The
Boston Bruins convincingly dismantled the Washington Capitals Saturday
afternoon to the pleasure of a sold out TD Garden crowd. The 4-1 beating laid on the Caps marked
the return of the “big bad” Bruins.
Boston executed at a high level for the entire game. It was a level
reminiscent to the nightly efforts turned in during the 2011 Stanley Cup run.
Boston controlled play in all three zones. Timely scoring, heads up passing,
intense defensive pressure, and magnificent goaltending paved the way.
In victory, the black and gold improved to 19-4-3, while bringing themselves
within one point of the Eastern Conference leading Pittsburgh Penguins.
Boston’s top line of Milan Lucic,
David Krejci, and Nathan Horton was huge in this game. The trio combined for
nine points. This, coming only days after being called out by head coach Claude
Julien for their lack of production in recent games. Julien’s tactic has worked
in the past and today it ignited his men.
Milan Lucic fired his line mates
up, leading the way with his bruising play. The husky winger dished out
thunderous hits, won many key puck battles, and set his teammates up nicely.
Boston’s first goal was a direct
result of Lucic hunting the puck, chasing it in deep behind the Caps goal, and
then slinging it up through the slot to Nathan Horton who fired a wrist shot by
Michal Neuvirth. Later in the first, Krecji was on the receiving end of yet
another Lucic hustle play. Milan won the puck in similar fashion and fed an
open Krejci in front for another tally that gave the Bruins a 2-0 lead. Horton
was credited with an assist on the play as well.
Washington scored its lone goal 1:24
into the second period. It came on a Marcus Johansson shot that ricocheted in
off of Johnny Boychuk. Anton Khudobin was in net for the Bruins and he was more
than deserving of a shutout. The
Boston backup turned aside thirty-two shots, showcasing his unflappable
demeanor. The Caps had their fair chances though. Khudobin and the Bruins
penalty kill played a sizeable role, holding the NHL’s second ranked power play
scoreless on three attempts.
Andrew
Ference padded Boston’s lead at 8:02 of the second on howitzer that found its
way into the Washington net. Once again, it was David Krejci and Nathan Horton
setting up the Bruins blue liner who recorded his first goal of the year on the
play. The Bruins then extended their 3-1 lead in third period on a Rich
Peverley power play goal. Set up by who other than Milan Lucic. The Bruins, now
up 4-1, closed the door on the Capitals, ending any hopes of another miraculous
comeback.
Opportune
scraps from Brad Marchand, Adam McQuaid, and Nathan Horton brought some liveliness to the tilt
and the Bruins fed off it. The Bruins physical play was as evident as ever,
their desire to win the puck was unmatched, and the chemistry exhibited
throughout the lineup was a comforting sign. Their lockdown defense, coupled
with a distinct special team advantage, buried Washington.
The re-emergence of Nathan Horton
and Milan Lucic was the top storyline in this game. Horton and Lucic are a real
force to be reckoned with when on their game. When Boston’s top line clicks, they look virtually unbeatable as a team. Fortunately for the Bruins, the squad
is heating up at the right time. The Penguins will be in town Sunday and the
two could be a major factor if they can duplicate today’s output in any way,
shape, or form. The Bruins have to me more than thrilled, as they took on giant
step in the right direction with their triumph this afternoon. The Bruins are
now poised to take control of the Conference with a win tomorrow.
Quick Stats:
David Krejci: 1G, 2A
Nathan Horton: 1G, 2A
Milan Lucic: 3A
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