02:33 PM EST on Monday, January 30, 2006

Frank the moderator: Join Joe McDonald for his first Bruins chat Mon., Jan. 30 at noon. Open net on McDonald as he takes all your hockey questions.

bsfan: Hi, Joe. Do you think the Bruins will trade Andrew Raycroft? With Tim Thomas playing so well and Toivonen so promising, seems like there's no room for him.
Joe McDonald: The Bruins will have a tough decision to make once all three goaltenders are healthy and in the lineup. Razor is expected to be in the lineup tonight against the Senators as a backup. Toivonen should be back after the Olympic break, and with Thomas playing so well the organization will have to do something. Razor is restricted after this season, but he does have arbitration rights. Because he's been struggling this season, the Bruins have the upper hand. So, once everyone is healthy I can see the Bruins making some sort of deal that would involve Razor. Toivonen has proven to the organization he can handle the NHL, and that is exactly what it was hoping for. Thomas, 31, will give you a solid backup behind Hannu next season. Plus, Thomas is like a big brother to Hannu. Also, if the organization assigned Thomas to Providence, he would have to clear waivers, which would never happen given his recent success. I would not be surprised if the Bruins dealt Razor before the trade deadline.

AaronDowney: Is my boy (Aaron Downey) coming back to Providence? I heard he wants to.
Joe McDonald: Great question. Downs's agent recently contacted P-Bruins coach Scott Gordon and offered his client's services. Downey loves Providence and visits here often. The fans would certainly love to have him back. To be honest, when I heard the news I was pretty fired up about him coming back. He's such a good guy and brings that element of toughness to the game. Unfortunately, fighting majors are declining and I don't think Downs is needed here. Plus, the Bruins are hoping the Rangers place Colton Orr on waivers because they want him back.

GoSenators: Who do you think will win the stanley cup? and don't say the bruins!
Joe McDonald: THE BRUINS! I'm messing with you. Prior to this season my pick was the Ottawa Senators, and I still believe that. Without question, the Senators are an explosive club with solid goaltending with Hasek between the pipes. If he can stay healthy, the Sens are my pick . Senators over the Dallas Stars for the Cup.

Camwasbest: When are the Bruins going to come to their senses and fire O'Connell? And Sinden?
Joe McDonald: You have to take Sinden out of that equation. He'll be around _ in some capacity _ until he decides to call it quits. With the club's recent resurgence, OC's job is secure for now. Even if the Bruins go on another skid, I would be surprised if O'Connell gets ousted this season. That's not to say he'll be around next year. Sullivan's job is also secure for now. The club gave him a contract extention through the 06-07 season, so even if he did get fired the Bruins still have to pay him. You can't blame this season on Sullivan, O'Connell was the one who put this club together. Boston had almost $37 million to spend under the $39-million cap, and even the GM said his plan was "flawed." The rumors of Ray Bourque taking over, at least in the immediate future, are falsh. The Hall-of-Famer said so himself after practice last week.

bsfan: Do you think the Bruins should traded Thornton? Did they get enough for him?
Joe McDonald: The team was taken on Thornton's laid-back attitude and with such a young group, the brass did not like the direction the organization was headed. No doubt he is one of the best players in the world, but he wasn't living up to expectations in Boston. No doubt that was a tough transaction for O'Connell to make, but in the long run it could turn out to be a good move. Wayne Primeau is playing well, and the chemistry Patrice Bergeron and Marco Sturm have been playing with has been tremendous. Brad Stuart is a solid defenseman and we haven't seen his full potential just yet. With Thornton's departure, Bergeron and Brad Boyes have been getting more ice time and both have stepped up their games. It's obvious the club is playing better since The Trade, but we'll have to revisit this again at the end of the season.

dalearnold: How good is Stuart? Can he be an All-Star defenseman?
Joe McDonald: Like I said, we haven't witnessed Stuart's full potential. He is a good all-around blueliner with one heck of a shot from the point. When the Bruins initially made The Trade, it was basically to get Stuart. So, it wouldn't surprise me if Stuart is around for a long time and makes a few appearances as an All-Star. There's another Stuart (no relation) in the organization who I've really been impressed with. Mark Stuart has been solid for the P-Bruins. At the start of the season, however, he really didn't open too many eyes. But, his play of late has really impressed. If he can continue playing this way, he'll make his NHL debut sooner rather than later.

frank2: How does the Thornton trade look now for the Bruins after a few weeks now?
Joe McDonald: The Bruins are a completely different club without Jumbo Joe. The younger players are getting more ice time and we've seen Bergeron quickly becomming a leader on and off the ice. If I had to put money on it (not a lot of money because my wife wouldn't be too happy with me betting), but I would say Bergeron is the club's next captain.

FatJack: Joe,
Where does Mario Lemieux rank among the all-time greats?
Joe McDonald: I'll be honest Fat Jack, I didn't like him as a player when he first came into the league. No doubt he was a talented player, but I didn't much care for his attitude. That changed when I first met him in person at a charity golf event. He is genuine guy and I was saddened to see him finally call it quits for the second time in his career. He has been a true ambassador for the sport. Of course my top choice for all-time great is Bobby Orr, Super Mario definitely ranks up there in the top five.

FatJack: Joe,
I've caught a few P-Bruins games over the last couple of years, and I've always had a good time, but I wonder why they don't draw better. Are ticket prices (and other prices) an issue? I can afford to go with a buddy, but I'd have to think twice about taking my family because of the cost. it seems that the PawSox offer a more affordable, family-friendly event.
Joe McDonald: Fat Jack, To use an old cliche, it is tough to compare apples to oranges. The PawSox are true Rhode Island instituion and one of the most well-respected organization in all of sports. McCoy Stadium is a fabulous place to watch a game on a summer night, and is very, very affordable. Now, I am convinced this state is a hockey hotbed, dating back to the old Rhode Island Reds. When the P-Bruins first arrived in 1992 the civic center was always jammed packed. Over the years attendance has declined as ticket prices have risen. However, with the success of the New England Patriots over the last few years, I believe that has had an effect on the attendence in Providence. The P-Bruins have always had a good product on the ice and for the people who haven't gone to a game in a long time are missing out. Personally, I would like to see ticket prices across the board, in every sport and venue, come down so families can enjoy a nice night out. With that said, you really can't get any cheaper than the PawSox.

GoSenators: That's what I want to hear! (The Senators will win the Cup.) I think the Flyers are a tough team to get by in the East, though. Can you see the Flyers getting to the conference finals?
Joe McDonald: I get the feeling you want the playoffs to start tonight. As good as the Flyers are, I think they will be the first team ousted in the first round. Maybe even by the Bruins (wow the air in the office must be doing something to my brain). There is always a top-seeded club beaten in the first round and I think the Flyers could be that club. Of course it will come down to goaltending. Who are you picking for tonight's game in Ottawa?

mannydelcar: Marco Sturm and Bergeron have found some connection sense the trade. Has that been a major reason for their success lately?
Joe McDonald: No question. Both guys play a relentless style of hockey and leave it all on the ice. You would never guess they have only played together for two months. There have been some solid tandems for the Bruins in the past _ Murray-Thornton. Pederson-Middleton and now Bergeron-Sturm. I know Bergeron is quite happy playing with Marco Polo.

GoSenators: The Senators, of course!
Joe McDonald: My guess is Bergeron scores the game-winner in OT. Thomas will make 34 saves in the process and Ben Guite will earn his first NHL point. How's that?

Art_Martone: Thanks, everyone, for the great questions and thanks to Joe for participating! Join us tomorrow at noon when The Journal's Sean McAdam talks baseball.