Last season the Boston Bruins were the number 1 NHL team in the 3rd period when it came to goal differential. In fact, there was not a team within 10 goals of what they produced in the final frame. The problem was that they needed 3rd periods of that nature to overcome the sluggish start to a large percentage of their contests. Well Saturday, I felt like I was watching one of last years games all over again. They came out flat, legs were not moving, passes were not crisp, and 1:12 in, Joe Pavelski deposited the puck glove side high over Tim Thomas. End of period 1, 1-0 Sharks. 2nd period begins and the Bruins come out flat, legs were not moving, passes not crisp and 8:54 in, another goal by the Sharks. (see a patern?) Shawn Thorton got the boys going with a very spirited scrap against an always game James Vandermeer, and for the majority of the first two periods, the Bruins were not playing all that bad. After the slow starts, the Bruins were outshooting, outhitting, out possessing, out chancing, and out playing the Sharks. End of period 2, Sharks still up 2-0. Then they come out for the 3rd and looked like a completely different team. I am not sure what their 3rd period routine is, or if after two Claude has finally had enough. Whatever they are doing though, they need to start doing it 40 minutes earlier. They outshot the Sharks 18-8 in the 3rd and more than doubled their scoring chances, including 2 off the posts in the. It felt like they only time the puck was in our defensive end was for the 30 seconds it took Massachusetts born Benn Ferriero to score the go ahead goal. It was a great hard-nosed play less than 3 minutes in by Kelly and Lucic which gave the black and gold their first of the night. Then 29 seconds later, Seguin touch passed the puck over the blue line to Lucic, Lucic went in on Niemi and slid a beautiful pass back to a charging Seguin for their second goal. A lot of sustained pressure and energy followed, but when you leave yourself only 20 minutes to try and make up for 40 against a San Jose caliber team, it will usually be an L for the night. That being said, I feel the better team did not win tonight. San Jose was opportunistic and made Boston's mistakes hurt, but they were outplayed by the Bruins for most of the night. Lucic had a 2 point evening, and now has 5 points in the last two games. Kelly had a two point night as well and Seguin continues to impress, netting his third of the year. What I thought was an unlikely combination line (Kelly, Segs and Looch) has turned out to have some instant chemistry. They all have very different skill sets, but have been fun these last few games to watch gel. I expect to see Tukka in net Thursday, and hope McQuaid is back on the ice. Steven Kampfer looks to have lost a step since last year, and I think it will be nice to have McQuaids physical play and defenseman mentality back.
We have the longest wait of the season upon us, 5 days until the next game. However, a home and away with the Montreal Canadiens will make it worth the wait. This is the section where I try to be as objective as I can while getting ready to welcome out next opponent. So, I will get that out of the way as fast as I can, and all reading please understand these are not compliments towards Le Habitant, my hate for them runs deep. The Habs have basically the same look as last year with only one significant difference, the signing of Eric Cole. He is a solid top 6 forward, but will have to be better than that in order for Montreal to make a serious run. The Canadiens are fast, faster than the Bruins for sure, but you can't skate away if your laying on the ice. This should be the mindset of the B's, we saw last year what happens when it is, and also when it isn't. Markov has re-signed, but coming off almost a year missed with injury, how affective can he be? Will he hold up all year? Only time will tell. Carey Price is in a contract year, and we all know how well he handles pressure, O'le Mr. Price! Hal Gil, blah blah blah, broken record. The guy is so overrated it makes me sick. PK "The Swan Dive" Subban is certainly offensively talented, but is a defensive liability, and yes that's as nice as I can be too him. I cannot wait for Horton to get his hands on him without the big oger (Hal Gill) getting in the way. I know, I am going to make my point, this is just too fun. I do not think the Canadiens forwards are as advertised, I think defensively this team is in a lot of trouble. There saving grace will once again be Carey Price. I see this team finishing 11th and missing the playoffs. It is apparent I do not care for Montreal, and I personally do not think they are that good. That being said, this is the best rivalry in all of sports, and they will get up for this game. Boston needs to come hard, come fast, and come often. Stay in their faces and hit everything that moves. These will not be easy games, and the B's composure will certainly be tested. The Canadiens pick their spots, challenge, and turtle better than any team I have ever seen. They goat teams into taking penalties and use their speed and puck moving PP to burn you. The Bruins have to play with a controlled temper, and they will be fine. Remember everyone, home and homes are like a great movie, one scene builds off the next, and this two game series should be one of the highlights of the regular season. Lets go Bruins!
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