Awful. That's the one word that comes to mind after watching the Bruins' utter collapse at home to the LA Kings last night. Heading into the 3rd up 2-0 after goals from Matt Hunwick and Mark Recchi and 22 saves from Tim Thomas, the Bs just flat out shit the bed in the game's last 15 minutes and lost 3-2 in OT. If not for the point the NHL awards for reaching OT, this shitshow would be the worst loss of the season.
 
The wheels started falling off when Michal Handzus notched a power play goal halfway through the 3rd then the Kings knotted it when rookie stud defenseman Drew Doughty knocked home a loose puck in the goal mouth past a hung-out-to-dry Thomas. There's no real mystery why the (fading?) Wales leaders got upended by the young, talented, but likely-playoff-spectator Kings---they once again stopped skating and stopped hustling once they got what they perceive to be a comfortable lead. And the hungry team, which hasn't been too relevant since #99 left town, pounced on the soft and complacent home squad that's looking more and more like a recently-tranquilized grizzly than then growling beast seen in pre-game introductions.
 
Their once double digit lead in the conference is down to four points over the D.C. Caps (Caps have one game in hand). However, their Adams Division lead is still a nearly insurmountable 18 points so a top-three seed is a virtual guarantee (Bs/Habs in first round again, anyone? Certainly looking more like a possibility than a month ago). That said, nothing much they have done since the All-Star break has inspired any confidence in their fandom. Blown leads, lack of hustle, and lack of grit sum up their shitty showings for the last month or so. Heavy criticism for a still-in-first squad? Maybe so, but certainly warranted given their recent funk.
 
Well, they've got 10 more games to recapture the form that saw them go from 40 to 1 longshots to one of the favorites at 4 to 1. Did they go into a subconscious mental break, knowing they have home ice for at least the first two rounds? Are they trying to play it safe and stay healthy and rested for the real games that commence in mid-April? Or were they just playing out of their heads for the first half of the season, dickteasing their fans yet again, and setting the stage for another golf outing on the morning of the Kentucky Derby? We'll find out over the days and weeks ahead. But it certainly isn't going to get any easier. Next up is the Jersey Devils on a rare Sunday afternoon homer. The perennial contenders from swampland are 23-7 in their last 30 and have been next to unbeatable since the return of all-time win king Marty Brodeur, who could well end his career with over 700 victories. The Bs tend to play down to their competition. Conversely, the league's best often brings out the Bs' best. Sunday should offer a good barometer of just where the Bruins are with crunch time upon them.

- Blog by Rear Admiral