BSJ Daily Briefing 01.18.18: Bruins distance themselves from Habs, Claude Julien

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I contemplate who I will go to in my life for fist pumps now that Rene Rancourt announced his retirement (B-Robb?)...

• I guess I'll say it: With what's gone on in Boston and Montreal in the past year or so, you have to consider the possibility that the game has passed Claude Julien by, or at least he hasn't adjusted quick enough to changes in the game.


• Hang on, while I field tweets, calls and texts from the local wing of the NHLWAA (I made that up), which told us all what a huge mistake it would be if the Bruins fired Julien, who was being let down by his roster, especially along the blue line. He won the Stanley Cup. Bah. Terrible trades. Bah. Bad drafts. Bah. Zambonis rule. (They, in fact, do.)


• Let's fast forward a year, with the Bruins are surging and the Canadiens ... well, they look a lot like the Bruins at this time last year (eyes glazed over, slow, prodding). After last night's 4-1 Bruins win, in which Montreal looked awful and are on the verge of getting swept in three games by the Bruins in the span of 10 days, I tweeted the following:

• Most popular response: Julien being let down by his roster (P.K. Subban trade, etc.), and his defense.


• So, let me get this straight: Julien has faltered in both Boston and Montreal the past two seasons for the exact same reasons, that's what you're saying?


• That is either one huge coincidence and Julien must have pissed off a higher power, or maybe — just maybe — he's a big part of the problem.


• And, yes, I'll always think of Julien fondly for winning the first Cup in 39 years, but as Bill Belichick preaches, you don't get paid for past success.


• Hope Sean McAdam and his family have a great time tonight at the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner, as he receives a richly deserved honor. And, no Sean, you're not getting a raise, and I'm not going to refer to you as Your Eminence after this.

PLEASE READ!! I didn’t know Tyler well but he was a great friend and mentor to my son. That’s all a dad can ask for. As men we have to learn to TALK about how we are feeling. Suicide is the #2 killer of men between 18-45!! Reaching out for help when we need it is NOT a sign of weakness. Trusting your friends and asking for help is the ultimate sign of STRENGTH!! If we sprain an ankle we go see a doctor. If we’re struggling emotionally we have to learn to treat it the same way. It’s our obligation to the people we love and the people who love us.

A post shared by Drew Bledsoe (@drewbledsoe) on Jan 17, 2018 at 4:31pm PST