BOSTON BRUINS QUOTES 2021 Playoffs May 12, 2021
BOSTON BRUINS PRESIDENT CAM NEELY… Good morning everyone. I just wanted to mention, I know how challenging this past year has been, or fifteen months or whatever you want to call it. I appreciate all the hard work. It's a little different not being able to get in the locker room and do your jobs the way you're normally accustomed too. I also want to thank and appreciate our travel group. It's been a challenging year, it's not to say that others haven't had challenges. I give our training staff and coaching staff and players, and more importantly our taxi squad guys – that's a huge commitment for them, and some of them didn't play all that much. I just wanted to point out that I'm very proud and appreciative of what everyone's gone through this year.
On Jeremy Swayman’s early success… There’s not a big book on him for NHL players right now. But what I see with him is just, he’s so calm and poised. And I like how he challenges the shooters, he comes out, he gets to the top of the paint. So, there’s a little less to see when you’re looking where to put the puck. His calmness and his poise has really been impressive to me.
On Zdeno Chara’s familiarity with the Bruins… I think Marchy - there’s no code words. Obviously, playing for this coaching staff for as long as Zdeno has and playing with the players that he has for his tenure here in Boston, you certainly know some tendencies. Guys are aware of that. But also, on the flip side, guys certainly know how Zdeno is going to play and what to expect from him and maybe how to exploit that a little bit as well.
On how Swayman has changed the outlook of the goaltending situation… That's a good question. We've certainly had some internal talks recently about how things are going to look moving forward. We want to get through this year and see how the season ends up and where we're at. Just, the way he's played has given us some thoughts of what direction we may go in compared to where we were maybe two months ago.
On addressing the physicality of the team… Well as you know, they’ve got a lot of big bodies and they like to play physical. This division, maybe aside from Pittsburgh to a degree, the other three teams that are in the playoffs in this division play more of a physical style game. And I think our guys are prepared for that challenge and are expecting that. I think we did a good job with compiling this roster. Especially, adding some pieces at the deadline that gives us a chance to win some playoff series.
On the confidence in Swayman… Just based on the short sample size that we got and the way he’s played, from my perspective and probably the players perspective, they’re going to be confident playing in front of him. You don’t get experience until you start playing, so that’s how you gain your experience. So, we’ll see what happens here in the playoffs.
On Tom Wilson… He's not flying under the radar from our perspective, everyone knows what kind of player he is. He plays hard and he'll take the body. We have to expect that, I don't think that's going to change. We also need to focus on how we need to play and what we need to do to be successful. We have to be smart. More importantly, we've got to be careful with their power play. We've got to try to stay out of the box as much as possible.
On the optimism for the playoffs… Well, I really like the way we finished the season. We had a couple bad periods here and there but overall, I think our guys are getting dialed in. Feeling good about the way they’re playing. I assume, we have confidence. I certainly do. I assume the players do and the coaching staff. That’s how I’m’ looking at it. I like for the most part how we’ve played coming into the playoff series this year.
On the job done by management at the trade deadline… Yeah, there’s times where things don’t work out the way you want them to. Maybe the player you thought you’d like to get didn’t materialize. But more importantly, it’s doing all the background, information. Like, what is the player like? How is he going to fit into our locker room? We talk about adding three players or two players, it does make a difference. And you want them to mesh seamlessly if possible. To get as much information as we can on the guys that you start targeting, I think is key. And hoping that they’re going to be good guys in the locker room and buy into the system that we’ve got here and understand what it takes to play here. I think our staff did a really good job of identifying those players.
On the center depth… That's something we've identified prior to this year that maybe we're a little thin in depth in that position where we have to address that. From a development standpoint, you're right, it's been a little challenging for some of our players, not getting in as many of their games as they normally would in a season like that, probably practicing more than playing. But that's a position where we feel we'd like to stock up on going forward.
On Bergeron and Krejci… We're always evaluating, especially players that are in their last year of their deal or going into the last year of their deal. Krejci certainly has elevated his game, there's no question. It's no surprise that adding Taylor Hall to his wing certainly give him some life. Those two have meshed extremely well together. We'll continue to evaluate as the playoffs go along and then re- evaluate once the season is over.
On Taylor Hall’s fit in Boston… Yeah, it’s a good point. We’re blessed with the leadership that we have and have had for years. It really starts with how we want players to play. How we want player to act. How we want players to be in the community. You may want all that, but you may not get those types of players. Fortunately for us, we have that in spades. Everybody buys in. When your best players are also your hardest workers, it’s hard not to buy in. and if you don’t, you’re not here very long.
On Taylor Hall’s performance and a longer-term fit… I think mainly, it really solidified some more depth in the offensive position of need where we're getting a little more production five-on-five. Now teams are not just looking at the Bergeron line, but now they've got to look at Krejci's line and even, whether it's Coyle or Kuraly, Ritchie — those guys have chipped in recently. And then our fourth line, adding Lazar, we've got a number of players that can slide in and out there that are going to give us energy. And like I said with David, as far as Taylor goes, we're going to continue to see how things go with the playoffs here. I think we'd like to get something done, but that remains to be seen, but that's our hopes.
On the division alignment this season… I think everybody kind of likes maybe a two-game set where you go into a city and play two games. I think it really cuts down on the travel and wear and tear. I don’t know, the league is going to consider that. I don’t know about next year but maybe moving forward. I think the players really enjoyed that part of it where you’re not always hopping on a plane, going to another city.
On the challenges of not seeing Tampa or Toronto… Not in particular. We certainly watch enough hockey games. The only difference is we’re not playing those teams, right? We’ve certainly played them enough over the last few years, we kind of know what they are and who they are. And there’s plenty of video out there. Other than our team stacking up against them, that’s the only difference. We certainly know those teams very well, still.
On the roster size for the playoffs… Well, the league has a protocol on how many people you can have in the travel party, including the players. Looking back to Toronto in the bubble, I think we had 31 players in total, that's including four goalies. So, I think we'll be somewhere similar heading into the playoffs with our travel party.
On if he'll have four goalies... Maybe not all the time, but probably, yes.
On the playoff schedule... No, nothing has been indicated. My guess is, my hope is it's going to be every other night.
On when the team will be 85% fully vaccinated… That’s a great question. We’re up in the eighties with the first dose or shot. The challenging part is when to do the second shot. Because there is some, everybody I’m sure has read this as well, and know this. The second shot, you do get some more side effects than you do with the first. So, we have to plan that properly. And then fully vaccinated from what I understand, it’s two weeks after your second shot, you’re considered fully vaccinated.
BOSTON BRUINS GENERAL MANAGER DON SWEENEY… On matching Washington’s physicality and adapting to Wilson.... Rightfully so, he's a unique player in the league. Their team does present some challenges, they're a physical team. If you look at our matches this year, I think we handled that very well. Obviously, the Carlo injury aside, I think our team, all teams have to be prepared to play any style any night. You don't pick your opponents, you just prepare for them as they come and worry about your own game. I think that's something we've tried to do over the course of my time here, is be the best that we can be, and address some areas of need and fill some holes as we go along throughout the season, try to identify them. Be really honest about them if you have some needs, and then go to war. That's honestly what it comes down to. You've got to have everyone in and ready to chip in.
On Mike Reilly… Well, when we acquired Mike, we felt that he would bring the first pass D-zone exits. You’ve seen us stretch a little bit more. He sees the ice. He’s been involved in the offensive blue line. Hasn’t chipped in any goals yet but he’s certainly gotten his shot through with regularity. Been active as I said, taking pucks down the wall, making some plays to the net front. The slot area. The mobility is something that we felt and identified that he can help us. As I said, from a D- zone exit standpoint, still trying to adjust a little bit to the system. And the differences and the nuances associated between the two teams. Played with a bunch of different partners. Has probably settled in to play with Carlo and/or Miller. But he’s fit in well for us and gives us the appropriate depth that will likely be required for the playoffs.
On Lauzon and Zboril this season… Well, I think that it’s had some ups and downs associated with injuries. Lauzy missed an extensive period of time with a hand injury. He comes back, got to smooth out a little of the rough edges that at times the game is hard for him. But you can’t deny his compete level. Led our team in penalty minutes, time on ice and embraced the matchup role or that hardness role that we covet in our players. Kevan Miller in the same light. I think Lauzy has continued to move along in his career and getting the appropriate number of games it requires for all players, but in particular I think on the back end, and continue to progress. So, we’re happy and excited where his trajectory continues. And Jakub, he’s 40 some odd games into his career. I think he’s also had some ups and downs. Some challenges that we’ve expected to have. He’s played through some of those. Injuries as well. He’ll be on the outside of our starting lineup, but as you know, we’ve used eight, nine, 10 D in the course of the playoffs. He has to be prepared and ready. This is his first go-round for that. I think he’s acquitted himself well. I think he’s had some bumps and some ups and downs, but I think his ability to move the puck and D-zone exits while he learns to plays against the best players in the National Hockey League, he’s done fine.
On the big picture view of the playoffs… You start with Game 1. I think you're foolish to look beyond that. We've played an incredible amount of hockey over a short period of time. Knock on wood, we're relatively healthy to start, and you hope to remain that way. So, I can't answer the gas in the tank from the standpoint of what the attrition will be like through Game 1, 2 and beyond. We just prepare for Game 1. I think the guys are excited for the opportunity. It was hard, it was difficult to get in, and everyone knew how hard it was going to be to make the playoffs. It is every year, but this year, it was very unique with the challenges. It's pretty incredible that our players and our staff and everybody was as dedicated as they are, and throughout the league to get to this place. But the excitement, I think, is obvious for all of our players. It was even so when we brough in additions, not just because they would be excited to be joining a team that was hopefully headed to the playoffs, but our incumbent players that have been there, that have done that, and want to try to do it again.
On the center depth in the organization… As far as where we are right now, we have Charlie Coyle playing on the wing and we know he’s, from a depth standpoint, he’s a center. I think we’re well equipped. We added Curtis Lazar at the deadline to deepen that pool as well. Fredric is playing on the wing. I think we’re fine in terms of where we are today. I’m not worried about answering a question, not defer, but I’ll kick it down the road in terms of some decision to make that you have to as we go forward with some of our UFA guys. And if we have to promote from within or re-sign and bring those players back, that’s obviously what our intentions has generally been. And promote them within, develop. But if we have to identify, then we’ll continue to do that. Jack’s development year has been up and down. Certainly, got off to a good start in starting with our club. Has gone down to continue to work on his overall game. Has come back up and played in a couple games and acquitted himself fine. I think there’s work to be done. I think Jack knows that. He wants to be a better player. It’s a great hing about our younger players and Jack in this case in particular as you asked. He’s motivated to become a better hockey player, a more complete hockey player. He’s got some physical maturity that he has to continue to go through, and he’s committed to doing that.
On Swayman as the backup… First and foremost, the organizational philosophy is to have the discussions and put a blueprint in place. Bruce decides who plays that particular night and we discuss moving forward, what's the best lineup that we can have as an organization to win? Ultimately, that's generally where decisions lie. You have different opinions, and that's really what we're paid for. It pays in experience in this business. But ultimately, he is the one who sends guys over the boards, and he has full authority to decide. Bob [Essensa] is a big part of that, Mike Dunham is a part of that. It's just where players are at and their development as a player and development staff, who can handle what. But we just got to the place where Sway was playing really well, giving us a great opportunity to win each and every night. We reward the players that have done that. I think that's something that our organization stands by. We're not trying to rush players, we're not trying to put players in situations where they can't handle. Last night's a great example of, some players would have been intimidated in that situation, and Jeremy wasn't. It's the next step, he's got a lot to still go through, but these are experiences he'll benefit and our team benefits from. Obviously, Jaro continues to be a healthy, healthy option for us now that he's recovered.
On the decision to make Swayman the backup... It's a small sample size, but the wins and losses and stops add up. You look at how your team has played in front of him and what you expect from percentages and high dangers and situations that he's handled. Teams that we've played against are somewhat common for this season, but we've put him on the road, and we've put him in situations and he's handled it well. For us, you're right, there's still a lot to be determined and there's plenty of young goaltenders that have taken huge steps forward and minor steps back. We'll see, but again, what we've thrown at Jeremy up until this point, he's handled well, and we expect him to continue.
On how Taylor Hall came to Boston… Well, it doesn't start with the agent. It always starts between the general managers and having ongoing conversations throughout the year with each and every one of them. Sometimes, situations change, teams pivot. There are certain teams that are tracking in one direction, injuries and such thrown aside, and they track differently as you near the deadline. We're no different in that regard, we're monitoring every day how our players are playing, players that we had interest in, whether it's guys in the summer or over the course of the season. Our scouts do a heck of a job covering a lot of ground and identifying players. Watching Taylor, who was in our division. It obviously starts with a conversation between Kevin and myself as to who is maybe available, what are you thinking of doing, changing your team – as you do with all general managers. When Taylor's name came up, we were one of the choices that we felt he would choose and elect to choose given his trade status and no-trade status. And then it really went from there in terms of Taylor being in a unique situation. Kevin doesn't have to move a player in that sense, we just found common ground and Kevin was really good to deal with. He knew that Taylor had preferences. He did what was best for the Buffalo Sabres, and we were trying to do what was best for the Boston Bruins.
On how the Hall conversation began… It's more organic than that, over the course of the year you're touching base with all 31 general managers. In this case, now 32 with Ronnie coming in, 31 because I'm one and I'm not counting myself. I talk to myself quite a bit, but – with that said, I couldn't tell you who made the first call, it's kind of irrelevant at this point in time because we stayed in touch throughout. You're just keeping a pulse and he's doing the exact same, he's doing his job.
On the importance of locker room fit for trade deadline acquisitions… I would say, you probably know me pretty well. The locker room is really, really important to me. And tapping into every resource that we have. Obviously, our scouts do a great job. There’s a lot of background stuff to go through, the context of one team a player played for could be far different from the next team that he played for and how the usages are. The analytic department will scrape that and really, where he fits. Meeting with the coaches, our own coaches to have an understanding of where they’re going to play that player. Where the moving parts are and how that affects other players and the dominoes associated with that. Deep down, you have to know the player. Ultimately, you don’t know him until he’s in your room. Until he’s played for your club, and you have a knowledge of how he is in the locker room - now you may have an overlap sometime along the way. Players have crossed paths on other teams. And you have to tap into that. We use those resources within our own group to allow them to give us some insight as to what a person is like. How he’s going to fit in. And is he going to be a teammate that they want to play with, and again, try and validate what you’re seeing. What the scouts are seeing. What they’re pushing for. And really, the pool is not that big in the sense of who is necessarily available. Of who you’re going after. Sometimes those things align, sometimes they don’t. And then you just have to make a decision and move forward. In this case, we found three players in particular that hopefully have checked off some boxes that we felt that we had some deficiencies or need. And then you go to work on integrating them and making them feel comfortable. I know our players and our staff does a great job of making these guys feel comfortable so they’re thinking about hockey and not about really, other things. Curtis Lazar is a great example of that. He and his wife had just welcomed a baby boy into the world, so really, again, trying to do what’s best for the player and their families and getting them comfortable and checking all the boxes.