Bruins upset by Carolina, 4-2

Gregory Campell and Nicolas Blanchard exchange
punches. (Gregg Forwerck/NHLI)

The Boston Bruins dropped their second straight game Saturday night, losing to the slumping Carolina Hurricanes, 4-2 in a violent affair. Boston got off to a promising start in a contest that ended in disappointment. The game was certainly there for the taking, but the B’s were ultimately snake bitten by a few notable mistakes. Carolina benefitted from outstanding goaltending and a determined, hard working sixty minutes. 

The Hurricanes snapped a 7-game losing streak and picked up their first victory since their March 30^th win over Winnipeg. In defeat, the Black-and-Gold once again failed to capitalize on another perfect chance to lock up playoff spot. The B’s would have assumed first in the Northeast Division on a night that saw Toronto annihilate Montreal. Instead Boston now sits at 26-11-4. 

The B's may have been defeated, but they went down swinging. 

Milan Lucic scored the game’s first goal. It was a vintage Lucic. The burly winger worked his way to the front of the Carolina net, carved out a nice spot, and redirected a Matt Bartkowski wrist shot by Justin Peters for his first tally in 26 games.

These clubs were at one another’s throats for much of the night. Following Lucic’s marker, tempers began to flare. Shawn Thornton and Kevin Westgarth hooked up in what was the first of three spirited bouts. Things seemed to be going smoothly. Looked as if the “big bad” Bruins style of hockey had returned. Zdeno Chara then locked up with Jay Harrison and beat him down after the two exchanged words in a scrum along the glass.

By way of the power play, Jeff Skinner ripped the game-tying goal past Tuukka Rask in the closing seconds of the first period. Immediately after, Gregory Campell and Nicolas Blanchard went toe-to-toe, exchanging several blows. Both teams would head for the intermission tied, 1-1.

Jiri Tlusty struck next for the Hurricanes, giving his team a 2-1 advantage. Just minutes later, Andrew Ference broke up a play in the neutral zone and chipped the puck ahead for Tyler Seguin. Seguin raced in behind the Canes defense, moved in alone on Justin Peters and snapped a bullet up and under the cross bar, knotting the game at two apiece. The game would remain deadlocked right through into the final frame.

Ex-Bruin Joe Corvo broke up a 2-2 score after notching Carolina’s second power play goal at 9:36 of the third period. The Canes would hold Boston in check for the remainder of this one. For good measures, Jiri Tlusty tapped home an empty netter, ending any comeback hopes the B’s may have had.

Despite losing to an inferior opponent, the positive takeaways out weight the negatives. Milan Lucic scoring in the fashion in which he did gives the Bruins and fans alike hope that he could round into form as the playoffs near. Jaromir, Jagr, Gregory Campell and Tyler Seguin played strong games. The trio accounted for the majority of the Bruin scoring bids. Jordan Caron pushed the envelope in his time on the ice, showing flashes of the brilliant player he projects to be. Showing some backbone in picking fights tonight, Boston reassured the NHL, fans, and outspoken critics that they are not a team that will be pushed around.

Sure, the B’s were only able to muster up two goals against a Carolina squad that had been getting lit up, but they would definitely have had more if it weren’t for the brilliant play of Justin Peters between the pipes for the Canes. The young tender turned away 28 of 30 shots faced, impressively withstanding sustained attacking pressure. Also, one cannot ignore the fact that it’s clear the Bruins are struggling to find a happy median with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron out of the lineup.

Tuukka Rask stood tall for much of this one, only allowing a single even strength goal. The Bruins penalty kill surrendered two power play scores. The B’s killers looked out of sorts and were not their disciplined, NHL’s top ranked, selves. Boston had only allowed two PP goals once before this season. On the bright side Tuukka Rask showed his unflappable demeanor, making several huge saves.

Now, with three losses in five attempts, Boston will head back to the drawing board. Fortunately for the B’s, the Habs ended up losing as well. The division crown is still readily attainable. Highly regarded Swedish phenom, Carl Soderberg, was granted his release to the NHL Saturday afternoon. Help is on the way for the Bruins. The 27-year old forward should provide a much-needed boost to a team plagued by offensive shortcomings. Soderberg will provide Claude Julien with added balance and flexibility within the lineup.

More importantly, Patrice Bergeron practiced with his teammates in Carolina Saturday morning. Bergeron took part in some battling drills and showed no problematic symptoms. His return could come sooner than expected. If the 2012 Selke Award winner is able to rejoin his teammates next week, a nice run could be awaiting.