Random Thoughts (February 15, 2010)

It is nice to see that the Bruins are starting to resemble an NHL team, climbing into the playoff picture right before the Olympic break. The B's suffered through a rash of injuries earlier in the season but with the healthy return of Marc Savard and Milan Lucic, they are looking like the team that could make some noise in the playoffs. Claude Julian's decision to go with Tuukka Rask in net over Tim Thomas has been another important factor in their recent success. Thomas is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner but his play has regressed this year, allowing Rask to become the team's top puck stopper. After the Olympic break, the Bruins have three important home games with the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and Islanders. Winning all three would greatly improve their playoff hopes... Pitchers and catchers are reporting to spring training this week and the Red Sox are hearing some great news from one of their most important sluggers. Victor Martinez, who can become a free agent after the 2010 season, has stated that he wants to sign a contract extension to remain in Boston. Martinez told the Boston Herald that, "I do really want to stay here and hopefully end my career in Boston." Keeping Martinez in a Red Sox uniform gives the team another long-term building block as the organization transitions into a new decade following their highly successful run over the past ten years... The NBA All-Star Weekend was successful for the Celtics. Paul Pierce won the Three-Point Shootout and he joined Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo in leading the East to an exciting 141-139 victory in front of 108,000 fans in Dallas. Heading into the home stretch, the Celtics still must decide if they will take a shot with their current roster or make a major move involving either Ray Allen or Rasheed Wallace, or both. I am a believer that the Celtics do need to make a move, both for a chance at winning the title in 2010 and for the long-term success of the team... Enjoy the memories of Vince Wilfork...