Hard work yields rewards for Bruins, Wideman

James Murphy | NHL.com Correspondent Dennis Wideman, who was once labeled a "risky" defenseman, turned his game around during his first full season with the Bruins tallying 13 goals and 23 assists. Dennis Wideman counts himself among the fortunate these days. Signed to a new contract by the Boston Bruins this week, Wideman, 25, now has a hefty raise, job security and a more pronounced role on the Bruins’ defense. "If you asked me two years ago if I'd ever be signing a four-year contract and making that kind of money, I would have laughed at you," said Wideman, who was originally selected by Buffalo in the eighth-round of the 2002 entry Draft. "To come this far in a year and have this come together, I feel really fortunate. I'm happy." When the Sabres drafted Wideman, he was simply grateful and excited to have a chance to... [read full story]