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.
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