Conor Ryan: Boston Bruins players who will make biggest impact in NHL Playoffs
Conor Ryan from the Boston Globe delved into the Boston Bruins’ preparations for the NHL playoffs. During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy radio program, Conor Ryan from the Boston Globe…
Apr 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center John Beecher (19) and Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) grab each others jerseys during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Conor Ryan from the Boston Globe delved into the Boston Bruins' preparations for the NHL playoffs.
During this morning's Toucher & Hardy radio program, Conor Ryan from the Boston Globe delved into the Boston Bruins' preparations for the NHL playoffs. He highlighted the team's recent successes against strong opponents such as the Carolina Panthers and the Florida Panthers, pointing out their resilience and the contributions of less celebrated players. Ryan also discussed strategic considerations for the team, including player rest, lineup adjustments, and the ongoing goalie rotation discussion. The conversation painted a picture of the Bruins as a team evolving and gearing up for a promising playoff run.
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TRANSCRIPT:
ROB "HARDY" POOLE: Yeah, it's the physicality that I think we're all wondering about with this team and how that will factor into the postseason. It's interesting, Conor. I wonder if it has something to do with these guys being a little fresher, being up and getting their opportunity to, you know, make their mark on this game somehow. Probably not by getting on the scoresheet, but by either moving guys out from in front of the net or going into the dirty areas and fighting for pucks, which is something that, let's face it, the Bruins have been outmuscled and outworked in those areas in previous postseasons.
CONOR RYAN: Yeah, absolutely. I think when you look at guys like Weatherspoon and Peak and across the NHL, you look at a lot of these teams that have put together pretty good runs, especially the way they're built defensively. There's about 3 or 4 of those guys on that defense that maybe don't stand out to you, but they play a simple game, maybe their underlying stats don't look all that great, but like Radko Gudas, he's a pretty unspectacular player. But we saw him in the playoffs last year for Florida. Just doing the simple things right, landing hits, pushing guys out of great ice, and doing those things that contribute to the overall team game. Whether it's guys like Spooner, Peak, or even up front, there's so many guys on this team like a Dayton High and or Morgan who have been granted new opportunities, greater roles, and they've run with it. But this team needs everyone pulling on that same rope if they want to go back. They can't just rely on the goalies or Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand alone to carry them however long they go.
WALLACH: So, Conor, are you sold that this will translate into success in the playoffs? We all remember what happened last year. Bruins are playing real well right now. Are you sold that this can kind of get them beyond the first round?
CONOR RYAN: Well, I think it depends on who they match up within the first round. Right now it's looking like it's Bruins versus Tampa Bay, which is probably the worst possible draw the Bruins could get. When you look at the fact that Tampa's playing really well down the stretch, they've obviously got a lot of high-end talent. Maybe they're not as deep as they were in years past, but when you've got guys like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point at the top of the lineup, they can still do a lot of damage there. Kessel, his resume speaks for itself. He's coming off back surgery, his numbers may have dipped this year, but he's still a guy that in the playoffs in a best-of-seven series, you probably don't like how that's going to go for the Bruins. But I think you look at just the way they're playing right now, they have a shot against pretty much anyone out there. And I think you look at where those flaws were earlier in the season where they couldn't snuff out these third-period leads, they weren't answering in physicality. They're playing at a high level right now going into this postseason compared to last. This team, the fact that they're able to go against teams like Nashville, Carolina, and Florida twice, and they've won in a variety of ways and passed all these tests, it seems like they're finding their game and a lot of players are finding traction at the perfect time.
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The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Bruins
The TD Garden, an iconic arena at the heart of a city steeped in sports history, stands surrounded by the legendary tales of the Boston Bruins and Celtics. Inside the Garden, Boston's proud sports history is displayed through a distinguished collection of retired jersey numbers, each honoring the remarkable careers of some of the greatest players in Bruins history.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 09: Hockey Hall of Famer and former Boston Bruins player Bobby Orr attends Game One of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Among these legends, Eddie Shore's number 2 stands as a testament to his status as the inaugural NHL superstar. Shore's dominance on the ice, with 8 All-Star appearances, 4 Hart Trophies, and 2 Stanley Cup Championships, solidified his legacy, further cemented by his induction into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
These retired jersey numbers exemplify excellence in the NHL. Bobby Orr's number 4 symbolizes his greatness as the greatest defenseman, boasting numerous accolades, including 3 Hart Trophies, 2 Art Ross Trophies, and 8 consecutive Norris Trophies. Phil Esposito's number 7 pays tribute to his scoring prowess, highlighted by six 100-point seasons, 2 Hart Trophies, 5 Art Ross Trophies, and 2 Stanley Cups. Cam Neely's number 8 celebrates his role as a power forward, achieving 4 All-Star appearances and three 50-goal seasons. Bucyk's number 9 signifies his leadership as the Bruins' all-time leading goal scorer, earning 2 Stanley Cups and 2 Lady Byng trophies. Terry O'Reilly's number 24 showcases his commanding presence on the ice, leading the team in points and penalty minutes while guiding them to the Stanley Cup finals as captain and coach. Lastly, Ray Bourque's number 77 immortalizes his exceptional career as the greatest defenseman, with 5 Norris Trophies and the all-time leading scorer among defensemen in NHL history.
These retired jersey numbers, hanging in TD Garden, serve as a lasting testament to the indelible mark left by these exceptional players on the sport of hockey and the Boston Bruins franchise. Their contributions to the game and their impact on and off the ice will be forever cherished by fans and future generations.
Here are the numbers retired by the Boston Bruins:
Eddie Shore: 2
Many consider Shore to be the inaugural NHL superstar. Having been an 8-time all-star, 4-time Hart Trophy winner, and 2-time Stanley Cup Champion, he was inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
Lionel Hitchman: 3
BOSTON - FEBRUARY 5: Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Championship banners hang in the rafters during the game against the Carolina Panthers on February 5, 2006 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Hurricanes won 4-3 in a shootout. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
For years, Hitchman was partnered with Shore and played a pivotal role as the top defensive defenseman on some of the greatest Bruins teams in history. In the 1929-30 season, he came second in the Hart Trophy voting and also served as the captain of the Stanley Cup Champion Bruins in 1929.
Bobby Orr: 4
BOSTON - MARCH 04: Robert Orr's retired number hangs in the rafters during the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Boston Bruins on March 4, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in an overtime shootout. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Regarded by numerous pundits as the greatest defenseman of all time, Bobby Orr completely revolutionized the role. His achievements were nothing short of astonishing: 3 Hart Trophies, 2 Art Ross Trophies (the only defenseman to ever win it, and he did it twice), 8 consecutive Norris Trophies, and 9 All-Star appearances. Those numbers speak volumes for his incredible talent and impact on the game.
Aubrey Clapper: 5
Clapper showcased remarkable endurance during his two-decade tenure in Boston and experienced a truly distinctive career path. He began his journey as a right wing, dedicating nine seasons to the position, and then transitioned to become a defenseman for the subsequent eleven seasons. Excelling in both roles, he earned 2 All-Star appearances as a forward and 4 as a defenseman. Additionally, he achieved Stanley Cup victories in three different decades: 1929, 1939, and 1941.
Phil Esposito: 7
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 27: Former NHL player Phil Esposito is introduced during the NHL 100 presented by GEICO Show as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at the Microsoft Theater on January 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
"Espo" earned his place as one of the greatest scorers in NHL history, achieving the milestone of being the first player ever to record a 100-point season (a feat he accomplished six times in his career). With 2 Hart Trophy wins and 5 Art Ross Trophy wins to his name, Esposito's illustrious career also included two Stanley Cup victories in Boston during 1970 and 1972. His league-record 76-goal campaign in the 1970-71 season remained unbroken for 12 years until Wayne Gretzky surpassed it in the 1981-82 season.
Cam Neely: 8
MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JULY 07: President Cam Neely and General Manager Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins look on during Round One of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Recognized now by Bruins fans as the team president, Neely played a pivotal role in popularizing the term 'power forward' during the 1970s. With four All-Star appearances and three 50-goal seasons, Neely's legacy also includes being Boston's all-time leader in playoff goals. In recognition of his outstanding career, he was elected to the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005.
Johnny Bucyk: 9
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 14: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins, right, and Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators, left, pose for the ceremonial puck drop for the 50th Anniversary 1972 Stanley Cup alumni Don Marcotte, Dallas Smith, Johnny Bucyk, Ken Hodge, Rick Smith and Garry Peters at TD Garden on April 14, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Bucyk, Boston's leading goal scorer of all time, led the team as captain for 5 seasons and secured 2 Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972. Additionally, he earned 2 All-Star selections and claimed 2 Lady Byng trophies for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct on the ice. In recognition of his exceptional career, Bucyk was elected to the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.
Milton Schmidt: 15
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 05: The number 15 of Milt Schmidt, the Boston Bruins Hall of Fame center who died at age 98 yesterday, is displayed at TD Garden before a game with Edmonton Oilers on January 5, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.Schmidt lead the Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships as a player. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Schmidt epitomized the hockey renaissance man, being the sole individual in Bruins history to hold the roles of a player, captain, coach, and general manager. As a player, he secured two Stanley Cups in 1939 and 1941, and later as a GM, he added two more in 1970 and 1972. Schmidt's remarkable career included centering the legendary "Kraut Line," earning him a Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and four All-Star appearances. Despite his dedication to hockey, he also served with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942-1945, sacrificing three years of his career. In recognition of his achievements, Schmidt was elected to the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.
Terry O’Reilly: 24
19 Jan 1996: Terry O''Reilly #24 of the Boston Bruin Heroes gets ready to take a shot while teammate Peter McNab #8 fends off Denis Potvin #5 of the NHL Heroes in an attempt to score past goalie John Garrett #31 during the second period of the NHL Heroes
O'Reilly was among the exclusive group of only 5 players in Bruins history to top the team in both points and penalty minutes during a single season, showcasing his ability to score and fight with the best of them. His leadership skills were evident as he served as the team captain from 1983 to 1985 and later took on the role of coach from 1986 to 1989, during which the team reached the Stanley Cup finals in 1988.
Ray Borque: 77
4 Oct 2001: Ray Bourque #77 of the Boston Bruins uncovers his number during a ceremony in which the Bruins retired his number before their home opener against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw/ALLSPORT
Bourque's résumé is unparalleled, with only a few NHL players ever coming close to matching it. He started his career with a bang, winning the Calder Trophy in his rookie season. Throughout his remarkable 21 seasons with Boston, Bourque would go on to collect an impressive 5 Norris Trophies. As he concluded his illustrious career, he stood as Boston's all-time leader in games played, assists, and points, solidifying his status as the all-time leading scorer among defensemen. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Bourque was inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Rich Middleton: 16
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Former Boston Bruins player Rick Middleton , has his No. 16 jersey retired prior to the game between the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on November 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Middleton left an indelible mark as one of the finest scorers in Bruins history, guiding the team in points from 1978 to 1982 and holding the title of the team's leading goal scorer for 6 consecutive years. He achieved more than 100 points twice and added the Lady Byng trophy to his accolades during the 1981-82 season, alongside a second-team All-Star appearance.
Willie O’Ree: 22
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 18: Anson Carter helps carry the banner as former Boston Bruins player Willie O'Ree has his No. 22 jersey retired prior to the game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on January 18, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
O'Ree, a true hockey trailblazer, made history as the first African-American to ever play in the NHL. During the 1957-58 season, he scored 14 points in 45 games for the Bruins, etching his name in the league's history books. Recognizing his significant contributions, he was later appointed as the NHL's diversity ambassador in 1998. O'Ree's dedication and impact on the sport were further acknowledged with the NHL's Lester Patrick Trophy in 2003 and the prestigious Order of Canada in 2008. In a well-deserved honor, he was inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2018.
