The Del Report

Bruins top Leafs in shootout, 3-2

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:13:00 -0500

The Boston Bruins received two goals from Miroslav Satan, one in regulation, and one in the shootout, to beat their division-rival Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-2. Tim Thomas got the start in net, coming up with a big-time performance, denying 24 shots, and leaving Maple Leafs’ players scratching their heads, as they saw many good chances go by the boards.

Johnny Boychuck also scored for the B’s, when his slap-shot from the point beat Jean-Sebastian Giguere. I must admit, although he didn’t score, Phil Kessel looked pretty good for the Leafs. He was buzzing around all night, and if it weren’t for a few nice stops from Thomas, Kessel would’ve lit the lamp.

This was the Black and Gold’s first win at TD Garden in the new year, hopefully it’s not their last. They will be back in action tomorrow afternoon when they head to Long Island to take on the New York Islanders. The puck drops at 2 pm.

Celtics blast Bobcats, 104-80

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:12:00 -0500

The Boston Celtics dismantled the Charlotte Bobcats last night, 104-80, in front of a sold out TD Garden crowd. Paul Pierce led all scorers with 27 points, including 4-6 from beyond the arc. Nate Robinson continued his exciting play, scoring 16 points in 20 minutes, and joining Pierce in a 4-6 night from downtown. I’m really starting to like the addition of Robinson, he brings a lot of energy off the bench.

The Celts really opened things up in the second half, in large part due to their 3-point shooting, heating up the twine at a 10-16 clip. The Bobcats, on the other hand put up a goose-egg from 3-point range, going 0-9. My only problem, once again, was the rebounding. The C’s were out-rebounded 44-36, giving up 13 on the offensive end. This just can’t happen when they play the iron of the league.

The green will have today off, before heading to Philadelphia for Friday night’s tilt with the 76ers. The Celts also filled one of their two remaining roster spots with the signing of Michael Finley. Finley is coming over since being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, and the 37-year old figures to be a part of the second unit.

Celtics end skid in Detroit

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:45:00 -0500

Nate Robinson had his best game in a Celtics uniform last night, scoring 14 points on 4 of 5 shooting from downtown, including 3 in the 4th quarter, leading the green to 105-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Rajon Rondo continued his impressive play this season, scoring 15 points (7-8 FT), and adding 11 assists.

The story last night belonged to Robinson, who had only played 6 minutes through the first three quarters, before being inserted back into the game with 48 seconds left in the third. Robinson would not exit the game until 3 minutes left in the 4th, making a loud impact, as the Celts appeared to fall back into their 4th quarter woes that have plagued them all season. The Pistons went up by 3, and Boston needed a shot in the arm of some sort, and it was Robinson who willed them to victory with his clutch three-point shooting, and heads-up play on defense.

This was a step in the right direction for the Celtics, who were coming off an embarrassing loss to the 6-53 New Jersey Nets at home. The green needed this, and although it doesn’t mean their back, they may have found a solid product off the bench in the form of Robinson. We’ll see if Boston can make it two in a row as they welcome the Charlotte Bobcats to town. The Bobcats are currently a half game out of the 8th seed, and are led by Gerald Wallace, and Stephen Jackson. Wallace is averaging a double-double this year with 18.7 points per game, and 10.6 rebounds per game, while Jackson leads the team with 21.0 ppg. The Celtics are looking to complete the three-game series sweep of the Bobcats with a win tonight. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Bruins still looking for first home win of the new year

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:12:00 -0500

The 4-game winning streak is over, and the Boston Bruins made sure of that, as their third period performance last night was atrocious. The Montreal Canadiens scored 4 unanswered goals in the third, en route to a 4-1 win, and leap-frogging the B’s in the playoff hunt.

The game went downhill when former Bruin Glen Metropolit, who continues to haunt the Bruins since switching outfits, scored on a beautiful feed that scorched the back of the net to tie the game at 1. Then it was Maxim Lapierre’s turn, who stuffed in a rebound past the sprawling Tuukka Rask, to put Montreal ahead to stay, 2-1. Metropolit would make his presence felt again, as he managed to throw a one-handed backhander on net, Rask made the save, but the puck deflected in the direction of Mathieu Darche, tossing the rubber in the net, and punctuating a come-from-behind victory that had the Boston faithful headed for the nearest exit. An empty-net goal added salt on the wound, and the rout was on. Not a good way for the Black and Gold to return from the Olympic break.

Marco Sturm added the lone goal in the first period, as he was able to muscle his way through traffic and poke in a rebound past Carey price. The B’s would enjoy the 1-0 lead for two periods, only to get hammered in humiliating fashion.

B's get ready for showdown with Habs

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:22:00 -0500

Is there a better way to to come back from the Olympic break than a Bruins/Canadiens game? I think not. The Bruins resume their NHL schedule as they welcome their bitter rivals to the Garden tonight.

The Killer B’s last played on February 13th, defeating the Florida Panthers, 3-2, in a shootout. The win punctuated a 4-game winning streak, and it also happened to be the most exciting shootout the Bruins have ever been involved in. Mark Recchi provided the heroics, scoring in the 8th round of the shootout to preserve the victory. Tuukka Rask made his 6th consecutive start between the pipes, stopping 26 saves, and saving his best for last in the extra frame.

The Bruins 4-game winning streak took place on the road, starting with a 3-0 win over Montreal, now they return to the Bean, where they look to continue their streak. The Black and Gold will be without Patrice Bergeron, who is day to day with a groin injury that he suffered for Team Canada at the Olympics. The puck drops at 7 pm.

Audio

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:46:07 -0500

Audio

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:08:05 -0500

Celtics come up short

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:31:00 -0500

Celtics come up short

Celtics hook up with Magic in showdown

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:15:00 -0500

Celtics hook up with Magic in showdown

The Celtics get ready for a tough stretch

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:41:00 -0500

The Boston Celtics have quite the week ahead of them. They will be heading down south to jockey for position in the Eastern Conference standings, with trips to Orlando, and Atlanta, and then a return to the parquet to face the Los Angeles Lakers.

This will be a crucial week coming up, and they can send a message throughout the league if they are victorious.

With KG back in the mix, the Celts find their way

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:28:00 -0500

With KG back in the mix, the Celts find their way

The Celtics need to regroup

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:23:00 -0500

The Celtics need to regroup

The Celtics becoming hard to watch

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:11:00 -0500

The Boston Celtics have lost 8 of their last 12 games. Last night’s loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons sums up the way the Celtics have been losing, and that is, starting out strong, only to fade late.

The C’s opened up the game shooting 61 % from the floor in the first half. Paul Pierce (21 points), Rajon Rondo (21 points), and Rasheed Wallace (16 points), all started off with hot-hands. Once again, it was the Celtics who led at the half (56-48), and once again, the lead evaporated in the beginning of the third quarter.

Cleveland now has a 2-game lead for the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics hold a half-game lead on the Atlanta Hawks for the two seed, and the boys in green will have a critical 2-game road stretch coming up when they travel to Orlando, and Atlanta. They return to action tomorrow night when they host the Portland Trail Blazers, and look to improve their 11-7 record at home.

B's get dumped by Sens

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:44:00 -0500

The Boston Bruins were blown out yesterday by the Ottawa Senators, 5-1. The Senators and Bruins are now tied for second place with 54 points.

Tim Thomas had another woeful performance, yielding three goals on nine shots before getting pulled in the second period. Thomas has been tough to figure out this season. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has seen his goals-against average soar to 2.45, while his record is a mediocre 13-12-6. I’m not calling for Timmy to be booed out of town, because the guy has simply been a stud here for the better part of the decade. But, it’s apparent that he hasn’t been the same guy this year, and rookie Tuukka Rask is beginning to make a name for himself, posting a 10-5-2 record, with a 2.04 GAA.

The Bruins have the next two nights off before welcoming the Columbus Blue Jackets to town. The Blue Jackets are currently in last place in the Western Conference’s Central division.

Celtics lose at home again

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0500

The Boston Celtics were dealt their seventh loss at home this season, as the Dallas Mavericks came away with a 99-90 win. Dirk Nowitzki went off, shooting over Celtics defenders with ease, finishing with 37 points (22 in 2nd half) on 14-22 shooting from the floor.

The Celtics played well in the first half, building up a double-digit lead before settling for a nine point advantage at the break (50-41). The tables were turned in the third quarter when Rasheed Wallace picked up his fourth foul, landing him on the bench. The Celts became a lot smaller with Wallace on the bench, and Nowitzki took full advantage, scoring 14 points in a five-minute span that occurred after Wallace’s fourth foul.

Paul Pierce (24 points) and Ray Allen (21 points) fueled the scoring for the C’s, but it was the defense that had no answers for Nowitzki. Boston will look to regroup tomorrow night in Detroit.

NFL Playoff Predictions

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:23:00 -0500

Here are my picks for this week’s playoffs…

AFC

Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts

A lot of people are thinking the Colts are going to come out rusty (and maybe they will for a little bit), but Peyton and company have had too good of a season to get bounced early. Prediction: Colts 24-17

New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers

This is the toughest game to predict, as both teams come in playing at an elite level. It’s hard to go against the Chargers since they have won 11 in a row, but the Jets just look like a team that possesses a championship swagger right now. Prediction: Jets 20-17

NFC

Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints

Another tough one to call, but I like the Saints to upend the inconsistent play of the Cardinals. Prediction: Saints 34-24

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings

This is the gimme of the week, as the Cowboys are rolling right now. I liked the Vikes all year, but the Cowboys present some problems. Prediction: Cowboys 28-13

Everett prevails with ease over Somerville, 64-47

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:04:00 -0500

The Everett Crimson Tide came out of the gates strong, building an early lead, and racing to a 64-47 victory over the Somerville Highlanders last night. Both teams made runs throughout the game. The Somerville deficit fluctuated from as many as 20 points, to as little as 8, but Everett (5-2, 3-1) proved to be too much in the end.

Rodman Noel led the host Crimson Tide with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Erno Deshommes added a double-double as well, scoring 12 points, and grabbing 10 rebounds, including a monster throw-down that had everyone out of their seats. The backcourt duo of Dequan Lee and Matt Costello, continued their strong play, adding 8 points each. Franklin Salvador scored 23 points for Somerville (4-5, 0-3) in the losing effort.

Bulls Stampede the Celtics

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:55:00 -0500

The Boston Celtics were beaten at home again last night, losing to the Chicago Bulls, 96-83. Luol Deng led five Bulls in double-figures with 25 points, including 8-13 from the field, and 9-10 at the free-throw line. Derrick Rose won the highly anticipated point guard match up, scoring 17 points, and pulling down eight rebounds.

The absence of Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace really hurt the C’s, as they were out-rebounded 50-39. The Celts appeared to be a step slower than the Bulls, losing by about ten throughout the whole game. The Bulls (17-20) basically ran the Celtics out of their own gym, and showed why the C’s need to be 100% to achieve any greatness this season.

The Celts have the weekend off before they welcome the Dallas Mavericks to town on Monday night. It’s another TNT game for the C’s, so tip-off is scheduled for 8. Rasheed Wallace is expected to return to the lineup, and his presence will be needed. The Mavs are sporting the second best record in the Western Conference at 25-13. They lost by five last night (100-95) at home against the Lakers. The Celtics will need to pay close attention to Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 25.1 ppg, and 8.2 rpg.

Bruins prove they can swim with Sharks

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:25:00 -0500

The Boston Bruins notched a big win last night, outlasting the San Jose Sharks in a shootout, 2-1. Zdeno Chara provided the heroics, scoring the only goal in the shootout. Chara scored on the 4th attempt, leaving only one chance for the Sharks to answer. Patrick Marleau had the fate of the game in his hands, but Tim Thomas (41 saves) had other ideas, denying Marleau, and putting the exclamation point on a great win at the Shark Tank.

Daniel Paille scored the game’s first goal in the second period, receiving a nice feed from Shawn Thornton, and getting a little help from the Sharks Dan Boyle, as the puck deflected off his stick, and underneath the pads of Evgeni Nabokov (30 saves). Old friend Joe Thornton tied the game later in the second, using his strength to overpower Bruins defenders, and poking in a rebound past Thomas.

The B’s will wrap up their west coast trip when they visit the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow at 4pm.

Bruins Quacked by Ducks

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:07:00 -0500

The Boston Bruins squandered a 3-2 lead in the third period, and lost to the Anahiem Ducks, 4-3. Ryan Getzlaf tied the game at 3, and Steve Eminger netted the game-winner, stuffing a rebound past Tuukka Rask (32 shots, 28 saves) with 11:53 remaining in the game.

Zdeno Chara (4), Matt Hunwick (6), and Marco Sturm (15) highlighted the Bruins scoring department. The shots on goal were just about even, with a slight edge going to Anahiem (32-30).

It was a tough loss for the Bruins, who remain in a tie with the New York Rangers for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. The B’s return to action tonight, as they continue their west coast trip with a visit to the Shark Tank, and reunite acquaintances with Joe Thornton. San Jose currently holds a one-point lead over the Blackawks for the best record in the NHL. The puck drops at 10:30.