We'd all like to see the Bruins go into the Christmas break with another two points.
It will be the Bruins v. the Perds this evening at TD Garden, 7:00 PM. How about a nice win, boys?
- Here's a preview of what to expect. The Predators are coming off last night's win over the Blue Jackets. [CBSSports]
- The Bruins are now fighting for a playoff berth. Who saw that coming? [NHL]
- Dougie Hamilton was called "the future of our team" by his coach. [ProHockeyTalk]
- Loui Eriksson 's natural fit with Carl Soderberg and Chris Kelly may benefit Craig Cunningham , whose work ethic impressed his coach. [PatriotLedger]
- This turn of events has left David Krejci once again adjusting to a new linemate. He'd like to get off the merry-go-round and pot some goals. [WEEI]
- Patrice Bergeron is focused on every chance to earn two points for the team. [ESPN]
- Likewise, Gregory Campbell 's goal is still to work hard at being a contributor. [Boston.CBSLocal]
- Hamilton and Torey Krug can put their wheels to good use moving the puck and sparking offense. [TheBostonGlobe]
- The good news: Matt Bartkowski played his 100th NHL game on Sunday. The bad news: he only logged 4:47 of ice time. The NHL did not find his hit on Brian Gionta to be predatory. [PatriotLedger]
- Pssst! T.J. Oshie and Chris Stewart, psssssst! [XNSports]
- Ray Bourque offers his help. Here are his ideas on turning this thang around for the Bruins. (Video, 2:29) [SportsIllustrated] Bonus: He wants the shootout killed DEAD, and talks about the AHL's 3-on-3. (Video, 2:03) [SportsIllustrated]
- This is sobering. The Bruins are STILL in the top 5 teams with player games lost to injury. My heart goes out to the Blue Jackets. [SpringingMalik]
- What was originally thought to be a slow start to the season for the Bruins has taken an ominous turn. This is the Bruins, now, and they need to dig deep to dig out of a hole. [WEEI]
- In IIHF WJC news, hey, David Pastrnak is a player to watch [LastWordOnSports] as is Peter Cehlarik [LastWordOnSports].
Elsewhere around the rink:
- Here are your top hockey stories of 2014. [SportsIllustrated]
- Jaw-dropping displays of skill by individual players captivate fans and can even ease the sting of a team's loss. (Talkin' bout you, Seth Griffith !) [TheNational]
- The Canadian rockies are the backdrop as one player thanked his dad for making the necessary sacrifices to allow his dreams to come true. (Video, 3:13) [SportsIllustrated]
- Luck plays a role in success, and here are the 5 luckiest NHL teams. [TheSportingNews]
- The Leafs ' soaring shooting luck can't ultimately hold off their dreadful defensive defecits. Here's a statistical look. [TSN]
- John Scott just ruined all the goodwill gained by his Holiday Sweater rap performance. Skunk/stripes. 'Nuff said. [TheHockeyNews]
- The WJC not only allows a venue for young players on an international stage, it has also highlighted the evolution of leagues other than the NHL. [TheHockeyNews]
- Another Christmas special to enjoy: The Blues have remade "Home Alone." (Video, 2:49) [BarDown]
- The Maple Leafs sent their greetings as well. Hey, Joffrey Lupul can carry a tune! (Video, 1:01) [BarDown]
- Here's your Holiday Wysh lyst, full of news, snark, and fun. (Video, 3:26) [PuckDaddy]