Bruins-Penguins game preview

            Pittsburgh: 18-8-0, 36 PTS

            Boston 17-3-3, 37 PTS

            The Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins will battle it out Tuesday night at the Console Energy Center. This game features a matchup between two elite Eastern Conference juggernauts. Many are even calling this a possible Eastern Conference Finals preview.

            The Pens will put a five game winning streak on the line, while Boston hopes to keep its recent found win streak alive. These teams are very different in style, yet so similar. Boston utilizes its size, strength, and quickness. Pittsburgh utilizes its creativity, offensive firepower, and sheer speed. No matter what the formula may be, these teams are both proven winners.

            Sidney Crosby is among the NHL leaders in points and has three goals to go along with eleven assists in his last five games. Generally Crosby’s play dictates the Penguins success. James Neal, Evgeni Malkin, and Chris Kunitz are also essential cogs in the Pittsburgh line up. They each have the ability to score and set one another up for easy goals. This game will rest on how well Boston can defend the dynamic Penguin offensive attack. The Pens can hurt you in several different ways.

            Claude Julien will surely be calling upon Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, and Johnny Boychuk to log big minutes and lead the defensive charge. Boston has one the most technically sound blue lines in all the NHL. With Tuukka Rask in goal, Boston has to like its chances.

            The Bruins have been receiving scoring from all over the lineup of late. Their well-balanced attack keeps teams guessing as to when they could strike. Boston’s ability to roll four lines could be the difference. When the Bruin forwards consistently attack the net, rebound and second chance opportunities frequently follow. That is when Boston is at its most effective. They have numerous players who can finish for goals.

            The Pens defense has surrendered seventy-four goals on the year. The Bruins on the other hand have only allowed forty-six, largely in part to their nearly unbeatable penalty kill and excellent goaltending. Pittsburgh’s highly efficient power play will look to rise to the occasion if given the chance.

            Expect a closely challenged contest in this one. If Boston can find a way to stifle the Pens superstars, their chances of winning are fairly high. There will be no shortage of entertainment in this game. That’s a definite.