BSJ Daily Briefing 04.26.18: Bruins advance, Celtics Game 6, Sox win, NFL Draft, Change on B's

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I stave off sleep with my ears still ringing a little from that fantastic crowd in the third period:

• Ok, so maybe I wavered in my belief about this Bruins team just a tiny bit when they gave up that shorty in the second period with Brad Marchand flailing all over the place. But just a teeny, tiny bit. There was too much time. Too, too much time. ;)


• I still believed deep down that this team would not choke away 2-0 and 3-1 leads — especially to a Leafs team that has a much worse history in those spots. The Bruins had come too far and accomplished too much to go out like that.


• And now they have to tussle with the Lightning, who are talented but the Bruins have had their number this season (3-1 series advantage). If Boston runs out of steam or can't win on the road, it has only itself to blame for those two factors (failing to finish off Toronto quicker, losing the season finale at home to Florida).

• Game 6 for the Celtics in Milwaukee tonight. All things being equal, the C's close it out. But can they win on the road in the postseason? Last trip did not go well.


• The Sox ended their (gasp!) three-game losing streak. Mookie being MVP Mookie again.


• The NFL draft is tonight — pretty slow around these parts right now, eh? — and I expect Bill Belichick to keep us on our toes. If a player he likes falls int0 the 15-18 area of the first round, I would not be surprised if he makes a move. Watch him trade out of the first round entirely.


• The QB watch may be the most interesting part of the draft for New England. Lamar Jackson or bust? I think someone grabs him earlier to take the Patriots out of the equation.


• If I had to guess, I think Baker Mayfield goes first to Cleveland. I know John Dorsey fairly well and he carries himself in a cocksure manner. I would guess he sees some of himself in Mayfield. Dorsey puts a lot of stock in how a player carries himself.


• Other QB pairings — Jets: Josh Rosen; Bills (trade up with Cleveland): Sam Darnold; Broncos: Josh Allen; Cardinals: Lamar Jackson (at some point).

Ladies and gentlemen, your series winner, courtesy of @JDebrusk. pic.twitter.com/7QiApz0VeW

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 26, 2018

@GregABedard My Mom says the BSJ subscription I gave my Dad is the best gift I’ve ever given him. He’s totally obsessed & talks you guys up to all friend & fam. Thanks for making me look good.

— Mandy Johnson Gilman (@MandyGilman) January 23, 2018