Breaking News: The Bruins Had a Good Year

In case you didn't notice, I didn't write a post on Game 7/the end of the B's season. No, it wasn't because I was too sad to do so. Instead, I wrote a 1,000 word piece for the newspaper at school, and will link to it when the new website is up.

The latest Bruins news since the season ended has been about a variety of subjects: injuries, contract extensions, contract negotiations, Winter Classics and, last but not least, postseason awards.

After finishing the regular season at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 53-19-10 (116 points) record, it was clear that the Bruins had a regular season to remember. Just how good the season was became even more clear last night, where the Bruins cleaned up at the annual NHL Awards Night in Las Vegas. The winners were:

• Zdeno Chara, Norris Trophy winner as the league's best defenseman.
• Tim Thomas, Vezina Trophy winner as the league's best goalie.
• Claude Julien, Adams Award winner as the league's top coach.
• Thomas and Manny Fernandez, Jennings Trophy winner as the league's top goalie tandem (judged by fewest goals allowed).

Yes, all in all it was a great night for the Bruins, who had a haul of silver in Vegas of which even the most successful gambler would be jealous. Does it do anything to take away the sting of the season's end? No, but it certainly does validate more than a few members of this B's team.

While the "no respect" card may have been getting old as last year progressed, many were still hesitant to rate Thomas as one of the league's top goalies. "The Bruins have a solid defense," was one excuse, or, "he just gets lucky on most saves, he'll cool off eventually." Thomas, who got a top goalie-esque raise a few months back, will no longer be able to assume underdog status, as winning the Vezina cements him as one of the league's elite between the pipes.

Much of the same can be said about Julien, who, with the Adams award, may have finally silenced some doubters about his ability behind the bench. Even while guiding the B's to the top spot in the East and second round in the playoffs this year, there were still grumblings among fans during a Bruins rough patch in early 2009 that Julien simply didn't "have what it takes," and should be jettisoned. Yes, people thought the coach of the first place Bruins should be fired, mainly because of what happened with Julien in New Jersey. With the Adams Award under his belt, hopefully Julien is cut some slack, and remains in Boston for a while (which is apparently the team's wish, as contract negotiations are underway).

Also, it's good to see Chara finally validated as the league's top defenseman with the Norris. There was plenty of speculation as to whether or not Mike Green might sneak in a steal the trophy, as his offensive numbers this season were extremely impressive, but in the end, Chara emerged victorious. Chara got off to a slow start with the Bruins under much-maligned head coach Dave Lewis, but in his two years under Julien, Chara has grown into the dominant defensive force that got him named the league's best blue-liner. He plays with a physical edge not seen in the Lewis era, while also serving as the B's shut-down defender against other team's top players and the most fearsome shooter in the league from the blue line on the power play. Chara, constantly trying to better himself, will likely do all he can to assure that the trophy doesn't leave it's place on his mantle by keeping up his stellar play next season.

That's all for now. I'm thinking about doing another top-10 games of the year post, then maybe something like best plays and saves too. Stay tuned over the next couple of days, I'm sure I'll churn something out.

Photo Credit: AP

Go B's.