But on that note, with the second round of
the NHL playoffs now set to commence this weekend there are seven players and
one coach with ties to either the P-Bruins or Providence College Friars still
with something to play for. Altogether, there are seven former Baby Bs and
three Friar alumni, including one crossover in Hal Gill.
The Eastern Conference is guaranteed to move
at least one former Providence player to the third round while the two consensus
favorites in the West each harbor at least one former P-Bruin.
Here is a brief breakdown of each one-time
Divine City puckster still with potential to lay hands on the Holy Grail in
2012.
Nashville
Hal Gill, defense: Played
131 games in four full seasons at PC, winning a Hockey East championship in
1996. Gill later spent a four-game assignment with Providence during his rookie
season as a Bruin in 1997-98.
Brian McGrattan, right wing: Dressed for 39 games with the P-Bruins in the 2010-11
season.
New Jersey
Mark Fayne, defense:
Played 139 games, scoring 16 goals and 49 points in four seasons at PC from
2006 to 2010.
Matt Taormina, defense:
Posted a 20-45-65 career scoring log in 141 games with the Friars, graduating
in 2009. Do note that Taormina put in 30 NHL appearances this season, thus will
only be eligible for Cup inscription if he suits up for one game in the finals
as part of a winning cause for the Devils.
Philadelphia
Peter Laviolette, head coach: Played 252 games in four seasons with the P-Bruins,
including one as team captain in 1992-93 and one as player/assistant coach in
1996-97. He later coached Providence to a record-setting regular-season and
Calder Cup championship in 1998-99, his first as two seasons as the team’s
skipper.
St. Louis
Vladimir Sobotka, center: Collected 34 goals and 74 points over 68 career
appearances with the P-Bruins between 2007-08 and 2009-10.
Washington
Keith Aucoin, center:
Scored 46 goals and 140 points in 150 career games for the P-Bruins. Tied for
tenth on the team’s all-time points list and holds sole possession of the No.
10 slot on the P-Bruins’ career leaderboard with 94 assists.
Matt Hendricks, center:
Scored 22 goals and 52 points in 67 games during the 2007-08 season with the
P-Bruins.
