Boston Bruins: 25-9-4 vs. New Jersey Devils: 15-14-10
The Boston Bruins will be at the Prudential Center Wednesday
to take on a reeling New Jersey Devils squad. This meeting will be the third
and final contest between the two sides this season. The B’s are unbeaten
against the Devils and will look to sweep the season series after winning the
prior two games, 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.
The Bruins erupted for a season high five goals in a win
over Carolina on Monday night. After winning four of their last five and six of
ten, the B’s will look to build upon a promising offensive output as the
postseason nears. New Jersey on the other hand has lost seven straight and
eight of their last ten.
Playing without superstar talent Ilya Kovulchuk, the Devils
have struggled to find an identity and the back of the net for that matter.
Averaging only 1.7 goals amidst a season long slide; the Devils find themselves
sitting at 14th in the Eastern Conference and among the league’s
worst offensive teams.
Despite the numerous demoralizing beatings that have all but
ended New Jersey’s playoff hopes, Marty Brodeur has been their lone bright
spot. A little over a week ago, Brodeur looked as sharp and nimble as ever,
saving 25 of 26 Boston shots in a 1-0 defeat. The 21-year NHL veteran has been
more than formidable since returning from injury, giving his guys a chance to
win in nearly every start.
As for the Black-and-Gold, beating up on the Hurricanes
isn’t exactly a measuring stick victory. The Devils possess a much greater
defensive corps and a sure fire Hall-of-Fame net minder. Squaring off against a
stouter opponent will help Claude Julien and his club more accurately gauge
where they stand.
The last time out, the B’s struggled greatly in trying to
crack a relentless New Jersey defense that seemed to attack the Bruins in layers.
Jaromir Jagr was the lone Bruin to score on the Devils back in an April 4
triumph. The deciding goal deflected off of Jagr’s skate, thus proving the
Boston offense more than stifled. New Jersey forced the B’s to the outside and
cleared the attacking forwards out from the low slot with little resistance.
Since then, Claude Julien has altered his lineup with the
hopes of summoning the winning ways that carried his club to a banner just two
years ago. Tyler Seguin’s demotion to line three was one of many moves
scattered throughout the Bruins forward lines. As odd as the B’s new
combinations looked on paper, they worked wonders. Showing the ability to
string strong performances together has to be at the forefront of things to
accomplish.
Duplicating a similar effort from two nights ago could be
the launching point for the Bruins. With only 9 games remaining on the schedule
following this date with the Devils and a playoff spot already locked up,
finding their comfort zone now could carry the B’s deep into Lord Stanley’s
tournament.
Whether it is Tuukka Rask or Anton Khudobin in net come puck
drop, New Jersey will face a monumental challenge either way. Both Bruins
goalies have been lights out recently, allowing only 6 goals in their last 5
starts combined. Rask is sporting a 1.34 GAA in April and is making a
legitimate push for Vezinna consideration. Anton Khudobin will likely be in
goal, since Tuukka has played in three straight.
Look for the Bruins to make an early push again. The Devils
have played Boston uncomfortably tight this season. The B’s defense must stand
their ground and force play up ice for their forwards and allow them to go to
work. Let’s not forget, New Jersey won the Eastern Conference last season and
will be out to gain respect. Claude’s men cannot afford to let their guard
down. This game is very winnable and Boston should emerge with two points.
Keeping pace with the Canadiens is vital moving forward.
Projected Lines:
Lucic-Krejci-Horon
Marchand-Campell-Jagr
Paille-Kelly-Seguin
Caron-Peverley-Thornton
Chara-Hamilton
Bartkowski-Seidenberg
Ference-Boychuk
Rask/Khudobin
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