Some interesting facts:

Since Chara signed in Boston way back in 2006, he had missed only 20 games – and only 11 of those were due to injury. Without him, one of the best teams in the league won eight times and lost 12 (8-7-5), well below a playoff pace.

But if you extend that analysis to when Chara’s been on the ice and when he hasn’t, his absence is even more glaring. The last seven years, the Bruins have scored nearly 60 per cent of the goals at even strength when Chara has been on the ice, the rough equivalent to outscoring the opposition a goal a game every game for a full season.

They’ve also been a 55-per-cent possession team, which is as elite as it gets over that kind of extended time frame.

Without him, they’ve been close to average, even with all their other talent, barely outscoring teams and barely outpossessing them (50.7 per cent).

They haven't done that badly without Chara (although they pissed away a 3-1 lead tonight). At least they are scoring. We just have to shore up defense.

Wow. Look who's a Bruins fan:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1415327515.jpg

But he is a die hard Habs fan...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1415354807.jpg

Looks like they might be bumped by Ottawa.....

The B's can't end it now!!! Too much snow for golf!!!

Woulda been kinda cool to see Stamkos beat the crap outta "rat-face" - that should antagonize Joe a wee bit - Go Leafs !!

Cheers
JB

The Bruins suck this year. Sad but true.

If you look up suck in the dictionary you will see the Toronto Maple Leaf's organization.

At least you're still in reasonable striking distance. My guys are in 12th!!

... Reduced Maple Leafs tickets on secondary market - Sportsnet.ca

Toronto has all the tools and no toolbox...
(Actually a modified Don Cherry quote about a former Calgary Player, Michel Petit.)

Flames are hanging on to a playoff spot by their fingernails. Good young crew and they are well coached. Much more fun to watch than the Flames of just a few years ago.

The Bruins have been manic/depressive.
One minute 8-1-1
The next 0-6-1

That is combination with the Sens being on fire at the right time and it ain't looking good for the bears. Worst of all, my wife is a Ranger fan and getting a lot of laughs.

Playoff picture is becoming more focused.
Flames dispatched the reigning Cup champions and hung on to third place in the Pacific. Last time in the real season was 2009. Great season for a young team that wasn't expected to be above 500.

The east wildcard spots should clear up in the next day or two.

The schedule makers must be happy with their work this year. Pretty exciting finish to the regular season across the league.

Never like the Sen's (my team got 25 Stanley Cups to their name...) but boy, if they make the series that is the turn around of the century and Hammond got himself a multi million contract coming up.

Kings out. I am shocked. :eek:

They cut it too close this year.....

I am half hoping the Bruins don't get into the playoffs this year.

Put them out of their misery. :mad:

Boston seems done. Ottawa and Pittsburgh are probably in. If the Pens can't beat Buffalo then they don't deserve to be in the playoffs, and Ottawa seems destined to get in...

Elmer Fudd won't be coaching the Bruins next year.

Well Ottawa did it and they might even finish third...

Maybe the Sens will give the Canadians a run in the first round?? Could be a team of destiny. Bruins are out, yeah Baby!!!!!!!!!