can’t even.
• This was the best game I have ever seen. Ever.
• I really can’t even write coherently right now.
• Wow.

Today’s game made me do this:

And then it made me feel like this guy:

But then I thought about it.

Add 2011 to that list, boys. Take Game Seven. Get this done.

I cannot wait until it’s the Blues’ turn.

Images found here, here, and here.

This morning Blues fans found out news we’d all been waiting on for ages.

Over the last year, I’ve heard/read more times than I can count, “How awesome will it be to get Tarasenko over here?” Alas, that dream is no more.

Announced today (dated tomorrow?) on Russian Prospects, and expounded on by Jeremy Rutherford, it appears that there is one fewer forward to worry about when it comes to contract negotiations, as Tank will stay in the KHL for the 2011-12 season.

So what does that mean? Well, I think my friend Marissa said it best.

Amen, Marissa. Amen.

I find when I watch a game like todays,
I find myself ignoring well-though-out plays
I’m drawn more to the mistakes and the scraps,
The penalties, hits, and even mishaps

The game started with the Bolts putting Smith in the net
Which caused quite a few of the fanbase to fret
But they shouldn’t have worried, he did better than great
He should not be the target of so much hate

In the first he faced all of four shots
I’ve seen better performance from the intermission tots
At the Center of Scottrade, you know the ones
I’m rambling, I’m sorry, back to the fun

The B’s were asleep for the first twenty
And the Bolts shot on goal, well, they were plenty
But Timmy’s a beast, a monster, a wall
And one goal from Gagne was scored, that is all

After the first, the Bruins woke up
Realizing this game was their way to the Cup
They locked it up, shook it off, got their heads in the game
Though from the looks of things, the Bolts did the same

The penalties came, the goals they did not
Today both teams’ powerplay was shot
Four-on-three, five-on-four, powerplay, well
Then  Horton and Marchand got shots in. Swell

The third was just scary when cheering for the B’s
A collective cry went up, “Oh please!”
For if they could hold on to the lead it would mean
One more win, just one, in between

Tonight and the finals, the ultimate quest
To determine which team is truly the best
And hold on they did, in miraculous fashion
Though the Bolts to the net were totally crashin

Smith stopped a ton in the other goal
Standing on his head, blocking his five-hole
Yet Timmy was better, he was a complete star
He is my favorite goalie by far

These goalie battles, they make the playoffs amazing
Even Smith seemed like shots against him weren’t fazing
But the Lightning got desperate, and pulled him from net
Which allowed the empty net goal to Peverly to set

It set in the hearts, in the minds of the fans
For one more win could ruin their plans
Of making it to the finals, of holding the Cup,
Of skating around while holding it up

This series is crazy, amazing, grand
It’s better hockey than I had planned
Officiating sucks, that’s nothing new
But these teams, they know just what to do

One more game, maybe two til the end
Of the Eastern Conference Finals, and then
On to the Cup, get ready, let’s do this
This next game or two, you won’t want to miss.

I learned yesterday that my brain is a failure. FAILURE. Let me tell you why.

Yesterday the Bruins played the Bolts. Like any normal Saturday game it was in the afternoon. Smart people know this. I am apparently not smart, or was very distracted, or…I don’t even know what. But there I was, driving to do family stuff, when I thought about what time the game would start, and at a stoplight, was reminded that in fact the game had started a half an hour prior.

Well crap.

There I go, not knowing anything about the game, forgetting to have set my DVR, and I immediately sent Sarah a text telling her to keep me posted.

I was told the B’s were up 3-0. Sweet! Maybe I could have some really easy recaps, no big deal.

Then I received this:

“Um. 5-3 Bolts win.”

You have GOT to be kidding me.

I mean, what? How did that even happen? I found out with this text.

” Sighhhhhhhh I hate Simon Gagne.”

And then I found Alexis’s post at Sons of Andreychuk. Wow. I’m kind of glad I wasn’t watching that roller coaster.

I guess all this is saying is that I’m sorry I suck for not getting a Bruins perspective. I will DEFINITELY be around for tomorrow’s game, which is at 7pm CST on Versus in case you were wondering, and will then be able to add my legitimate two cents. Until then, GO B’S!!!

Oh man. Today I got home a little later than I expected, which made me miss the first nine minutes. Then Globe and Mail’s Twitter decided to cause an absolute uproar by claiming that the Thrashers-to-Winnipeg deal was done. That tweet and the surrounding hullabaloo is pretty much the reason I’m all “Um, what second period?”

Anyway, because this wasn’t a game that had me all riveted and biting my nails, here’s a list of things I know about it.

• Krej-face scored in the first. He has six goals in seven games which is the best stretch of his NHL career (thanks to Sarah for this info).
• The second period was able to disappear just like Boston’s powerplay in the playoffs has.
• Tim Thomas is the big, bad bossman and looked SO comfortable in the net today. And he pulled off his second career playoff shutout, so that’s cool.
• The announcer’s comment that “Tyler Seguin has the hot stick here” made me snort because it was so dirty.
• Adding to that, Tyler Seguin does have a pretty hot stick with the credit for the second goal today.
• Any time I try to type “Seguin,” I end up typing “sequin.” I do not think that the rookie is that sparkly, so if you see me say Sequin one day, I mean Seguin.
• The third period was kind of boring.
• I wish Eric Brewer played for the Blues the way he’s playing for the Bolts.
• I’m glad to see Patrice Bergeron back.
• I think it’s hilarious that our Bergy and the Bruins’ Bergie have such similar first names. (I am editing this particular point. It has been mentioned that Bergeron is referred to as BergY. Berglund, from what I understand, has BergY on his gloves. Color me confused)
• Because of this win, I am now owed two whole beers due to a bet I made after game one. I consider this excellent.
• Gary Bettman is a douchecanoe.

Did I miss anything important? Probably. But, well, I have game four to make up for it right? Right.

While many 19 year olds are finishing up their freshman year of college (or maybe getting ready to graduate from high school, for those who forgot to go to class and had credits to make up), Tyler Seguin had the game of his young life.

Let me say that again: 19-year-old, second-in-the-draft Tyler Seguin put together a personal highlight reel in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals with 2 goals and 2 assists. His 4 points were the most scored by a teenager in the NHL playoffs to date.

Talk about dreams come true.

If you’re after a quick summary, here it is: Tampa jumped up and bit Boston early. Boston owned the second period. Tampa Bay fought back in the third, but a very determined Bruins team (in front of an even more determined Tim Thomas in goal) stopped them. Boston came out ahead 6 – 5.

If you’re after a little more detail (with some random thoughts and strangeness thrown in), here is my blow-by-blow reaction to the game.

Period The First

• Shoot, I’m late. Stupid school.
• TAMPA ALREADY SCORED?! Grrrrr.  (For the record, Adam Hall scored 13 seconds into the game, according to NHL.com. Sheesh.)
• Boys are getting a little lippy! Nice, this should be entertaining.
• Bruins get a power play on the heels of some slightly illegal acrobatics.
• Well, that PP was somewhat underwhelming.
• WOW what a save by Roloson…and now an interference call on Tampa. Back to the power play. Let’s spice it up this time, eh, boys?
• Ooh ooh ooh, 5-on-3!
• Wow ok much better on the pressure, guys. Roloson is just outstanding.
• Did I mention Roloson’s outstandingness?
• Dennis Seidenberg with the power play goal!! He would not give up on the play. Excellent. (Later this was credited to Nathan Horton, and Seidenberg got the assist.)
• Well, if you’re gonna commit a penalty, you should NOT do so right in front of the ref. TB power play.
• I like this Boston-being-in-the-Bolts-end-during-a-PP thing. This can continue.
• Steve Downie has to fully extend his arm to hit Zdeno Chara in the head. Bahaha.
• Martin St. Louis barely redirects a great shot by speedy Stamkos that goes into the net with seven seconds left.  Perhaps Boston should be especially vigilant at these times. 2 – 1 Tampa.
• Stats: Boston leads in shots 18 – 11. Lecavalier is thus far the high scorer with two assists.  Sadly, Bolts lead 2 – 1.

Period The Second

• A full 30 seconds and no Tampa Bay goal. Nice start.
• 19:12, and Tyler Seguin scores on Roloson. That was gorgeous skating and a great shot.
• WOW. A minute and a half later, and David Krejci redirects a shot in behind Roloson. 3 – 2 Boston.
• Timmy Thomas’ chance to demonstrate outstandingness against Ryan Malone. Beautiful.
• 13:30, Tyler Seguin gets another. Even more beautiful. 4 – 2 Bruins.
• Tampa on the power play…oh hey look it’s a Lecavalier goal. Not such a terrific moment for Thomas. 4 – 3 Bruins.
• All. Hell. Broke. Loose. Er, Ryder broke loose, anyway. Within two and a half minutes Michael Ryder scored a power play and full strength goal. Sweet. 6 – 3 Bruins.
• WOW. Incredible second period. Fun hockey to watch.
• Stats: Tampa outshot Boston 14 – 8 on the period. Tyler Seguin is stealing the show with the most goals (2) and most points (4). Vincent Lecavalier and Nathan Horton are tied with three points each. Michael Ryder also has 2 goals.
• Bonus Stat: Seguin is the only teenager to score 4 points in a playoff game.

Period The Third

• Tampa jumped on the Bruins, but Boston managed to tighten up.
• Aw, Roloson was replaced in goal by Mike Smith. Tough to argue, but man did Roloson have a great start.
• Steven Stamkos with an absolutely gorgeous shot past Tim Thomas. Crazy good. 6 – 4 Bruins.
• Thomas stifles one of the only really solid Tampa scoring chances. Nicely done.
• ….and again.
• Excuse me, Mr. Horton, sir? I’m fairly sure that penalty was unwise.
• Thomas is getting shelled on the ensuing Bolts power play, but so far holding steady. Impressive.
• Whew. Bruins escaped unscathed.
• Huh…well, that was strange. Iffy first shot, Bolts don’t give up and keep digging until the goal is a sure thing. Dominic Moore puts the score at 6 – 5 Bruins.
• Power play for the Bruins…come on, boys.
• No luck on the power play, but at least they didn’t give up a short-handed goal. (Gotta look at the positive, right?)
• SDLKFJ WERIMLKS:ALKFJ. Chaos. Utter chaos.
• Wow the Bolts have some great pressure early…whoops, never mind. Boston got the puck, dumped it, and chased it into the Bolts end. That’s gonna do it, folks…
• BOSTON BRUINS WIN 6 – 5!!!

Stats Roundup

• 16 penalty minutes on Tampa, 12 on Boston
• Tampa Bay led the Bruins in shots on goal, 41 – 35.
• Tampa goalie Mike Smith was perfect through his one period of play.
• Tampa Bay leaders: Vincent Lecavalier (4 pts), Steven Stamkos (3 pts), and Adam Hall (2 pts).
• Boston leaders: Tyler Seguin (4 pts), Nathan Horton (3 pts), and Michael Ryder (3 pts).

This was a significantly better effort by the Bruins than what they put forth in Game 1. They will have to keep playing with this much energy to beat the Lightning in the long run. More vigilance would be good; those quick goals by Tampa Bay have got to stop.

Congratulations to Tyler Seguin and the Boston Bruins. Keep it up, boys, and you just might squeak through to the Stanley Cup finals.

The other day something occurred to me. I am writing about the Bruins. I am cheering for the Bruins. I am hoping the Bruins take this entire shebang.

I will not be upset if the Lightning win.

The only thing I actually care about is that Lord Stanley’s Cup is raised by an Eastern Conference team this year.

My disdain for the Canucks combined with my “On Principle” cheering against San Jose (until Perry gets back….come on Frenchie, get better soon!) means that the Western Conference is dead to me.

Actually, it was dead after the first round. You take the previous paragraph and join it with my absolute abhorrence of the Red Wings and my inability to cheer for yet another Central Division team (sorry, Shea Weber’s beard), well, I’ve been looking at the Eastern Conference to save me for quite some time.

I am having an absolute BLAST doing so.

We’re all aware the Western Conference is a much tougher conference. That’s been apparent for ages. But that makes me like them more. Underdog cheering!!

By the way, no one better give me that shit about the Canucks being any sort of underdog, what with their President’s Trophy, their Vezina nominee, their Jack Adams nominee, and their Hart nominee. I’m just saying.

There’s really no point to all of this except to say I love the ECF. It makes me happy.

Though now I have beers riding on the Bruins winning, so they’d better hop to it.