Tight One in Salt Lake

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The Celtics pulled out a nail-biter against the Utah Jazz 107-102.  Without their star point guard, the Jazz, led by former Celtic Al Jefferson, played the Celtics tough to the end.  It was close the whole game including eight lead changes in the fourth quarter.  The Celtics were sparked by the big three, who had 64 points combined, including a HUGE three-pointer by Ray Allen with a few minutes left, over a lengthy Kirilenko to grab momentum from the energetic Jazz.

This was a fantastic basketball game.  The home crowd was on their feet the entire game, providing an awfully loud atmosphere.  The starting five, and Big Baby, played very well tonight, all scoring in double-figures.  The bench....well there really wasn't a bench.  Delonte West missed tonights game (not sure of the injury but it isn't serious) and Rondo had to step up and play big minutes.

How about the officials thought?  What a terrible officiated game down the stretch for both sides.  Terrible foul calls, terrible non foul calls, terrible traveling calls.  Learn when to blow the whistle zebras.

Al Jefferson had a huge game and kept the Jazz in the game down the stretch.  He recorded a monster double-double with 28 points and 19 boards while playing over 41 minutes.  Big Al and KG got into it in the fourth quarter, both getting technicals.  Al showed his inexperience by demanding the ball on the next possession and forcing up a shot while traveling in the process, creating a huge turnover for the C's.

All in all, a solid game for the Celtics, who finish 3-1 on a tough west coast trip.  See ya back on the east coast.

Celtics and Heat Front-Runners to Land Murphy

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According to sources, Troy Murphy is reportedly interested in joining both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.  Murphy could help out both teams with his rebounding and low-post presence; even though he does a lot of his scoring from about 18 feet.  

What a tough life for Murphy huh?  The dude plays on a few shitty teams for three quarters of the season and then gets bought out, only to be sought after by the two top teams in the Eastern Conference.  Why does such an ugly dude get a break like this?  Oh well.  

Oh by the way Murph, you'd look better in green.

Side note: G/F Corey Brewer was also bought out of his contract.  The C's showed interest in him about a week ago, but then added Jeff Green.  I wonder if Danny is still interested in him.  My guess is he'll add someone via waivers.  Hopefully Murphy, if not maybe Brewer? Ehhh..

Heat Just Get Better

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Mike Bibby agreed to a buy-out with the Wizards which included his next years salary, thus putting him on waivers.  Today, it is rumored that Bibby is taking his talents to South Beach to join the Miami Heat.  This will give the Heat an actual point guard.  Mario Chalmers is a solid young player, but Bibby will give them that experience in the playoffs.  Bibby is also a solid three-point shooter, and you know he will get his open looks with the two slashers, Lebron and D-Wade, on either side of him.  This move isn't going to improve the Heat TOO much, but he will provide experience at point guard, which is crucial in playoff situations.  Rondo is still too quick and can get by any Heat point guard at will.

Lock of the Day

Boston Celtics -5 vs Utah Jazz
LA Clippers/Sacramento Kings O/U 206


The C's new acquisitions are solid players who will only add depth to Boston.  The Big Shamrock returns to the line-up tonight.  The Jazz got two solid players in Favors and Harris by trading D-Will, but the Celtics are the superior team.  I like them to cover here.

Both the Clippers and Kings give up over 100 points a game and both score nearly 100.  Neither team knows how to play team defense.  They are both all about putting points on the board.  I like the over here.

Lock of the Day - Celtics -5
                                 Clippers/Kings OVER 206

Troy Murphy Bought Out by Warriors

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It's official.  The Golden State Warriors have reached an agreement on a buy-out with Troy Murphy and placed him on waivers.  The Celtics and Murphy have both expressed interest in each other over the past week.  I'd like to see Murphy in green, let's see how it unfolds and which NBA squad he lands with.

Streaking B's Grab 5th Straight

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The Bruins won their fifth straight game tonight in Edmonton.  Edmonton is well out of the play-off race and are all auditioning for jobs next season.  They are a young and fast team who plays with a lot of grit.  They got the scoring going only a minute into the game on a wrist shot by Alex Hemsky.  The B's dominated the rest of the period in both flow of play and shots.  They finally got on the board as Michael Ryder picked up a rebound and patiently waited for the goaltender, who dove as Ryder faked the shot, to be out of the play and stuck it top shelf to even the score.  The Bruins scored with under 2 minutes left to play in both the first and second periods.  Nathan Horton took a beautiful feed from David Krejci to put the B's up 2-1.  Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly got their first point in black and gold as Peverley took a feed from Ryder and put a move on Dubnyk and stuffed it far side.  Kelly also assisted on the play.  

The third period got chippy, as Andrew Cogliano decided to take a shot on Brad Marchand, who continues to get under the skin of every team in the NHL.  Milan Lucic was challenged by Jim Vandermeer in front of then net.  Although, the game got physical, that's nothing the Bruins aren't used to.  They kept taking the body, moving the puck, and playing a solid three-zone game to ensure the W in front of Tuukka Rask.

It was a one goal game, but I felt as if the Bruins had control the entire game.  The Oilers managed only 17 shots to Boston's 40.

While Lucic was in the box for his fighting major, Seguin got some time with Krejci and Horton, and looked pretty good.  The kid is starting to play well.  I expect big things out of him next year.

New-Look C's Knock Off Blake and the Clippers

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The Celtics defeated the LA Clippers last night 99-92.  They green team came out very slow; shooting poorly, not defending like they can, and just looking lazy.  They got the the stripe at will last night, which kept them in the game in the first half.  They woke up in the second half, playing like the Celtics we know and love.  The starters came out and went on a run in the third quarter (lead by the captain) to take the lead and never looked back.  

Jeff Green looked lost in the first half.  He looked tentative and didn't play like he can.  He settled down in the second half and looked more into the game.  I'm not going to look too much into this considering he's known one system his entire career and it is tough adjusting to a new team and system.  On the other hand, Nenad Krstic looked really good.  He has never been known to play down low, but thats exactly where he was last night in LA, grabbing six rebounds (all offensive) to go along with nine points.  Also, it was good to see a big man in green knocking down a jump shot from just inside the three-point line.

Delonte West played down the stretch with the first unit, and let me tell you, he looked fantastic.  We all know that Delonte is a very capable player and injuries have slowed him down, but if last night is any indication of what is to come, then you've got to be very happy as a C's fan.  He got everyone involved and knocked down the open shots when given to him.  It's going to be good to be able to give Rondo a blow here and there and know that you don't have to worry about Nate Robinson running around like a chicken with his head cut off, chucking up three's whenever he feels like it.  

The Celtics still have a few roster spots to fill.  The name you hear thrown around a lot is Troy Murphy.  At this point, he is still a Golden State Warrior.  He was expected to be bought out by the Warriors, but they have yet to do that.  Murphy has expressed interest in joining Boston if bought out.  Other names I have heard are: Leon Powe, Samuel Dalembert. and Jason Kapono.  Powe would come back into a system he is familiar with and bring some toughness that left with Perkins leaving.  I wouldn't mind seeing Dalembert on the C's.  He is a big body who can defend and get rebounds.  Kapono is interesting because he can spread the floor and knock down the three, but isn't that what the trade for Jeff Green was for?  In a perfect world, I'd like to see them bring in two of those guys, preferably Murphy and Powe.

Lucic's Return Home is a Success

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Milan Lucic, a native of Vancouver, was honored the night before last by his former Junior team which he led to a World Championship.  Lucic signs and jerseys covered the crowd of 18,860 in Vancouver last night.  His homecoming must have been very emotional and when the Boston bruiser plays with emotion, opponents better keep both eyes open.

The first-place Canucks opened the scoring in the first period with Manny Malhotra knocking a rebound past Tim Thomas.  Vancouver opened up the second period with a lot of energy but was slowed down when the Bruins best line tied the game.  Thomas Kaberle recorded his first point as a B when he threw a shot and Lucic scooped it up, went behind the net and found Nathan Horton who was stopped by Roberto Luongo on his first attempt, but put his own rebound in the net.  

The third period opened up just like the second, a lot of energy from the Canucks, who hardly ever lose when scoring first.  With momentum with Vancouver, the magical David Krejci stick-handled from his own blue line, put a dazzling move on a Vancouver defender, around the net and found Dennis Seidenberg at the point. Seidenberg threw it on net and Lucic took the juicy rebound and put it top shelf to put the B's ahead 2-1 with less than five minutes to play.  With a few minutes to play, Luongo headed for the bench for the extra attacker.  New-comer Chris Kelly won a defensive zone face-off and Lucic came up with the puck.  He headed up the boards and found Patrice Bergeron in the neutral zone, who stuck it home to put the game in hand for the visiting Bruins.

Tim Thomas earned the W in net as the Bruins continue to show that they belong among the elite teams in the NHL.  The trades seemed to have sparked the B's and have given them tremendous depth; especially up the middle.  I like the way the Bruins looked last night.  They played with grit and determination against the best team in the NHL.  I'm not sure the B's can catch the Flyers for the first spot in the East, but I expect them to win their division and ultimately grab the two seed behind Philly.  

The Bruins continue their road-trip tonight in Edmonton, as the top two picks in the 2010 draft face-off (Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin).  Puck drops at 7:00 ET.

Lock of the Day

Providence +10 @ Marquette

Marquette is coming off a big win against UConn (who I'm still not convinced is a top 25 team).  Providence lost their last bout to Notre Dame by just 1 point, despite a 52 point effort by Big East Player of the Year candidate Marshon Brooks.  In the competitive Big East, I like the Friars with the ten points.

Lock of the Day - Providence +10

With a clean sweep yesterday (2-0), I now boast a 3-4 overall record.  I expect to climb to .500 today. 

Lock of the Day

Rhode Island -9.5 @ Fordham

Buffalo +4 @ Akron

Two locks today.  Fordham is just inferior to Rhode Island, losing by 20 points in their last match-up.  The Rams are senior heavy and know how to beat teams they should. URI by double digits.

Akron has won five straight and is on a roll.  I expect a close game, but look for Akron to cover the spread

Lock of the Day -  Rhode Island -9.5

                                Akron -4

Lock of the Day

Washington Wizards +15 @ Miami Heat

Miami is coming off a loss last night to the Bulls, which is no surprise considering the Heat are now 1-7 vs the top 6 teams in the NBA.  With that being said, they absolutely demolish the teams they should beat.  I expect Miami to bounce back in this game and blow out the lowly Wizards.

Lock of the Day - Miami Heat -15

Also, I'm calling a mulligan on the Celtics pick yesterday since I posted it before they traded away their whole team, posting a 1-1 record yesterday.

Heat Now Favorites in East?

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The Celtics will no longer have their champion starting five.  With Perkins done, the Celtics might have given up the biggest advantage they had over the star-studded Heat squadrant.  Then you also have the Magic.  Perkins has always defended Dwight Howard very well, better than anyone in the NBA.  Who for the C's can stop him now?  Bringing in Jeff Green is a great help on the perimeter for the Green, and going to be a fixture for the team in the post Big-3 Era, but i'm not sure how it helps them win this year.  I hope Shaq can come back strong and give us solid minutes, defense, and rebounding down the stretch.  If not, the C's may be in trouble come play-off time.  With all that said, they still have the big four and a solid bench.  I'm expecting a few more additions to the Celtics soon, as they currently do not have a full roster since trading Semih and Luke and getting no players in return.  We'll see.

Semih and Harangody Shipping Out of Boston

Danny Ainge sent Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2013 second-round draft pick......SERIOUSLY?  I do not understand this trade at all.  The only thing that comes to mind is that the C's have a plan already in tact to buy-out a few contracts and add some veterans for a play off push.  I guess we'll see within the next couple of days or even hours.  I hope you know what your doing Danny.

Perkins and Robinson Off to Oklahoma City

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The Celtics have reportedly traded C Kendrick Perkins and G Nate Robinson to the OKC Thunder for F Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic.

I am in LOVE with this trade.  Perkins is a great defender and rebounder, but Jeff Green is a fantastic young player in this league.  He can score from anywhere on the floor, including three-point range.  He can guard both the three and four spot on the floor.  This will make the second unit that much better, with Green and Baby being the primary scorers, getting help from a healthy Delonte West.  

Projected HEALTHY line-up (assuming JO and Marquis are done for the season)

Starters

PG Rondo

SG Allen

SF Pierce

PF Garnett

C Shaq

Second Unit

PG West

SG Wafer

SF Green

PF Davis

C Kristic

* Semih being the third big man.

I like this roster heading down the stretch.  Into the play-offs, unless Wafer really shows something, Doc will probably leave either Ray or Paul out there on the floor with the second unit, probably alternating.  Either way, I'm excited for this trade.

Lock of the Day

Celtics -4.5 @ Nuggets

Murray State -3.5 vs Morehead State

Arizona +2 @ USC

I'm going big right here going to even up my record with 3 W's tonight.  First off, give my the C's to cover tonight in Denver.  Also give my Murray State at home to revenge and earlier loss to Morehead State.  Finally, I'll take Arizona at USC.  This could be a trap game with the best team in the Pac-10 being underdogs, but I expect a  close game and I'll take the better team and points here.

Locks of the Day - Celtics -4.5
                                Murray State -3.5
                                Arizona +2

Perkins to Miss Rest of West Coast Trip

Photo Credit Google Images espn.go.com

Kendrick Perkins is back on the shelf.  After coming out of last nights game at Golden State, it seems as thought Perkins will miss the rest of the C's west coast road-trip with a strained MCL.  The Celtics just can't seem to catch a break.  Time for Big Baby and Semih to log some serious minutes.  Get better big fella.

Lock of the Day

Chicago Bulls -9 @ Toronto Raptors


The Bulls are quietly having a huge season.  They currently sit three games behind the Heat and the C's; third in the Eastern Conference.  They have been playing terrific basketball all season long and I don't see the All-Star break slowing them down.  In their last game before the break, they beat the Spurs by ten points; the Spurs currently have the best record in the NBA.  Toronto is coming off of a loss last night to the Bobcats.  Look for the Bulls to pull this victory out by double digits.

Lock of the Day - Chicago Bulls -9

Rondo Celebrates in Oakland

Photo Credit Google Images sportsofboston.com

The Celtics snapped a six game losing streak at Oracle Arena in Oakland last night.  If you stayed up late, you certainly saw a good one.  Tied 60-60 at halftime, the C's dominated the second half and upended the young, shot-happy Warriors team.  The big four, and Big Baby, all played very well last night.  The bench was pathetic.  There is no other way to describe them.  It was both Delonte and Semih's first game back from their respective injuries and neither had a good outing.  I'm going to give Delonte a pass because he has been out for a shit ton of time.  Semih just looked dazed and confused out there.

On a higher note, Rondo was ridiculous last night logging 19 points, 15 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.  He just had full control of the entire game.  Running the offense for others, setting it up for himself; he just couldn't be stopped.  Also, it was good to see KG have such a good night from the field.  He went 11-16 from the field, totaling a team-high 24 points.  Garnett also added 12 rebounds and 6 assists.  All in all, just a great performance by the big four (and Big Baby).

INJURY NOTE: Kendrick Perkins left last nights game and didn't return after he bumped knees with a Warrior player.  The severity of the injury is unknown, but come on Perk, you bumped knees, get your ass back on the court.

One more thing....how about Monte Ellis.  This dude will shoot from anywhere at anytime.  He had to have thrown up at least 75 shots last night.  If I was his teammate, I'd never pass him the ball.  You damn sure know you're not getting it back.

Bruins Put Out the Flame

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Milan Lucic sparked the Bruins with a goal only minutes into the game last night in Calgary.  Lucic took a beautiful pass from David Krejci who faked the shot from the top of the circle and dished it to Lucic for the tip in.  Lucic was barreling down on Kiprusoff and ran him over following his tip-in.  You can't stop this guy.  He goes hard every shift and never lets up.  The next goal came from Brad Marchand.  Andrew Ference ripped a shot threw a crowd, which deflected off Patrice Bergeron's skate, and bounced right to Marchand who had a wide open net and stuck it top shelf.  That line has been phenomenal for the B's.  Patrice is just a beast and wins 80% of one on one battles along the boards; not to mention, he was perfectly positioned in front of the net on the Marchand goal.

Timmy Thomas played well in net for the black and gold.  It was good for him to get a solid amount of time to rest up while Tuukka took care of business the past couple of games.  Curtis Glencross did tally his 20th goal of the season on the power play in the third.  Lucic then put the dagger in the Flames with an empty net goal (26th of the year).

Something I found kind of strange.....Montreal played the Flames a couple days ago, then we played them.  Last night the Canadians played Vancouver; our next game is against Vancouver.  Some weird sloppy seconds thing going on here.  Either way, big W for the B's.  Onto Vancouver to take on the Sedin brothers.

Trade deadline looming: Are the C's making a move?

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With the trade deadline approaching, will the Celtics make a move?  Obviously the C's are poised for a push for the number one seed in the East, but do they have enough?  In my opinion, they need to add another small forward to back up Paul Pierce.  Delonte West coming back will be HUGE for the C's.  It will allow for Nate Robinson to move to the two guard with West handling the point.  Nate is a scorer, not a play maker, and this will benefit the Celtics tremendously.  The problem I have is who is going to play the small forward when Pierce needs some rest.  Von Wafer? No thanks.  

The C's have reportedly shown interest in Shane Battier, Anthony Parker, and former Celtic James Posey.  There is just no way the Celtics can acquire Battier.  They don't have enough to offer unless they give up Big Baby which I just don't see happening.  I believe the most realistic option out the there is Anthony Parker.  The Cavaliers are slightly out the the playoff race at this point in the season and are willing to part ways with Parker.  I don't know what the Celtics are offering or what the Cavs want, but I think sending Semih Erden to Cleveland would be a good swap for both teams.  The Cavs would get a young big man who has shown some potential in green.  The C's would solidify the back-up small forward spot with a solid defender who can knock 'em down from beyond the arc.

Boston heads to Golden State to take on the Warriors tonight at 10:30 et.  

Carmelo headed to the Knicks

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It's official, Melo to the Knicks.  All along you knew that Carmelo didn't want to go to the Nets (who would).  He'll be teaming up with Amare Stoudemire in New York instead.  Now-a-days you need at least two stars on a team to be considered a top tier team.  Amare is arguably the best power forward in the league, while Carmelo is absolutely a top ten player in the NBA.  The Knicks received Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Renaldo Balkman.  Denver acquired Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors 2012 second-round pick, the Warriors 2013 second-round pick, and $3 million cash (according to the Denver Post).  I'm not sure what the Warriors acquired in this three-team trade.

They Knicks will need to do some off-season work to build a team around their two superstars after trading away most of their role players.  One thing is for sure, next season, look for the Knicks to make a serious run at the Eastern Conference Championship.

Lock of the Day

St. Joseph's +16 @ Temple

Temple is a solid club this year currently in second in the A-10 with a 10-2 mark behind only Xavier.  St. Joe's sits near the bottom with a 2-9 record in the A-10.  Expect Temple, behind its home crowd, to come out early and run all over the Hawks. Did you know only 5% of students at St. Joe's are African American.  You wonder why they sit in the cellar of the A-10.  Get me and my boys out there runnin' fives on the black top and we'd shit on them.  I'd go J Kidd on 'em and drop a triple double like its my job.  Dishin' dimes to Sheehan and Brown in the corner.  Expect a blow out.  

Lock of the Day : Temple -16

Is the Dunk Contest Losing it's Edge?

First of all, everything that can be done, has been done.  If there was one person in the NBA that could bring the electricity back to the dunk contest, it would have been Blake Griffin.  But not even he could do it.  The finals between him and Javale Mcgee were pathetic.  Sixty percent of the NBA could have jumped over that car, and that is the dunk that wins him the title.  Horseshit.  It was rigged.  From the time Blake Griffin accepted to take part in this event, everyone and their mother knew he was going to win.  He could have jumped off a trampoline and layed it in nicely off the backboard and they would have still dubbed his ass champion.  Rigged rigged rigged.

I gotta give it to the four competitors though, the first round got me off my feet a few times.  I mean two and three balls...that was just cool.  But Serge Ibaka stole the show for me.  Holy shit from the free throw line.  Like my boy Brandon said, "It wouldn't even have been a penalty or whatever for being over the line."  Yeah, he meant violation...dumbass.  But back to the point.  A seven footer dunking from BEHIND the free throw line.  Its a wrap, give him the fucking trophy.  Then tearing that stuffed animal down with his mouth?  Very creative my friend. Rigged rigged rigged.

All in all, decent night.  That fucker from Miami had to go and spoil the Ray Ray and Pierce shootout, but fuck it, they can't beat us in a real game so who cares, they can have that trophy.

Chiarelli Makes a Move...New Look Bruins Head to Ottawa

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Peter Chiarelli Finally made a move that will benefit the current Bruins rather than the future.  The B's are notorious for not being aggresive in order to upgrade their current roster.  Instead, they stock-pile draft picks.  They finally pulled the trigger acquiring Maple Leafs defensemen Thomas Kaberle in exchange for prospect Joe Colborne, the B's first round pick in the upcoming draft, and a conditional second rounder.  (The Leafs will receive the B's second round pick if one of two things happen: The Bruins make it to the Stanley Cup this season, or they sign Kaberle to an extension at the seasons end).   Showing no signs of slowing down, Chiarelli  also acquired forward Rich Peverley and defensemen Boris Valabrik (who will be assigned to Providence) in exchange for Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart.

I am 100% for both of these moves.  Kaberle is a proven defensemen in this league, and the B's need some stability at the blue line.  Kaberele (who has 35 assissts this seasons) will be huge for the B's on the man advantage.  This still leaves the Bruins with seven defensemen on their roster.  Most likely, Mcquaid and Kampfer will be alternating as the healthy scratch until one shows some consistancy. 

Peverley has compiled 14 goals and 20 assissts for the Thrashers this season.  His 14 goals ties him with Nathan Horton on the B's.  Peverley knows how to make plays and knows how to put the puck in the net.  I think he'll be a great third line player and also contribute on the power play.  With the B's also picking up Chris Kelly, that means they have an extra forward who needs to be stratched.  The only two candidates that come to mind are the young talented Seguin, and Danielle Paille.  I'd hate to see the rook get the hook, but Paille has been playing well on the fourth unit along side the two mainstays; Thorton and Campbell.  We'll see what Claude choses to do.  My guess is a revolving door until he finds consistancy; much like on the blue line.

Kaberele and Kelly are going to dress for the B's tonight as they head to Ottawa to take on the Sentators.  Peverley isn't going to join the team tonight but I'm sure he'll be dressed in black and gold for their next game.

I guess Chiarelli finally realized sometimes you have to be buyers not sellers. Time for a playoff push. Lets gooo!

Much Needed Win for the B's

Coming off a devastating last minute loss at the hands of the Leafs, the Bruins visited the cellar-dwelling Islanders tonight on the first of a six-game road trip.  The B's scored three goals before the ten minute mark of the first period.  The first two weren't very pretty, with Wheeler just throwing it in the front of the net, getting a lucky bounce and going in.  Five minutes later, the ageless Mark Recchi crashed the net and took a saucer pass from Patrice Bergeron that deflected off his foot and into the net.  The B's did exactly what you're supposed to do; crash the net, and get pucks to the net. 

The B's went 1-2 on the powerplay with Milan Lucic scoring his team leading 24th goal of the season.  The B's powerplay has gotten better since Claude Julien put Lucic, Bergeron, and Krejci together.  I really like this trio together.  Bergeron and Krejci are tremendous playmakers and Lucics's big body is a force in the front of the net.  One problem I do have with the powerplay is the second unit.  Campbell centering Ryder and Marchand....come on.  I want to see Seguin out there between Ryder and Horton.  Seguin is a playmaker; he's quick, he can shoot, he can pass.  Get him on the PP and give him some space to work some of his magic.  The kid's gonna be a stud in this league, just give it time. 

Tuukka Rask got the W for the B's tonight, allowing three goals on 37 shots.  I think Tuukka looked sharped tonight (except for the third goal which the whole Bruins team seemed to just coast for five or six shifts).  Tuukka is going to get some games down the stretch to let Timmy rest a little bit, and we need him to play like he did tonight.  We all know he is still the future goaltender for this franchise and is very capable of playing at a high level. 

It's off to Ottawa tomorrow night for the second game of this six-game road trip.  The puck drops at 7 pm.  Expect to see Tim Thomas in goal for the black and gold.

PHOTO CREDIT GOOGLE IMAGES

Lock of the Day

Clemson -2.5 @ NC State

Clemson goes on the road to face NC State.  NC State is coming off a 25 point shalacking of Wake Forest.  In their last bout, Clemson fell to the emerging Tar Heels 64-62.  The difference in this game is going to be the defense played by the Tigers.  Although I expect this game to be relatively close, look for Clemson to pull away down the stretch, pull out the victory, and cover the spread.

Lock of the Day - Clemson -2.5

PHOTO CREDIT. GOOGLE IMAGES

Midterm Grade

Doc Rivers will take his entire coaching staff and most of his starting lineup to the All-Star festivities this weekend.  All four Celtic players (Pierce, Allen, Garnett, and Rondo) will be coming off the bench this weekend for Doc.  When asked who would they like to join the four of them on the floor, both Pierce and KG suggested Dwight Howard.  The most exciting part the weekend for Celtic fans may just be the three-point shooting contest.  With defending champ, Paul Pierce, and all time three-point champ, Ray Allen , facing off, it sure seems to be an interesting matchup.  Allen spends hours in the gym before every game working on that silky smooth jump shot.  Pierce was seen practicing his three-point stroke prior the Wednesdays matchup against the Nets.  It's hard to bet against the all-time three-point king, but I'll go out on a limb.  Give me PP 34 in a thrilling shootout to defend and repeat as three point king. (As long as that hand is ok)

The Celtics sit at the top of the Eastern Conference (only percentage points above the Miami Heat) and its not a suprise to Celtics fans.  Coming into this season, the Heat were virtually handed the NBA Championship by "experts."  One problem....they can't beat the defending Eastern Conference Champs.  Depleted by injuries the entire 2010-2011 campaign, the veteran Celtics have managed to compile 40 wins before the break.  Their tremendous size and depth in the backcourt had been the key factor to why the Celtics could fend off the star-studded Heat squad.  With Perkins missing nearly half the season, the Big Shamrock missing significant time, Jermaine O'Neil and Marquis Daniels both out indefinitely, Semih Erden missing time, and Delonte West out for well over a month, the Celtics have defied odds and just keep winning.  They have tremendous leadership and determination.  The depth that the C's have can be matched by no other team in the NBA.  The C's started last season on record-breaking pace, but went the rest of the way with just a .500 mark.  The Celtics got healthy for the playoffs and showed that their poise and team defense was too much for anyone in the Eastern Conference.  With a healthy Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics would have hung banner number 18 in the raptors in the fall.  Expect the same from the championship driven C's.  All in all, the C's have too much talent, experience, and depth to expect anything but another championship. 

Midterm Grade - A


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