The Bruins have been awful for a long stretch this season, but they haven’t packed it in just yet. Last night they defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in the sudden death shootout for their second win in a row.

Bruins shoot down Sabres, 3-2 - Joe Haggerty has the game story and talking points on this one.

Rask, Paille lead B’s to second straight win - Dan Rowinski on WEEI.com also looks at the victory.

An Ortiz revival and a Lester slump? What the numbers guys say about the 2010 Red Sox - Daniel Barbarisi takes a look at the 2010 Red Sox from the pages of a few books of statistical projection.

Plenty of questions as Red Sox head to spring training - It’s that time again – the annual “Questions heading into the start of spring training/training camp” articles are starting to pour in. Today, Michael Silverman has nine questions about the 2010 Sox.

Jon Lester at top of Red Sox rotation - Silverman gets two links this morning, as he also has a piece on the Red Sox 26-year-old lefty ace.

Rob Leary an organization man - Gordon Edes looks at the new man in charge of the Red Sox spring training schedule.

Rajon Rondo on His Way to Becoming Celtics’ Centerpiece - Liam Martin says that the Celtics point guard is their MVP this season, no doubt about it.

Doc Rivers: Enough talking - Chris Forsberg has the Celtics coach urging his team to back up their words.

Road trip will reveal much about Celtics - Jim Fenton says that the Celtics are in need of a jump start, and the upcoming West coast swing could provide that.

Bill in full charge - Mark Farinella believes that Bill Belichick’s decision not to name any coordinators is solely for the purpose of stiffing the media.

With none of the locals in action last night (besides the Beanpot) it’s a mixed bag of top links this morning:

Why you sign Josh Beckett, today. Curt Schilling weighs in on Josh Beckett entering the last year of his contract, and takes a shot at Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe in the process.

These e-mailers are writing about a wrong - Dan Shaughnessy shares some of the emails he received after saying that Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady, and then having Manning lose the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Harsh dose of reality - Ron Borges tells us that the window of opportunity is closing for Peyton Manning.

Trading Ray Allen only hope for C’s - Gerry Callahan tells us why the Celtics need to make a move if they hope to be a contender come playoff time.

Who would fit with C’s if they deal Ray Allen? Paul Flannery examines whether either Kevin Martin or Andre Iguodala would be an acceptable return for Allen.

Doc Rivers’ done being nice - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics coach saying that his club needs to do more than just talk about getting better.

Cameron front and center for Red Sox - Mike Fine looks over the reconfigured Red Sox outfield, which now has 37-year-old Mike Cameron as its centerpiece.

The deal is, Thomas will stay put - Joe Haggerty tells us that Tim Thomas isn’t going anywhere.

Super Bowl reminds us of the power of sports - Bill Reynolds says that Sunday was one of those games that “reminded us that sports can be transcendent, have the power to be more than just a game with a winner and a loser. One of those games that remind us what we love about sports.”

Classics like this make familiar title game anything but stale - No, not the Super Bowl, Chris Gasper is talking about the Beanpot…

I was ready.

After watching Peyton Manning shred the tough defenses of Baltimore and the Jets in theirs last two games, and seeing how the Colts had been a machine in every game they had tried to win this season, I was ready to join the group-think that had Peyton whipping past Tom Brady and the Colts joining the Patriots as team of the decade.

One killer pick-six in the fourth quarter put an end to all that. That play was more Peyton Manning of 2004 than it was the QB we’ve seen since the AFC title game in 2006. The interception sealed the game for the Saints, who rallied from a 10-0 first quarter deficit to beat the Colts, 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV.

I’m sure Manning wishes his former coach had kept quiet. This was Tony Dungy’s prediction of the game:

“I think they’re going to be so far ahead that people are going to say, ‘Oh, ho-hum, he played a good game, they won by two scores, the Colts won their second championship,’ ” Dungy said of Manning on Thursday. “He’s going to have those rings Sunday night. I don’t think it’s going to be close.”

Whoops. (It wasn’t the only dumb thing Dungy said either, as he also took a shot at Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as well.) The media pack is quick to change direction, now even Ron Borges says that Peyton just a .500 QB when it counts. Hector Longo says Manning doesn’t belong to be mentioned with Tom Brady or Joe Montana. Jonathan Comey offers up some thoughts on the Saints victory. Karen Guregian can’t forgive the Colts for laying down the final two weeks of the season. Dan Shaughnessy takes a shot at himself for his Saturday column stating that Manning was definitively better than Brady. Christopher Price bangs out 10 things we learned last night. Tom E. Curran says that Peyton, Polian and the Colts were afraid of the pressure.

Here are the top links from this morning’s papers and websites around New England:

The Celtics Forced To Face Reality - Paul Flannery assesses the Celtics after a 19-0 Magic third quarter run doomed the Celtics on national television yesterday.

Celtics show the good, bad and ugly against Orlando - Tim Weisberg has the Celtics blowing their ninth double-digit lead since Christmas.

Problem on the parquet - Scott Souza says that only the Celtics can fix what’s wrong with this team.

Their effort not hard to categorize - Gary Washburn explains that the Celtics are just not an elite team right now.

Relaxing the cause of tension - Frank Dell’Apa’s notebook has the Celtics getting too comfortable in the second half of games.

Rask and B’s back in winning ways - Yes, the Bruins actually won a game yesterday. Joe Haggerty gives us the details from Montreal.

Bruins kick ugly Hab-it - Steve Conroy says that the Bruins flirtation with ignominy is over.

Lowrie working very hard to get back on radar screen - Actually from yesterday, but a good Red Sox notes column from Joe McDonald and Daniel Barbarisi.

Gay rings up another - Adam Kilgore has Randall Gay using his experience in New England to benefit his hometown Saints.

A strong sense of entitlement is at play - Ready for another BU-BC Beanpot final tonight?

So is this NFL offseason going to entirely consist of Boston media types tracking down former and current Patriots players to ask them to talk about the demise of the franchise, and ask how poorly they were treated and how everything in Foxborough is just a house of cards?

Just wondering, since that is the early trend thus far. We’ve heard from Richard Seymour, Adam Vinatieri, Asante Samuel, Vince Wilfork, and yesterday, Adalius Thomas. We’ve had David Thomas thrown in our faces like he’s the second coming of Kellen Winslow. (The Dad, not the son.)

There have been a few props thrown the Patriots way, Randall Gay and Heath Evans have spoken positively of their time in New England, and Sean Payton has gushed about Bill Belichick and the Patriots as a model to follow, but their input is drowned out by all the negativity. I’m a little tired of it. I know that the Patriots have a lot of work to do, I don’t need it thrown in my face every time I turn around.

Ratings might match the hype - Chad Finn thinks that this Super Bowl might actually match all the hype that CBS and other outlets are putting into it.

Nantz was there as Saints marched in - Bill Doyle has Jim Nantz recalling attending the first-ever New Orleans Saints game, back in 1967 as an 8-year-old.

Forty-Four Facts About Super Bowl XLIV - Not much that Jeff Howe doesn’t cover here.

Patriots coaching staff in focus - What? Actual Patriots discussion that doesn’t involve the impending demise of the franchise? Thank God for Mike Reiss.

Players own early resolve - Albert Breer has the NFLPA preparing for a lockout in 2011.

Checking in at the V-Mart: A look at Victor Martinez’ value - Alex Speier looks at what the Red Sox catcher might be looking at in his next contract.

Best move for Bruins? None at all - With this season seemingly out of hope, Stephen Harris says that Peter Chiarelli should just stand pat and not make any moves aimed to improve the team this season.

Papelbon sticks to his guns - Brian MacPherson touches on a number of Red Sox-related topics.

Sunday super for Marquis Daniels? - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics forward hoping he might return to action on Sunday.

A program note on ‘biggest loser’ - With the 4-44 Nets in town tonight, Bob Ryan remembers the times the Celtics played the  ’72-’73 Sixers, who finished at 9-73.

The Celtics, playing without Paul Pierce, had enough to hold off Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat last night at the Garden.

Frank Dell’Apa has Tony Allen making a big play on Wade with the game on the line, ensuring the Celtics victory. Mark Murphy has the Celtics making the needed plays in the fourth quarter – a welcome change from recent losses. Robert Lee has Rajon Rondo (22 points, 14 assists) taking the lead last night. Lenny Megliola the game bringing out the brilliance of Rondo and Wade (30 points, 13 assists). Bill Doyle says that it was Christmas day all over again for the Celtics. Jim Fenton has the Celtics looking like a happier team after this one. A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics playing their best defense in the fourth quarter last night.

Bob Ryan reminds us how old and broken down the Celtics are, and says that “if” Doc Rivers can get them to the playoffs, the schedule becomes easier on old bodies. Bill Reynolds writes the exact same column. Steve Bulpett has Doc Rivers reacting to yesterday’s piece in the Herald about the team chemistry. Gary Washburn pinpoints the Celtics struggles this season as “they aren’t winning consistently and have yet to gain cohesiveness because of injuries.”

Tony Lee says that Doc Rivers has worked wonders with his patchwork lineups this season. Paul Flannery has order being restored at the TD Garden last night. Chris Forsberg has Rajon Rondo’s play speaking volumes after his comments earlier in the week. Rich Levine has Rondo answering the challenge his own words created.

Bulpett has Ray Allen feeling better about his situation after a talk with Danny Ainge. Murphy has Paul Pierce with a sigh of relief after his foot diagnosis. Jeff Howe has more on Pierce. Forsberg has a look at the big play from Tony Allen late in the game. Peter May has Eddie House making a big contribution in Pierce’s absence.

Dell’Apa’s notebook has Kevin Garnett saying that the team’s “bickering” problems are now under control. Murphy’s notebook has KG saying that there is no “finger-pointing” going on with the team. Lee’s Celtics Journal has more on the team’s chemistry issues. Doyle’s notebook has more on Pierce’s sprained foot. Fenton’s notebook says that Pierce will likely miss tomorrow night’s game against the Nets as well.  

Misc

Daniel Barbarisi has Daniel Bard feeling comfortable with his role heading into spring training.

Michael Silverman has Padres GM Jed Hoyer backing off slightly from comments yesterday about trading Adrian Gonzalez.

Stephen Harris  and Mike Loftus both have the Bruins hoping that a change of scenery can change their fortunes. Kevin Paul Dupont says that the Bruins are not likely land Ilya Kovalchuk.

Mark Blaudschun and Steve Conroy have a look at Boston College linebacker recruit Kevin Pierre-Louis. Eric Avidon has coach Frank Spaziani putting some building blocks in place.

First of all, I apologize for the lack of a post yesterday. 1) I’m sick and 2) because of recurring problems with the core database, an impromptu migration to a new server took place. Hopefully things will be back to normal.

Let’s get on to the top ten of this morning.

Selfish trend top item on Celtics agenda - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics players saying that their problems this season have not been all physical.

Breaking down the impact of the C’s injuries - Jessica Camerato lists out the eye-popping injury tally for the Celtics thus far this season.

Together again? How Joe Johnson could return - Gary Tanguay attempts to write what he was spouting on the air yesterday, about how the Celtics could sign Joe Johnson in the offseason. Of course, they would need to have Paul Pierce opt out of his contract and then re-sign for a team-friendly deal after Johnson (or another free agent) signs. Seems a bit of a stretch.

Thankfully, rumors of Pierce’s demise greatly exaggerated - Michael Muldoon looks at how rumors were flying fast and furious last night that Paul Pierce had suffered a broken foot.

Bruins stumble against the Capitals - Joe Haggerty says that it is hard to believe that things can get worse for the Bruins than what they are right now.

Red Sox’ Hall hits hard drive - John Tomase checks in with new Red Sox utilityman Bill Hall, who hit 35 homers for the Brewers in 2006, to see if he can regain that form here in Boston.

A day in the life of Dustin Pedroia - Rob Bradford has a look at the offseason training of the Red Sox second baseman.

Plenty of candidates for lone spot in Sox pen - Daniel Barbarisi looks at the pitchers battling for the last spot in the Red Sox bullpen.

Red Sox have plenty of infield depth - Mike Fine says that right now, Boston has a case of infield overkill.

Media Day not much to write home about - Mark Farinella isn’t missing the circus known as Super Bowl media day.

Also check out the 2010 Patriots Daily Senior Bowl Review by Greg Doyle.

The Celtics once again held a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter on their opponent, yet could not finish the job. This time, it was Kobe Bryant sinking them with a jumper with 7.3 seconds to go, and the Celtics finished their “rivalry week” set of games again Orlando, Atlanta and the Lakers at 0-3.

Julian Benbow has the Celtics upset at a late offensive foul call on Paul Pierce which took away a basket that would’ve given the Celtics a three point lead just prior to Kobe’s shot. Mark Murphy has the Celtics leaving the floor angry after this one. Scott Souza has the Lakers winning a disputed decision on this one. Robert Lee has Kobe doing it once again. Bill Doyle has Paul Pierce and Kobe trading buckets in the closing seconds, but only Kobe’s counted. Jeff Howe has the Celtics unable to finish once again. A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics again collapsing down the stretch.

Bob Ryan says that the fans really needed this win to keep their title hopes for this team intact. Steve Bulpett says that the defense is the biggest problem with the Celtics right now. Tim Weisberg says that these losses don’t doom the Celtics chances, but they are a large warning sign. Mike Fine says that these Celtics are too good to be this bad. Jim Fenton has the Celtics looking for answers after a losing January. Paul Flannery says that this reality check might be just what the Celtics need.

Gary Washburn says that the Lakers, and many other teams, are no longer afraid of the outside shooting of Ray Allen, Eddie House or Rasheed Wallace. Michael Muldoon says that Allen is being paid $19 million to make that final shot, and isn’t getting the job done. He also compares this game to the Patriots loss to the Colts this season. Barry Scanlon thinks that the Celtics may need to trade Ray Allen. Peter May says that the Celtics got what they deserved. Rich Levine says that this was much more than just another regular season loss.

Frank Dell’Apa has Rajon Rondo putting on a show yesterday, especially in the second quarter. Jessica Camerato examines the personal rivalry between Paul Pierce and Ron Artest. Chris Forsberg has the Celtics fourth quarter defense again coming up short.

Steve Buckley says that Kobe Bryant just knows how to win. Lenny Megliola has the killer instinct of Kobe dooming the Celtics. Bulpett has Phil Jackson talking about his edgy relationship with Red Auerbach. Lynn Worthy says that the Lakers are better than their title team of a season ago.

Benbow’s notebook has the Celtics staying united and positive as a group. Muldoon’s notebook has the Celtics unhappy with a few calls down the stretch. Murphy’s notebook has Ray Allen coming up short on both ends of the court on the final two possessions of the game. Souza’s notebook has Tony Allen providing a big spark in the second quarter. Lee’s Celtics journal has former URI star Lamar Odom living large in Los Angeles. Doyle’s notebook has Jackson saying that KG isn’t what he used to be. Fenton’s notebook has more on the charge call on Pierce.  Forsberg’s notebook has more reaction from the Celtics on the loss. Blakely’s notebook has the Celtics flunking their test of three big games.

Patriots/NFL

Albert R. Breer says that the Patriots’ games against Indy and New Orleans this season showed the difference between themselves and the real Super Bowl contenders. Jim Donaldson says that even if the Colts win this Super Bowl, the Patriots are still the team of the decade.

Ian R. Rapoport has several Patriots enjoying themselves in the Pro Bowl yesterday. Mike Reiss has some quotes from the Patriot participants. Rapoport checks in with Logan Mankins.

Christopher Price gives us the most underrated moments in Patriots Super Bowl history. Adam Hirshfield says that taking Tim Tebow would be a real stretch for the Patriots.

Adam Kilgore has Bill Belichick and Tom Brady among those on the all-decade team. Rapoport’s notebook has more on the Patriots honored.

Misc

John Tomase is excited about having the storyline of Josh Beckett’s contract looming over the team this season. John Beattie says that it will be tough for Junichi Tazawa to crack the opening day roster for the Red Sox.

Fluto Shinzawa says that the Bruins need to show more heart. Stephen Harris says that the Bruins are making slow progress.

Ken Fang has a look at the Bloomberg Sports Baseball launch.