Bruins strike late and defeat Buffalo, 2-0

The Boston Bruins once again came out of the gate awfully lackadaisical. After two periods of sloppy hockey, the B’s kicked it into gear and defeated the Buffalo Sabres, 2-0. In a game of ups and downs, Boston got tremendous goaltending from Anton Khudobin and a hard-nosed, workmen like offensive effort from the Lucic-Krejci-Horton line.  The Boston defense bent at times but played with the kind of conviction needed to secure 2 points.

Boston improved to 22-8-4, bringing themselves within one point of the idle Canadiens, while cushioning their lead on the Leafs and Sens. This was a must win game for Boston, but the fashion in which things unfolded early on hinted otherwise. Buffalo recognized the B’s sluggish start and made life difficult in the opening two periods.

Buffalo outskated the Bruins for the majority of the opening 40 minutes. Boston committed 4 penalties that resulted in Sabres power plays. The penalty kill rose to the occasion, bailing out a Bruins offense that was pretty much nonexistent for much of this one.

Fortunately for the B’s it was Anton Khudobin who stole this game. Dobby was all over the place making one gigantic save after the next. The Boston net minder turned away all 26 shots he faced. In victory, Anton Khudobin improved to 7-3 this season and recorded his first shutout as Bruin.

Mostly settling for point shots in the first and second periods, the Bruins looked vulnerable and susceptible to another loss. Boston’s forwards were not getting the puck in deep and the Sabres controlled the dirty areas. The Bruins game is predicated on a blue-collar style that encompasses crashing their opponent’s goal. This all would change as the third period got going.

Many times we have seen the Bruins outshoot the opposition and loss this season. Milan Lucic, David Krejci, and Nathan Horton made sure this was not going to be the case. Led by their top line in the third, the B’s ramped up their fore-check, got pucks in behind the Buffalo defense, and began to generate scoring chances in high percentage areas.

 At 12:54 of the final frame, David Krejci scored what proved to be the game-winning tally. Matt Bartkowski snapped a pass to Nathan Horton in the slot. He then shoveled the puck off Ryan Miller, producing a rebound goal for Krejci. Minutes later it was Krejci and Horton hooking up again. Milan Lucic lugged the puck into Buffalo’s end along the nearside wall and dropped a well-timed pass back to a trailing Krejci. He quickly backhanded a pass through the paint past the Sabres defense to Nathan Horton who buried an insurance marker.

Despite winning 2-0, the Bruins committed a great deal of mistakes. Regardless, mistakes or no mistakes, Boston showed its killer instinct in closing out the Sabres when push came to shove. The slow starts certainly need to be addressed, but taking care of business when winning time comes is what counts. Boston’s much maligned top line picked a perfect time to snap out of a recent funk. Scoring twice in 3 minutes to secure the win should alleviate some of the criticism they have been battered with.

The Senators will be in Boston Tuesday night to take on the Bruins. Without a doubt the B’s will have plenty to work on Monday in practice. Claude Julien must find a way to get all four lines rolling in order to produce a higher goal output and more power play chances. Kasper Daugavins will likely be in the lineup come game time and should help get a hobbling offense back on the right path.  

Game 34: Bruins-Sabres quick thoughts

The Bruins will begin tonight's matchup trailing Montreal by 3 points in the Northeast. Beating the Sabres is a must if Boston hopes to remain ahead of a Toronto and Ottawa. The Leafs and Sens are hot on the B's heels with 44 points a piece, while Boston is clinging to the second spot with 46 points.

This meeting will mark the fourth of five scheduled contests between the two sides. Buffalo has won two of three against the B's already this season. The Sabres have matched the Bruins physicality and have made things quite difficult on the Black-and-Gold.

Boston is 4-5-1 in its last ten. Buffalo is 4-3-3.

The Bruins have been digging themselves early holes of late and that is a trend that needs to be halted immediately. Nathan Horton has two goals in his last two games. Aside from him, the team has shown little to no life for upwards of two weeks now.

Look for the Bruins to bounce back and stop the bleeding. If not heads may roll in Beantown.

Bruins fall to lowly Flyers, 3-1

The Boston Bruins looked outmatched, out willed and overwhelmed Saturday afternoon, losing to the lowly Philadelphia Flyers, 3-1.  A lack of effort, urgency, and desire yet again cost the Bruins first place in the Northeast Division. In defeat, glaring deficiencies throughout the B’s lineup were magnified. A decimated Flyers team was able to control play all afternoon. Boston has fallen to a bleak 2-4-1 in its last 7 contests.

Once again the Black-and-Gold, plagued by a sluggish start, dug themselves a hole too deep to climb out of. The Flyers snapped a 4 game skid and looked as if they and the Bruins had flip flopped positions in the standings. Philly scored once in each period, getting goals from Mike Knuble, Matt Read, and Ruslan Fedotenko. Nathan Horton, scoring his tenth of the year, collected the B’s lone tally.  

Nothing seemed to go Boston’s way in this one. Pucks hopped over their sticks, shots went high and wide, and the physically imposing play was nowhere to be found. An injury ridden Philadelphia defense limited Boston in their attacking end, forcing them to aimless dump one puck in after the other. The Bruins failure to win possession was apparent and the inability to execute at necessary moments squashed any comeback hopes.

The lifeless, nonchalant style of play has to be alarming to Boston and serve as a wake up call. The B’s looked as if they were sleepwalking and the Flyers pounced all over them. Besides the glimmer of hope Nathan Horton provided in the third, not a single Bruin player had a noteworthy performance.

The uninspired effort put forth against the second worst team in the East is awfully unsettling. The April 3 trading deadline cannot come fast enough as the Bruins have been stuck in a rut for some time now. Unfortunately it looks like it’s shake up or bust for Boston. The lack of scoring calls for the acquisition of a top six forward. A team once characterized by its grit and toughness has regressed a in nature. The Bruins are fatigued and are in dire need of reinforcements on the blue line.  Adding a top 4 D-man needs to be strongly considered as well.

Game 33: Bruins-Flyers Preview

It has been quite the eventful week for the Boston Bruins. A thrilling come from behind win against Toronto got things rolling. A heavyweight fight with Montreal and then the now infamous Jarome Iginla sweepstakes followed that. Boston will end the week Easter Sunday in Buffalo for a face-off with the Sabres. But first Boston must tend to a meeting with the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center.

Boston (21-7-4) comes in at fourth in the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia (13-7-3) sits second to the bottom. The matinee matchup will mark the second of three games slated for the season.

Back on March 9 these bitter rivals hooked up at TD Garden in a game in which Boston dismantled the Flyers. Winning 3-0, the Bruins faced little resistance and dictated all facets of play. Philly has been pitiful on the road this season but has played to a respectable 9-5-2 record in front of the hometown faithful.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Flyers have had a disappointing 2013 campaign and Boston will likely add to their misery. Philly simply struggles to keep goals off the board and it could prove costly against a Bruins team coming off a five-goal onslaught.

With both sides heading in different directions this season, the once illustrious rivalry has seem to lost a bit of luster with Philly taking on the role of whipping post. Regardless, Boston will be susceptible to a loss if their blue-liners play a passive style and don’t clear the paint. The Flyers have several guys with a nose for the puck and they each possess expert knowledge in goal scoring.

This matchup could be determined on special teams. Philly has the league’s best power play and Boston owns the top ranked penalty kill. If an outcome cannot be reached at even strength, the special team units will decide it. For Boston, these are two points that it expects to and should get. The standings a top the East are tightening day by day and with each passing game the days become more pressure packed.

Look for Boston to come out strong and hand the Broad Street Bullies yet another classic thrashing. The Bruins desperately need to keep pace with the East’s elite. With fifteen games left to play, the B’s have an awful lot of question marks to address. Today is a good day to start.

Bruins fall to Habs in a SO, 6-5

The Habs walked away winners in what was yet another titanic installment in a rivalry that never seems to disappoint. Boston and Montreal traded goals all evening long. Both sides physically and verbally abused one another, showcasing the pure hatred these franchises share. In the end, it was the Canadiens emerging victorious, winning 6-5 in a SO.

Despite being beaten, the Bruins came to play Wednesday night. It was Black-and-Gold hockey at its most entertaining. The tilt was crammed with gloves off mayhem, ups and downs, bad bounces, and blown leads. To Boston’s dismay, it was Montreal who avoided the knockout blow.

Boston faced an up hill climb after goals from Michael Ryder and P.K. Subban made it 2-0 Montreal early in the second. The Habs were outskating Boston and the game seemed as if it would spiral out of control. The B’s dug deep, held their ground, and impressively exploded for 4 straight goals. Dougie Hamilton got things rolling, followed by a Brad Marchand score. With the game tied, the Bruins offense was finally showing signs of life.

Patrice Bergeron and Nathan Horton capped off the unanswered goal streak, scoring 35 seconds apart from one another. Boston would carry a 4-2 lead into the third period. The Habs dominated the final frame. They struck three times in the final period, including an Andrei Markov tally that came with just nine seconds left in regulation. Markov’s goal was a direct result of some good luck. With Aaron Johnson in the box serving a delay of game minor, Markov’s blast deflected in off of Zdeno Chara’s stick and trickled by Tuukka Rask. The goal forced overtime, knotting the game at 5-5.

In overtime the B’s and Habs struggled to mount any legitimate scoring opportunities. With Carey Price being pulled after a dismal second period effort, Peter Budaj stoned Boston in the SO. Budaj turned away 6 Boston shooters and secured two huge points. In victory, Montreal reclaimed first place in the Northeast.

Boston is able to take away many positives even in defeat. The Bruins offense had been stuck in neutral for several games. Scoring 5, including a power play goal, is a great sign that Boston might finally get things clicking again. The B’s uncharacteristically surrendered 5 goals in regulation. That being something one of the NHL’s top ranked defenses is not accustomed to. As the trade deadline nears, look for the Bruins to really pick up their play, as the fate of many guys could ride on it. The B’s will pack their bags and head for Philly to play a Flyers team that they handily beat earlier this month, 3-0.

Canadiens-Bruins Game Preview

Boston: 21-7-3 Montreal: 20-7-5

The Montreal Canadiens will be in town Wednesday night with first place in the Northeast Division up for the taking. By default Boston sits ahead of Montreal because of its one game in hand. The Bruins are 1-1 against the Habs this season. In the last meeting between these clubs we saw tempers flare, fists fly, and emotions run high. Arguably the most important game of the year for either side, expect these clubs to pick up right where they left off March 3.

The Canadiens have been as good as any team in the NHL and have played to an 11-3-2 road record. Boston, 11-2-1 on home ice, will look to take a stand and build upon a come from behind win on Monday. The Habs rank fourth in the NHL in scoring and have proven to be a tough matchup this season for Boston. Montreal’s speed and top end scoring ability cannot be overlooked. Boston will counter with a physical brand of hockey.

Come puck drop, the antics Montreal pulled last time out will be fresh in the Bruins mind. A highly questionable cross check committed by Montreal’s Alexei Emelin on Tyler Seguin will have the B’s tough guys out for revenge. This game comes at just the right time because an agitated Boston team seems to always play its best hockey.

Milan Lucic is the cog that gets the Bruins turning. He has been very quiet of late but a goal against Toronto in his last game may help get things back on track. Expect the Habs to try and mix things up, antagonize the B’s, and coerce them into taking bad penalties. This game can be won if the Bruins are able to harness their hatred of Montreal, overlook the child’s play, and simply lay the offensive smack down. Lucic is a guy that plays a heavy style of hockey and his imposing frame could cause havoc against an undersized Habs squad.

Goaltending will be the difference in a game that is sure to see its fair share of penalties. Tuukka Rask will likely oppose Carey Price. Both goalies have had phenomenal Vezina worthy campaigns to date. The two are an integral part of the success their organizations have endured and will each have a say in who takes over first. Rask is coming off a victory in his last showing, while Price was beaten by Pittsburgh Tuesday.

The Garden will be rocking as these ancient enemies link up for yet another chapter in a series that never seems to grow old. There is no love loss between these two sides and two points will be hard to come by. Expect a physical, hard fought contest. Boston must exhibit poise and urgency if they hope to emerge victorious at an incredibly important point on the calendar.

Bruins Quick Notes

Boston signed Minnesota-Duluth D-man Chris Castro to an entry-level contract. Casto leaves MD after just two seasons. The blue-liner has been on Boston’s radar for a few years dating back to his high school days.

Peter Chiarelli signed defensemen Matt Bartkowski to a 1-year/1-way NHL contract extension through the 2013-2014 season. The signing guarantees Bartkowski will remain with the parent club. Otherwise only leaving via trade or release. The deal was for $650,000.

Milan Lucic scored his first goal last night in the Bruins 3-2 victory since February 24. The winger changed last night’s game and could change Boston’s season for the better if he can things moving forward.

Montreal will invade the Boston Garden tomorrow night in a battle for first place in the Northeast. Expect sparks to fly following their last heated affair.

Bruins defeat Leafs in a SO, 3-2

It’s been a long time coming, but the Boston Bruins finally found themselves on the triumphant side of third period comeback. Boston picked up a huge victory tonight, beating Toronto 3-2 in a shootout. This game was far from pretty; nevertheless the Bruins picked up two key points and regained sole possession of first place in the Northeast Division.

Boston and Toronto battled to a scoreless tie in the opening frame. The Leafs struck first in this one. Joffrey Lupul, fresh off a two-game suspension, buried a power play goal at 2:04 of the second period. Lupul was the beneficiary of nifty touch pass from Jake Gardiner. Minutes later, Nikolai Kulemin beat Tuukka Rask on a breakaway bid. His goal left the Bruins in an all to familiar territory, another multi goal deficit.

Facing yet another hurdle, trailing 2-0, Boston was left in a vulnerable position. Claude Julien’s new look lines struggled out of the gate. Many of the guys seemed out of sync at the start. The Bruins showed superior mental toughness and refused to give up. The kinks seemed to work themselves out as the contest progressed and Boston began to assert its upper hand. In particular, Daniel Paille had a strong showing, registering 5 shots on goal.

The much-maligned Milan Lucic benefited from a change of scenery, skating alongside Rich Peverley and Jordan Caron for the majority of the game. Lucic cut the Toronto lead in half, scoring his first goal since February 24. The big man drove to the net with authority, beating James Reimer, making it 2-1.  

The B’s rolled their normal line pairings in the third period and showed great resiliency. Patrice Bergeron knotted the game up, sending a backhander past Reimer at 10:36 of the final stanza. Rookie blue liner Dougie Hamilton carried the puck deep into Toronto’s end while his teammates changed out. From behind the Leafs net, Hamilton flipped a pass to a trailing Bergeron who then faked out Dion Phaneuf and cashed in.

Ramped up physicality and emotional flare-ups fueled the remainder of the hockey game. Both sides swapped numerous post whistle exchanges. After appearing to be rattled, Tuukka Rask regained his focus and shut down the Maple Leafs in third period, overtime, and then in the shootout. James Reimer was terrific for Toronto, but it was Rask who shut the door.

In overtime both sides locked things down defensively and surrendered little ground. Boston elected to go first in the shootout and it was Tyler Seguin capitalizing like he so often does. Bergeron ended it for Boston, tricking Reimer for the winning goal, capping off a much-needed high character win.

In another tight divisional battle, the Bruins made the proper in game adjustments that ultimately led them in the right direction. Boston improved to 21-7-3 on the year. More importantly they hopped over Montreal in the standings only days before the two rivals will square off at TD Garden. The B’s did many things well in avenging Saturday’s loss. Even though it’s a step in the right direction, the Bruins should not be satisfied in the least bit. 

Is trading for Jarome Iginla a sensible move?

The Boston Bruins offensive production has suffered greatly in recent games. After dropping 3 of 4 contests and only mustering up a measly six goals on their last road trip, Boston is looking for outside assistance to help rectify such a glaring ineptitude. Long time Calgary captain Jarome Iginla looks to be atop Boston's wish list. 



Iginla is a two-time 50 goal scorer. His 8 goals and 13 assists this year rank better than many of the Bruins players. The Flames winger would undoubtedly make Boston a more competitive club. His grit, toughness, versatility, and intelligence would only bolster the Bruins Stanley Cup aspirations. Iginla waived his no trade clause, granting his team the right to deal him. Boston was one of four teams he expressed interest in joining. 



The Flames are reportedly asking for a roster player, top prospect, and a high draft pick in exchange for Iginla. Calgary's asking price seems astronomically high considering Iginla will likely turn out to be be a 3 month rental. Acquiring him would mean sacrificing the future for a chance to win now. Is this the only option available to the Bruins as the April 3 trading deadline draws near? The answer is no. 



Brenden Morrow of Dallas, a player with similar abilities to those of Jarom Iginla, was acquired by Pittsburgh in exchange for very little. The Bruins need to look at such a deal and reconsider their current interest. Several teams look to be sellers at the deadline and if patient enough, Boston will find the right deal. The Penguins certainly did. 



Sure, Iginla would be an ideal option for Boston. If the Dalls Stars trade is any indication as to how the 2013 deadline will playout, then there is no sense in overpaying for anybody. A top six forward is attainable for far less than the demands of Calgary. Boston GM Peter Chiarelli would be wise in holding out for sensible deal. 

Maple Leafs-Bruins game preview

The Boston Bruins will get a shot at redemption Monday night. The B’s will play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just two days removed from a troubling 3-2 loss in Toronto, Boston will look to convincingly bounce back by earning two valuable points in this Northeast Division battle. The Bruins (20-7-3) have a 6 point lead on the Leafs (17-12-3).

Fresh off a dismal 4 game road trip, returning home may be exactly what the doctor ordered for Boston. The B’s are 10-2-1 at home this season and have defeated Toronto 4 straight times at TD Garden. The Leafs have dropped 3 in a row away from Air Canada Center.

Boston’s offense has essentially been non-existent in recent games. Scoring only 6 goals in 4 games has raised many eyebrows. Their inability to find the back of the net is major cause for concern. Claude Julien wasted no time in addressing his team’s shortcomings. Julien shuffled his lines Sunday in practice with the hope of instilling some life in his club.

Brad Marchand will slide up to line 1, Milan Lucic will be demoted to line 3, and Danny Paille will be bumped to line 2. Coach Julien holds his team to a high standard. The Bruins only registered 13 shots on goal last time out versus Toronto. With several of Boston’s top players underachieving, the shake up cannot do any harm and should be welcomed.

Tuukka Rask will be in net this time around for the Bruins and he has owned the Leafs during the course of his career. He will look to play the stopper in this one, as the Bruins will look to end their slide. With Joffrey Lupul returning for Toronto, the Boston defense will need to be on its toes. Nazem Kadri has nine points in his last 4 games for the Leafs and is always a handful.

The black and gold seem to always respond positively when their coach calls them out. Claude Julien expects an improved effort out of his guys. With Toronto in town, there is no better time to unleash a beat down. Look for the Bruins to come out of the gate strong in front of their home crowd. Time is ticking on this truncated schedule. Boston needs to right the ship or else the April 3 trading deadline could bring great change.

Bruins upset by Toronto, 3-2

The Boston Bruins wrap up their four game road trip with a 1-3 record, falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night, 3-2. In victory, the Leafs snapped an eight game losing streak. Boston’s inability to convert in its attacking end proved to be the fatal flaw once again.

This original six showdown was surely an odd one. Anton Khudobin got the start for Boston when it was many expecting Tuukka Rask. Coming off a diamond of a performance against the Senators, Bruins coach Claude Julien decided to ride the hot hand. It’s a bit puzzling though, considering Rask in 7-1 all time against the Leafs.

Khudobin was shaky, allowing a goal in each period. Nazem Kadri (14), Mikhail Grabovski (8), and Fraser McLaren (3) scored for the Leafs. In a desperation effort, Boston pulled Khudobin following McLaren’s goal and replaced him with Rask. Rask was able to stop the bleeding and Boston then began to battle back.

To the surprise of many, in the final period, it was Andrew Ference (2) and Dennis Seidenberg (2) registering the Bruins lone markers. Both defensemen drove heavy blasts through traffic and by James Reimer. Boston severely outshot Toronto, 33-13. The Leafs goaltender was terrific, stopping thirty-one shots. Credit the Maple Leaf defense in limiting Boston ‘s quality scoring chances and forcing play along the boards.

In each of the three losses on the trip, it has been the B’s offense coming up short. Only scoring a measly 5 goals on the roadie and failing to convert on nine power play opportunities is quite disheartening. The bounces and breaks are simply avoiding the B’s.

The Bruins top goal scorers were nowhere to be found and haven’t been for sometime now. Dennis Seidenberg has been Boston’s most consistent goal scorer, finding the net in two straight. The B’s are not getting to the high traffic areas on a consistent enough basis to be winners and it shows. 

In losing, the Bruins drop to 20-7-3. Boston needs to find a remedy and quick. These two sides will be at it again Monday night in Boston. The Bruins will face a must win game because Toronto can draw within two points of them. 

Bruins-Leafs preview

Boston: 20-6-3 Toronto: 16-12-3

The Boston Bruins will be in Toronto Saturday night to take on the Maple Leafs. It will be the third meeting between the teams this season. The Bruins have beaten the Leafs in both games, winning 1-0 on February 2 and 4-2 on March 7.

The B’s are 6-3-1 in their last ten, while the Leafs are 4-3-2. Toronto is fresh off a 5 game losing streak that was induced by Boston. Toronto has scuffled of late and now find themselves jostling for a bottom eight spot in the Eastern Conference.

Heading into the heart of their schedule, the Bruins will look to make it two consecutive wins. The Leafs are a team Boston has beaten regularly in recent history and they’re hoping this game will be more of the same. For Claude Julien and his team, turning up the scoring is something that will be a main focus.

The Leafs have startlingly allowed four goals in eight of their last eleven contests. This unsettling trend is something Boston will look to take advantage of. A faltering defense may be exactly what the doctor ordered. The Bruins will look to rectify an anemic offensive attack at a pivotal point in the season. Tyler Seguin and David Krejci both have had great success against the Leafs and the pair could prove integral in victory.

Toronto ranks sixth in the NHL in goals scored per game. They spread out the scoring across the lineup and can beat you in several ways. Tuukka Rask will likely extinguish their recent offensive explosion. Rask is 7-1 against the Leafs in his career and has allowed a lowly 1.37GAA.

The Bruins have won four straight games at the Air Canada Center and will again play the Leafs Monday night, hosting them at the Garden. Beating Toronto in back to back games could all but bury the Leafs in the Northeast. If the Bruins are to make a serious run at the Conference, it has to start at some point. There is not a better way to get things rolling than beating up on a susceptible divisional opponent. 

Bruins grab crucial divisional win, beat Sens 2-1

It sure felt like a playoff game Thursday night when the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators got together. Scotiabank Place was electric and the decisive importance this tilt carried unquestionably fueled the play. Boston was able to survive a testy affair, continuing its dominance in Ottawa, securing a 2-1 victory.  With the win, the B’s improve to 20-6-3 on the year.

Both sides, neck and neck in the North Division, approached this game like it was a series clincher. Emotions ran high, tempers flared, and the hockey didn’t disappoint.

Anton Khudobin got the nod for the Bruins in this one and he was superb. Khudobin turned aside twenty-seven shots on the way to earning his sixth win of the season. The Boston tender has become increasingly comfortable between the pipes as the starts add up. In the closing moments of the first period, Ottawa mounted a furious rush, firing several shots toward him. Khudobin stood tall, and denied each bid. His ability to make one timely save after the next was the biggest determining factor for the black and gold.

Across the sheet, Robin Lehner was equally effective for his team. The Sens net minder was on his game, making many marvelous saves, moving well in his goal. For being just twenty-one years of age, Lehner plays his position like that of seasoned veteran.

Kaspars Daugavins broke up a 0-0 tie at 4:55 of the second period, firing a shot by Khodubin. It was the only goal Ottawa would score. The Bruins smothered the Sens offense, playing a tight checking game.  

Boston failed to capitalize on several chances in this hockey game. They fumbled away many high quality opportunities and had a few giveaways. Johnny Boychuk snapped a tape-to-tape pass over to Daniel Paille, who then closed in on Lehner and beat him glove side, at 18:38 of the second. The Bruins would take a 1-1 tie to the third.

This game looked as if it might head for overtime. Both the Sens and B’s exchanged blows in the final frame, but neither generating much. Patrice Bergeron won a key faceoff late in the third that led to Dennis Seidenberg’s game winning goal. Seidenberg scored from the right point, banging a slap shot by Lehner with only 1:04 left to play. The Boston blue liner could not have picked a better time to score his first of the season, sealing it for the Bruins.

The Bruins showed great resiliency in capturing two crucial divisional points. The Bruins are now 3-0 versus Ottawa. Two meetings still remain and each will take place in Boston. The B’s snapped their losing skid in a big way, ending their third period woes.  When the going got rough, the Bruins rose to the occasion. On a night that Claude Julien shuffled many of his pairings with the hope of finding a spark, Boston hung tough and ultimately was rewarded for its hard work.

The Bruins will head to Toronto Saturday for yet another pivotal faceoff with the Leafs. Puck drop will be at 7pm.

NHL Power Rankings: Ducks top the list

Week 9 NHL Power Rankings:

30. Florida Panthers: With only seven wins on the season and the inability to find consistent play in goal, this club is destined for the #1 overall pick in the 2013 draft.

29. Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres sit dead last in the Northeast Division. An offseason predicated on modeling themselves after the hated Bruins has gotten them nowhere. They have begun to call one another out in the media. Writing is on the wall.

28. Washington Capitals: The Caps have fallen from an elite status to the basement of the East. They have seen a glaring drop off from Alex Ovechkin and struggle mightily to defeat any team that is half way decent. Look for major changes in D.C.

27. Colorado Avalanche: The Avs have been stuck in a rut and cannot find their way out. They had high hopes of competing in the playoffs this season. Losing nine of its last twelve games has dropped them to rock bottom in the West.

26. Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have disappointed on many levels this season. Their star players have not produced up to expectations, an over paid goaltender showcases erratic play on an nightly basis, and their lack of heart has earned them last place in the Atlantic.

25. Nashville Predators: Unfortunately for Nashville, playing in the same division as the Blackhawks may be enough to write them off. Nashville has been unable to find any sort of consistency or chemistry within its play. A team historically known for great defense and goaltending has failed to come close to the prior success had.

24. Tampa Bay Lightning: The Bolts have played through their fair share of problems this season, often stringing numerous losses together. Having Steven Stamkos on their side will automatically keep them in contention, as the Southeast crown will likely be up for grabs all year.

23. Dallas Stars: The Stars have been beaten up on badly of late. They have little depth in their lineup and really don’t have a top defensemen. The Stars top six forwards are surely respectable, though a supporting cast is severely missing. Dallas could become sellers really quick if they don’t snap out of it.

22. Calgary Flames: The Flames have been slowly showing signs of turning their season around. Calgary is more than capable of putting a playoff run together. With a favorable few games ahead and several offensive talents skating about, the playoffs aren’t out of the question just yet.

21. Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers have fluctuated all season. They are beginning to catch stride and are unbeaten in regulation in their last four. However it is too early to jump to any sort of conclusion with this team. Edmonton is young, inexperienced, and needs to prove it can beat the best in the West in order to make the top 8.

20. New York Rangers: The Rangers still have yet to get things going. With half the season now gone by the wayside, New York seems like it will miss the playoffs. They have shown no reason for critics alike to think other wise. After being whacked by the Pens this past weekend why should anyone get their hopes up?

19. Phoenix Coyotes: The Yotes certainly have the size, strength, and veteran presence in its lineup needed to make a playoff run. They have always been overlooked and seem to thrive in the underdog role. With time running out, Phoenix needs to kick things up a gear and will look to ride goaltender Mike Smith.

18.New York Islanders: The Isles are a true feel good story. This was a team that everyone wrote off pre-season. Pushing doubters aside, John Tavares has blossomed into an elite caliber NHL player and now has his team knocking on the playoff door.

17. New Jersey Devils: The Devs have been on an untimely slide. With Martin Brodeur sidelined due to injury, staying a float in the East has been difficult. Though look for New Jersey to make a run when Marty returns. The Devils have the grit and toughness to emulate the success they had one year ago.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets: The Jackets have been quietly stringing together an impressive run. The have elevated themselves out of the cellar and into the heat of the Western race. Columbus has nothing to lose and a team like this is extremely dangerous. A little bit of confidence can go a long way.

15. San Jose Sharks: It has been some roller coaster ride of a season for the Sharks. The domination SJ displays at home has been their saving grace. Though a dismal road record has forced the Sharks into a dogfight for their playoff lives. It’s not to late for Patrick Marleu to get it going again.

14. Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs aren’t wowing anyone with their play but have been a consistently solid club for much of the year, doing whatever it takes to stay in the playoff picture. They have cooled of considerably and desperately need to get things turned around if they are to avoid a devastating collapse.

13. Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks have struggled to develop any real identity. They have not been the powerhouse team we have grown accustom to seeing over the years. The Canuck offense has shown great unpredictability and the streaking Wild has forced Vancouver up against the wall. The vast experience throughout their lineup needs to be utilized.

12. Carolina Hurricanes: Playing without Cam Ward has been stressing. The Canes have found a way to keep the show rolling though. They are neck and neck with the Jets and will rely heavily on their offensive players down the stretch.

11. Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are finally beginning to click as a franchise. They have the perfect mix of size, strength, speed, and coaching. Winnipeg has moved into first in the Southeast. Showing their ability to defeat upper echelon teams, the Jets look to be buyers at the deadline.

10. Detroit Red Wings: Hockeytown has resurrected itself from the dead in recent weeks. The Wings are turning in inspired play when they need it the most. This veteran savvy club is showing resiliency on a nightly basis and should never be written off.

9. Ottawa Senators: What the Sens have been able to accomplish so far would be the story of the year if the Blackhawks had not mounted a legendary winning streak. They are depleted throughout their lineup but refuse to go away. Jason Spezza, Eric Karlsson, Milan Michalek, and Craig Anderson have all missed substantial time.

8. Los Angeles Kings: The defending champs have begun to find their stride. They have faired well playing within their division and at home. Their downfalls on the road have been the main difference between this year and last. If the Kings can find their road legs look for them to be a force.

7. St. Louis Blues: The best goaltending tandem in the NHL one year ago has seen a drastic set back in their play. So much so, a rookie has assumed the duties in the Blues net. Clutch goal scoring has ignited this Blues team and things are falling into place at the right time.

6. Minnesota Wild: The Wild are lurking and could soon crack the top five in the rankings. Minnesota’s offense is loaded, but it has been their defensive play that has lead them atop the Northwest. They are a dynamic group that finds ways to win. Led my Mikko Koivu, the Wild are a bruising club, making them a tough matchup.

5. Boston Bruins: The B’s have been one of the most consistent teams all year long. Like everyone else, the Bruins have hit a rough patch. They are battling injury and fatigue. Only one year removed from a Cup victory, look for the Claude Julien coached Bruins to regain the killer instinct.

4. Montreal Canadiens: The Habs have been spectacular all season. Their lineup is deep and they receive scoring from all over. Carey Price anchors them with his rock solid goaltending. Playing in a loaded Northeast Division look for the Habs to be tested greatly down the stretch.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins: The Pens have showcased the NHL’s top offense. Sidney Crosby has been dazzling and few teams have shown the ability to slow this juggernaut down. Wiping out Eastern Conference contending Boston twice in one week seems to be a huge step for the Penguins. Losing Kris Letang could be difficult to overcome.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have been by far the most impressive team for the duration. They are loaded with elite stars and will likely be there at the very end. They have shown vulnerability in playing bigger, more imposing teams. A two-headed monster in goal makes them a nightmare to oppose.

1. Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks top the list for one simple reason; their hunger to win.  They have been equally as good as Chicago. They too possess a star-studded roster and have smartly locked up Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry long term. The Ducks are physically overwhelming due to their immensely imposing size. They roll four lines and have several men who can score the puck with regularity. Haven beaten the Hawks already, this looks to be a train that will not be slowed down.

Bruins-Senators Preview

Boston: 19-6-3 Ottawa: 16-8-6

Danny Paille celebrates after notching a goal in the B's
March 11 victory over OTT. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins will be back at it Thursday night in Ottawa. The two sides will be hooking up for the third time this season. Boston beat the Sens twice, once in OT and then in a shootout. The Bruins hope to put an end to their current two game losing streak, while Ottawa will be looking to close the three point deficit that currently separates them in the Northeast standings.

Ottawa will be in search of its fourth straight victory and Scotiabank Place will undoubtedly be rocking. With the Bruins within reach, Senators coach Paul MacLean will have his team well prepared. The Senators sense weakness in Boston’s game and will look to exploit it at every chance.

This matchup will showcase the NHL’s top two defensive teams. The Bruins and Sens are ranked one and two respectively in penalty killing. Each side has world-class goaltending, both ranked in the top three league wide. Expect Tuukka Rask to oppose Robin Lehner in this one.

Scoring the puck has been a bit of a problematic area for the Bruins in recent games. The Senators have developed a reputation of being a liberal bunch and that likely will not change come tomorrow night.

Ottawa has buried thirteen goals over the course of its last three games. This stat alone will force Boston to step up its offensive game. Like they frequently do, the Bruins will look for Patrice Bergeron to provide a spark. He has dominated the Sens over the years and a classic performance from him is something the B’s are in dire need of.

Third period play has been the Achilles heel of the Bruins in recent weeks. Boston has blown three notable games in collapsing fashion. This trend needs to be debunked, especially because of the importance this showdown carries. Ottawa is fresh off a gigantic comeback in which a four goal third period propelled them past the Isles. It goes with out saying, that Bruins must have their heads in the game or the Sens could swiftly drop them.

Both Boston and Ottawa are injury plagued. Ottawa has been worse off than Boston, remarkably staying well above water for nearly the entire season. What Paul MacLean has been able to accomplish with his team is nothing short of spectacular. The Bruins on the other hand are just acquainting themselves with handling substantial injury. If the Sens can do it, so can Boston. It is a matter of embracing the situation, not panicking.

The Sens are not a physically imposing defensive team, though they are highly skilled. The Bruins would be wise if they were to get back to a north/south skating game. Getting pucks and bodies to the front of the cage is an essential component of Boston’s attack. Guys like Milan lucic, Nathan Horton, and yes, even Jordan Caron need to make sure it happens.

Boston rarely suffers three straight defeats. In fact, the B’s have not lost more than two in a row all season. They must generate quality scoring chances and fight any fatigue that may creep in tooth and nail. The Bruins need to locate the killer instinct that has been absent for much of this season. The two points at stake in this one are immeasurable.

Quick Thoughts: Bruins-Jets

The Bruins dropped their second straight game, losing to the Winnipeg Jets 3-1. Boston opened the game putting forth a strong effort, taking a 1-0 lead to the third period Tuesday night. Brad Marchand continued his terrorizing of Winnipeg, scoring his third goal of the season against them.

The black and gold surrendered three third period tallies and showed little offensive improvement from Sunday’s one goal output. Old friend Blake Wheeler banged home two goals in the third and has been a major reason why the Jets are trending upward.

Boston once again blew another third period lead. They have lost three of their last five contests and have only mustered a measly two goals in two games.

The struggle continues against the East’s better clubs. The Bruins have been beaten in two straight meetings with Pittsburgh and now have added a bad loss to the Jets.

One cannot help but worry about the direction the Bruins are heading in. The extended periods of time in which Boston showcases an inability to find the back of the net is unsettling. Injuries and fatigue aside, Bruins goal scorers need to find themselves ASAP.

In the coming week, Boston will play a handful of games that all of which will surely have a major impact on the Northeast Division standings.

The Bruins will lock horns with the Sens, Habs, and a home-and-home two game set with the Leafs. The Habs are ahead of Boston by two points, the Sens trail them by three, and the Leafs by nine. Each team is in the thick of the playoff race and winning these games will be no small task.

David Krejci is expected back soon, as he is listed day to day. Like Chris Kelly going down to a broken tibia wasn’t bad enough, feisty blue liner Adam McQuaid may be out for upwards of a month. The twenty-six year old defensemen suffered a shoulder strain after being stapled by Eric Tangradi of Winnipeg. The injury will force Aaron Johnson back into the lineup. 

Claude Julien has been forced to shuffle his lines recently, but getting his boys to play with the chemistry and confidence needed to succeed will be something to pay close attention to.

The NHL trading deadline is rapidly approaching. Boston, being in need of an offensive and defensive acquisition, should find itself wheeling and dealing in coming days.

With the Penguins riding a ten game winning streak, Boston cannot afford to lose any more ground. They currently have a five-point lead on them. Fortunately for the B’s, they have three games in hand.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride. The stretch Boston is about to embark on will be nothing short of pulse pounding.

Bruins-Jets Preview

The Bruins celebrate a 2-1 SO victory over Winnepeg back
on January 21. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Boston: 19-5-3 Winnipeg: 15-12-2

The Winnipeg Jets will welcome the Boston Bruins to the MTS Center Tuesday night. Both clubs are coming off losses in prior outings. The Jets have been playing much better of late, picking up victories in six of their last ten. Winnipeg has battled its way into a tie for the Southeast Division lead with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins, unbeaten in two attempts against the Jets this season, will look to bounce back from a disheartening effort Sunday afternoon at Pittsburgh.

The MTS Center is known for its raucous crowd and is one of the more challenging venues in the NHL to visit. Surprisingly, the Jets have been pedestrian at best playing in their home barn, coming in at 6-6. The Bruins on the other hand have faired very well on the road, posting a 9-3-2 mark away from Boston.

The meeting with Boston will kick off the beginning of a four game home set for the Jets. It’s a guarantee Winnipeg will want to erase the sour taste in their mouths from prior 3-2 and 2-1 losses suffered at the hands of the Bruins.

The Bruins are coming off of back-to-back physical battles with the Caps and Pens. Fatigue set in on Sunday and it was more than evident. With a day off, Boston should be refreshed and ready to go. The black and gold have been scuffling on the road of late, losing two in a row. If Boston hopes to grab a win, they must play a focused, determined, fundamental game.

Jets goalie, Ondrej Pavelec, has shinned versus Boston in his last two starts. He may be 0-2 against them on the year, but his GAA is an eye popping 1.94. The Czech net minder will need to be tested early and often. The Bruins failed to generate a substantial offensive attack against Tomas Vokoun and were subsequently sent away losers.

Tuukka Rask has had great success in facing Winnipeg. Rask is 7-3 in head to head meetings against the franchise formally known as the Thrashers.  

Boston will likely be without their top center David Krejci in this one. Krejci was struck in the knee Sunday with a slap shot and immediately was forced to leave the game. Ryan Spooner was recalled from Providence on an emergency basis and could slide in between Jay Pandolfo and Jordan Caron on Boston’s third line. The injury to Krejci will leave a huge whole on the Bruins top line. Claude Julien may opt to slot Rich Peverley alongside Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton.

Winnipeg packs a punch offensively. They have several bruising goal scoring forwards. The Jets aren’t going to blow you away, but Blake Wheeler, Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane, and Dustin Byfuglien are all great talents. When those guys are on the ice, Boston will be sure to keep close watch over them.

A depleted Bruins team will need a full sixty-minute team effort if it hopes to keep pace in the Northeast Division. Montreal shows no signs of slowing down and the Bruins need to keep their nose to the grindstone and continue plugging along. Ryan Spooner should provide an offensive spark. The youngster will bring fresh legs and an energetic charge to a Boston team that could certainly use it. Spooner had 12 goals and 33 assists playing in Providence prior to the call up.

 Brad Marchand could also factor into this game. The winger has potted two goals against the Jets this season.

Bruins beaten by Pittsburgh again, 2-1

Penguins center Joe Vitale beats Tuukka Rask on a first period goal
that proved to be the game winner. Photo courtesy of Gene J. Puskar (AP).

The Boston Bruins fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again, 2-1. The shortcoming drops the B’s to 19-5-3 on the season and extends the Penguins lead to three points in the standings. In a game that featured two of the NHL’s most dynamic offensive clubs, it was defensive play that dictated this afternoon’s contest. Pittsburgh took a page from Boston’s playbook, limiting Boston in their attacking zone, extending its win streak to nine games. The Bruins, who played exceptionally tight defense, unfortunately found themselves on the wrong end of a couple of bad bounces.

 With the coveted top spot in the East up for grabs, this tilt lived up to its expectations. Each side stymied one another, limiting the scoring chances. The Bruins kept the NHL’s top offense in check, only allowing a pair of first period goals. But it was Pittsburgh who rose to the occasion, blocking several Boston shots, while preventing any second chance opportunities from coming to fruition.

Sidney Crosby netted his thirteenth goal of the season that came on a clutch cross crease feed from Chris Kunitz. Boston quickly answered adding a goal of its own, courtesy of a Tyler Seguin one-timer. Then, minutes before the first period came to an end, Pittsburgh’s Joe Vitale was the beneficiary of a puck that slipped free from Tuukka Rask. He seemingly deposited it top shelf, giving the Pens a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

No more goals would be scored in this one. Boston struggled to generate any offense in the second and third periods. The Penguins made it a point to keep the Bruins away from their goal. Because the Pens were able to force the Bruins attack to the outside, traffic in front of Tomas Vokoun was lacking, allowing him to see the puck clearly. Vokoun faced thirty-two shots from mainly all low percentage angles and turned away thirty-one of them.

Boston did control the puck for much of this game. Though they struggled to make anything happen with it, fumbling it away time after time.

The Penguins clearly succeeded in moving the Bruins off their game plan. They matched Boston’s intensity and physicality shift for shift. A Bruins team that had been rolling along in recent games, failed to take control of the Conference for the second time this week. In beating the Bruins, the Penguins hold a distinct advantage. Now they have the upper hand moving forward.

The Bruins will return to action on Tuesday when Winnipeg will play host to them. The Southeast Division leading Jets will provide a formidable challenge.

Quick Notes:

David Krejci left Sunday’s games with an apparent knee injury. Boston’s top line center collapsed to the ice when a Johnny Boychuk rocket nailed him square in the right knee.

            

Penguins-Bruins game preview

            Boston: 19-4-3 Pittsburgh: 21-8-0

            

            When the puck is dropped Sunday afternoon at Console Energy Arena, first place in the Eastern Conference will be on the line. The Penguins will host the Bruins for the second time in four games. Boston and Pittsburgh are two of the hottest teams in the NHL. Boston is 7-2-1 in their last ten, while Pittsburgh sits at an   8-2 mark. The Bruins will be looking to make amends for the two-goal lead they blew in a March 12 loss. With these two hockey clubs heating up, this matchup sure looks to be a heavyweight classic.

            The Pens will be putting their eight game winning streak on the line against a Bruins team that is undefeated in matinee games this season (5-0-0).

            Both of these teams bolster very deep rosters. The great size, strength, and defensive mentality of Boston are a perfect match for a high-powered Penguins offense. Pittsburgh features the top ranked offense in the NHL, racking up 3.62 goals a game. Boston boasts one the most sparing defenses around, only allowing 2.12 goals per contest.

            Boston will look to distribute the scoring through out their line up. The Penguins on the other hand are a bit top heavy, getting most of its production from a select few.  The Bruins main game plan will be to stifle Sidney Crosby. Crosby has tallied forty-seven points on the season, but was held scoreless against Boston in the previous meeting.

            Since surrendering three straight goals in the final minutes of their 3-2 loss this past Tuesday night, the Bruins have only allowed two goals.  Their defense has ramped up its tenacity and has shown the ability to do whatever it takes in order to close out games. However, if Pittsburgh is able to find its skating stride, Boston could be in for a long game.

            The Bruins must take the body and finish their checks in order to wear down the Pens star players. Boston must establish a physical presence early and set the tone with its bruising play. In order to keep the NHL’s top offensive at bay, the defensive layers have to be present for the Bruins. Lines one through four have all been producing at a respectable clip and it should open up the ice for some power plays.

            Look for the Bruins to assert themselves by executing a north-south skating game. With Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton playing inspiring hockey, Boston could prove to be too much the handle. The imposing wingers can change the game with their massive stature. If Boston begins to bear down on the Pens, challenge them in the corners, and lean on their forwards, the Bruins will be too overwhelming.

            This game has the potential to be a barnburner. Tuukka Rask will be in net for Boston, and Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Both goaltenders have been playing at elite levels, so a game decided on special teams is more likely. The Bruins penalty kill will be up for the challenge. The Pens hope to break the Bruins levelheaded, highly efficient unit, with its fourth ranked power play. Washington’s second ranked power play proved to be no match for the B’s just one day ago.

            The mediocre penalty kill of Pittsburgh could ultimately be the Penguins downfall. Boston’s most important players are all producing and their secondary scoring has been timely. Never the less, this will be a sixty minute battle for supremacy. Both clubs figure to be Cup contenders and naturally, winning today means a great deal to either side.