New season, new country.
Same Bruins?
Boston’s hockey team returns to action this weekend when it faces the Phoenix Coyotes in a two-game series in Prague, Czech Republic.
After last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal collapse against the Flyers, one question looms largest: Can the B’s score this year?
Two years ago, in 2008-09, the Bruins totaled 270 goals — the most in the Eastern Conference and fewer than just one team.
Last season, Boston’s 196 goals were the fewest in the league — and the only total under 200.
What’s different this year?
Though Marc Savard is still out with post-concussion syndrome, the B’s suffered minimal losses in the offseason shuffle.
Meanwhile, they drafted a potential first-line forward in Tyler Seguin with the No. 2 overall pick. The former Ontario Hockey League standout opened plenty of eyes with two goals in an exhibition game last weekend. Boston also brought in Nathan Horton, who scored 20 goals last year.
Amazing, traveling Bruins
The Bruins officially open their 2010-11 campaign Saturday in Prague.
But you don’t get a chance to see them in Boston until their home opener Oct. 21 against Washington.
The B’s are in Europe this weekend, then have the week off before visiting New Jersey next Saturday. They’re at Washington Oct. 19.
Thornton to captain San Jose
Why can’t the Bruins get guys like this?
Joe Thornton, subject of a controversial trade out of Boston in 2005, was named the eighth captain in San Jose Sharks history yesterday. He replaces the retired Rob Blake.
Thornton, who once captained the B’s, has totaled at least 86 points in each of his four seasons in San Jose. metro
