Bruins Not Ready For Prime Time

In a matchup of the best of the East vs the best of the West, it was the West and former Bruins star Joe Thornton who came out on top last night, decisively, as the San Jose Sharks scored 4 goals in the final period to erase a 2-1 Bruins lead.

Fluto Shinzawa has the Bruins acknowledging they tried to play it too safe in the final period. Mike McMahon has the Sharks silencing the debate over which is the best team in the NHL. Mick Colageo has the Bruins unable to survive a fierce third period Shark attack. Steve Conroy has the Sharks using their size advantage over the undermanned Bruins in the third period. Rich Garven says that the Bruins had better hope this wasn’t a playoff preview. Mike Loftus says that the Bruins look like they still have a few things to learn.

Thornton nemesis Kevin Paul Dupont has Jumbo Joe getting the last laugh in his return to Boston. The column ends with Thornton coming over to shake the hand of the man who suggested that the Bruins strip him of his captaincy during a playoff series. Ron Borges has Thornton scoring his third period goal by parking himself right where many thought he should be all along, right in front of the net. Bud Barth has Thornton at the center of attention last night.  Joe Haggerty has more on Jumbo Joe getting the last laugh last night.

Stephen Harris says that the Bruins have some improvements to make if they hope to meet the Sharks again this spring and get a better outcome. Dupont urges the Bruins to make a trade for blue line help, mentioning the Ducks Chris Pronger as desirable acquisition. Jeff Jacobs looks at Sean Avery making a brief stop with the Hartford Wolf Pack after being waived by the Stars. Avery seems headed back to the Rangers later this month.

Dupont looks at the situation with the Bruins radio rights on WBZ radio, which expire at the end of this season.

Shinzawa’s notebook has an injury update on former Shark Marco Sturm, who will not return this season even if the Bruins make it to the Stanley Cup finals. Conroy’s notebook has Petteri Nokelainen having to leave the game with an eye injury, courtesy of a high stick from San Jose’s Dan Boyle late in the first period. Garven’s notebook has the Bruins looking to get back on track without Michael Ryder. Loftus’ notebook says that Ryder’s injury could’ve been a lot worse.

Celtics

Patrick Gilroy has the Celtics reflecting on what has been a rough week. Robert Lee says that the Celtics are going to need to shake off their defensive woes on this road trip. Marc J. Spears has a look at New Orleans superstar Chris Paul, who is the biggest reason that the Hornets are contenders.  

Brendan Hall’s Celtics notebook in the Globe look at the status of P.J. Brown, who insists that he is retired, but the Celtics have kept the door open for his return. Mark Murphy’s notebook has a look at a thumb injury that is going to keep Tony Allen out of at least the next two games.

Red Sox

So let me get this straight…Dan Shaughnessy, talking about the A-Rod situation, is complaining about the level of vitriol in the media? It might just be time to shut down. The irony is this is too heavy for me to process right now. Jim Donaldson says we shouldn’t be surprised at all at the level of lying and cheating in sports. Jeff Howe says that we need to love baseball for what it is, not what it isn’t.

Alex Speier has a look at the Red Sox offseason in review.

Armed with a new contract and a parking spot, Kevin Youkilis is living the good life right now, so says Joe McDonald. The money isn’t going to change the approach Youkilis takes to the game, as evidenced by his early arrival at the Red Sox spring training site.  Amalie Benjamin has Youkilis weighing in on the A-Rod situation yesterday from camp. Sean McAdam has Youkilis ready to hit wherever in the order that Terry Francona places him. McDonald has Youkilis glad A-Rod fessed up.

Joe Haggerty says that the pitching staff is what is going to drive the Red Sox this season. Benjamin’s notebook has Takashi Saito already making himself at home with the Red Sox. McAdam’s notebook has Youkilis expressing some sympathy for A-Rod.

Misc

Christopher L. Gasper has Vince Wilfork wondering when the Patriots are going to approach him about a new contract.

Michael Vega has Jimmie Johnson looking to make it four NASCAR championships in a row.