Today on Bruins Daily

It’s that time of the week again. Time for Chris Chirichiello to name his player of the week. Will Reilly Smith take home the honors for a second week in a row and for the fourth time this season? Or will a veteran who made a triumphant return up north get this week’s nomination. Stay tuned!

In case you missed it

Bruins Daily President traveled up north this week to get some locker room footage from the Bruins’ road trip. Below are the postgame reactions from the B’s 4-2 win over the Oilers on Thursday and their 6-2 loss to the Canucks Saturday night.

Bruins linkage

Shawn Thornton’s suspension gives a green light to NHL predators according to Joe Haggerty. (CSNNE)

Brad Marchand might have entertained some fans with his gesture of kissing the ring and the Stanley Cup, but it did not please Claude Julien one bit. (Mike Cole/NESN.com)

Want to see Bobby Orr’s goal in NHL 94? Of course you do! (Dave’s Geeky Hockey)

League linkage

As if it hasn’t been said enough, it is time for Brendan Shanahan to get serious on suspensions according to Ryan Lambert. (Puck Daddy)

We’re getting closer to the announcement of Olympians for the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia, and the injuries for goaltenders are piling up by the second. (Dan Rosen/NHL.com)

There’s no denying that the majority of hockey players are down to earth. Don’t believe me? Well here are 24 reasons why they are considered to be “big, cuddly sweethearts”. (Logan Rhoades/Buzzfeed)

Tweets of interest

Haggs provides another update on Shawn Thornton potentially appealing his 15-game ban:

Shawn Thornton meeting this morning w/ lawyers & @NHLPA officials to discuss potential written appeal of 15-gms that needs to be in by 4 pm

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 16, 2013

And a couple of practice updates from Joey McDonald, including Thornton returning to practice with his teammates:

No Iginla at practice. Fraser skating with Krejci and Lucic.

— Joe McDonald (@ESPNJoeyMac) December 16, 2013

Thornton participating in practice.

— Joe McDonald (@ESPNJoeyMac) December 16, 2013

Stat of the day

5 – The number of Providence Bruins who have been called up to Boston since mid-November. That list includes Kevan Miller, Ryan Spooner, Matt Fraser, Nick Johnson, and Craig Cunningham, who was called up earlier today on an emergency basis.

For something completely different…

Tomorrow’s Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at a whopping $656 million. Just think of all the things one can do with that money. No, seriously.