Mike Milbury, NHL Analyst

We started the show today a couple of hours ago talking about hockey. And the the best team in the Eastern Conference the Boston Bruins who won again last night but the TD BankNorth garden and a Michael and I may disagree about things from time to time while virtually everything today but one thing that we agree completely on. Is that our next guest is as good an analyst as there is out there right now you see him work pre and post game between periods on -- with -- Tappan. He also see him now as one of the three co hosts of a new show called the investigators on -- and former Boston Bruins. Well everything defenseman coach you name it might ovaries on the line hey Mike I don't.

Well they'll IQ and watch you watch the team plant like this boy you don't even know. The first period it looked like the Harlem globetrotters. And the like after that source around it. Coach just about. Just up in addition to practice. Where they'll.

Mike Ellis and a -- earlier. How did this happen under our noses last year we saw an eight seed. Go to seven games with Montreal. Sound like a lot of people thought. The next year that the Bruins would be the best team in the Eastern Conference -- it happen.

Just they Michael I think the first is that. He got it gave this scouting staff. You know a round of applause for what they've brought and they keep on bringing up people keep on surprising. And secondly is the coaching staff I've been I've been touting -- staff. I emphasize. Well. For the job -- first they put -- structure. And got people would be comfortable on another confidence among other. And then they slowly shortly let them lose. Meaning gay people they pay the price district times council. Prime example a great example I'll. This coach has turned a player that's great assets but also major flaws. Into what looks like budding star right now because he shot about -- ulcers Church games are Milosevic. And -- to his credit. Heard the message got loud and clear I think this guy is after every game I'm always. Law always all ears for -- because he just seems to have the right to own. Say the right thing and step in the right message to players and and getting we have. If Aaron -- last -- and Chang ninety. And they were all they were all unhappy with the game they had at two points. And in the win column eight separate themselves -- the Rangers and Canadians. They. They knew that they had played just mediocre second and third and make no -- they've got a whole bunch gains against that they can be. If they start getting sloppy in the at what point get a way to but otherwise. So era. They got all I seem like a good group the group that -- each other. Which is always pick in any sport but -- more hockey. They got a -- beating them that's St. and doing all the right things and a lot of surprises from what an assist -- there have been no major trades that made huge impact so of course ops it's so. But on going to watch.

I said earlier that Cassel was a very pleasant surprise for me the kind of two way player that he's developed into. I I'd have to admit all bigger surprise for me has been Manny Fernandez. I wasn't a big advocate of spending free agent money when they acquired him any lost a year to injury to boot. The way he's played so far this year you can see why surely wanted to bring him in.

Sure and then in the meantime Jim Thomas is at all world here so it got. Any year where you seen a lot goaltenders go to out and I'm not sure why number one goal and there's like. A balk call and -- door -- most significant periods of time. The Bruins -- a -- trio of true quality goaltenders that they can go to. The thing that strikes -- about business. Reputation on all of -- coming into this situation where a lot of talk about him being. The more selfish player more concerned about it but he's been as far as I know a model citizen and fought through -- injury and come back to. To deeply contributors it it's it's been a pleasant surprise or. And it also they'll go -- basic decision at the end of the year all these guys are. Unrestricted free agency and it'll be curious to see if -- Get the prost started for reopened one of these guys what was -- and so on go and let the other guys about.

It's interesting Marc Savard had a had a reputation of being a selfish me first guy to. And also reputation for being great playmaker which he is one did you think of -- in the past that he was a selfish player and and if so how has the changed his game.

I think -- so. He's taken. Spot for the fact that he lose could have been a point getter. But to gain nothing much. Yet plate on a real good team real winner and an insult to a point until -- The in the game. It is not just and they did a great play but the ones and what. The next -- is that do. All that question like autumn. Cheating a line change my that worst that upper part because of that wind changed and that is why. Riveted on the West Bank and you know stop but force or we stick spam -- for change about it now. You don't -- that any. Orders to pay attention to element -- options he's back -- he's always been competitive -- But -- for these crack but notches well so. I think he's he just fit right in what the coaches preaching and along what everybody else but. Yet it's his reputation was not good approach situation what did two years ago when it was written reports but it's completely changed.

Mike we were talking about this a couple hours ago before you came on Tim Thomas and how he was an All-Star last year blood. People don't really view them as an All-Star this year is -- on the All-Star ballot again. What is it about Tim Thomas that people don't get and -- your -- category two maybe you looked at them a few years ago it's at -- I don't see anything special.

Well it it's. Pretty clear that guys schlepped around minor leagues and at a couple of -- here they are now shortly. But didn't have a together to be -- National Hockey League goaltender until -- three years ago -- He lost and so I think everybody was right to disguise. You know just flashed democracy also made a journeyman goaltender. In the near future well. I think whatever but he underestimated. Our Q. What this guys it is a competitor export there. You know not think. -- news worst and then giving up a goal you know even -- meaningless situations get get angry about it and so has. You know it looks like little political role all week you know I think she's darn good athlete and a guy -- from post post. In the game which has now become beast in the shop that sold more east west and just more so.

I think Milan Lucic is a guy who could be up up up but god to hockey fans in this town based on how they like their hockey players and what they like to say. And I don't want to go crazy and start -- the -- thing because it's totally unfair Dellucci to do that but could he be a legitimate twenty to 25 goal scorer in the NHL.

Absolutely. Absolutely it is going to get more more quality minutes and he's playing now it. Savard they can deliver the part -- every so that needs to. Utilized this page article you'll see you all are now right on the topic -- he hates to be able to it and well. Move east and moved west to make himself available when he starts to do that more. And gets those opportunities support from the ten to fifteen foot range -- Colts -- total -- Start escalate as well get it dirty ones what is on the power we're just trying to sit on the goaltenders that.

Did you see Blake Wheeler common.

Never never at -- anybody says they -- it is. Probably -- well that it sort of hindsight it is pretty good and I will say that it they'll come. Whose situation. Was. Not as dramatically as Lucic does that have that physical presence. From get toward training camp. He was invisible so. Maybe the past shops beating shall shortly as real -- he saw things that made you think that. He could be -- thought it was going to be on -- scored 2530. September. A lot smarter.

Mike I saw you talking about this a bit on your show. Are you amazed. That Barry Melrose first ball was hired. And then -- was fired. Before. Twenty this season was when he games old. For 25 games -- home.

It was. I think sixteen games or five memory serves me correctly.

Right wasn't whether it was a somewhere in the team's.

you know it is. It's so so. There's a guy clearly as passionate about who's worked at had had some success as coach. Any post it'll it'll pop by. -- idiots and and so they should have known what they were getting there was she knows these. -- players' coach. -- of people use more x.s and most particularly Jews. Long way off from coach at regional level but it August. You know good guys coached that would would it help players keep accountable and to see that happen to see all these guys pitch awful and Barrett or was clearly. Which from all. Impact that went for PR. Do you really know Barry and didn't really have a feel for. I think. The worst thing about this Barry Melrose. Tremendous -- for sports as a as an analyst. And I think she felt betrayed by. A lot of people medal or not just owners but. But people on management and the players themselves. The web site has back. Orders and and that is that -- don't make any. Anybody in the slot Cardinals got to search -- should have been iron in the first uses. And not a question of work at a higher he certainly should as a bridge certain -- that are knowledge of how a guy operated and -- out there. After sixteen games just his life and I say stick or since -- made the change then. Horse. So it's not Alberto. Than. -- from the beginning and based on what I saw last. Gonna be awhile before better.

Mike you know that old saw about don't asking where the so don't ask for the sausage comes from you might find out you don't want to know. Under him. Behind the scenes here if if owners and general managers. Look at ESP NR look at investments they want that guy sounds pretty good maybe he can coach my team is not an indictment on that more than anybody else.

I thought it was a good. Which are open that they do.

That's. I heard you say last week that a couple guys you worked for and power in the -- right now so.

Well that's right. I think. Fortunately we got a lot of guys in the business that are analyst now that know their stuff but. But on the year out of that need for Barrett -- for thirteen hitters or talking about really out. He's you know he's in Bristol etiquette where jacket which pointed out you don't athletes don't have any games and burst Barrett -- brought out watch. I think you lose there was a stretch to think she was going to get back that -- let. And to lead the via Kingston files so many years ago. All players wasn't going a lot of things what was there was a stretch and guys have been out of it for -- Chargers certainly have been many examples. Coaches summoned back to be successful. Jaunt to order -- Out it for very much doubt about the year he's going to come back beside Peter Laviolette. Going to be good coach Eddie he's got enough experience numbers though so you know I think. Approaches that are. Pretty much -- and they have to continue to work but -- the right people touched. Not lose that what you do these losers -- the changes in style way. Knowledge of the players themselves that they start at that really have to work yeah.

Mike eight I don't think Barry Melrose was that good a coach when he was coaching. Beat Scotty Bowman couldn't spent thirteen years away from behind the bench and be a good coach it can't happen.

Well bill land and you know you can argue -- it -- Barry's success or Sierra. Pretty good player Wayne Gretzky who pretty much carried the franchise. You know sometimes it's not always easy to have players like that is ridiculous as that sounds. You gotta put him in the right situation let them go -- ago chipped in control -- was not about that. You're right thirteen years or and Scotty Bowman couldn't sit still thirteen minutes -- torture or bench.

Hey I I started this conversation by saying the Bruins -- the best team in the Eastern Conference and I believe they are. The second best team at least points wise is the New York Rangers MI wrong for not believing in them like I --

I would I look at the beginning of the year -- minus yarder. And given the ball. 822 Gomez and injury. And might say he was also distractions there. This would be better in what they haven't found. The right chemistry they have on the right scoring -- Their -- a lot of Hendrick on -- on most nights but really fighting. Fighting find ways to score goals domestic there're other better teams in the proper right now. Flyers nine want to -- their last thirteen games and that don't look now with the doubles put together pretty good streak. While Martin Brodeur gets a little vacation little interest in seeing how he reacts well yet it's 75 games come. Some people and the Penguins were -- two superstars. Should shake your head that they are doing it the -- for gonchar Whitney come back to their life. Which make them force -- Rangers have slipped my. Perception conference.

May -- ask you about a guy who -- dale raves about Brian -- one were you surprised that he was fired in two. Were you surprised that he landed on his feet so quickly with a pretty lucrative deal.

Inspired Michael Lewis. You know one atop a couple of years ago and Brian close personal -- She got Fed up with the -- each such fortunate source Ers marriage and and two from post presence marriage and he's a pretty pretty very strong family guy. He was -- an average reached back the Boston. To be -- Jets to make sure was present their lives any part of that just get tired of the travel and you know he approached the -- on management to over -- so it was like to explore. So a lot of possibilities particularly in the east because on I just wasn't much -- monitor -- They said no because it was such an important part of their organization. And slightly. When they came element they gave -- a multi year offer significant dollars. -- wear out the string. Well that's finally -- so well we better change now. It's clear -- not coming back. About was the right to do -- that brought it to get down battle over the summer -- Smoother transition. But sort of concerns he's at right. Trial franchise can he can take it from the media give one back. He's got a good that Ron Welch was an excellent coach -- show -- taking three -- four years but. He's a simple philosophy going to be on the watch these physical -- in your face and strange layup that sells tickets start France.

I'm going to let disagree with something I heard you say last night that that there are some minor league franchises that wouldn't mind having Sean Avery on their roster could he will sell tickets. At least one the Dallas. Affiliate in the American Hockey League is -- no thanks not interest that. Agent Gary Bettman handle it properly and B is there a place for Sean Avery in the NHL.

I think he handled properly it you can't. Equate this situation. -- anything that happens on every now you a doubt -- think Colin Campbell's and it always does support. This is totally different -- An image problem and a -- a problem that that they claim they they warned about. Three or four times to keep his nose clean and stop. Formalize it comes to pop comments. He reliable though he's been. He's been borderline embarrassing or who cheat with a lead. As it might flapping arms. And struck out -- and -- create history I was a little music I democracies steady diet of it by eight points for creativity. When he arts that -- You know our opponents and their selection girlfriends and getting -- personal. It becomes an image problem for week in and it's going to be turn out of people that are potential consumers and -- to make this statement that -- You know what shall it British camp it was they like. They EPA what was going to be worse more significant suspension and absorb it where they're not really like there's 12 art if they challenged the contract. That's a different story about it -- a place National Hockey League. Nobody's you know -- management there was somebody wrote about it as more management which probably more accurate. Directed this got in shape control system and and trying to be Arctic where. Not circus clown and if they can do. He's got skills to be affect the as a third line player on most teams -- can be a distraction. Social -- there's a place there with the first you know. Disguised at some issues to straight -- foreign such.

He can't play in Dallas I mean you lose Modano and you lose Turco you can't play there.

You know it it's you're probably right elbow and a I would rule it out OT association. The CA. Has reached out to the guys on the team and so tone down rhetoric. I'll look back and not because we have this contract which. Realize this guy I don't think it was a -- states to try to reason because of what he said. People are dangers of their they've been instructed to this club -- Q where there's all ghosts and shot eight times and after. Straight back -- and from what I heard was. You know full blown emotional careful. Hearing in New York. Was his idea of being want to get some counselling. You know. Hey I'm not -- sorry for that a lot of great stuff without him credit for we step. I just sided history acts.

Mike I think you're right that he can't compare Avery situation to something that happened on the ice but. I'm wondering if the NHL is going into some dangerous territory. By fining guys. Broke over what they say during interviews is it going to open up something not a guy say well. At -- he said that he didn't get suspended. Or.

We have -- we'll get it so you can't police here and for -- commandments fashion fashion statements are out that's not workers -- ago I think. State which will about the commissioner. Note though these Irish -- order in. He took advantage of the opportunity. And brought by law to exercise some powers that -- Slowly get this spring saw the street go away it would. And it further embarrassment. Yes the Rangers -- Saturday -- precedence. I don't see it being used. Very frequently and it was a comedy charred papers are rather it is the model we want. The -- as far as he can go so yes it's dangerous I don't see it used in the future and outfitted -- you can find out. Outs walk a lot of the PA trial.

Like we really appreciate you taking a few minutes to talk some hockey -- SI hope we get a chance to do it again soon.

Any time guys my pleasure thanks.

I liked that takes care Mike Milbury from NASA and he also works up in Canada and doesn't work there. After the first of the year you'll be seeing him on and be on NBC's. NHL package he.