Tag Archives: TD Garden

Apr 17 2013

Boston Bruins Prepare For An Emotional Evening (LINKS)

The Boston Bruins expect Wednesday's contest against Buffalo to be emotional! (Photo Credit: New York Daily News)

The Boston Bruins expect Wednesday’s contest against Buffalo to be emotional! (Photo Credit: New York Daily News)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It is expected to be an emotional evening at the TD Garden as the Boston Bruins play host to the Buffalo Sabres.

The game, which is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. face-off, will mark the first time the Black and Gold skate on their home ice since Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings. And while we’re still a few minutes away from the contest, we thought we’d provide a few links from around the web about this particular contest.

Bruins-Sabres Links: 

* Bruins coach Claude Julien knows a win would be huge for the city

* FOX Sports has an article about how the Bruins will help with the healing process

* Black and Gold supporters should feel extra safe this evening as security will be “tight” at the Garden, according to the Associated Press

* Boston Globe’s Matt Peppin posted a few notes about this evening’s game on the Bruins Blog, along with a tidbit about Brad Marchand, who will be raffling off his suite for the team’s first home playoff game with all the proceeds benefiting Martin Richard‘s family.

* Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy blogged about the Bruins donations toward the families affected by the bombings

* Similar to the Bruins, the Sabres know this game will be emotional

* NESN will be updating their LIVE Blog throughout the evening and you can access it by CLICKING HERE

Mar 23 2013

Mass. College Hockey: UML’s Arnold Connects On Wraparound Clincher

By Matt Noonan 

BOSTON, MA – UMass Lowell may not always be linked to Boston College and Boston University, two clubs that have experienced a great deal of success in the college hockey world over the past few decades, but this season the River Hawks turned the tables by capturing their first Hockey East regular season crown and conference championship on Saturday with a 1-0 victory against the Terriers at the TD Garden.

Derek Arnold secured the win for UML as he corralled the puck behind the BU cage and netted the game-winner at 11:09 in the third, which sent the Blue and Red supporters into a frenzy.

“It’s pretty special,” Arnold said of his game-winning strike. “I had a large group of family here tonight, they were in a box, and growing up me and my dad used to come every year (and we’d see) BC and BU win this tournament every year, so it’s very, very special for Lowell to win it.”

Arnold’s late-game strike wasn’t his first in this year’s conference tournament as he netted the game-winner against Maine last Friday in overtime to secure the River Hawks a trip to Causeway Street.

When it came to his goal this evening – a wraparound – Arnold explained his short stick hasn’t always allowed him to score that way, but something worked tonight as he deposited the puck into Sean Maguire’s net to seal the win.

“(The puck) went off Scott Wilson’s skate and it kind of went almost to the corner, but I was kind of down deep and it kind of went right on my stick and Maguire was way out of the net, so I just saw some daylight like I said and I took it to the net,” said Arnold.

“I’m usually not too successful on wraparounds because I’ve got a small stick, but for tonight to get that it was pretty cool.”

UML had never won a conference championship and lost its two meetings against BU in 1994 and 2009, but the third time proved to be the difference.

“We have some confidence and once we get rolling we’re rolling,” explained Arnold. “We had an 11 or 12 game unbeaten streak earlier (this season), and we won the regular season, so now we win this and hopefully we’ll see what happens tomorrow and see where we’re going, so it should be cool.

“Last year we got bounced out in that last game down in Bridgeport, so (we’re) hoping for a better result this year.”

Mar 21 2013

Mass. College Hockey: Weekend Schedule

By Matt Noonan 

We’ve got a busy weekend of college hockey upon us and below is the schedule. Make sure to checkback throughout the weekend for scores, roundups and recaps.

Men’s Ice Hockey: Hockey East Semifinals/Finals @ TD Garden 

* Game No. 1: Providence College vs. UMass Lowell, 5 p.m. @ TD Garden (Fri., Mar. 22) 

* Game No. 2: Boston College vs. Boston University, 8 p.m. @ TD Garden (Fri. Mar. 22) 

* Championship: Winner of Game No. 1 vs. Winner of Game No. 2, 7 p.m @ TD Garden (Sat., Mar. 23) 

Women’s Ice Hockey: NCAA Frozen Four @ University of Minnesota 

* Game No. 1: Boston College vs. Minnesota, 6 p.m. (Fri., Mar. 22) 

* Game. No. 2: Boston University vs. Mercyhurst, 9 p.m. (Fri., Mar. 22)

* Championship: Winner of Game No. 1 vs. Winner of Game No. 2, 4 p.m.  (Sun., Mar. 24) 

Jul 6 2012

Will The Celtics Re-Sign Ray Allen?

Do you think Ray Allen will join Miami for the 2012-13 season? (Photo Credit: CelticsTown.com)

By Matt Noonan 

It’s the summertime, which means news can be incredibly slow, which is why Noontime Sports has decided to pose a few questions pertaining toward the various professional sports teams in Boston.

In this particular post, we decided to ask the question: Will Ray Allen re-sign with the Boston Celtics? And below we’ve provided a thoughtful answer.

I doubt it, but I hope my gut is wrong.

Ray Allen is one of the greatest deep shooters in NBA history and it’s certainly possible that a three-year, $9.3 million contract would intrigue the shooting guard to join forces with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Yet, if he wants more money, and what professional athlete doesn’t these days, he’d re-sign with the Celtics, a squad that could offer him more than the Heat.

When Boston acquired Jason Terry this past week, many believed that particular acquisition marked the end of the Allen era in Massachusetts. However, if Allen really wants to win one more championship before retirement, then why wouldn’t he attempt to do it with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce? Wouldn’t that be the ideal storybook ending?

Allen, Garnett and Pierce most likely have one or two years remaining, so I personally believe it would be the wrong thing for him to leave Boston for the NBA’s “evil empire.”

Boston currently has enough cap room to not only re-sign him, but also add additional pieces that could help the veteran squad compete for Eastern Conference glory against Brooklyn, Indiana, Miami and New York.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Miami put on the full-court press on Thursday to persuade Allen to join the Red and Black. And as noted in Ethan J. Skolnick’s blog post, Allen could see more minutes in a Heat uniform, especially if Wade continues to be hampered by a knee injury. He also mentioned that LeBron posted a picture of the shooting guard in a Heat uniform on Twitter this past week, which obviously was designed through Photoshop, but stirred up excitement by the various South Beach supporters.

All in all, I think there is a good chance that Allen will indeed ink his name on a contract that’ll provide him with a Miami uniform. Although, anything is possible, especially in the world of sports, so don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Expect Boston to produce a counterattack that could possibly persuade Allen to re-join the Green and White for one last title run before he makes his decision.

What’re your thoughts? Do you think Ray Allen will sign with the Heat or return to the Celtics? Feel free to send your thoughts to NoontimeSports@gmail.com or respond to us on Twitter @NoontimeSports or @NoonSportsBlog. 

May 4 2012

Daily Noontime – May 4, 2012

The Boston Celtics will welcome back Rajon Rondo to the lineup on Friday! (Photo Credit: LayupMag.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Friday to everyone, and welcome into another outstanding edition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s jumpstart the final workday with some headlines and news from the city of Boston!

* The Boston Celtics will resume their first round NBA playoff series on Friday, as they welcome the Atlanta Hawks to the TD Garden for Game No. 3. 

* Rajon Rondo, who served a one-game suspension during Game No. 2, will return to the lineup. Ray Allen, who hasn’t played since the regular season, is optimistic about playing Friday, while head coach Doc Rivers hopes that Mickael Pietrus will be able to record his first playoff bucket in a Boston uniform.

* The Boston Red Sox will attempt to snap their two-game skid at Fenway Park on Friday when they welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Fenway Park for a 7:10pm first pitch – Jon Lester opposes Wei-Yin Chen.

* According to various reports on Thursday – Boston Bruins team president Cam Neely told the media that he thinks the team’s first round playoff loss to Washington should motivate them for future success.  

* Finally, the New England Patriots recently re-signed defensive lineman Gerard Warren and released wide receiver Tiquan Underwood.

Apr 26 2012

Daily Noontime – April 26, 2012

Joel Ward's overtime strike on Wednesday lifted Washington past Boston in Game No. 7, 2-1! (Photo Credit: CBC.ca)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Ah… it’s Thursday, which means we’re one day closer to the end of the work week. However, this is a rather solemn day, as Bostonians mourn the loss of the Boston Bruins, so let’s try to brighten the mood with headlines and news!

* As stated above, the Boston Bruins quest toward a seventh Stanley Cup championship ended on Wednesday evening at the TD Garden when the Washington Capitals defeated them, 2-1 in overtime. Joel Ward scored the clincher at 2:57 in the extra session, which punched the Capitals ticket to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

* After the seventh game concluded – James Murphy of ESPNBoston provided a ‘to-do‘ list of things the Bruins need to focus on during the offseason. Also, ESPN’s Barry Melrose provided his ‘two-cents‘ on the Caps 22-year-old goaltender Braden Holtby.

* The Boston Red Sox earned their first regular season series sweep of the season on Wednesday, as they defeated the Minnesota Twins, 7-6. Clay Buchholz earned second win of the season, while Alfredo Aceves registered his fourth save. As for the Sox offense, Mike Aviles his his fourth home run of the season, while Dustin Pedroia recorded a double and triple.

* The Sox will look to extend their three-game winning streak on Thursday when they travel to Chicago to face the White Sox at 8:10pm –Felix Doubront opposes Philip Humber.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics will conclude their 66-game regular season slate on Thursday when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to the TD Garden for an 8PM tip-off.

Apr 23 2012

Daily Noontime – April 23, 2012

The Boston Bruins forced a Game Seven on Wednesday by defeating the Washington Capitals on Sunday, 4-3 (OT)! (Photo Credit: SportsFanLive.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s a brand new week, which means we need to kick-start it with some news and headlines from the sports universe in Massachusetts…Boston!

* There will be a Game Seven on Wednesday, as the Boston Bruins won their second overtime contest against the Washington Capitals on Sunday, 4-3. Tyler Seguin registered the game-winning goal and assist, while Tim Thomas saved 36 of 39 shots between the pipes.

* Boston and Washington will complete their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series on Wednesday at the TD Garden – time is TBD.

* The Boston Red Sox third contest with the New York Yankees was postponed on Sunday due to heavy rain. The Sox are currently 4-10, and haven’t recorded a win since they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, Apr. 15.

* The Sox will look to snap their five-game losing streak on Monday when they travel to Minnesota for an 8:10pm first pitch – Jon Lester will oppose Jason Marquis.

* Despite no Sunday Night Baseball — former Red Sox manager Terry Francona expressed his thoughts on returning to Fenway Park on Friday to celebrate Fenway Park’s 100th birthday.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics have learned that their first round playoff foe will be the Atlanta Hawks. Boston clinched their third consecutive Atlantic Division last week against Orlando, but currently remain one game behind Atlanta for home-court advantage. Boston has two games remaining in the regular season against Miami and Milwaukee.

Apr 22 2012

Sideline Observations: Boston Bruins 4, Washington Capitals 3 (OT)

Tyler Seguin recorded the game-winner on Sunday, which forced a seventh game on Wednesday at the TD Garden! (Photo Credit: CBS Boston)

By Matt Noonan 

Facing a win or go home scenario, Boston buckled down and defeated Washington on Sunday at the Verizon Center, 4-3 in overtime, and forced a seventh game in this particular Eastern Conference quarterfinals series.

Tyler Seguin netted the game-winner at 3:17 in the extra session, and also recorded an assist in his team’s third postseason victory, while Andrew Ference, David Krejci and Rich Peverley each potted a goal for Boston.

How The Game Was Won: The Bruins earned a 3-2 lead midway through the third period before the Capitals evened the score with an Alex Ovechkin tally at 15:08, which prompted an extra session.

In the fourth frame, Boston earned their second overtime victory of the series on their third strike by Seguin, who managed to weave past Washington’s netminder Braden Holtby, (27 saves) for the clincher.

Seguin’s Goal Cracked Holtby: With a chance to help his team punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, Washington’s 22-year-old netminder deflected two shots by Boston in overtime, but couldn’t contain their third, as Seguin snuck the puck past Holtby for the game-winning goal.

Seguin’s strike propelled an animated postgame celebration on the ice, and pushed the momentum arrow toward Boston. It also exhibited that Holtby isn’t comfortable with traffic in front of the net, too.

Holtby has been rather impressive against Boston, but one might wonder, will he be able to rebound on Wednesday?

Two-Goal First Period: Entering Sunday’s afternoon affair, Boston had won 16 contests when they scored two or more goals in the first period.

Against the Capitals, the Bruins ended the opening period with a 2-1 lead, and wound up beating their first round foe by one goal.

Boston is now 17-0-0 when notching two or more tallies in the opening frame.

Game No. 7: Last season, Boston won two consecutive game sevens, and will attempt to earn their first of the 2012 playoffs on Wednesday.

Apr 19 2012

Sideline Observations – Washington Capitals 2, Boston Bruins 1

By NoontimeSports.com 

Washington’s Braden Holtby deflected 44 of 45 shots between the pipes, and yielded one Boston goal, as the Capitals defeated the Bruins at the Verizon Center, 2-1.

Boston and Washington have now won two contests — both at home and on the road — and will play at least two more contests.

Marcus Johansson and Alexander Semin provided Washington with two goals, while Rich Peverley notched Boston’s only strike in the first period.

Tim Thomas concluded the game with 19 saves, too.

Boston’s power play woes continued, as they ended the contest 0 for 1, while Washington recorded a power play at 18:43 in the second period.

Both teams will return to the ice on Saturday afternoon, as Boston will host Washington for a critical fifth game of the series. Last year, Boston won the fifth game of their opening round series against Montreal, and wound up defeating the Canadiens in seven games.

What will happen this year? Thoughts? Ideas? Analysis? Feel free to post your comments about this particular series below!

Feb 14 2012

60th Boston Beanpot – Arnold: “I’m On Cloud Nine”

By Matt Noonan 

BOSTON, MA – Monday’s game-winning overtime goal against Boston University wont be forgotten, especially for Boston College sophomore Bill Arnold, who flung the puck past Terriers senior goaltender Kieran Millan for the score with 6.4 seconds remaining.

“Kieran and their whole team played really well, [but] we just tried to get everything we could on net, and he was stopping everything for a while,” said Arnold.

The local Needham hockey star netted what probably will be remembered as one of the greatest strikes in the tournament’s history, which helped the Eagles earn their third consecutive Beanpot championship since 1963-1965.

“When you put the puck on net, good things happen,” said Arnold. “I’ll never forget this [moment]. I kind of blacked out there at the end, I don’t really remember what happened after I scored the goal, I was just so happy.”

The sophomore center continued by saying, “I was lucky enough to be the benefactor of the last play for my line-mates, and it’s nice to get the freshmen their first [win] and send the seniors out on top, give the juniors a chance to go four in a row next year.”

Arnold’s goal will certainly be savored in his memory bank, along with those various trips to the TD Garden to watch the team that he currently plays for with his family.

“[My family] would bring me out here, and it was always really exciting, and I always cheered for BC, so to play in the Beanpot, win it, and have it be for BC, it’s surreal [because] I’m on cloud nine right now.”

The BC sophomore has experienced a great deal of success this season by netting 13 goals, recording 11 assists, and earning 24 points.

“We won last year, and we won again this year, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Arnold. “To score the goal feels nice, but winning’s what’s important and that feels much better than scoring the goal.”