Well, it’s that time again. Time for a brand new edition of my world famous This and That column. With all 4 sports is swing now, these should be a more regular occurrence for the next few months. So without further ado or gilding the lily, let’s jump in.

Sumthin Bruin–The Bruins have played 3 preseason games so far and though I have only been able to watch 2 of them thanks to the Red Sox, I have some thoughts.  First off, he only played one game but Nakita Zadorov did not look good.  Hopefully is just rust but he really struggled to keep the puck in the zone, even giving up a breakaway on one occasion.  Didn’t seem to show up much in his own end either.  I expect, and really hope, he will be better going forward.

My second observation is that Poitras is picking up right were he left off.  He does a really good job of protecting the puck when it’s on his stick, especially against the boards, and he still goes into the dirty areas.  Hopefully the weight he put on will help him absorb hits better this season.  His passing and decision making is still very good but he has to improve his finish.  Twice he received nice passes from Pastrnak but was unable to bang them home.  They were not easy shots, we are not talking Glen Murray missing a yawning net, but if you are going to be an above average goal scorer in the NHL, you have to get one of them past the net minder.  

And finally, speaking of Poitras and Pastrnak, they showed some really good chemistry together.  Maybe the Bruins should have Poitras center the top line and let Elias Lindholm center Marchand and either Geekie or Lysell.  The second line needs more help scoring than the top line.  Pastrnak is going to score no matter what, getting a really productive second line would be a big improvement for the team. And Coyle isn’t helping anyone on offense. They should definitely give it a shot. My guess is they don’t want to have Pastrnak and Poitras together on the defensive end. I would see how it looks in the regular season.   

Running it Back–The Boston Celtics held their media day this week officially starting their quest for Banner 19.  They and Denver started early because they are playing preseason games in Abu Dhabi.  It was the usual stuff from the team and players.  2 interesting notes were that Porzingis is recovering from his surgery nicely.  He is already doing things on the court.  They have not set a timeline for his return, which I like, but it’s good to hear thing are going well.  

The second note of interest was Jayson Tatum saying he spent the offseason working on his shooting mechanics.  If he can get his jumper back to where it was in the early part if his career, he will really be a problem for the rest of the league.  Last season he shot 37.6% from three.  He only shot 28% in the playoffs. The 37.6% was 80th in the league.  It was 5th on the Celtics.  Holliday, Houser and Horford all shot over 41.9%.  Given, most of their threes are wide open due to Tatum creating for them, but still, if Tatum can get up to 42% from three, that would be one way he can improve his game without changing his team oriented game.  

Killing Time–The New York Yankees have clinched the AL East and will have a first round bye in the playoffs.  I have mentioned before that I believe this is not a good thing but here we are.  If I was running the Yankees I would hold exhibition games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Call up a bunch of their top prospects and play some games.  They could sell tickets for like 5 bucks each and give the money to charity.  That way the league can’t complain.  There would have to be some sort of stakes so that the players will have to take them seriously.  I don’t know what they could be,  maybe if the young guys win they get money but if the big league team wins they have to run laps or something?  I would think a cash incentive for them would have to be too high to make sense.  Obviously Cole wouldn’t pitch but everyone else could get a couple of innings in to stay fresh and the hitters could see pitching that is trying to get them out.  Plus the prospects would be able to get a taste of playing against major leaguers and can show off what they can do.  Austin Wells would be another guy I would have sit out.  He needs to spend the week at home on his couch.  It seems to me he has run out of gas.  He played a ton this season and caught a ton of games.  It seems to me he is struggling to catch up to fastballs this past month.  Feels like he could use a week off to recover.  

End of an Era?–As I foretold, the Phoenix Mercury were swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Lynx.  The first game went just as I said it would with the Merc spotting the Lynx a double digit lead, fighting all the way back, actually taking the lead but then running out of gas and losing.  In the second game they waited until the 3rd to give up the double digit lead and were never able to get back into it.  

With their elimination the Mercury head into a very interesting off season.  As of right now, they have only 4 players under contract for next season.  It’s actually probably 5 as I fully expect Britney Griner to play for them next year.  Of course it could be six as Diana Taurasi has yet to announce her retirement.  I always figured this to be her last season but she played well and was pretty healthy.  I wouldn’t be surprised if she came back.  Even with her and Griner the Mercury still have 6 roster spots open.  Hopefully they can find some players who can sure up their defense and provide more consistent shooting.  

San Francisco M*A*S*H Unit–The 49ers have suffered yet another huge injury as Javon Hargrave suffered a season ending triceps injury.  The 49ers have some depth in the interior Dline but obviously no one as good as Hargrave.  Hopefully who ever steps in is a good run stuffer.  I feel the Niners need that more than a pass rush.  Also, CMC went to Germany to get his Achilles looked at.  That can’t be good.  ( editors note, I should have waited until Shanny had his presser before posting this According to Kyle Shanahan, CMC will begin to “ramp up process” next week.)

There is good news however,  Deebo returned to practice this week and should be back soon, possibly Sunday.  The Niners have said today that they plan on opening the practice window for Pearsall next week, which is the earliest they can.  Amazingly, the guy who got shot in the chest looks like he will miss the least amount of time possible.  George Kittle has practiced a bit this week and will return to the lineup this weekend as well.  Hopefully they do not play him unless he’s 100%.  Hammy injuries can become a lingering thing and if it gets worst, he could be lost for the season. And for the love of Jerry Rice they have to be able to beat the Patriots without him.