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About Dj Bean

DJ Bean grew up in Section 127 of Fenway Park thanks to his grandfather's season ticket package and has immersed himself in the Boston sports scene ever since. In addition to co-founding multi-sport draft site DraftEmpire.com, DJ has written for the Boston Metro and 890 ESPN, among other outlets. He has been writing for WEEI.com since the summer of 2009 and continues to spread the Byron Leftwich gospel on Guest Street.

 
 
COLUMNS
DJ Bean
01/20/2012 - 1:34am
Bruins, Rangers ready for first showdown
The Bruins haven’t gotten many solid tests this season, especially in the Eastern Conference. Saturday should mark the first of four very good ones they’ll receive in the second half of their schedule. While the B's are far from playing their best hockey right now, Saturday’s matinee vs. the Rangers will give them a chance to both prove they’re the best team in the Eastern Conference.
DJ Bean
01/18/2012 - 2:03am
This is the 2011-12 Bruins' version of a slump
It’s official: With the losing streak having reached one game, the Bruins are slumping.  Slumping by the 2011-12 Bruins’ standards, anyway. They have lost two of their last three games, and are 5-4-0 in their last nine contests. Yet it’s hard to judge whether the B’s are off their 'A' game by simply looking at wins and losses. 
DJ Bean
01/17/2012 - 3:00am
Could Tuukka Rask -- or Tim Thomas -- break Tim Thomas' save percentage record?
With all due respect to Patrice Bergeron, Tuukka Rask was the best player on the ice for the Bruins Monday. Though he isn’t always on the ice, Rask being the best player out there is becoming a recurring theme this season. 
DJ Bean
01/16/2012 - 4:56am
Bruins midseason report card: B's rack up A's
The Bruins have reached the halfway point of the season, and though they did so with a loss Saturday in Carolina, it’s been a long, long time since Bruins fans could be as confident about their team’s chances as they are right now.  
DJ Bean
01/13/2012 - 3:09am
Patrice Bergeron snubbed, and recapping a bizarre day for Michael Cammalleri
Every year, people ask whether it will be the year that Patrice Bergeron finally gets the recognition that he deserves. 
DJ Bean
01/11/2012 - 5:45pm
So far, a pretty boring edition of the Bruins-Canadiens rivalry
The season series has been split, 2-2, thus far, and all but one of the games have been decided by one goal (the other game, decided by two, featured an empty-netter). The teams are less than a year removed an incident involving a criminal investigation and a thrilling playoff series that was settled in overtime of Game 7. 
DJ Bean
01/11/2012 - 3:46am
A look at just how good a third-period team the Bruins are
The Bruins save the best for last. In other words, if they don’t destroy their opponent in the first two periods, they make sure they do in the third period. If they’ve put their opponent away in the first two, they’ll still pile it on in the third.
DJ Bean
01/09/2012 - 9:13pm
Fair or unfair, the Bruins have a reputation
It seems the Bruins’ days of getting the benefit of the doubt are over. That's the message after Brendan Shanahan slapped forward Brad Marchand with a five game suspension for his latest stunt, a low-bridge hit on Sami Salo, and it isn't the worst thing to come from this whole fiasco.
DJ Bean
01/07/2012 - 9:15pm
Cross your fingers for a real Bruins-Canucks rematch
Please don’t let this be the last time the Bruins see the Canucks until next season.
DJ Bean
01/06/2012 - 3:47am
Bruins, Canucks should have plenty of hatred left over
No matter what anyone says, Saturday it isn’t just another game. When the Canucks come to town, it should be the most exciting regular-season game of the season.  When you look at this Bruins team and see that they win (pretty much) every night, have zero holes and can blow out the opposition whenever they feel like it, things can tend to become rather routine.
DJ Bean
01/05/2012 - 2:21am
Bruins running away with division, and a review of NHL 36
When Bruins fans look at the standings these days, they’re not looking at the Northeast Division. They’re looking at the Eastern Conference, and whether the Bruins are in first, second or third. There’s good reason for that -- the B’s are running away with the division. 
DJ Bean
01/02/2012 - 3:37pm
Tim Thomas knows how good Tuukka Rask is
Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask are no strangers to leading the NHL in save percentage. Thomas did it in 2008-09, Rask did it in 2009-10 and Thomas did it again last year.
DJ Bean
12/31/2011 - 5:20pm
Could the Bruins be Boston's next dynasty?
It goes without saying that 2011 was the year of the Bruins. It was the year Tim Thomas established himself as the best in the business, the year the B’s brought home the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years, and the year the team added another key piece to its future in Dougie Hamilton with another top-10 pick. 
DJ Bean
12/29/2011 - 4:19am
Surprised by Tuukka Rask's season? Don't be
It’s been a while since Tuukka Rask has thrown a milk crate or tossed a stick. Maybe it’s because his play has been so good that he should be wearing an ear-to-ear smile, Nathan Horton style. 
DJ Bean
12/24/2011 - 2:59am
Bruins remain unstoppable as they break for holidays
The Bruins are frighteningly good. Yes, they beat up on a team that was both dealing with injuries and playing its third game in four nights, but in crushing the Southeast-leading Panthers, the Bruins just added another team to the long list of Eastern Conference squads that can’t hang with them.
DJ Bean
12/22/2011 - 12:24am
How Tim Thomas became a Boston sports legend, and WEEI.com's Sportsman of the Year
Tim Thomas doesn’t expect anyone to expect greatness from him. He’s been through the drill enough times to know that people may write him off. In the process, he has developed quite the reputation for proving doubters wrong.
DJ Bean
12/20/2011 - 2:36am
Bruins respond to notion that they weren't being punished prior to Milan Lucic suspension
If you heard a collective “finally!” at, oh, 3:10 p.m. Monday, that may have just been the hockey world reacting to the news that Milan Lucic – better yet, a Bruin –  had been suspended. 
DJ Bean
12/17/2011 - 6:43pm
Is this the best the Tim Thomas/Tuukka Rask tandem has been?
I’m slowly beginning to think that the Bruins have good goaltending.  Now, now – don’t write off this absurd notion just yet. Hear me out.
DJ Bean
12/16/2011 - 12:47pm
Comparing Tim Tebow to Tom Brady in 2001
Every single Tim Tebow angle has been analyzed a bazillion times this week. One of the more interesting storylines relates to the Patriots, and another instance in which a second-year quarterback came in and captivated the country with an ability to win.
DJ Bean
12/15/2011 - 1:58am
Hard to imagine Adam McQuaid escaping suspension
Pardon the baseball lingo in a hockey column, but Adam McQuaid just threw Brendan Shanahan a fastball right down the middle. Shanahan can knock it out of the park, and that might knock the defenseman out of a game or two. In other words, McQuaid is probably going to be suspended. 
DJ Bean
12/14/2011 - 12:39am
Brad Marchand responds to latest punishment, Zach Hamill impresses again
If you want proof that history repeats itself, watch the guy wearing No. 63 for the Bruins. 
DJ Bean
12/09/2011 - 1:58pm
Bruins start streak in the other direction
If you’re in a scoreless game with less than two minutes and have Tim Thomas as your goaltender, you have to like your odds. 
DJ Bean
12/06/2011 - 4:05am
Bruins the class of the Eastern Conference, Tim Thomas snubbed
The Bruins’ last three games have been what those in the cliché business would call “measuring stick games.” Those, of course, are contests in which a team is able to gauge how good they are based on whether they can hang with their opponent. 
DJ Bean
12/04/2011 - 1:57am
Joe Corvo willing to fight but has other goals in mind
After eight seasons in the NHL without a fighting major to his name, Joe Corvo had an inkling this summer that he’d be getting in his first career fight this season. He'd been traded to Boston, and he knew being a member of the Bruins meant not taking any guff.
DJ Bean
12/02/2011 - 1:34am
Bruins keep spending, but what's next?
Peter Chiarelli has a pretty simple plan of attack when it comes to re-signing his players: He targets those he finds important to the team’s future, and he generally gets extensions done well before some other team can vie for their services. 


Audio On Demand

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

John Lackey postgame gues…

John Lackey postgame guest after the last game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.

John Farrell pregame before the last game of the Minnesota series

Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

Dale and DJ Continue Thei…

Dale and DJ Continue Their Preview of Bruins/Rangers and Discuss the Power Play on Sports Sunday

Dale and DJ roll on with their puck talk and chat some more about the goalie matchup in this series, as well as the lack of a quality power play for both of these teams. In fact, DJ says the Rangers are even worse on the PP than the B’s! The guys also get into the resurgence of Milan Lucic and his deceptive speed and grit. Dale and DJ talk about the similar styles of play for these teams and look forward to Game 2.

Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Discuss Claude vs Tortorella, Tyler Seguin and more About Bruins/Rangers

Dale and DJ get into the two coaches and their polar opposite styles and demeanor. Both teams play a similar style, but the coaches certainly convey their messages in a different way. Dale isn't buying the Tortorella hype and thinks he's a little overrated. DJ thinks he's a good coach, but isn't a fan of anti-media stance. The guys also talk about Jagr and how he has not lived up to the hype. They weren't expecting him to light it up or be the savior, but DJ says he wasn't prepared for just how slow the aging veteran is. Another big topic for B's fans this season is the play of Tyler Seguin and why he has yet to become the superstar everyone anticipates he will be. This leads to Claude Julien's style and if he does actually have something against the younger players. That Iginla trade shows its ugly head again as well.

It's a Black and Gold Sports Sunday -- Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Preview Game 2 of the Bruins/Rangers Series

WEEI.com's DJ Bean joins Dale in studio for Sports Sunday to discuss the Bruins playoff run. Game 2 is later today and the guys discuss the results of the first game of the series. They get into the construction of the lines for the B's and if they would make any changes. DJ has a few ideas for the lines today. The boys also discuss the two goalies - Tuukka vs Henrik Lundqvist and wonder why people automatically think the Rangers have the edge at goalie. Finally, they get into the legacy and the decisions of Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Linda calls in to describ…

Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

More from this show

Danny Ainge dispels the r…

Danny Ainge dispels the rumors: "I have the best coach in the NBA"

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

More from this show

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

More from this show

Dale Arnold likes the Bru…

Dale Arnold likes the Bruins over the Rangers

Dale Arnold joined the program to preview the Bruins Rangers series with John, Gerry and Kirk. Dale thinks the Bruins have the advantage in the series over New York.

More from this show

Rangers superfan Boomer E…

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

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