Bochenski "BB" a big pick-up; B's return home with two game streak

According to the American Hockey League statistics, the Bruins just picked up the AHL's top scorer and perhaps one of the league's best players. Brandon Bochenski had posted 33 goals and 33 assists in just 35 games with the Norfolk Admirals, a total that would likely eclipse the 89 point mark by AHL-leader Darren Haydar over 49 games. At nearly a 2-point per game pace, Bochenski should be a huge addition to the Boston offense, as he displayed last night, lighting the lamp in just his first game with the B's.

The trade itself appears to be a no-brainer and definately one in favor of the Bruins, for once. In exchange for BB, as I think I may now refer to Brandon, we sent right-winger Kris Versteeg and a conditional draft pick to the Blackhawks. Versteeg had posted a 22-27-49 line over 43 games with Providence. Good numbers, but nothing astounding. The one catch is Versteeg was still only 20, while Bochenski, 24, is a bit older and developed.

Still, I remember last preseason when with Ottawa, BB led the NHL in scoring on a line with Dany Heatley. Likely to play alongside the likes of other B's (double meaning) in the likes of Bergeron, Brad Boyes and also Savvy, he should be able to continue to put up big numbers.

It could even be enough to prevent a trade for other offensive prospects - we are looking pretty deep now, especially once Murray and Sturm are back in the mix.

On to last night, Zdeno Chara was the player of the game. He held Ovechkin in check all night long. And when it came down to the last shot in the shootout, The Thrill notched his third goal in three shootout tries. He may just be the Dallas Stars version of Jussi Jokinen, who led the NHL with 10 shootout goals last season. And Phil brings more to the real game as well. With two consecutive road wins and a trio of games at the TD Banknorth Garden to come, the B's (12th) have a chance to close that gap between them and the 8th spot, especially against Carolina (8th) tomorrow and against the Islanders (10th) on Saturday. Big Big games for the B's, the BBs Savvy, Timmy and the rest.