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.